CDL Passenger Endorsement — All Questions

Which of the following hazardous materials is a bus permitted to carry?

• a.Tear gas devices
• b.Any amount of Division 2.3 poison gas
• c.A large quantity of explosives in the passenger compartment
• d.Small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D✓

Buses may carry small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, emergency shipments of drugs or hospital supplies, and small amounts of some other hazardous materials. Buses are prohibited from carrying explosives, poison gas, tear gas, and most other hazardous materials. Never carry hazardous materials unless you are sure the rules allow it.

What is the total combined weight limit of allowed hazardous materials that a bus may carry?

• a.There is no weight limit
• b.No more than 2,000 pounds total
• c.No more than 1,000 pounds total
• d.No more than 500 pounds total, and no more than 100 pounds of any one class✓

A bus may carry small-arms ammunition, emergency shipments of drugs, chemicals, or hospital supplies, and other allowed hazardous materials only up to 500 pounds total. No more than 100 pounds may be of any one single class. Riders sometimes board with unlabeled hazardous materials, so watch for them.

The standee line on a bus marks the point behind which:

• a.Standing passengers must stay so they do not block the driver✓
• b.The wheelchair lift operates
• c.Passengers must remain seated at all times
• d.Baggage must be stored

Many buses have a line, called the standee line, on the floor near the front. No standing passenger should be allowed forward of that line while the bus is moving. This keeps riders out of the driver's vision and away from the door area.

If a bus does not have a standee line, standing riders must stay behind:

• a.The last row of seats
• b.The rear axle
• c.A line even with the back of the driver's seat✓
• d.The middle of the bus

If your bus has no standee line, no rider should stand forward of a line even with the back of the driver's seat. This protects the driver's vision and keeps passengers safe. Riders must not block your view or the front doorway.

Carry-on baggage on a bus should never be placed where it:

• a.Blocks the aisle or a doorway✓
• b.Is under a passenger's own seat
• c.Is held on a rider's lap
• d.Rests on an empty seat

Baggage and freight must be secured so it does not block the aisle or any exit, fall on someone, or prevent the safe movement of passengers. A blocked aisle or door can trap riders during an emergency. Keep the aisle and doorways clear at all times.

When should you check that passengers are seated or braced before you begin driving?

• a.Only when carrying children
• b.Before you allow the bus to move from a stop✓
• c.Never, it is the passengers' responsibility
• d.Only on the freeway

Before you begin moving, make sure standees are behind the standee line and that riders have a chance to be seated or braced. Sudden acceleration can throw an unprepared passenger down. Announce stops and allow riders time to sit before you accelerate.

A passenger who is drunk or disruptive should generally be discharged:

• a.Immediately at the nearest highway shoulder
• b.At the next railroad crossing
• c.Only at the final destination
• d.At a safe place such as a well-lit stop rather than a dangerous location✓

For everyone's safety, you may need to remove a disruptive or intoxicated rider. However, you should discharge such a passenger at the next scheduled stop or another safe, well-lit place, not at a hazardous or isolated spot. Use good judgment to protect all riders.

Before allowing a passenger off the bus at a stop, you should:

• a.Have the bus completely stopped and, if needed, set the parking brake✓
• b.Let riders exit into moving traffic
• c.Skip the parking brake
• d.Open the door while still rolling to save time

Always bring the bus to a complete stop before opening the door and letting riders off. On a lift-equipped stop or on a grade, set the parking brake. Watch that discharged passengers move safely away from the bus and out of traffic.

When passengers are getting on and off the bus at a stop, you should:

• a.Read your route schedule
• b.Close the door on the last person to save time
• c.Rev the engine to hurry them
• d.Watch them closely and be alert for slips, trips, or riders reaching under the bus✓

Watch riders as they get on and off to prevent falls and injuries. Be especially alert for children or elderly riders who move slowly. Never close the doors or start moving until everyone is safely clear of the doorway and the bus.

You should announce upcoming stops:

• a.Far enough ahead that riders have time to get ready to exit✓
• b.After the bus has already stopped
• c.Only if a rider asks
• d.Only at the end of the trip

Announce stops clearly and far enough in advance that riders have time to move safely to the door and be ready to get off. This prevents last-minute rushing while the bus is stopping. Announcing helps elderly, disabled, and unfamiliar riders especially.

