Transporting passengers
Questions and answers
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Which bus drivers must have a commercial driver license?
Drivers of a vehicle designed to seat 16 or more persons, including the driver
A CDL is needed to drive a vehicle designed to seat 16 or more persons when the driver is counted.
Section 4 · Transporting Passengers Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What must a bus driver have on the commercial driver license?
A passenger endorsement
Bus drivers need the passenger endorsement on their CDL.
Section 4 · Transporting Passengers Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which sections of the manual does the passenger endorsement knowledge test cover?
Sections 2 and 4
The passenger endorsement test is on Section 2 and Section 4 of the manual.
Section 4 · Transporting Passengers Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Your bus has air brakes. What extra knowledge test must you pass for the passenger endorsement?
A test on Section 5, Air Brakes
When the bus has air brakes, you must also pass the Section 5 air brakes knowledge test.
Section 4 · Transporting Passengers Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Besides the knowledge tests, what else must you pass for the passenger endorsement?
The skills tests required for the class of vehicle you drive
You must also pass the skills tests for the class of vehicle you will drive.
Section 4 · Transporting Passengers Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Before driving your bus, what report must you review?
The inspection report made by the previous driver
Part of making sure the bus is safe is reviewing the last driver’s inspection report.
Section 4 · 4.1 – Vehicle Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When should you sign the previous driver’s inspection report?
Only if reported defects were certified as repaired or not needing repair
Sign only when earlier defects have been certified as repaired or not needed to be repaired.
Section 4 · 4.1 – Vehicle Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What does your signature on the previous driver’s report certify?
That the defects reported earlier have been fixed
Signing is your certification that the earlier defects have been taken care of.
Section 4 · 4.1 – Vehicle Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB -
If your bus has a trailer or semitrailer, what is checked along with the service brakes?
The air hose couplings
The service brake check includes air hose couplings when the bus pulls a trailer or semitrailer.
Section 4 · 4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which tires are not allowed on the front wheels of a bus?
Recapped or re-grooved tires
Front wheels must not have recapped or re-grooved tires.
Section 4 · 4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When must a bus’s brakes, steering, lights, and tires be in good working order?
Before you drive
Check the vehicle systems and make sure they work properly before driving the bus.
Section 4 · 4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which emergency reflectors must a bus carry?
3 reflective triangles, or at least 6 fuses, or 3 liquid burning flares
The law requires 3 triangles, or at least 6 fuses, or 3 liquid burning flares.
Section 4 · 4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Along with emergency reflectors, what emergency equipment must a bus have by law?
A fire extinguisher
Make sure the bus has the fire extinguisher and emergency reflectors the law requires.
Section 4 · 4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When does a bus not need spare electrical fuses?
When it is equipped with circuit breakers
Spare electrical fuses are required unless the bus has circuit breakers.
Section 4 · 4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems ↗PDF, 41 MB -
As you check the outside of the bus, what should you do with open emergency exits and access panels?
Close them before driving
Close any open emergency exits and access panels, such as baggage or engine panels, before driving.
Section 4 · 4.1.2 – Access Doors and Panels ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why should you always check the inside of the bus before driving?
People sometimes damage unattended buses
Unattended buses can be damaged, so check the interior for rider safety.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How should the aisles and stairwells of a bus be kept?
Always clear
Aisles and stairwells should always be free of anything that could block or trip riders.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which signaling device must be in safe working order if the bus has a restroom?
The restroom emergency buzzer
Signaling devices, including a restroom emergency buzzer, must work.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is required of the seats on a bus?
They must be securely fastened to the bus
All seats must be safe for riders and securely fastened to the bus.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which of these interior parts must be in safe working condition?
Each handhold and railing
Handholds and railings are on the list of interior parts that must be safe.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗PDF, 41 MB -
May you drive with an emergency exit window open?
No, never drive with an open emergency exit door or window
Emergency exit doors and windows must be closed whenever you drive.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is required of the “Emergency Exit” sign on an emergency door?
It must be clearly visible
Riders must be able to see the “Emergency Exit” sign clearly.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗PDF, 41 MB -
If the bus has a red emergency door light, when must you turn it on?
