NY CDL Passenger flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Total stopping distance

The sum of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance. At 55 mph a loaded vehicle with good brakes needs roughly 419 feet to stop.

Perception distance

The distance traveled from the moment your eyes see a hazard until your brain registers it. At 55 mph this is about 32 feet, assuming three-quarters of a second.

Brake lag distance

The distance traveled while air travels through the lines before the brakes apply. For air brakes at 55 mph this is about 32 feet, roughly four-tenths of a second.

Hydroplaning response

When tires ride on water, release the accelerator and steer straight ahead. Do not brake hard or turn sharply, because you have little or no traction until speed drops.

Following distance rule

Allow at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph. Above 40 mph add one extra second to that total.

Reduced visibility speed rule

In rain, fog, or dusk, reduce speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit. On packed snow, reduce by at least half; on ice, slow to a crawl.

Standee line

A marking on the bus floor at least two inches wide. Standing riders must stay behind it, and the aisle must stay clear before the bus moves.

Railroad crossing stop

A passenger-carrying bus must stop at least 15 feet but no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail, open the door, and listen before crossing.

Rider exit side

Riders should leave on the shoulder side of the bus whenever possible. Only use the highway side when the shoulder side is unsafe.

Bus stop approach

Pull far enough off the road that riders do not have to cross traffic to board. Approach slowly enough to stop smoothly and hold the brake until riders are seated.

Unattended bus rule

Never leave riders alone on the bus. If you must leave, set the parking brake, place the transmission in gear or park, and shut off the engine.

Governor cut-in and cut-out

The governor restarts the compressor at about 100 psi and stops it at about 125 psi. The low-air warning must sound before pressure drops below 60 psi.

Safety valve setting

The safety valve releases at about 150 psi to protect the air tanks from overpressure. If it releases, the system has a fault and needs inspection.

Static air leak test

With the engine off and full pressure, apply and hold the brake for one minute. Loss should not exceed 3 psi for a single vehicle or 4 psi for a combination.

Applied air leak test

With pressure at 90 to 100 psi and the brake fully applied, loss should not exceed 3 psi per minute for a single vehicle.

Compressor build-up rate

With the engine at fast idle, pressure should rise from 85 to 100 psi in about 45 seconds. Slower build-up signals a compressor or leak problem.

Slack adjuster check

With brakes released and the push rod fully retracted, the rod should move no more than about one inch when pulled by hand. More travel means adjustment is needed.

Spring brake application

Spring brakes begin to apply around 45 psi and fully apply near 20 to 30 psi. They apply automatically when air pressure is lost.

Pre-trip inspection order

Check the engine compartment first, then walk around for lights, tires, and body, then do in-cab checks. Name each part and its condition for the examiner.

Tire tread minimums

Front tires need at least 4/32 inch of tread depth. All other tires need at least 2/32 inch. Look for cuts, bulges, and tread separation.

Lug nut rust streaks

Rust streaks around lug nuts are a sign of looseness. Check for cracks in the rim and for missing lug nuts during the walk-around.

Emergency equipment check

Confirm a charged, mounted fire extinguisher, spare fuses, and warning triangles or reflectors. Missing equipment means the vehicle should not be operated.

Clutch use rule

Use the clutch only to start from a stop and to shift. Do not hold the pedal down while waiting; shift to neutral and release the pedal.

Backing procedure

Get out and check behind the vehicle before backing. Use a spotter if one is available, back slowly, and stop if you lose sight of the spotter.

Hill start technique

Hold the vehicle with the brake, not the clutch. Release the parking brake only after you feel the clutch engage so the vehicle does not roll backward.

Rear wheel tracking

The rear wheels track inside the front wheels in a turn. Swing wide enough to keep the rear wheels from hitting the curb or a parked vehicle.

Downhill parking

Set the parking brake and turn the front wheels toward the curb when facing downhill. When facing uphill, turn the wheels away from the curb.

Lane change sequence

Signal, check the mirrors, check the blind spot over your shoulder, and move only when the lane is clear and there is room for the vehicle.

Intersection scan

Look left, right, then left again before entering an intersection. Do not enter unless you can clear it without stopping in the middle.

Railroad crossing shifting

Slow down and look both ways before the tracks. Do not shift gears while crossing, and stop if a train is approaching.

Curve speed control

Slow down before the curve, not while in it. Accelerate gently once the curve begins to straighten and you can see the road ahead.

Freeway merging

Use the on-ramp to build speed, signal, check mirrors and blind spot, and merge into a gap without forcing other drivers to brake.