Common types of stops a passenger driver announces include all of the following EXCEPT:

• a.Transfer points to other routes
• b.Major intersections and destinations
• c.The color of the traffic signal ahead✓
• d.Stops required by regulations

Drivers commonly announce major intersections, destinations, transfer points, and any stops required by law or company policy. The color of a signal is not a passenger announcement. Clear announcements help riders prepare to exit safely and on time.

If riders must cross the road after getting off your bus, you should:

• a.Watch to be sure they cross safely before you pull away✓
• b.Honk to make them hurry
• c.Ignore them once they are off the bus
• d.Pull away immediately so traffic can flow

Passengers, especially children, may not check for traffic before crossing. Watch discharged riders and remain stopped until they have crossed safely or moved clear. Pulling away too soon can leave a rider in danger from passing vehicles.

Charter bus drivers should not allow riders on the bus until:

• a.It is time to leave, to help keep track of who belongs on the bus✓
• b.The fuel tank is full
• c.Passengers pay a deposit
• d.The radio is tuned

Charter drivers should not allow passengers on the bus until departure time. This helps prevent unauthorized people from boarding and makes it easier to account for the group. It also keeps the schedule and passenger list under control.

To manage passengers and reduce disruptions, a driver should:

• a.Only speak to riders at the destination
• b.Never speak to passengers
• c.Let riders do whatever they want
• d.Explain the rules about smoking, radios, and safety at the start of the trip✓

Explaining rules about smoking, eating, drinking, loud radios, and using emergency exits at the start of a trip helps prevent problems later. Clear expectations make it easier to keep order. A calm, informed group is easier and safer to manage.

Hazardous materials that riders sometimes try to carry aboard a bus are a concern because:

• a.They may be brought on without any warning label✓
• b.They are always clearly labeled
• c.They improve traction
• d.They make the bus heavier

Riders may unknowingly or intentionally bring hazardous materials such as car batteries or gasoline aboard without proper labels. Watch for leaking, smelly, or unlabeled containers. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, do not let it on the bus.

When counting or accounting for passengers on a charter or tour trip, the driver should:

• a.Assume everyone reboards on time
• b.Never count riders
• c.Rely only on the tour guide
• d.Keep track so no one is left behind at rest or meal stops✓

On charter and tour trips, riders leave the bus at rest stops, meals, and attractions. The driver should help keep track of passengers so no one is left behind when the bus departs. A quick count before pulling away prevents stranding a rider.

Passengers should be discouraged from standing near the front doorway while the bus is moving because:

• a.They can fall out or interfere with the driver in a sudden stop✓
• b.It is more comfortable to sit in back
• c.The heater is stronger there
• d.It slows the bus down

A rider standing at the front door can be thrown against the door or out of the bus in a sudden stop or crash. They can also block the driver's view and controls. Keep standees behind the standee line and away from the door.

Emergency shipments of drugs or hospital supplies carried on a bus:

• a.Are never permitted
• b.Are one of the few hazardous materials a bus may carry within weight limits✓
• c.May be carried in unlimited amounts
• d.Must be carried in the passenger seating area

Buses may carry emergency shipments of drugs, chemicals, or hospital supplies, which are among the few allowed hazardous materials. They still count toward the 500-pound total and 100-pound single-class limits. Materials must be handled and stored safely, not among passengers unsafely.

If a passenger wants to bring a container of gasoline or a car battery onto the bus, you should:

• a.Allow it only in the aisle
• b.Store it near the engine
• c.Allow it if it fits under a seat
• d.Refuse to allow the hazardous material aboard✓

Gasoline, car batteries, and similar hazardous materials are not allowed on buses because they can leak, spill acid, or ignite. Politely refuse to let such items aboard. Passenger safety depends on keeping dangerous materials off the bus.

