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Pennsylvania CDL Passenger study materials
Pennsylvania CDL Passenger study resources

Pennsylvania CDL Passenger practice questions

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Question 1Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

During a pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, you check the service brake by doing which of the following?

  1. Pumping the brake pedal several times while the engine is off
  2. Building air pressure, then applying the brake and holding it to see that the vehicle stops and the pedal or air gauge holds steady Correct answer.
  3. Releasing the parking brake and listening for air leaks at the rear wheels
  4. Checking that the brake lights illuminate when the pedal is pressed

Explanation

The service brake check requires you to start the engine, build air pressure, apply the brake firmly and hold it. You confirm the vehicle does not creep and that air pressure does not drop excessively, which shows the service brake system holds.

Question 2Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

When checking the parking (emergency) brake on a bus during the pre-trip inspection, you should set the brake and then:

  1. Rev the engine and watch the tachometer
  2. Release the service brake and confirm the bus does not roll with the transmission in gear or neutral as appropriate Correct answer.
  3. Press the brake pedal and hold it for five seconds
  4. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right

Explanation

The parking brake check confirms the brake alone can hold the vehicle. With the brake set, you gently try to move the bus and verify it does not roll, which shows the parking brake is functioning.

Question 3Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

What is the correct way to check the slack adjusters on a bus with air brakes during the pre-trip inspection?

  1. Pull the slack adjuster by hand and confirm it moves freely in both directions
  2. Spray them with lubricant and watch for drips
  3. With the parking brake released and wheels chocked, have an assistant apply the brake while you watch the slack adjuster move Correct answer.
  4. Check them only when the air pressure is at zero

Explanation

Slack adjusters are checked by observing their travel while the brake is applied. With the vehicle secured and an assistant applying the brake, you watch the pushrod stroke and confirm the adjuster moves and returns correctly.

Question 4Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the air compressor and governor by building pressure until the compressor cuts out. What should you confirm?

  1. The compressor cuts out at the governor cut-out pressure and the air dryer purges Correct answer.
  2. The safety valve releases air continuously
  3. The low air pressure warning buzzer sounds
  4. The pressure gauge drops to zero

Explanation

The governor controls when the compressor loads and unloads. Building pressure until cut-out confirms the governor and compressor are working, and the air dryer purge confirms moisture is being expelled.

Question 5Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

When inspecting the air lines and couplings on a bus with air brakes, you should look for:

  1. Loose lug nuts on the wheels
  2. Fresh paint on the lines
  3. Cracks, wear, and chafing where lines contact the frame or other components Correct answer.
  4. Cracks in the windshield

Explanation

Air lines must be free of damage and protected from rubbing. Cracks, wear, and chafing can lead to leaks or failure, so they are the key items to check on the lines and couplings.

Question 6Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the low air pressure warning device. At what point should the warning activate?

  1. When pressure falls below the manufacturer's specified warning level, typically around 60 psi Correct answer.
  2. Only when the parking brake is applied
  3. Only when pressure reaches the governor cut-out
  4. When the engine is turned off

Explanation

The low air pressure warning must activate before pressure drops too low to stop safely. It should come on at or above the manufacturer's specified level, commonly around 60 psi, so the driver has time to react.

Question 7Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

When checking the spring brakes during the pre-trip inspection, you should:

  1. Release the parking brake and confirm the spring brakes apply
  2. Build pressure, then drain air until the spring brakes apply and confirm they hold the vehicle Correct answer.
  3. Apply the service brake and confirm the spring brakes release
  4. Build pressure, then release the parking brake and confirm the vehicle can roll only when pressure is adequate

Explanation

Spring brakes apply automatically when air pressure is lost. Draining air to a low level and confirming the brakes apply and hold the vehicle verifies that the emergency/parking brake system works.

Question 8Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the steering mechanism. Which of the following is the proper check?