At night or any other time you use your outside lights
The red emergency door light must work and be on whenever outside lights are on.
Section 4 · 4.1.3 – Bus Interior ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What may you do with some emergency roof hatches for fresh air?
Lock them in a partly open position
Some roof hatches may be locked partly open for air, but not as a regular practice.
Section 4 · 4.1.4 – Roof Hatches ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What should you keep in mind when driving with roof hatches open?
The bus’s higher clearance
Open hatches make the bus taller, so watch overhead clearance.
Section 4 · 4.1.4 – Roof Hatches ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What should the driver’s seat of a bus have?
A seat belt, which you should always use
The driver’s seat should have a seat belt, and you should always wear it.
Section 4 · 4.1.5 – Use Your Seatbelt! ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Where must riders not leave carry-on baggage?
In a doorway or aisle
Nothing should be in the aisle or doorway that might trip other riders.
Section 4 · 4.2 – Loading and Trip Start ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Baggage and freight must be secured so that it does what?
Allows riders to exit by any window or door in an emergency
Secure loads so riders can get out by any window or door in an emergency.
Section 4 · 4.2 – Loading and Trip Start ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Besides keeping exits free, why must carry-ons and freight be secured?
To protect riders from injury if carry-ons fall or shift
Secured baggage will not fall or shift onto riders.
Section 4 · 4.2 – Loading and Trip Start ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How should baggage be placed with respect to the driver?
So the driver can move freely and easily
Baggage must never get in the way of the driver.
Section 4 · 4.2 – Loading and Trip Start ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Can most hazardous materials be carried on a bus?
No, most hazardous materials cannot be carried on a bus
Watch for hazardous cargo, because most of it is not allowed on a bus.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What shows which materials are hazardous?
The Federal Hazardous Materials Table
The Federal Hazardous Materials Table lists the materials that are hazardous.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What must shippers mark on containers of hazardous material?
The material’s name, identification number, and hazard label
Shippers must show the name, ID number, and hazard label on the container.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How many different diamond-shaped hazard labels are there?
Nine
There are nine different four-inch, diamond-shaped hazard labels.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What shape are hazard labels on packages?
Four-inch diamonds
Watch for the four-inch, diamond-shaped labels on cargo and baggage.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When may you transport a hazardous material on a bus?
Only when you are sure the rules allow it
Do not carry any hazardous material unless you are sure it is allowed.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Battery acid belongs to which hazard class?
Class 8, Corrosives
Hydrochloric acid and battery acid are examples of Class 8 corrosives.
Section 4 · 4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which ammunition may a bus carry?
Small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D
Buses may carry small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Besides small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, what else may a bus carry?
Emergency hospital supplies and drugs
Emergency hospital supplies and drugs are allowed on a bus.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When may a bus carry small amounts of other hazardous materials?
If the shipper cannot send them any other way
Small amounts of some other hazardous materials are allowed only when there is no other way to ship them.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which of these must a bus never carry?
Division 2.3 poison gas
Division 2.3 poison gas, liquid Class 6 poison, tear gas, and irritating material are never allowed.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is the most solid Class 6 poison a bus may carry?
100 pounds
Buses must never carry more than 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poisons.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Where must explosives never be carried on a bus, except small arms ammunition?
In the space occupied by people
Explosives may not be in the passenger space, with small arms ammunition as the only exception.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Where must labeled radioactive materials never be carried on a bus?
In the space occupied by people
Labeled radioactive materials are never allowed where people ride.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is the most total weight of allowed hazardous materials a bus may carry?
500 pounds
A bus must never carry more than 500 pounds total of allowed hazardous materials.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is the most a bus may carry of any one class of allowed hazardous materials?
100 pounds
Within the 500-pound total, no more than 100 pounds of any one class is allowed.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which common hazards should you not allow riders to carry on?
Car batteries or gasoline
Riders sometimes bring unlabeled hazards like car batteries or gasoline, which you must not allow.
Section 4 · 4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How far forward may a rider stand on a bus?
No farther forward than the rear of the driver’s seat
No rider may stand forward of the rear of the driver’s seat.
