OR CDL School Bus 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. It increases with speed, and braking distance grows roughly with the square of speed.

Following distance rule

Under 40 mph, allow one second per 10 feet of vehicle length. Above 40 mph, add one second. A 40-foot bus at 55 mph therefore needs about five seconds.

Hydroplaning speed

Water on the road can lift tires off the surface at speeds as low as 30 mph, especially with worn tread or standing water. Reduce speed in rain.

Railroad crossing procedure

Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, silence fans and heaters, open the window, and listen. Cross only when certain no train is approaching.

Fog and low visibility

Use low-beam headlights in fog, dust, or heavy rain. High beams reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility rather than improving it.

Stalled on tracks

Evacuate passengers first, then move away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle toward the approaching train's direction to escape debris.

Correcting a skid

Release the brakes, steer in the direction you want to go, and avoid hard acceleration. Braking hard during a skid makes it worse.

Loading zone check

Before loading, stop the bus, set the parking brake, place the transmission in neutral or park, and confirm the loading area is clear of hazards.

Standee line rule

Passengers may stand only behind the standee line, and the aisle, stepwell, and emergency exits must stay clear at all times.

Departure check

Before moving, confirm all passengers are seated, the aisle is clear, and no one is standing. Count seated passengers to verify no one is left behind.

Unloading supervision

Unload only when fully stopped. Watch passengers who must cross the road and use signals or the horn to warn of approaching danger.

Left-behind passenger check

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

Disruptive passenger response

Stop the bus in a safe place and address the situation without physically removing the passenger. Never leave passengers unattended on the bus.

Emergency evacuation steps

Stop, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, turn on hazard lights, and direct passengers to the nearest safe exit away from traffic.

Compressor build-up test

At fast idle, the compressor should raise pressure from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds. Slower buildup indicates a compressor or leak problem.

Static leak test

With the engine off and brakes released, pressure should drop no more than 3 psi in one minute for a single vehicle, or 4 psi for a combination.

Applied leak test

With the engine off and the brake pedal held down, leakage should not exceed 4 psi in one minute for a single vehicle. More means a leak.

Low-air warning

The warning buzzer and light must activate before pressure falls below 60 psi. If they do not, the vehicle must not be driven.

Spring brake application

Spring brakes apply automatically when pressure drops to between 20 and 45 psi. Test by fanning the brakes and watching for the pop-out.

Safety valve setting

The safety valve releases at about 150 psi. If it discharges, the system is overpressurized and needs inspection before driving.

Air brake lag

Air takes time to travel through lines, adding distance before braking begins. At 55 mph, lag plus reaction time adds about 32 feet.

Brake fade prevention

Use a lower gear and stab braking on long downgrades. Continuous light brake pressure overheats drums, causing fade or failure.

Pre-trip inspection areas

The inspection covers the engine compartment, the exterior walk-around, and the in-cab controls and gauges. All three areas must be checked.

Tire tread minimums

Front tires need at least 4/32 inch of tread; other tires need at least 2/32 inch. Also check for cuts, bulges, and correct inflation.

Brake inspection check

With the engine running, apply the brakes and watch the pressure gauges for abnormal drop. Check slack adjuster travel and listen for air leaks.

Lighting check

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

Steering free play

Turn the wheel slightly and confirm the front wheels move. Excessive free play means the steering is unsafe and the vehicle is out of service.

Emergency equipment

A charged fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, and spare fuses must be aboard. Check the first aid kit where required by regulation.

Defect reporting

Any safety defect found in inspection must be reported and corrected before driving. A driver may refuse to operate an unsafe vehicle.

Backing a bus

Use a spotter whenever possible. Without one, get out and check behind the bus first, then back slowly and cautiously.

Off-tracking in turns

Rear wheels track inside the front wheels' path. Swing wide and begin the turn when the rear axle reaches the turn point to keep rear wheels off the curb.

Downhill gear selection

Shift to a lower gear before descending and use engine braking. Never coast in neutral, which reduces control and is illegal in most places.