Standing passengers on a moving bus should:

• a.Stand freely in the aisle without holding on
• b.Hold onto handrails or seat backs for support✓
• c.Lean on the driver's seat
• d.Sit on the steps

Standing riders should hold onto grab rails, straps, or seat backs to keep from falling if the bus stops or turns suddenly. Riders must never sit or stand on the steps. Keeping standees braced and behind the standee line reduces injuries.

Baggage and freight carried in the passenger area must be secured so that:

• a.It rests against the windshield
• b.Riders are protected from injury if it falls and exits stay clear✓
• c.Passengers can lean on it
• d.It blocks only the rear door

Loose baggage can fall and injure riders or block exits during hard braking or a crash. Secure carry-on items so they cannot fall on anyone, and keep aisles and doorways free. Every emergency exit must remain usable at all times.

When you take over a bus at the start of your shift, you should be sure passengers do not:

• a.Sit in the last row
• b.Have brought prohibited hazardous materials aboard✓
• c.Bring a small bag
• d.Talk to each other

Even allowed hazardous materials have strict limits, and many materials are prohibited entirely. Be alert for prohibited items riders may carry aboard, such as fuels or explosives. If you find a prohibited hazardous material, do not allow it on the bus.

Allowing standees forward of the standee line while driving is dangerous mainly because:

• a.It uses more fuel
• b.It blocks the driver's view and puts riders near the door✓
• c.It helps the bus turn faster
• d.It makes the ride quieter

A passenger standing ahead of the standee line can block the driver's view of the road and mirrors and can fall against the door. Keeping standees behind the line preserves the driver's vision and protects the rider. Never move the bus with someone forward of the line.

When unloading passengers at night, you should be especially careful to:

• a.Make sure the stop is well lit and riders can see where they step✓
• b.Turn off all interior lights
• c.Open the door before stopping
• d.Rush riders off quickly

At night, poor visibility raises the risk of trips and falls when riders step down. Stop where the area is well lit if possible and give riders time to exit safely. Watch that they move clear of the bus and traffic before you pull away.

A driver who must eject a disruptive passenger should:

• a.Leave them at an unlit rural stop
• b.Do it while the bus is still moving
• c.Choose a safe location and stay calm and professional✓
• d.Push the rider off at a freeway ramp

Removing a disruptive rider must be done safely and professionally. Stop at a safe, well-lit place such as a scheduled stop, not a dangerous or isolated spot. Staying calm reduces the chance the situation gets worse for you and other riders.

Why should you announce transfer points and major destinations?

• a.So riders using connecting routes have time to prepare to get off✓
• b.To sell tickets
• c.To pass the time
• d.Because the law forbids silence

Announcing transfer points and major destinations lets riders who need connecting service prepare to exit at the right stop. This is especially helpful to riders unfamiliar with the route. Timely announcements reduce confusion and last-second rushing to the door.

The maximum weight of any single class of allowed hazardous material on a bus is:

• a.100 pounds✓
• b.500 pounds
• c.1,000 pounds
• d.250 pounds

A bus may carry allowed hazardous materials only up to 500 pounds total, with no more than 100 pounds of any single class. These limits keep the risk to passengers low. Materials over these limits, or prohibited materials, must never be carried.

To keep order among passengers, a driver's best approach is to:

• a.Let passengers police themselves
• b.Threaten riders loudly
• c.Set clear expectations early and enforce them calmly✓
• d.Ignore rule-breaking until it becomes dangerous

Explaining rules at the start of a trip and enforcing them calmly and consistently keeps order. Passengers respond better to a professional, even-handed driver than to threats or neglect. Handling small problems early prevents them from becoming safety hazards.

Before driving a bus, you must be sure that:

• a.All emergency exits and access panels are secured and roof hatches close properly✓
• b.The seats are clean
• c.The radio works
• d.The fare box is full

During the pre-trip inspection you must check that all emergency exits are working and that any open roof hatches or vents are secured or can be closed. Access panels, doors, and hatches must be closed and latched before driving. Riders depend on exits working in an emergency.

When inspecting the inside of a bus before driving, you should check that:

• a.The upholstery matches
• b.Handrails, floors, signaling devices, and emergency exit handles are in good working order✓
• c.There is a spare tire on every seat
• d.The windows are tinted

Inside the bus, check that seats are safe, handrails and floor covering are secure, the emergency exit handles and signaling devices work, and the interior is clean. Loose handrails or broken exit handles endanger riders. All safety equipment must function before you carry passengers.