  1. Check the steering wheel only for cracks
  2. Turn the wheel and watch for excessive play or looseness in the steering linkage Correct answer.
  3. Confirm the horn works when you turn the wheel
  4. Measure the tire tread depth

Explanation

Steering linkage must be tight with no excessive play. Turning the wheel while watching the linkage reveals looseness, worn parts, or excessive free play that would make steering unsafe.

Question 9Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

When inspecting the wheels and rims on a bus, you should check for:

  1. Cracks, rust streaks, and loose or missing lug nuts Correct answer.
  2. The color of the valve stem caps
  3. The position of the wheel chocks
  4. The brand name on the tire sidewall

Explanation

Wheels and rims must be free of cracks and damage, and all lug nuts must be present and tight. Rust streaks can indicate loose or moving parts, and missing lug nuts are a serious safety defect.

Question 10Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

When checking tire condition during the pre-trip inspection, you should reject a tire that has:

  1. A light dusting of road dirt
  2. Cuts, bulges, or tread depth below the minimum Correct answer.
  3. A valve stem cap of a different color
  4. A slightly different brand than the others

Explanation

Tires with cuts, bulges, or insufficient tread depth can fail or lose traction. The inspection requires identifying these defects and removing the vehicle from service until they are corrected.

Question 11Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the lighting and reflectors. Which item is part of that check?

  1. Check the slack adjuster travel
  2. Check the oil level
  3. Confirm the brake lights, turn signals, and clearance lights operate properly Correct answer.
  4. Check the air pressure gauge

Explanation

Lighting and reflector checks confirm that all required lamps operate and that reflectors are clean and intact. This allows other drivers to see the bus and its intended movements.

Question 12Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

During the pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment on a bus, you should check the coolant level and:

  1. The color of the engine oil filter
  2. The condition of the belts and hoses Correct answer.
  3. The adjustment of the mirrors
  4. The pressure in the tires

Explanation

Belts and hoses must be checked for cracks, fraying, and leaks because a failed belt or hose can disable the engine or cause overheating. This is a standard part of the engine compartment inspection.

Question 13Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

When checking the emergency exits on a passenger bus during the pre-trip inspection, you should verify that:

  1. They are locked and cannot be opened
  2. They open freely, are marked, and the alarms or buzzers work if equipped Correct answer.
  3. They are painted the same color as the bus
  4. They are blocked by luggage to prevent tampering

Explanation

Emergency exits must open easily from the inside and be clearly marked. If the bus is equipped with an exit alarm or buzzer, it must function so the driver knows when an exit is opened.

Question 14Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the passenger seats and aisle. What should you confirm?

  1. The seats are folded down for cleaning
  2. The seats are all the same color
  3. The seats are clean and the aisle is clear of obstructions Correct answer.
  4. The aisle contains storage bins

Explanation

Seats must be secure and the aisle must be clear so passengers can move and evacuate safely. Cleanliness and an unobstructed aisle are part of the passenger area inspection.

Question 15Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

When checking the mirrors on a bus during the pre-trip inspection, you should confirm that:

  1. The mirrors are clean, secure, and adjusted for the driver's view Correct answer.
  2. The mirrors are removed to reduce wind resistance
  3. The mirrors are painted to match the bus
  4. The mirrors are folded inward for storage

Explanation

Mirrors must be clean, mounted securely, and adjusted so the driver can see around the bus, including blind spots. A loose or dirty mirror reduces visibility and is a safety defect.

Question 16Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the windshield and wipers. Which condition requires correction before driving?

  1. A small chip outside the driver's line of sight
  2. Wiper blades that are new
  3. A clean windshield with working wipers
  4. A windshield with a crack in the driver's view or wiper blades that streak Correct answer.

Explanation

A crack in the driver's view or wipers that fail to clear the windshield impair visibility and must be corrected. The inspection requires a clear view and functioning wipers before the bus is operated.

