Commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge tests · California DMV
Bus Inspection, Loading and Hazardous Materials
Questions and answers
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Which vehicle requires a CDL with a “P” endorsement?
One designed to transport more than 10 persons, including the driver
The passenger endorsement is needed for a vehicle designed to carry more than 10 persons, and the driver is counted.
Section 4 · SECTION 4: TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS SAFELY ↗ -
You take your driving test in a van designed to carry 15 persons or less, including the driver. What happens to your license?
You are restricted to driving a small-size bus for 15 passengers or less
Testing in a van built for 15 persons or less limits you to a small-size bus of that capacity.
Section 4 · SECTION 4: TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS SAFELY ↗ -
Which handbook sections does the knowledge test for the passenger endorsement cover?
Sections 2 and 4
The passenger endorsement knowledge test is based on Section 2 (Driving Safely) and Section 4.
Section 4 · SECTION 4: TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS SAFELY ↗ -
Your bus has air brakes. Which extra knowledge test must you pass for the passenger endorsement?
The test on Section 5, Air Brakes
A bus with air brakes means you must also pass the air brakes knowledge test.
Section 4 · SECTION 4: TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS SAFELY ↗ -
A commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder with a “P” endorsement is driving a bus. Who may be on board?
Auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder
A permit holder may not carry passengers. Only officials, examiners, other trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder may ride.
Section 4 · SECTION 4: TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS SAFELY ↗ -
You hold a CLP with a “P” endorsement. Which of these people may NOT ride in the bus you are driving?
A regular passenger going to work
Ordinary passengers are not allowed while a permit holder drives. Examiners, trainees, officials, and the accompanying CDL holder are.
Section 4 · SECTION 4: TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS SAFELY ↗ -
Before driving your bus, which document must you review?
The inspection report made by the previous driver
You must look at the previous driver’s inspection report to learn about any reported defects.
Section 4 · 4.1 – Vehicle Inspection ↗ -
When should you sign the previous driver’s inspection report?
Only if reported defects are certified as repaired or as not needing repair
Sign only when the earlier defects have been certified as repaired or as not needing repairs.
Section 4 · 4.1 – Vehicle Inspection ↗ -
What does your signature on the previous driver’s inspection report certify?
That the defects reported earlier have been fixed
Your signature is your certification that the earlier defects were taken care of.
Section 4 · 4.1 – Vehicle Inspection ↗ -
Which tires are NOT allowed on the front wheels of a bus?
Recapped or regrooved tires
The front wheels of a bus must not have recapped or regrooved tires.
Section 4 · 4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems ↗ -
On which wheels of a bus does the handbook forbid recapped or regrooved tires?
The front wheels
The ban on recapped and regrooved tires applies to the front wheels.
Section 4 · 4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems ↗ -
When does a bus NOT need to carry spare electrical fuses?
When it is equipped with circuit breakers
Spare fuses are required unless the bus has circuit breakers instead.
Section 4 · 4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems ↗ -
Which emergency equipment must you make sure the bus has before driving?
Fire extinguishers and emergency reflectors
The bus must carry the fire extinguishers and emergency reflectors that the law requires.
Section 4 · 4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems ↗ -
Your bus pulls a trailer. Which item is added to your check of the service brakes?
The air hose couplings
On a bus with a trailer or semitrailer, the service brake check includes the air hose couplings.
Section 4 · 4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems ↗ -
During the outside check you find an open baggage access panel. What should you do?
Close it before driving
Close any open access panels, such as baggage, restroom service, or engine panels, before driving.
Section 4 · 4.1.2 – Access Doors and Panels ↗ -
As you check the outside of the bus you see an open emergency exit. What do you do?
Close it
Open emergency exits are closed during the outside check.
Section 4 · 4.1.2 – Access Doors and Panels ↗ -
Why may you lock some emergency roof hatches in a partly open position?
To let in fresh air
Some roof hatches may be locked partly open for fresh air.