Bus seats must be inspected to make sure they are:

• a.Covered in plastic
• b.Removed from the aisle
• c.Safely secured to the bus and not damaged✓
• d.Reclined fully

All passenger seats must be firmly fastened to the bus and free of damage that could injure a rider. A loose or broken seat can shift in a crash or hard stop. Never carry passengers on a bus with unsafe seats.

Which item must be checked during a bus pre-trip inspection but is less critical on many freight vehicles?

• a.Tire tread
• b.Passenger emergency exits and interior handrails✓
• c.Brake lights
• d.Steering

Buses carry people, so the inspection must include interior items such as emergency exits, handrails, floor covering, signaling devices, and clean, safe seating. These passenger-specific items are unique to bus inspections. All must be in working order before you carry riders.

If you find a problem with an emergency exit during your pre-trip inspection, you should:

• a.Tape the exit shut and continue
• b.Only fix it if inspectors are present
• c.Drive anyway and report it later
• d.Not drive the bus with passengers until it is fixed✓

You must never drive a bus with an unsafe emergency exit or other safety defect. Have the problem repaired before carrying passengers. Riders' lives may depend on that exit working during a fire or crash.

Roof hatches on a bus that can be locked open:

• a.Never need checking
• b.May be left open for ventilation but should be closed in bad weather✓
• c.Should be removed
• d.Must always be locked open in warm weather

Some buses have roof hatches that can be locked slightly open for fresh air. You may leave them open for ventilation, but remember that an open hatch reduces roof strength in a rollover and lets rain in. Close them when heavy weather threatens or when required.

During an en-route inspection, a bus driver should watch the gauges and:

• a.Ignore warning lights
• b.Rely only on the pre-trip inspection
• c.Check tires, brakes, lights, and other critical systems at stops✓
• d.Only stop if the engine dies

Safe drivers keep watching instruments and the bus's condition throughout the trip, not just before starting. At stops, check items such as tires, wheels, brakes, and lights for problems that develop while driving. Catching a defect en route prevents a breakdown or crash.

Watching the temperature, oil pressure, and air pressure gauges while driving helps you:

• a.Save fuel only
• b.Choose a radio station
• c.Spot developing mechanical problems before they cause a breakdown✓
• d.Track your speed

Gauges give early warning of engine overheating, low oil pressure, or falling air pressure. Checking them regularly lets you stop and address a problem before it becomes a breakdown or a crash. Never ignore a warning light or an abnormal gauge reading.

The interior of a bus should be inspected to be sure the aisle and stairwell are:

• a.Blocked by a chain
• b.Carpeted in red
• c.Filled with baggage
• d.Clear of objects that could trip riders or block exits✓

Aisles and stairwells must be clear so riders can move and exit safely, especially in an emergency. Remove any objects that could cause a trip or fall or block an exit. A cluttered aisle is a serious safety hazard on a loaded bus.

Which of these is part of a proper bus pre-trip inspection?

• a.Counting the money in the fare box
• b.Adjusting the passenger seats to recline
• c.Cleaning the exterior paint
• d.Checking that service and parking brakes, lights, mirrors, and tires work✓

A pre-trip inspection covers the vehicle's critical safety systems, including brakes, steering, lights, mirrors, tires, horn, and wipers. On a bus you also check passenger-related items like exits and handrails. Only a properly inspected bus should carry passengers.

Emergency equipment on a bus that should be checked before driving includes:

• a.A second steering wheel
• b.A spare uniform
• c.Fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses, and warning devices such as reflective triangles✓
• d.Extra fare tickets

Before driving, check that required emergency equipment is present and in good condition. This includes a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses if used, and warning devices like reflective triangles. This equipment is vital if you must stop or have a fire.

If a bus's parking brake does not hold during your inspection, you should:

• a.Ignore it if the service brakes work
• b.Use the accelerator to hold on hills
• c.Chock the wheels and drive anyway
• d.Take the bus out of service until it is repaired✓

A parking brake that will not hold is a serious defect that can let the bus roll while loading or parked. Do not carry passengers until it is repaired. All braking systems must work properly before a bus goes into service.