Question 17Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

When checking the horn on a passenger bus during the pre-trip inspection, you should:

  1. Confirm the horn sounds and is audible Correct answer.
  2. Check the horn after the trip
  3. Check the horn only when the bus is moving
  4. Confirm the horn is disconnected to avoid disturbing passengers

Explanation

The horn is a required safety device and must be tested during the pre-trip inspection. It should sound clearly so the driver can warn others of danger.

Question 18Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the exhaust system on a bus. What should you look for?

  1. Loose or missing exhaust system parts and leaks Correct answer.
  2. The color of the exhaust pipe
  3. The temperature of the exhaust
  4. The length of the exhaust pipe

Explanation

A loose, damaged, or leaking exhaust system can allow dangerous fumes into the bus. The inspection requires checking that exhaust components are secure and free of leaks.

Question 19Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the frame and suspension. Which finding should be corrected before driving?

  1. A slightly different shade of paint on the frame
  2. A cracked frame member or a loose or missing suspension part Correct answer.
  3. A small amount of road dust on the frame
  4. A clean and dry suspension component

Explanation

Cracks in the frame or loose or missing suspension parts can lead to loss of control. These are serious defects that must be repaired before the bus is operated.

Question 20Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures

When performing the pre-trip inspection, you check the air brake system for leaks. Which procedure is correct?

  1. Drain all air and listen for leaks
  2. Build pressure, release the parking brake, and listen for leaks at the wheels
  3. Build pressure, stop the engine, and watch the gauge for a pressure drop over time Correct answer.
  4. Apply the service brake and watch the gauge rise

Explanation

The air leak test is done by building pressure, stopping the engine, and observing the gauge over time. A steady drop indicates a leak that must be found and repaired before driving.

Question 21Loading and Unloading Passengers

Before a passenger bus departs, the driver must ensure passengers are seated and that carry-on baggage is stowed so it does not block the aisle. What is the main safety reason for keeping the aisle clear?

  1. It reduces the fare-collection time at each stop
  2. It lets passengers move around freely while the bus is moving
  3. It keeps the bus under its gross weight rating
  4. It allows rapid evacuation and prevents tripping during normal movement Correct answer.

Explanation

A clear aisle is essential because passengers must be able to exit quickly in an emergency and avoid tripping while walking. Baggage that blocks the aisle can turn a minor incident into a serious injury event. Weight limits and fare collection are separate concerns and do not depend on aisle clearance.

Question 22Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger is standing near the front door holding a large suitcase that extends into the aisle. What is the appropriate driver action before moving the bus?

  1. Proceed once the door closes, since the passenger is holding the bag
  2. Ask the passenger to stow the bag so the aisle and doorway stay clear Correct answer.
  3. Instruct the passenger to sit on the suitcase to keep it steady
  4. Move the bus slowly so the passenger can adjust the bag en route

Explanation

The driver is responsible for ensuring baggage is stowed out of the aisle and doorway before departure. A suitcase that blocks the aisle or exit path creates an evacuation hazard and a trip hazard. The bus should not move until the item is secured.

Question 23Loading and Unloading Passengers

When loading passengers at a curb, where should the bus be positioned?

  1. Several feet out from the curb to allow room for the door to swing
  2. Close to the curb so passengers board without entering the traffic lane Correct answer.
  3. Angled toward the curb so the rear door faces oncoming traffic
  4. In the traffic lane with hazard lights on to stop following vehicles

Explanation

Pulling close to the curb lets passengers board and exit without stepping into the roadway, which is where most boarding injuries occur. The door should open onto the curb, not into traffic. Positioning out in the lane or angled toward traffic exposes passengers to moving vehicles.

Question 24Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger using a wheelchair is waiting at a stop where the bus is not equipped with a lift or ramp. What should the driver do?

  1. Ask other passengers to carry the person up the steps
  2. Help the person board by lifting the wheelchair manually
  3. Refuse boarding and leave without explanation
  4. Explain that this bus cannot accommodate the wheelchair and arrange accessible service Correct answer.

