NY CDL School Bus flashcards

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

School bus endorsement

The S endorsement added to a CDL that authorizes driving a school bus with students aboard; in New York it is required in addition to the passenger endorsement.

Eight-way light system

Amber warning lights alert traffic that the bus is preparing to stop; red lights and the extended stop arm signal that students are loading or unloading and traffic must stop.

Stop arm inspection

During pre-trip, verify the stop arm extends fully and retracts completely, and that the red and amber lights flash when activated, since a failed arm endangers crossing students.

Student count rule

The driver counts students before moving from each stop and again after unloading; this count is the primary safeguard against leaving a sleeping or hidden child aboard.

Crossing in front of bus

Students who must cross the road walk in front of the bus, far enough ahead to stay visible to the driver, and cross only after the driver's hand signal.

School bus evacuation distance

Evacuated students are moved at least 100 feet from the bus and away from traffic; the driver sets the parking brake, shuts off the engine, and activates hazard lights first.

Unloading traffic check

Before signaling students to cross, the driver confirms the stop arm is out, red lights are flashing, and traffic in both directions has actually stopped.

Bus unattended with students

A driver may never leave students alone on a school bus; if exiting is necessary, students remain seated and the driver stays within sight and voice contact.

Pre-trip inspection sequence

Start in the engine compartment with fluids, belts, hoses, steering, and suspension; then walk around checking lights, tires, and brakes; finish with in-cab gauge and brake tests.

Air brake leak test

With full pressure and the engine off, the system may lose no more than 3 psi in one minute with brakes released, or 4 psi in one minute with brakes applied.

Tire tread minimums

Steering axle tires need at least 4/32 inch of tread; all other tires need at least 2/32 inch. Also check for cuts, bulges, and mismatched dual tire sizes.

GOAL backing rule

Get Out And Look before backing. If you cannot see behind the vehicle, use a spotter and stop immediately whenever the spotter leaves your view.

Downgrade gear selection

Select a gear low enough to control speed before starting down a grade; never coast in neutral, and use engine braking rather than riding the service brakes.

Following distance rule

Allow at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length; a 40-foot school bus therefore needs a minimum four-second gap.

Turn signal distance

Signal at least 100 feet before a turn, and at least 200 feet at highway speeds; flash brake lights when slowing and use four-way flashers when moving slowly.

Dual tire inspection

Check that dual tires match in size and type and that neither is flat or underinflated; a mismatched or flat dual can overheat and cause a tire fire.

Hazard perception scanning

Scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead of the vehicle, check mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds, and identify an escape route before entering intersections or work zones.

Distracted driving glance limit

A single glance away from the road should not exceed 2 seconds; handheld phone use and text messaging are prohibited for commercial drivers, including school bus drivers.

Hours of service limits

After 8 consecutive hours off duty, a driver may drive up to 11 hours and must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

Railroad crossing stop zone

Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, look and listen, and cross only when certain no train is approaching; never stop on the tracks.

School bus railroad rule

School buses must stop at every railroad crossing, including crossings with active warning signals, unless a police officer or flagger directs the bus to proceed.

Work zone speed rule

Obey posted reduced speeds in work zones, merge early, and increase following distance; moving violations in New York work zones carry doubled fines.

Hydroplaning speed

Hydroplaning can begin around 35 mph with worn tread; reduce speed on wet roads, avoid sudden braking, and increase following distance to at least 4 seconds.

Fatigue warning signs

Yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting between lanes, and missing exits signal fatigue; stop for rest rather than opening a window or turning up the radio.

Cargo tiedown strength

The combined working load limit of all tiedowns must be at least 50 percent of the cargo weight, and cargo extending over 4 feet past the rear needs a flag or light.

Load distribution

Place the heaviest items low and centered over the axles; the total load must not exceed the vehicle's GVWR or the rating of any single axle.

Aisle and exit clearance

Backpacks, instruments, and other items must be stored so they do not block the aisle, emergency exits, or the driver's view; nothing may obstruct the stop arm.

Hazardous materials on bus

School buses may not carry hazardous materials beyond small quantities needed for the vehicle's own operation; never transport gasoline or propane in the passenger compartment.

Curb stop position

Stop parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb where practical, set the parking brake, and shift to park before opening the door for students.

Passenger seat belt rule

All riders must be seated with seat belts fastened where the vehicle is equipped with them before the bus moves; standees are not permitted on school buses.

Cargo rear overhang flag

Cargo extending more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle must be marked with a flag or light so following drivers can see the overhang.

Emergency exit check

Pre-trip, verify every emergency exit opens from both inside and outside, that exit alarms sound, and that the first-aid kit and charged fire extinguisher are aboard.