Signaling devices that let passengers request a stop should be checked to be sure they:

• a.Play music
• b.Are disconnected
• c.Work so riders can signal the driver to stop✓
• d.Are painted yellow

Many transit buses have cords, buttons, or strips that riders use to signal for a stop. These must work so passengers can tell the driver where they need to get off. Test them during your interior inspection along with other safety devices.

When should a bus's brakes and other systems be re-checked after the trip has started?

• a.Only at the destination
• b.During the trip, such as at stops and rest breaks✓
• c.Never, once is enough
• d.Only after 500 miles

En-route inspections during stops and rest breaks help catch problems that develop while driving, such as overheating brakes or low tires. Watching gauges and doing quick checks keeps small problems from becoming dangerous. Continuous attention to the bus's condition is part of safe operation.

A bus's mirrors should be inspected and adjusted so that:

• a.They are folded flat
• b.They point at the sky
• c.You can see down the sides and the loading area✓
• d.They face the passengers

Properly adjusted mirrors let you see down both sides of the bus, the rear, and the loading and unloading area. This is essential for watching riders at the doors and for safe lane changes and turns. Adjust mirrors before you start driving.

During the pre-trip inspection, checking the service door and its controls is important because:

• a.Passengers ride outside the door
• b.It runs the air conditioning
• c.Riders board and exit through it, and it must open and close safely✓
• d.It changes the fare

The service door is the main way riders board and leave the bus, so it must open, close, and latch properly. A door that sticks or fails can trap passengers or open unexpectedly while driving. Test its operation and controls during your inspection.

When checking tires on a bus during the pre-trip inspection, look for:

• a.A shiny finish
• b.Matching hubcap colors
• c.Whitewall stripes
• d.Proper inflation, adequate tread, and no cuts or damage✓

Tires must have proper air pressure, enough tread depth, and no cuts, bulges, or other damage that could cause a blowout. Under-inflated or worn tires are dangerous, especially on a heavy, loaded bus. Replace or repair unsafe tires before carrying passengers.

The interior lighting of a bus should be inspected to make sure it:

• a.Blinks constantly
• b.Is colored red
• c.Works so riders can see steps, aisles, and exits✓
• d.Is turned off at all times

Interior lights help riders see the steps, aisle, and exits, especially at night. Working lights reduce trips and falls when boarding or leaving. Check that interior and step-well lighting functions during your pre-trip inspection.

Why must access panels and engine compartment doors be secured before driving a bus?

• a.To store baggage
• b.To keep the bus quiet
• c.So they do not come open and cause damage or a hazard while driving✓
• d.To improve the paint

Unsecured access panels or engine doors can fly open at speed, damaging the bus, obstructing your view, or creating a road hazard. Make sure all such panels and doors are closed and latched during your inspection. This is part of preparing the bus to carry passengers safely.

A bus should be kept clean during inspections and trips mainly because:

• a.Clean buses use less fuel
• b.Trash and spills in the aisle or steps can cause slips, trips, and falls✓
• c.It impresses inspectors
• d.Dirt slows the bus

Trash, spills, or debris in the aisle and stairwell can cause riders to slip, trip, or fall. Keeping the interior clean is a safety measure, not just appearance. Check and clear the aisle, steps, and floor as part of your inspection and during stops.

Which statement about bus pre-trip inspections is TRUE?

• a.Interior items do not need inspection
• b.A bus must never be driven with an unsafe defect that endangers passengers✓
• c.Inspection is optional if you are running late
• d.Only the engine matters

You must never drive a bus with a safety defect that could endanger passengers, such as bad brakes, a broken exit, or unsafe tires. The pre-trip inspection covers both the vehicle systems and passenger-specific items. A running-late schedule never justifies skipping the inspection.

When checking the emergency exits on a bus, you should:

• a.Leave them all open while driving
• b.Cover them with signs
• c.Make sure they are closed but able to be opened quickly if needed✓
• d.Weld them shut for safety

Emergency exits, such as rear doors, windows, and roof hatches, must be closed and secured while driving but able to open quickly in an emergency. Verify the handles and latches work during your inspection. Never block or disable an emergency exit.