Explanation

A driver must not physically lift a passenger or wheelchair, and refusing without assistance is unacceptable. The correct response is to explain the limitation and help arrange an accessible vehicle or next available trip. This respects the passenger's dignity and meets accessibility obligations.

Question 25Loading and Unloading Passengers

When deploying a wheelchair ramp at a stop, what should the driver check first?

  1. That the ramp area is clear of passengers, obstacles, and traffic Correct answer.
  2. That all other passengers have already exited the bus
  3. That the bus engine is turned off and the keys removed
  4. That the destination sign has been changed

Explanation

Before deploying the ramp, the driver confirms the path is clear so the ramp does not strike a person or object and so the wheelchair user can move safely onto the sidewalk. Traffic awareness at the curb is also part of this check. Engine shutdown and sign changes are unrelated to ramp safety.

Question 26Loading and Unloading Passengers

After securing a wheelchair with tie-downs, what is the correct next step regarding the passenger's seat belt?

  1. Let the passenger decide whether a belt is needed
  2. Attach the belt to the wheelchair frame instead of the passenger
  3. Skip the belt because the tie-downs alone restrain the occupant
  4. Fasten the lap and shoulder belt across the passenger as designed Correct answer.

Explanation

Tie-downs secure the wheelchair, but the occupant still needs a properly fitted lap and shoulder belt to prevent ejection and forward movement in a crash or hard stop. The belt must be routed across the passenger's body, not the chair. The driver is responsible for confirming this before moving.

Question 27Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger with a service animal boards the bus. How should the driver handle the animal?

  1. Charge an extra fare for the animal before boarding
  2. Require the animal to ride in the luggage compartment
  3. Allow the service animal to accompany the passenger in the cabin Correct answer.
  4. Ask the passenger to leave the animal at the stop

Explanation

Service animals must be permitted to accompany their handler in the passenger cabin. They may not be relegated to luggage compartments or refused boarding. A fare cannot be imposed for a service animal.

Question 28Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger boards who appears intoxicated and is unsteady on their feet. What is the safest driver response?

  1. Ignore the situation and continue the route
  2. Allow boarding and let the person stand near the door
  3. Refuse boarding and physically remove the person from the bus
  4. Allow boarding but require the person to remain seated for the trip Correct answer.

Explanation

An intoxicated passenger who can ride safely may be allowed to board if required to stay seated, reducing fall and disruption risk. The driver should never use physical force to remove someone. Letting the person stand near the door or ignoring the situation increases injury risk.

Question 29Loading and Unloading Passengers

When is it acceptable to allow a passenger to stand while the bus is in motion?

  1. Only on highways at highway speed
  2. Never, under any circumstances
  3. Whenever the passenger prefers to stand
  4. Only if the bus has handholds and the operator's policy permits standees Correct answer.

Explanation

Standing passengers are permitted only where the vehicle and operator policy allow standees and adequate handholds exist. Standing at highway speed or simply by preference is unsafe. Blanket prohibition ignores legitimate transit operations that carry standees.

Question 30Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger needs to cross the street after exiting at a mid-block stop. What should the driver do to help protect them?

  1. Open the door on the traffic side to shorten the walk
  2. Keep the bus stopped and signal or direct the passenger to cross safely when clear Correct answer.
  3. Wave the passenger across without checking traffic
  4. Sound the horn to warn traffic and pull away immediately

Explanation

Holding the bus and helping the passenger find a safe gap protects them from passing traffic, especially at mid-block stops without signals. Pulling away or waving someone across without checking traffic can lead to a collision. Opening a door into the traffic side increases danger.

Question 31Loading and Unloading Passengers

During a stop, a passenger asks to exit through the rear door while another is boarding at the front. What is the driver's key concern?

