Passenger Transport Flashcards

When should you inspect your vehicle?

Answer: Before and after your shift

Commercial drivers, especially bus drivers, are required to perform thorough vehicle inspections both before and after their shift. The pre-trip inspection ensures the vehicle is safe to operate before starting a route, while the post-trip inspection identifies any issues that may have developed during the shift. This dual inspection ensures timely repairs and that the vehicle is ready for the next operation.

When you arrive at an area where a policeman or flagman is directing traffic, you should

Answer: Slow down and carefully check for other vehicles

When a policeman or flagman is directing traffic, their signals supersede traffic lights and signs. However, it's crucial to still exercise caution. Drivers should slow down significantly and carefully observe the flagman's directions, as well as checking for other vehicles or pedestrians, to ensure a safe passage through the controlled area.

Before you accept cargo or baggage with hazardous materials, you must confirm that the container has which of the following?

Answer: Hazard label, the material's name, and identification number

Before accepting any cargo or baggage containing hazardous materials, bus drivers must verify that the container is properly marked and labeled according to regulations. This includes ensuring it has the correct hazard label, the specific name of the material, and its corresponding identification number. These markings provide crucial information for safe handling and emergency response.

When you are on the road, you should

Answer: Scan the interior of the bus as well as the road ahead, behind and to the sides

A bus driver's responsibility extends beyond just the road ahead. To ensure the safety of all passengers and the vehicle, drivers must continually scan the road in all directions (ahead, behind, and to the sides) and also monitor the interior of the bus. This comprehensive scanning helps identify potential hazards, passenger issues, or emergencies, allowing the driver to react promptly and maintain overall safety.

Bus passengers should NOT

Answer: Stand in front of the standee line

The standee line on a bus marks the forward-most point where passengers are permitted to stand. Standing in front of this line is prohibited because it obstructs the driver's view of the road and mirrors, and can interfere with the safe operation of the bus. This rule is crucial for maintaining the driver's visibility and control, especially during sudden stops or turns, ensuring passenger safety.

During your pre-trip inspection, which of the following items should you check?

Answer: All of the above

A thorough pre-trip inspection is paramount for the safe operation of a commercial bus. Checking all listed items—service brakes, parking brake, steering mechanism, horn, windshield wipers, emergency exit handles, fire extinguisher, and emergency reflectors—ensures that critical safety systems are fully functional. This comprehensive check helps prevent mechanical failures and ensures the bus is ready to safely transport passengers.

If you are transporting passengers on a charter bus, you should

Answer: Not allow passengers on the bus until departure time

For charter buses, it is a standard safety and operational procedure to not allow passengers on the bus until the scheduled departure time. This practice allows the driver to complete all necessary pre-trip inspections and preparations without distraction. It also ensures that passengers are not unsupervised on the vehicle and helps manage the boarding process efficiently and safely.

When transporting passengers on charter or intercity buses, you should mention rules regarding safety and comfort

Answer: Before the trip is started

It is crucial to inform passengers about safety and comfort rules before the trip begins, especially on charter or intercity buses. This proactive communication ensures that all passengers understand expectations regarding emergency procedures, seatbelt use, and general conduct. Providing this information upfront helps prevent issues, ensures a smoother journey, and enhances overall passenger safety and comfort.

You do not have to stop, but you must slow down and carefully check for other vehicles at

Answer: Crossings marked as exempt or abandoned

While most railroad crossings require a full stop for buses, crossings marked as 'exempt' or 'abandoned' indicate that trains do not regularly use them or the tracks are out of service. In these specific instances, drivers are permitted to slow down and proceed with caution, carefully checking for other vehicles, rather than coming to a complete stop. This exception is based on the significantly reduced risk at such crossings.

Which of the following hazardous material loads is acceptable to transport on a bus?

Answer: 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poison

Federal regulations (49 CFR) strictly limit the types and quantities of hazardous materials that can be transported on a bus carrying passengers. While many hazardous materials are prohibited, certain small quantities of specific classes, such as 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poison, are permitted under specific conditions. Other options like liquid poisons, explosives, or radioactive materials in passenger compartments are generally forbidden due to higher risks.