CDL Passenger Endorsement — All Questions

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.