  1. Collecting the fare before the rear door opens
  2. Making sure both doors are clear and passengers are not caught as the doors close Correct answer.
  3. Checking the engine temperature gauge
  4. Changing the route sign to the next destination

Explanation

With simultaneous boarding and exiting, the driver must watch both doorways so no one is struck or caught by closing doors. Door clearance is the primary safety issue. Fare collection and instrument checks do not address the immediate risk at the doors.

Question 32Loading and Unloading Passengers

What should a driver do with the bus doors while waiting at a stop for a delayed passenger to reach the curb?

  1. Close the doors on the passenger to signal urgency
  2. Keep the doors closed and leave before the passenger arrives
  3. Open only the rear door to save time
  4. Keep the doors open and monitor the boarding path until the passenger is aboard Correct answer.

Explanation

While a passenger is approaching, the driver keeps the doors open and watches the boarding path so the person boards safely. Closing doors on someone or leaving early risks injury. The driver must confirm boarding is complete before securing the doors and moving.

Question 33Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger is loading a stroller with a child into the bus. What is the appropriate driver action?

  1. Require the stroller to be folded and stowed, and the child secured, before moving Correct answer.
  2. Instruct the passenger to leave the stroller on the sidewalk
  3. Allow the stroller to remain open in the aisle during the trip
  4. Ask the passenger to hold the child on their lap in the aisle

Explanation

An open stroller in the aisle is a blocking and tipping hazard, so it must be folded and stowed and the child secured before the bus moves. Holding a child in the aisle is unsafe. Abandoning the stroller is not required and is unhelpful.

Question 34Loading and Unloading Passengers

Which statement best describes the driver's responsibility for carry-on baggage during loading?

  1. The driver may ignore baggage as long as the passenger holds it
  2. The driver must ensure baggage is stowed so it cannot block aisles, doors, or exits Correct answer.
  3. The driver should stack baggage in front of the emergency exit to save space
  4. The driver should place all baggage in the driver's compartment

Explanation

The driver is responsible for making sure carry-on items are stowed where they cannot obstruct aisles, doors, or emergency exits. Blocking an exit is especially dangerous during an evacuation. Baggage does not belong in the driver's compartment or in exit paths.

Question 35Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger wants to board carrying a container of flammable liquid. How should the driver respond?

  1. Allow it if the container is sealed tightly
  2. Refuse to carry the hazardous item aboard the bus Correct answer.
  3. Allow it only if the passenger sits near the rear
  4. Allow it if the passenger pays an extra fee

Explanation

Flammable liquids are hazardous materials that must not be carried aboard a passenger bus because of fire and explosion risk. Sealing, seating location, or extra payment does not make such an item safe. The driver should refuse it and explain the policy.

Question 36Loading and Unloading Passengers

When assisting an elderly passenger with limited mobility down the steps at the exit, what is the best practice?

  1. Close the door as soon as the passenger reaches the first step
  2. Rush the passenger so the schedule is kept
  3. Offer assistance, allow the passenger to use the handrail, and wait until they are clear Correct answer.
  4. Carry the passenger down the steps without asking

Explanation

The safe approach is to offer help, let the passenger use the handrail at their own pace, and wait until they are safely clear of the bus. Rushing or closing the door early can cause a fall. Physically carrying someone without consent or training is unsafe.

Question 37Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger refuses to sit down and insists on standing in the stairwell area near the door while the bus is moving. What should the driver do?

  1. Open the door and ask the passenger to step out while moving
  2. Speed up to reach the next stop faster
  3. Stop the bus safely and ask the passenger to move to a safe location before continuing Correct answer.
  4. Continue the route and hope the passenger holds on

Explanation

Standing in the stairwell is a serious fall hazard, so the driver should stop safely and address the situation before continuing. Continuing or speeding up increases the risk of injury. Asking someone to step out of a moving bus is extremely dangerous.

Question 38Loading and Unloading Passengers

During an evacuation drill, a driver notes that a folded wheelchair is stored in front of the rear emergency door. What is the correct corrective action?