The steering system on a bus should be checked before driving to be sure:

• a.The seat is comfortable
• b.The mirrors are folded
• c.There is no excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel✓
• d.The horn is loud

Too much free play in the steering wheel makes the bus hard to steer accurately and is a serious defect. Check for looseness and any binding when the wheel is turned. Safe steering is essential when carrying a load of passengers.

On buses with air brakes, part of the inspection is to:

• a.Ignore the air pressure
• b.Drain all the air
• c.Test that the low-air-pressure warning and brakes build and hold pressure properly✓
• d.Keep the parking brake off

On air-brake buses, verify that the system builds pressure, that the low-pressure warning works, and that the brakes and parking brake hold. Air-brake defects can cause total brake failure with a full load of passengers. Complete the required air-brake checks before driving.

How does inspecting the bus interior differ from inspecting a typical dry-van trailer?

• a.Only the trailer needs an inspection
• b.There is no difference
• c.The bus interior has passenger seats, handrails, and exits that must be checked✓
• d.A bus has no interior

Because a bus carries people, its interior inspection includes passenger seats, handrails, floor covering, signaling devices, and emergency exits. A freight trailer has cargo space instead of passenger features. These passenger items are unique and critical to a bus inspection.

If the interior emergency exit lighting does not work during your inspection, you should:

• a.Ignore it
• b.Have it repaired before carrying passengers at night✓
• c.Give riders flashlights
• d.Drive only in daylight

Emergency and interior lighting helps riders find and reach exits, especially in the dark. A lighting defect that affects passenger safety should be repaired before carrying riders in low-light conditions. Never rely on passengers to provide their own lighting for exits.

At a railroad crossing, buses are generally required to:

• a.Change lanes
• b.Only stop if gates are down
• c.Stop, look, and listen before crossing, whether or not a train is coming✓
• d.Speed up to clear the tracks quickly

Buses must stop before railroad crossings, generally within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail, then look and listen for a train before crossing. Do this even when no train is in sight, unless the crossing is specifically exempt. Never stop on the tracks.

When a bus stops at a railroad crossing, the driver should:

• a.Let passengers off on the tracks
• b.Rev the engine and jump the tracks
• c.Stop with the front bumper on the rail
• d.Open the door if required, look and listen, then cross without shifting gears on the tracks✓

Many rules require opening the door and window at the crossing to look and listen for a train. Once you are sure it is safe, cross the tracks in a gear that you will not need to change while on them. Never change gears while any part of the bus is on the tracks.

A bus should not begin to cross railroad tracks unless:

• a.Another bus goes first
• b.There is enough room to completely clear the tracks without stopping✓
• c.A police officer is present
• d.The signal is red

Never start across the tracks unless you are sure you can get completely across without stopping. Leave room on the far side for the entire bus before you begin. Stopping on the tracks with passengers aboard is extremely dangerous.

When you must stop for a railroad crossing, you should stop:

• a.On the tracks
• b.Anywhere in the intersection
• c.Right against the crossing gate
• d.No closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail✓

Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail so you have a clear view and are not on the tracks. Listen and look both ways for a train before proceeding. This gives you the best view and reaction distance.

On slippery roads, a bus driver should:

• a.Brake hard at every curve
• b.Speed up to reduce time on the road
• c.Follow closely to draft other vehicles
• d.Slow down and increase following distance✓

Wet, icy, or snowy roads greatly reduce traction, so reduce speed and allow more following distance and stopping room. Braking, turning, and accelerating must all be done gently to avoid a skid. A loaded bus takes longer to stop, so plan far ahead.

When approaching a stop to unload passengers, you should brake:

• a.Only with the parking brake
• b.Smoothly and gradually so standees and seated riders are not thrown✓
• c.As hard as possible at the last second
• d.By pumping the pedal rapidly

Smooth, gradual braking keeps passengers from being thrown forward or losing their balance. Sudden, hard stops can injure standing and seated riders. Look far enough ahead to begin slowing early and stop gently at the loading point.

