Ohio CDL Passenger cheat sheet

A CDL passenger endorsement requires a knowledge test and a road test in a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

Passengers must remain seated while the bus is moving; standees are allowed only where state law and the vehicle's design permit, and never forward of the standee line.

The standee line is a marking on the floor that standees may not cross; the driver area forward of it must stay clear of passengers.

Stop at least 10 feet from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing, and do not shift gears while crossing the tracks.

Brake smoothly and early: passengers stand and walk in the aisle, so hard braking throws them forward and is a leading cause of onboard injuries.

Use the 4-second following rule for a bus; add one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length over 40 feet, and more in rain, snow, or darkness.

When a bus stalls on a railroad crossing, get everyone off the bus and move them at least 100 feet away from the tracks and toward the approaching train.

Secure all baggage and carry-on items so they cannot slide into the aisle and become a trip hazard during a stop.

Never allow a passenger to ride in a position that blocks the aisle, the emergency exit, or the driver's view of the door.

The pre-trip inspection covers six areas: engine compartment, cab and controls, lights and reflectors, walk-around, brake check, and the passenger compartment.

Check the engine compartment with the engine off: coolant, oil, power steering fluid, belts, hoses, and the windshield washer reservoir.

The walk-around checks tires and rims, lug nuts, mud flaps, exhaust, frame, springs, and that all lights are present, secure, and the right color.

Test the service brake, parking brake, and-on air-brake buses-the low air pressure warning and the emergency (spring) brake pop-out.

Doors must open and close fully from the driver's control and from the emergency release; test the emergency exits and the fire extinguisher charge.

Check that the emergency exit buzzer or warning light works, and that all exit windows open freely and are not blocked by seats or luggage.

Inspect the passenger aisle, steps, and handrails for debris, loose mats, or damage that could trip a boarding passenger.

Adjust mirrors before moving: you must see the rear tires, the side of the bus, and the blind spot beside the door.

If a defect is found that affects safety, the vehicle must be placed out of service until repaired; document it on the inspection report.

Approach the stop slowly, signal early, and stop so the front door is aligned with the curb and close to the boarding area.

Set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park before opening the door to load or unload.

Count passengers as they board and as they exit; the count must match before the bus moves again.

Never move the bus until every passenger is seated or standing behind the standee line and the door is fully closed.

Use the crossing gate or stop arm and flashing red lights when loading or unloading students or passengers who must cross the road.

Watch the mirrors and the blind spot at the door for passengers who arrive late or run toward the bus as it starts to move.

When unloading, tell passengers to move at least 10 feet away from the side of the bus and stay in view of the driver.

Do not allow passengers to board or exit through the emergency door except in an emergency.

At night or in low light, use the interior lights so passengers can see the steps and aisle while boarding and exiting.

At a drawbridge, stop at least 50 feet from the draw span unless a signal or attendant directs otherwise.

At a highway-rail crossing, stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail when carrying passengers, and never stop on the tracks.

Before crossing a bridge or overpass, check the posted clearance; buses are taller than many drivers expect, especially with roof hatches open.

Use the horn sparingly and only when needed; loud or unnecessary horn use startles passengers and nearby traffic.

When backing, use a spotter if one is available, and back only when it is absolutely necessary and no safer option exists.

Maintain a space cushion around the bus: keep at least one car length of space ahead for each 10 mph of speed.

Turn wide at corners so the rear wheels clear the curb; watch the rear in the mirrors and swing the bus into the proper lane.

Do not drive with the emergency door open, and never allow the door to be used for ventilation while the bus is moving.

At night, dim the interior lights when driving so the driver's night vision is not impaired by glare on the windshield.

After the trip, walk the bus: check for sleeping or left-behind passengers, lost items, damage, and hazards in the aisle.

Inspect the interior for trash, spills, and loose objects, and clean or secure anything that could trip the next group of passengers.

Check the emergency exits, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit, and note anything that was used, opened, or damaged.

Record any defect on the written post-trip inspection report and report it to the carrier before the vehicle is dispatched again.

Report any incident involving a passenger injury, a collision, or property damage to the carrier as soon as possible after the trip.

Refuel and check fluid levels at the end of the trip so the bus is ready for service, and note any warning lights that came on.

Close and secure all windows, doors, and roof hatches, set the parking brake, and shut down the engine before leaving the bus.

Report any on-board behavior that affected safety, such as a passenger standing while the bus was moving, to the dispatcher.

Approach the stop slowly, signal early, and stop so the front door is aligned with the curb and close to the boarding area.

Set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park before opening the door to load or unload.

Count passengers as they board and as they exit; the count must match before the bus moves again.

Never move the bus until every passenger is seated or standing behind the standee line and the door is fully closed.

Use the crossing gate or stop arm and flashing red lights when loading or unloading passengers who must cross the road.

Watch the mirrors and the blind spot at the door for passengers who arrive late or run toward the bus as it starts to move.

When unloading, tell passengers to move at least 10 feet away from the side of the bus and stay in view of the driver.

Do not allow passengers to board or exit through the emergency door except in an emergency.

At night or in low light, use the interior lights so passengers can see the steps and aisle while boarding and exiting.