  1. Leave it because the door is rarely used
  2. Move the wheelchair so the emergency exit is fully unobstructed Correct answer.
  3. Cover the wheelchair with a blanket to reduce clutter
  4. Secure the wheelchair with a strap across the door

Explanation

Emergency exits must remain completely unobstructed so passengers can escape quickly. A wheelchair stored in front of the rear door blocks that exit and must be relocated. Strapping or covering the item does not restore the exit path.

Question 39Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger boards with a small pet in a carrier. Under typical operator policy, what is the driver's correct approach?

  1. Refuse all pets regardless of carrier or policy
  2. Allow the pet only if it stays in a carrier that does not block the aisle Correct answer.
  3. Place the pet carrier on the dashboard
  4. Allow the pet to roam freely in the cabin

Explanation

Policies vary, but where pets are allowed they must remain in a carrier that does not obstruct the aisle or exits. A loose pet can trip passengers or interfere with the driver. Placing a carrier on the dashboard obstructs the driver's view.

Question 40Loading and Unloading Passengers

What is the primary purpose of a pre-trip check of the passenger door and emergency exit controls before loading passengers?

  1. To test the destination sign brightness
  2. To check the radio volume level
  3. To confirm the doors and exits operate properly before passengers depend on them Correct answer.
  4. To verify the fare box is full

Explanation

Checking door and exit controls before loading confirms they function, so passengers are not trapped or endangered during the trip. Fare box, radio, and sign checks do not relate to passenger safety at doors and exits. A faulty exit discovered with passengers aboard is far more dangerous.

Question 41Loading and Unloading Passengers

A bus is crowded and a passenger asks to stand in the aisle holding a handrail. The operator's policy permits standees. What else must the driver confirm?

  1. That the aisle remains passable and the passenger can reach a handhold Correct answer.
  2. That the passenger is blocking the aisle completely
  3. That the passenger stands on the top step
  4. That the emergency exit is propped open

Explanation

Even when standees are allowed, the aisle must remain passable and standing passengers need a secure handhold. Blocking the aisle or standing on steps creates hazards. Propping an emergency exit open is unsafe and improper.

Question 42Loading and Unloading Passengers

When a passenger with a walker boards, where should the walker be placed during the trip?

  1. On the stairwell steps
  2. In front of the emergency exit door
  3. In the aisle next to the passenger's seat
  4. Stowed where it will not block the aisle, doors, or exits Correct answer.

Explanation

A walker must be stowed so it does not obstruct the aisle, doorways, or exits while remaining accessible to the passenger. Leaving it in the aisle or on steps creates trip and evacuation hazards. Blocking an emergency exit is never acceptable.

Question 43Loading and Unloading Passengers

A driver is loading passengers when a fight breaks out among waiting people at the curb. What is the safest immediate action?

  1. Open all doors so people can board faster
  2. Close the doors, secure the bus, and move away from the disturbance if safe to do so Correct answer.
  3. Continue boarding as if nothing is happening
  4. Step off the bus to break up the fight physically

Explanation

The driver's priority is the safety of passengers already aboard and personal safety, so securing the bus and moving away from the disturbance if safe is appropriate, along with notifying dispatch or authorities. Physically intervening or continuing to board exposes everyone to harm.

Question 44Loading and Unloading Passengers

After all passengers have boarded and are seated or properly positioned, what should the driver do before releasing the parking brake?

  1. Honk the horn twice and accelerate
  2. Open the rear door for ventilation
  3. Check mirrors and the area around the bus, then close the doors Correct answer.
  4. Turn off the interior lights

Explanation

Before moving, the driver confirms the doors are closed, passengers are settled, and the surrounding area is clear using the mirrors. Honking and accelerating without checks is unsafe. Turning off lights or opening the rear door does not prepare for a safe departure.

Question 45Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger who uses a wheelchair asks to remain in the chair during the trip rather than transfer to a seat. What is required for this to be safe?