Section 4 · 4.1.4 – Roof Hatches ↗ -
Should you drive with the roof hatches open as a regular practice?
No, do not leave them open as a regular practice
Hatches may be opened for fresh air at times, but not as a habit.
Section 4 · 4.1.4 – Roof Hatches ↗ -
You are driving with a roof hatch open. What must you keep in mind?
The bus now needs more overhead clearance
An open hatch makes the bus taller, so remember the higher clearance.
Section 4 · 4.1.4 – Roof Hatches ↗ -
Why should you always check the interior of the bus before driving?
People sometimes damage unattended buses
An unattended bus may have been damaged, so check the inside to keep riders safe.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
Which parts of the bus interior should always be clear?
Aisles and stairwells
Aisles and stairwells must always be kept clear.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
Which of these is NOT on the handbook’s list of interior parts that must be in safe working condition?
Reading lights above each seat
The list names handholds and railings, floor covering, signaling devices, and emergency exit handles.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
Your bus has a restroom. Which signaling device must work?
The restroom emergency buzzer
Signaling devices must be in safe working order, including the restroom emergency buzzer.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
What does the handbook require of the seats on a bus?
All seats must be securely fastened to the bus
Seats must be safe for riders, and every seat must be securely fastened.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
What do you check on the emergency exits?
Ease of operation, correct markings, and working buzzers or devices
Emergency exits must open easily, be marked correctly, and have any required buzzers or devices working.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
Is it acceptable to drive with an emergency exit window open?
No, never drive with an open emergency exit door or window
An emergency exit door or window must never be open while you drive.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
What is required of the “Emergency Exit” sign on an emergency door?
It must be clearly visible
Riders must be able to see the sign clearly.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
Your bus has a red emergency door light. When must it be turned on?
At night or any other time you use your outside lights
If the bus has a red emergency door light, it must work and be on whenever the outside lights are on.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
In the passenger compartment of a farm labor vehicle, how must cutting tools be carried?
In a covered container
Cutting tools and tools with sharp edges must be in a covered container.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
A farm labor vehicle carries shovels and other equipment with no sharp edges in the passenger compartment. How must they be carried?
Secured to the body of the vehicle
Tools, equipment, and materials other than cutting tools must be secured to the vehicle body.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
Who must wear seat belts in a farm labor vehicle?
The driver and all passengers
Everyone in a farm labor vehicle must be belted.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗ -
What does the handbook say about the seat belt on the driver’s seat of a bus?
Always use it
The driver’s seat should have a seat belt and you should always wear it.
Section 4 · 4.1.5 – Use Your Seatbelt! ↗ -
Where must riders NOT leave carry-on baggage?
In a doorway or aisle
Nothing should be left in a doorway or aisle where it could trip other riders.
Section 4 · 4.2 – Loading and Trip Start ↗ -
Baggage and freight on a bus must be secured so that riders can do what in an emergency?
Exit by any window or door
Secured baggage must never block a window or door that riders may need as an exit.
Section 4 · 4.2 – Loading and Trip Start ↗ -
Which of these is a reason for the way baggage and freight are secured on a bus?
The driver must be able to move freely and easily
Baggage is secured so the driver can move freely, riders can get out, and nothing falls on riders.
Section 4 · 4.2 – Loading and Trip Start ↗ -
Why must carry-on items be secured, apart from keeping exits clear?
To protect riders from injury if the items fall or shift
Loose carry-ons can fall or shift and hurt riders.
Section 4 · 4.2 – Loading and Trip Start ↗ -
How much of the HazMat that exists may be carried on a bus?
Very little, because most HazMat cannot be carried on a bus
Most hazardous materials are not allowed on a bus.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗ -
What must shippers mark on containers of HazMat?
The material’s name, ID number, and hazard label
The rules require the name, ID number, and hazard label on HazMat containers.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗ -
What shape and size are hazard labels?
Diamond-shaped, 4 inches
Hazard labels are 4-inch diamonds, so watch for diamond-shaped labels on baggage and cargo.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗ -
How many different hazard labels are there?