Section 4 · 4.2.3 – Standee Line ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is the standee line?
A two-inch line on the floor showing where riders may not stand
Buses built for standing must show riders where they cannot stand, often with a two-inch floor line.
Section 4 · 4.2.3 – Standee Line ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Where must all standing riders stay?
Behind the standee line
All standing riders must stay behind the standee line.
Section 4 · 4.2.3 – Standee Line ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At a destination or intermediate stop, which of these should you announce?
The location, reason for stopping, next departure time, and bus number
Tell riders where they are, why you stopped, when you leave, and the bus number.
Section 4 · 4.2.4 – At Your Destination ↗PDF, 41 MB -
If the aisle is on a lower level than the seats, what should you remind riders of?
The step-down
Warn riders about the step-down, best before the bus comes to a complete stop.
Section 4 · 4.2.4 – At Your Destination ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When is it best to tell riders about the step-down?
Before coming to a complete stop
It is best to give the warning before the bus comes to a complete stop.
Section 4 · 4.2.4 – At Your Destination ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why should charter bus drivers not let riders on the bus until departure time?
To help prevent theft or vandalism of the bus
Keeping riders off until departure time helps prevent theft and vandalism.
Section 4 · 4.2.4 – At Your Destination ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When should you mention rules about smoking, drinking, or radios on a charter trip?
At the start of the trip
Explaining the rules at the start helps avoid trouble later.
Section 4 · 4.3.1 – Passenger Supervision ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Before starting from a stop, what should you wait for?
Riders to sit down or brace themselves
Riders can stumble when the bus starts, so wait until they are seated or braced.
Section 4 · 4.3.2 – At Stops ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Where may it be safer to let a drunk or disruptive rider off the bus?
At the next scheduled stop or a well-lighted area with other people
Never put such a rider off where it is unsafe for them.
Section 4 · 4.3.2 – At Stops ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Where do bus accidents often happen?
At intersections
Use caution at intersections, even when a signal or sign controls other traffic.
Section 4 · 4.3.3 – Common Accidents ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What do school and mass transit buses sometimes do when pulling out from a bus stop?
Scrape off mirrors or hit passing vehicles
Remember your bus’s clearance and watch for passing traffic when leaving a stop.
Section 4 · 4.3.3 – Common Accidents ↗PDF, 41 MB -
You signal to pull out from a bus stop. What should you never assume?
That other drivers will brake to give you room
Wait for a gap to open instead of expecting others to slow down for you.
Section 4 · 4.3.3 – Common Accidents ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What causes crashes on curves that kill people and destroy buses?
Excessive speed, often on a road made slippery by rain or snow
Curve crashes come from too much speed, often when the road is slippery.
Section 4 · 4.3.4 – Speed on Curves ↗PDF, 41 MB -
In good weather, is the posted speed on a banked curve always safe for a bus?
No, it is safe for cars but may be too high for many buses
Posted curve speeds suit cars and can be too fast for buses.
Section 4 · 4.3.4 – Speed on Curves ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Taking a curve too fast with good traction, what may a bus do?
Roll over
With good traction the bus may roll over, with poor traction it may slide off.
Section 4 · 4.3.4 – Speed on Curves ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Your bus leans toward the outside on a banked curve. What does that mean?
You are driving too fast
Leaning to the outside of a banked curve is a sign of too much speed.
Section 4 · 4.3.4 – Speed on Curves ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Within what distance of a railroad crossing must you stop your bus?
Between 15 and 50 feet before it
Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the crossing.
Section 4 · 4.3.5 – Railroad-highway Crossing/ Stops ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At a railroad crossing, when should you open your forward door?
If it improves your ability to see or hear a train
Opening the forward door can help you see or hear an approaching train.
Section 4 · 4.3.5 – Railroad-highway Crossing/ Stops ↗PDF, 41 MB -
A train has just passed the crossing. What should you check before crossing?
That no other train is coming the other way on other tracks
Another train may be coming from the other direction on another track.
Section 4 · 4.3.5 – Railroad-highway Crossing/ Stops ↗PDF, 41 MB -
If your bus has a manual transmission, what must you never do while crossing tracks?