  1. The wheelchair brakes alone are sufficient
  2. The passenger must hold the handrail
  3. The wheelchair must be secured with tie-downs and the occupant belted Correct answer.
  4. The wheelchair must face the rear of the bus with no restraints

Explanation

Remaining in a wheelchair is safe only when the chair is secured with an approved tie-down system and the occupant wears a properly fitted belt. Wheelchair brakes alone cannot hold the chair in a crash or hard stop. Handrails and unrestrained rear-facing positions do not provide occupant protection.

Question 46Loading and Unloading Passengers

A driver is picking up passengers at a marked stop on a busy two-lane road. Where should the bus be positioned before opening the doors to load passengers?

  1. In a traffic lane upstream of the stop so passengers can walk forward to the door
  2. In the center of the roadway with the hazard lights on so traffic slows in both directions
  3. Close to the curb or edge of the roadway so passengers can board without entering the travel lane Correct answer.
  4. Several feet away from the curb so the door swing clears the shoulder

Explanation

The driver should pull in as close as practical to the curb or roadway edge so boarding passengers do not have to step into moving traffic. This keeps the loading zone predictable and reduces the chance of a passenger being struck while entering the bus.

Question 47Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger who uses a wheelchair is boarding, and the lift platform is at ground level. What should the driver confirm before raising the platform?

  1. That the wheelchair brakes have been released so the chair can roll freely
  2. That another passenger is holding the wheelchair steady from behind
  3. That the passenger has already transferred into a bus seat
  4. That the passenger is centered on the platform and the safety barrier or roll stop is raised Correct answer.

Explanation

Before raising a lift, the driver must ensure the passenger is fully on the platform and that the roll stop or barrier is engaged to prevent the chair from rolling off. Raising the lift with the barrier down or the passenger not centered is a serious fall hazard.

Question 48Loading and Unloading Passengers

While unloading at a stop, a passenger's small child is still on the steps when the driver sees the passenger walking away toward the sidewalk. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Sound the horn to hurry the child along and then proceed
  2. Wait until the child has cleared the steps and is with the adult before closing the door and pulling out Correct answer.
  3. Ask another passenger to walk the child to the curb while the driver pulls out
  4. Close the door and pull away once the adult is off, since the child will follow

Explanation

The driver is responsible for everyone who has not yet cleared the bus, including children on the steps. The bus should stay stopped with the door open until the child is safely off and reunited with the adult. Hurrying or pulling out before the steps are clear risks a serious injury.

Question 49Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger with a portable oxygen cylinder wants to board for a trip. What is the driver's correct approach under typical transit practice?

  1. Allow boarding only if the cylinder is stored in the baggage compartment
  2. Require the passenger to leave the cylinder at the stop and board without it
  3. Allow boarding and let the passenger keep the cylinder secured upright and within reach during the ride Correct answer.
  4. Deny boarding because compressed gas cylinders are prohibited on passenger vehicles

Explanation

Portable oxygen for personal medical use is normally permitted, and the cylinder should be secured so it cannot roll or fall and should stay within the passenger's reach. Refusing a passenger solely for carrying medical oxygen is generally not acceptable practice.

Question 50Loading and Unloading Passengers

A driver is loading passengers when a rider insists on boarding with a large cart that blocks the aisle and cannot be secured. The bus is nearly full. What is the best course of action?

  1. Explain the carrier's policy, offer to stow the item only if a safe securement location exists, and otherwise decline that item while still serving the passenger Correct answer.
  2. Tie the cart to the front door handrail so it stays near the driver
  3. Allow the cart in the aisle and ask seated passengers to step over it during the trip
  4. Take the cart and leave it on the curb without telling the passenger

Explanation

An unsecured item that blocks the aisle obstructs the emergency path and can become a projectile. The driver should apply the operator's policy, stow the item only where it can be secured, and refuse the item if no safe location exists while still treating the passenger respectfully.