9
There are 9 different hazard labels.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗ -
You are not sure whether the rules allow a hazardous material on your bus. What should you do?
Do not transport it
Carry HazMat only when you are sure the rules allow it.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗ -
In the hazard class table, which class name covers ammunition, dynamite, and fireworks?
Explosives
Class 1 is Explosives, with ammunition, dynamite, and fireworks as examples.
Section 4 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
In the hazard class table, battery acid is an example of which class?
Corrosives
Hydrochloric acid and battery acid are the examples given for Class 8, Corrosives.
Section 4 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
In the hazard class table, propane, oxygen, and helium are examples of which class?
Gases
Class 2 is Gases, with propane, oxygen, and helium as examples.
Section 4 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
In the hazard class table, pesticides and arsenic are examples of which class?
Poisons
Class 6 is Poisons, with pesticides and arsenic as examples.
Section 4 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
Which examples does the hazard class table give for ORM-D (Other Regulated Material-Domestic)?
Hair spray or charcoal
Hair spray and charcoal are the ORM-D examples. ORM-D has no class number.
Section 4 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
Which of these may a bus carry?
Small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies, and drugs
Buses may carry small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies, and drugs.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
When may a bus carry small amounts of other HazMat?
If the shipper cannot send them any other way
Small amounts of other allowed HazMat may ride on a bus only when the shipper has no other way to send them.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
What is the most allowed HazMat, in total, that a bus may ever carry?
500 pounds
A bus must never carry more than 500 pounds total of allowed HazMat.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
What is the most of any one class of allowed HazMat that a bus may carry?
100 pounds
Within the 500-pound total, no single class may be more than 100 pounds.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
A shipper who has no other way to send it offers you 150 pounds of one class of allowed HazMat. May the bus carry it?
No, it is more than 100 pounds of one class
The load is under the 500-pound total but over the 100-pound limit for any one class.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
How much solid Class 6 poison is too much for a bus?
More than 100 pounds
A bus must never carry more than 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poisons.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
How much liquid Class 6 poison may a bus carry?
None
Liquid Class 6 poison is on the list of materials a bus must never carry.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
Which of these must a bus never carry?
Tear gas or irritating material
Division 2.3 poison gas, liquid Class 6 poison, tear gas, and irritating material are forbidden on buses.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
Which explosives may be carried in the space occupied by people on a bus?
Only small-arms ammunition
Explosives are forbidden in the passenger space, except small-arms ammunition.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
Where on a bus must labeled radioactive materials never be carried?
In the space occupied by people
Labeled radioactive materials must not be in the space occupied by people.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
A rider wants to board carrying a car battery. What should you do?
Do not allow it on the bus
Riders may not carry on common hazards such as car batteries or gasoline, even though they are unlabeled.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
A passenger boards with medically prescribed oxygen in a container made for personal use. Is this allowed?
Yes, it is allowed
Prescribed oxygen in the passenger’s possession, in a container designed for personal use, is allowed.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
What must a wheelchair carried on a bus (other than a school bus) have for use on the wheelchair platform?
Brakes or another mechanical means of holding it still
The wheelchair must stay still while the platform raises or lowers it.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
What is required of the batteries on a wheelchair carried on a bus?
They must be spill resistant and securely attached to the wheelchair
Wheelchair batteries must be spill resistant and fastened securely to the chair.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
May a wheelchair carried on a bus use flammable fuel?
No
Wheelchairs on buses may not use flammable fuel.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗ -
How wide is the standee line on the floor of a bus designed to allow standing?
2 inches
Buses that allow standing must have a 2-inch line, or some other way of showing where riders cannot stand.
Section 4 · 4.2.3 – Standee Line ↗ -
Where is no rider allowed to stand?
Forward of the rear of the driver’s seat
Nobody may stand ahead of the back of the driver’s seat.
Section 4 · 4.2.3 – Standee Line ↗ -
A standing rider moves up beside the driver’s seat to look out the windshield. What rule applies?