Change gears
Never shift gears while crossing railroad tracks.
Section 4 · 4.3.5 – Railroad-highway Crossing/ Stops ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Where may you slow down and check traffic instead of stopping at a railroad crossing?
At a crossing marked “exempt” or “abandoned”
Crossings marked exempt or abandoned, streetcar crossings, green signals, and flagged crossings do not require a stop.
Section 4 · 4.3.5 – Railroad-highway Crossing/ Stops ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Do you have to stop a bus at a streetcar crossing?
No, but you must slow down and check for other vehicles
At streetcar crossings you slow down and check carefully instead of stopping.
Section 4 · 4.3.5 – Railroad-highway Crossing/ Stops ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At a drawbridge with no signal light or traffic attendant, where must you stop?
At least 50 feet before the draw of the bridge
Stop at least 50 feet before the draw and make sure it is completely closed.
Section 4 · 4.3.6 – Drawbridges ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When may you cross a drawbridge without stopping?
When a traffic light shows green or an attendant controls traffic
A green light or an attendant who controls traffic means you slow down and check instead of stopping.
Section 4 · 4.3.6 – Drawbridges ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When should you inspect your bus after a trip?
At the end of each shift
Inspect the bus at the end of every shift.
Section 4 · 4.4 – After-trip Vehicle Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB -
If you work for an interstate carrier, what must you complete at the end of the shift?
A written inspection report for each bus driven
Interstate drivers write an inspection report for every bus they drove.
Section 4 · 4.4 – After-trip Vehicle Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Your bus has no defects at the end of your shift. What should the written report say?
That there are no defects
If there are no defects, the report should say so.
Section 4 · 4.4 – After-trip Vehicle Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What should mass transit drivers also check at the end of a shift?
That passenger signaling devices and brake-door interlocks work
Mass transit drivers check that signaling devices and brake-door interlocks work properly.
Section 4 · 4.4 – After-trip Vehicle Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When may you fuel your bus with riders on board?
Only when absolutely necessary, and never in a closed building
Avoid fueling with riders aboard, and never refuel in a closed building with riders on board.
Section 4 · 4.5 – Prohibited Practices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What must you not do with riders while driving?
Talk with them or do anything else distracting
Talking with riders or any other distracting activity while driving is prohibited.
Section 4 · 4.5 – Prohibited Practices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When may a disabled bus be towed or pushed with riders aboard?
Only if getting off would be unsafe, and only to the nearest safe spot
Riders should get off first unless that is unsafe, and then move the bus only to the nearest safe spot.
Section 4 · 4.5 – Prohibited Practices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What does a brake and accelerator interlock do when the rear door is open?
Applies the brakes and holds the throttle in idle
On urban transit coaches the interlock holds the bus with brakes and idle throttle while the rear door is open.
Section 4 · 4.6 – Use of Brake-door Interlocks ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When does the brake-door interlock release?
When you close the rear door
Closing the rear door releases the interlock.
Section 4 · 4.6 – Use of Brake-door Interlocks ↗PDF, 41 MB -
May you use the brake-door interlock instead of the parking brake?
No, it must not be used in place of the parking brake
The interlock is a safety feature, not a substitute for the parking brake.
Section 4 · 4.6 – Use of Brake-door Interlocks ↗PDF, 41 MB
Questions and answers by topic
- Texas commercial rules126
- Licenses, tests and disqualifications83
- Vehicle inspection67
- Control, shifting and seeing54
- Communicating, speed and space85
- Seeing hazards, distraction and road rage78
- Night, fog, winter and hot weather72
- Railroad crossings and mountain driving53
- Emergencies, ABS and skids68
- Accidents, fires, alcohol and hazmat rules75
- Transporting cargo49
- Air brake parts and dual systems77
- Inspecting and using air brakes79
- Driving combination vehicles56
- Combination air brakes, coupling and inspection90
- Doubles and triples57
- Tank vehicles57
- Hazmat rules, classes and papers84
- Loading, bulk and driving with hazmat86
- Hazmat emergencies66
- School bus danger zones and loading67
- School bus emergencies, crossings and safety75