Because a bus is tall and heavy, when going around curves the driver should:

• a.Brake hard in the middle of the curve
• b.Slow down before the curve to avoid rollover or passenger injury✓
• c.Enter the curve at high speed
• d.Accelerate through the apex

A loaded bus has a high center of gravity and can roll or lean dangerously in a curve taken too fast. Reduce speed before entering the curve, then maintain a steady speed through it. Braking hard in a curve can cause a skid or throw passengers.

How does carrying passengers affect a bus's stopping distance?

• a.It has no effect
• b.The heavier load increases stopping distance, so you need more room to stop✓
• c.It only matters downhill
• d.It shortens stopping distance

A fully loaded bus is heavier and takes longer to stop than an empty one. Increase your following distance and begin braking earlier to allow for the added stopping distance. Always look far ahead so you can slow smoothly and safely.

If a bus has a rear emergency door, driving with it open:

• a.Turns on a buzzer or light and should be corrected, as riders can fall or fumes enter✓
• b.Makes the bus faster
• c.Improves ventilation and is encouraged
• d.Is required by law

Driving with a rear emergency door open is dangerous because a rider could fall out and exhaust fumes can enter the bus. Many buses sound a buzzer or show a light when a door is open. Close and secure the door before driving.

When you must stop the bus on the road for an emergency, you should:

• a.Pull completely off the road if possible and use warning devices✓
• b.Leave the bus in gear with no brake
• c.Block a railroad crossing
• d.Stop in a driving lane

If you must stop, get the bus completely off the road onto the shoulder or a safe area whenever possible. Turn on your hazard lights and put out warning devices such as reflective triangles. Never stop where you block traffic or a railroad crossing.

Speed on a downgrade with a loaded bus should be controlled by:

• a.Riding the service brakes the whole way
• b.Speeding up to get it over with
• c.Selecting a low gear and using proper braking technique before the grade✓
• d.Shifting to neutral to coast

Before starting down a long, steep grade, shift to a low gear and keep your speed in check so the brakes do not overheat. Continuous braking can cause brakes to fade and fail. A heavy, loaded bus needs extra care on downgrades.

Passengers should be told about emergency exits and safety equipment:

• a.Only after a crash
• b.Only if they ask
• c.So they know how to use exits and equipment in an emergency✓
• d.Never, it scares them

On charter and tour trips especially, tell passengers where the emergency exits and safety equipment are and how to use them. In an emergency, seconds count and informed riders can react faster. This briefing is an important safety practice.

When crossing railroad tracks, a bus driver must never:

• a.Cross when the way is clear
• b.Shift gears while any part of the bus is on the tracks✓
• c.Look both ways
• d.Cross in a low gear

Never change gears while crossing the tracks, because a missed shift could leave the bus stalled on the crossing. Choose a gear before you start that will take you all the way across. Cross only when you are sure the way is clear.

Which crossings do NOT require every bus to stop, look, and listen?

• a.All crossings require a stop no matter what
• b.Crossings with gates
• c.Crossings marked as exempt or controlled by a green traffic signal in some jurisdictions✓
• d.Crossings in cities only

Some crossings are marked exempt, or are controlled so that a bus may proceed without a full stop under certain rules. However, at most crossings a bus must stop, look, and listen. Always follow the signs and your state and company rules.

To keep passengers safe, a bus driver should manage speed so that the bus:

• a.Always travels at the posted maximum
• b.Can stop within the distance the driver can see ahead✓
• c.Beats other traffic
• d.Never slows for curves

Drive at a speed that lets you stop within your sight distance, adjusting for weather, road, and traffic. A loaded bus needs extra room to stop, so a safe speed is often below the posted limit. Speed management protects your passengers and others.

If a fire breaks out on the bus, the driver should:

• a.Ignore it if small
• b.Speed up to put the fire out with wind
• c.Keep driving to the destination
• d.Stop, get passengers off safely away from the bus, and use the fire extinguisher if it is safe✓

If a fire starts, pull off the road, stop, and get all passengers out and away from the bus quickly. Only fight a small fire with the extinguisher if it is safe to do so. Passenger safety comes first, so evacuate before attempting to fight a serious fire.

