CDL Passenger Transport Practice Test 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a pre-trip inspection of your bus, you should
- Insure that your front tires have been recapped or regrooved
- Insure that the emergency roof hatches are fully closed
- Close any open access panels (baggage, engine etc.) (Correct answer)
- All of the above
Correct answer: Close any open access panels (baggage, engine etc.)
During a pre-trip inspection, it's essential to ensure the vehicle is safe and secure for operation. Closing any open access panels, such as baggage compartments or engine access doors, prevents them from opening unexpectedly during travel. This could create a hazard for other road users or damage the vehicle, making it a standard safety check for buses.
Question 2: Which of the following hazardous materials is FORBIDDEN to be transported on a bus?
- Small-arms ammunition (labeled ORM-D)
- Emergency hospital supplies
- Tear gas (Correct answer)
- All of the above
Correct answer: Tear gas
Federal regulations strictly prohibit the transportation of certain hazardous materials on passenger buses to ensure the safety of all occupants. Tear gas, along with other poisons, explosives, and radioactive materials, is explicitly forbidden. This rule prevents potential harm to passengers in the event of an incident involving these dangerous substances.
Question 3: Which of the following hazardous materials is ALLOWED to be transported on a bus?
- Car batteries
- Small-arms ammunition (Correct answer)
- Liquid pesticides
- All of the above
Correct answer: Small-arms ammunition
While many hazardous materials are forbidden on buses, certain items are allowed under specific conditions. Small-arms ammunition, labeled as ORM-D (Other Regulated Materials for Domestic transport), is generally permitted on buses, provided it is properly packaged and limited in quantity. This exception allows individuals to transport personal hunting or sporting ammunition safely.
Question 4: The two-inch line on the floor behind the driver's seat is known as
- Stand zone
- Driver area line
- Baggage line
- Standee line (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Standee line
The 'standee line' is a two-inch wide line marked on the floor of a bus, typically behind the driver's seat. Its purpose is to designate the area where passengers are not permitted to stand while the bus is in motion. This ensures that passengers do not obstruct the driver's view or interfere with their operation of the vehicle, enhancing safety.
Question 5: If you have a drunk or disruptive passenger, you should
- Immediately stop the bus and discharge them
- Make them sit in the front of the bus, behind the driver
- Drop the person off at the next scheduled stop or a nearby safe well-lit area (Correct answer)
- None of the above
Correct answer: Drop the person off at the next scheduled stop or a nearby safe well-lit area
When dealing with a drunk or disruptive passenger, driver safety and the safety of other passengers are paramount. The recommended procedure is to drop the individual off at the next scheduled stop or a safe, well-lit area, rather than immediately stopping in an unsafe location. This approach minimizes risk while removing the disruptive element from the bus.
Question 6: When dealing with a railroad crossing, you should
- Stop 100 feet before the crossing
- Open your forward door to look and listen for approaching train (Correct answer)
- Downshift while crossing the tracks
- None of the above
Correct answer: Open your forward door to look and listen for approaching train
When approaching a railroad crossing, bus drivers must take extra precautions to ensure safety. After stopping the bus at the appropriate distance, opening the forward door allows the driver to better hear and see any approaching trains, as the bus's insulation can muffle sounds. This critical step helps prevent collisions at crossings.
Question 7: When approaching a drawbridge with no traffic light or attendant, you should
- Exit your vehicle to insure that the drawbridge is closed
- Slow down and make sure it's safe
- Stop at least 50 feet before the draw of the bridge (Correct answer)
- All of the above
Correct answer: Stop at least 50 feet before the draw of the bridge
Approaching a drawbridge without traffic lights or an attendant requires extreme caution. The correct procedure is to stop the bus at least 50 feet before the draw of the bridge. This provides a safe buffer zone and allows the driver to visually confirm that the bridge is fully closed and safe to cross before proceeding.
Question 8: Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding brake and accelerator interlock systems?
- The interlock applies the brakes when the rear door is open
- The interlock holds the throttle in idle position when the rear door is open
- You can use the interlock in place of the parking brake (Correct answer)
- The interlock releases when you close the rear door
Correct answer: You can use the interlock in place of the parking brake
Brake and accelerator interlock systems are safety features designed to prevent a bus from moving while the rear door is open by applying the brakes and holding the throttle in idle. However, these systems are not a substitute for the parking brake. The parking brake is a separate, dedicated system for securing the vehicle when parked, and relying on the interlock alone is unsafe and against regulations.
Question 9: Which of the following practices is recommended when you have passengers on your bus?
- Refueling in a closed building with passengers on board during cold or inclement weather
- Requesting the passengers to leave the bus during refueling (Correct answer)
- Towing or pushing the bus with passengers on board
- Having conversations with your passengers to make the ride more enjoyable
Correct answer: Requesting the passengers to leave the bus during refueling
Refueling a bus with passengers on board, especially in a closed building, poses a significant fire hazard due to potential fumes and ignition sources. The safest and recommended practice is to request all passengers to exit the bus during refueling. This minimizes the risk of injury in case of a fire or fuel spill and is a standard safety protocol for commercial passenger vehicles.
Question 10: If you are driving a bus around a banked curve, you should
- Drive at the posted speed
- Drive at the same speed as other traffic
- Slow down if your bus leans toward the outside of the curve (Correct answer)
- Maintain your speed throughout the curve
Correct answer: Slow down if your bus leans toward the outside of the curve
When driving a bus around a banked curve, the banking helps counteract centrifugal force. However, if the bus leans excessively toward the outside of the curve, it indicates that the speed is too high for the curve's radius and banking. Slowing down reduces the centrifugal force, bringing the bus back into a safer, more stable position and preventing a potential rollover.
During a pre-trip inspection of your bus, you should