OR CDL School Bus cheat sheet

Stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + brake lag distance + braking distance; total stopping distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

Following distance rule: at speeds under 40 mph stay at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length, and add one second for speeds above 40 mph; a 40-foot bus at 50 mph needs about 5 seconds.

Hydroplaning begins when tires ride on water; it can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph with worn tires or standing water, so reduce speed in rain rather than relying on wipers alone.

On downgrades, select a gear low enough that engine braking holds the speed limit without service brakes; brakes used continuously can fade or fail from heat.

At a railroad crossing, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail, turn off noisy fans and heaters, open the window, and listen before proceeding.

In fog, dust, or heavy rain, use low-beam headlights; high beams reflect off the precipitation and reduce visibility.

When a bus stalls on a railroad track, evacuate passengers first, then move away at a 45-degree angle from the tracks toward the oncoming train's direction.

Skids are corrected by steering in the direction you want to go while releasing the brakes and not accelerating; braking hard during a skid worsens it.

Space to the sides matters more than usual: a bus is long and wide, so avoid driving beside other large vehicles where you cannot be seen in their mirrors.

Before loading, check that the bus is stopped with parking brake set, transmission in neutral or park, and the loading zone is clear of hazards.

Standees are allowed only if the bus is designed for them and the aisle and exit areas remain clear; never let passengers block the emergency exit or aisle.

Passengers must be seated and the aisle clear before the bus moves; count passengers by seated count and confirm no one is standing before departure.

At a stop, load and unload only when the bus is fully stopped; supervise crossing passengers and use the horn or signals to warn of danger.

After unloading, walk to the rear of the bus and check for sleeping or left-behind passengers before securing the vehicle.

Disruptive passengers are handled by stopping the bus in a safe place; do not attempt to physically remove a passenger or leave the bus unattended with passengers aboard.

Emergency evacuation: stop the bus, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, activate hazard lights, and direct passengers to the nearest safe exit away from traffic.

A bus driver may not allow riders to stand in front of the standee line or in the stairwell; keep the doorway and stepwell clear at all times.

Report any passenger injury or incident immediately and complete required paperwork; do not resume the route until the situation is documented.

Air pressure buildup must reach the governed cut-out pressure; the compressor should build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds at fast idle.

With the engine off and brakes released, pressure should not drop more than 3 psi in one minute (single vehicle) or 4 psi (combination) - a leak test.

With the engine off and the brake pedal applied, leakage should not exceed 4 psi in one minute for a single vehicle; more indicates a leak.

The low-air warning must activate before pressure falls below 60 psi; if it does not, the vehicle is out of service.

The spring brakes must apply automatically when pressure drops to between 20 and 45 psi; test by fanning the brakes and watching for the pop-out.

The safety valve releases at about 150 psi; if it discharges, the system is overpressurized and must be checked before driving.

On a dual air system, one circuit can fail and the other still provides braking; a gauge that shows one circuit dropping to zero while the other holds signals a failure.

Air brake lag adds distance: at 55 mph, lag plus reaction time adds roughly 32 feet before the brakes even begin to slow the vehicle.

Use a stab of the brake pedal to check for air loss and to dry wet brakes; continuous light pressure on long downgrades causes heat and fade.

A pre-trip inspection covers three areas: engine compartment, the walk-around exterior, and the in-cab controls and gauges.

Check fluid levels (oil, coolant, power steering, washer) with the engine off and the vehicle on level ground; never open a hot radiator cap.

Inspect tires for tread depth of at least 4/32 inch on front tires and 2/32 inch on other tires, plus cuts, bulges, and proper inflation.

Test brakes by checking slack adjuster travel and listening for air leaks; with the engine running, apply the brakes and watch pressure gauges for abnormal drop.

Verify all lights work: headlights high and low, turn signals, four-way flashers, brake lights, clearance lights, and the horn.

Check the steering by turning the wheel slightly and confirming the front wheels move; excessive free play means the vehicle is out of service.

Emergency equipment must be aboard: fire extinguisher charged, reflective triangles, and spare fuses; check the first aid kit if required.

After the pre-trip, test the service brake, parking brake, and trailer (if any) connections while moving slowly in a safe area.

Any defect affecting safety must be reported and corrected before the bus is driven; a driver may refuse to operate an unsafe vehicle.

Before moving, complete a walk-around check, fasten the seat belt, adjust mirrors and seat, and confirm the parking brake is released only when ready to move.

Backing requires a spotter whenever possible; if no spotter is available, get out and check behind the bus before backing, then back slowly.

Use the pivot point method for turning: begin the turn when the rear axle reaches the point where the turn begins, and swing wide to keep the rear wheels off the curb.

The steering axle turns the front of the bus, but the rear wheels track inside the front path; allow for off-tracking when turning around corners and curbs.

On a curve, slow down before entering and accelerate gently through it; braking in a curve can cause a skid, especially on a bus with a high center of gravity.

Shift to a lower gear before descending a hill; do not coast in neutral, which reduces control and is illegal in most jurisdictions.

Stopping smoothly requires looking ahead and applying steady pressure; a bus needs extra distance, so begin braking earlier than in a car.

At intersections, check mirrors, signal early, and confirm the rear of the bus has cleared the intersection before accelerating.