All standing riders must stay behind the standee line
The standee line shows riders where they cannot stand, and standing riders must stay behind it.
Section 4 · 4.2.3 – Standee Line ↗ -
Which of these is NOT something you are told to announce when arriving at a destination or intermediate stop?
The speed limit on the next road
Announce the location, the reason for stopping, the next departure time, and the bus number.
Section 4 · 4.2.4 – At Your Destination ↗ -
Besides the location and the reason for stopping, what do you announce at a stop?
The next departure time and the bus number
Riders getting off need the departure time and the bus number to find their bus again.
Section 4 · 4.2.4 – At Your Destination ↗ -
What should you remind riders who are getting off the bus?
To take their carry-ons with them
Remind riders to take carry-on items when they leave.
Section 4 · 4.2.4 – At Your Destination ↗ -
The aisle of your bus is lower than the seats. When is the best time to remind riders of the step-down?
Before coming to a complete stop
Tell riders about the step-down before the bus has fully stopped.
Section 4 · 4.2.4 – At Your Destination ↗ -
When should a charter bus driver let riders onto the bus?
Not until departure time
Charter drivers should keep riders off the bus until it is time to leave.
Section 4 · 4.2.4 – At Your Destination ↗ -
Why should a charter bus driver keep riders off the bus until departure time?
To help prevent theft or vandalism of the bus
Keeping the bus closed until departure helps prevent theft and vandalism.
Section 4 · 4.2.4 – At Your Destination ↗ -
What must you be sure of before closing the doors and pulling away?
That your passengers are safely on the bus
Always make sure passengers are safely aboard before the doors close and the bus moves.
Section 4 · 4.2.5 – Loading and Unloading ↗ -
Riders have just boarded. What should you give them before departing?
Enough time to sit down or brace themselves
Let riders sit or brace themselves, then start smoothly.
Section 4 · 4.2.5 – Loading and Unloading ↗ -
Which animals may be transported on a bus?
Certified service, guide, or signal dogs used by physically challenged passengers
Animals are prohibited, except certified service, guide, or signal dogs.
Section 4 · 4.2.6 – Animals ↗ -
A rider wants to bring a pet cat on board in a carrier. What does the handbook say?
Transporting animals is prohibited, so the cat may not ride
The only exception to the ban on animals is for certified service, guide, or signal dogs.
Section 4 · 4.2.6 – Animals ↗
Questions and answers by topic
- Licenses, endorsements and tests105
- Disqualifications and state rules110
- Vehicle inspection80
- Basic control and shifting gears47
- Seeing and communicating46
- Controlling your speed62
- Managing space40
- Seeing hazards49
- Distracted and Aggressive Driving71
- Night, Fog, Winter and Hot Weather124
- Railroad Crossings and Mountain Driving65
- Emergencies, ABS and Skids102
- Accident Procedures and Fires49
- Alcohol, Drugs and Illness41
- Hazardous Materials Rules for All Drivers42
- Transporting Cargo Safely79
- Driving a Bus: Stops, Crossings and Prohibited Practices56
- Air Brake Parts: Compressor, Tanks and Foundation Brakes52
- Warnings, Spring Brakes, ABS and Dual Systems59
- Inspecting Air Brake Systems61
- Using Air Brakes51
- Driving Combination Vehicles Safely50
- Combination Vehicle Air Brakes and ABS59
- Coupling and Uncoupling63
- Inspecting a Combination Vehicle24
- Pulling Double and Triple Trailers16
- Coupling, Inspecting and Brake Checks for Doubles34
- Tank Vehicles62
- HazMat basics and who does what48
- Hazard classes, labels and lists64
- Shipping papers and package markings49
- Placards and placard tables40
- Loading and unloading HazMat58
- Bulk packaging and tanks30
- HazMat driving and parking rules72
- HazMat emergencies and reporting60
- Danger zones and mirrors34
- Loading and unloading students47
- Emergency exit and evacuation34
- Railroad-highway crossings40
- Student management, ABS and special situations47