Following distance for a bus should be:

• a.Zero at low speed
• b.Greater than for a car because of the bus's weight and length✓
• c.Less than for a car
• d.The same as tailgating

A bus is heavier and longer than a car and takes more distance to stop. Keep a larger following distance so you have room to brake smoothly without throwing passengers. Increase the gap further in bad weather or with a full load.

When you stop at a railroad crossing, listening for a train is important because:

• a.It is required to entertain passengers
• b.It signals other drivers
• c.You may hear a train you cannot yet see✓
• d.It saves fuel

Trains can approach faster than they appear, and a train may be hidden by curves, buildings, or weather. Opening the window and door to listen can warn you of a train you cannot yet see. Never rely on sight alone at a crossing.

A bus with standing passengers should be driven so that the driver:

• a.Avoids sudden stops, starts, and turns that could throw standees✓
• b.Takes curves fast
• c.Ignores the standees
• d.Accelerates and brakes sharply

Standing riders can be thrown down by sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. Drive smoothly and look far ahead so you can make gradual speed and direction changes. Smooth driving is the best way to protect standees.

When approaching a railroad crossing with a bus, you should begin slowing:

• a.Never; keep full speed
• b.Right on the tracks
• c.Early, so you can stop safely before the tracks if needed✓
• d.Only after you see a train

Approach every crossing prepared to stop, slowing early so you can halt smoothly within the required distance. This gives you time to look and listen and avoids a hard stop that could injure riders. Be ready in case a train is coming or a signal activates.

Using the emergency exits during an evacuation works best when:

• a.No one knows where they are
• b.The driver keeps the information secret
• c.Passengers were briefed beforehand and the aisle and exits are clear✓
• d.The exits are blocked with baggage

An orderly evacuation is faster when riders already know where the exits are and the aisle and exits are unobstructed. That is why you brief passengers and keep exits clear during loading and driving. Preparation saves lives in a real emergency.

On a long downhill grade, brakes can fail if:

• a.They overheat from being used continuously without a low gear✓
• b.The bus is empty
• c.The road is dry
• d.You use the engine to slow down

Riding the brakes continuously on a long downgrade makes them overheat and lose stopping power, a condition called brake fade. Use a low gear so engine braking helps control speed and the brakes get a rest. This is critical with a heavy passenger load.

To make smooth stops that protect passengers, a driver should:

• a.Brake only with the parking brake
• b.Look far ahead and brake early and gently✓
• c.Wait until the last moment to brake
• d.Stop suddenly to stay on schedule

Looking far ahead lets you see stops and hazards early so you can brake gently over a longer distance. Gradual braking keeps seated and standing riders from being thrown. Rushing and hard braking put passengers at risk and are not worth staying on schedule.

When must a bus driver be especially careful about the bus's height and clearance?

• a.Never; buses fit everywhere
• b.Only on the freeway
• c.Only when empty
• d.Passing under low bridges, overpasses, wires, or entering low-clearance areas✓

Buses are tall, so the driver must watch for low bridges, overpasses, wires, canopies, and signs. Striking a low object can injure passengers and damage the bus. Know your vehicle's height and heed posted clearance signs.

If a bus stalls on railroad tracks with passengers aboard, the driver should:

• a.Stay in the bus and wait
• b.Get everyone off the bus and far away from the tracks immediately✓
• c.Try to restart repeatedly before evacuating
• d.Have passengers push the bus

If the bus stalls or is stuck on the tracks, evacuate all passengers and move them well away from the tracks at once, in case a train comes. Passenger safety takes priority over saving the bus. Only after everyone is clear should you worry about the vehicle.

The safest way to handle a curve or ramp in a loaded bus is to:

• a.Accelerate hard through the curve
• b.Reduce speed before the curve and hold a steady, safe speed through it✓
• c.Brake hard while turning
• d.Coast in neutral

Slow down before you enter a curve or ramp, then hold a steady, safe speed through it. Braking or accelerating hard in the curve can cause a skid or make the tall bus lean or roll. Smooth, controlled speed keeps passengers safe and the bus stable.