New York CDL: Passenger Vehicles Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is at intersections.

Bus accidents often happen at intersections, where there are many drivers and pedestrians doing different things. Use caution at intersections even if there are signs or signals that are supposed to control traffic. Also use caution at railroad crossings. Buses are required to stop at railroad crossings.

Not quite. The answer is don't talk with riders.

While driving, stay focused on the driving task. Keep an eye on your riders, but don't talk with them or engage in any other distracting activities.

Not quite. The answer is Yes, but only up to 100 pounds.

Many hazardous materials cannot be carried on a bus. These include any amounts of Division 2.3 poison gases, liquid Class 6 poisons, or tear gas; or more than 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poisons. Also, buses may never carry explosives (except small-arms ammunition) or radioactive materials in the space occupied by people. Finally, buses may not carry more than a total of 500 pounds of allowed hazardous materials, and no more than 100 pounds of any one class.

Not quite. The answer is in front of the standee line.

Buses that allow passengers to stand must have some way to show passengers that they must stand behind the driver. This can be a two-inch-wide line (called the standee line) on the floor behind the driver's seat.

Not quite. The answer is before the trip.

Many charter and intercity carriers have passenger comfort and safety rules. At the start of the trip, tell the passengers about the rules on smoking, drinking, or use of personal electronic devices. Explaining the rules at the start will help avoid trouble later on. While driving, keep an eye on the passengers. Remind them if you see them breaking the rules.

Not quite. The answer is Tornado

In most extreme situations, it is safer for the passengers to remain inside the bus – but not in the case of a tornado. First, you can't hope to outrun a tornado. The tornado can skip from one point and touch down at another point unpredictably. Second, the tornado can destroy much of what lies in its path. Therefore, when a tornado is around, evacuate the bus, and get everyone to shelter in the basement or other safe room of a nearby building. If no such shelter is available, get the passengers into a ditch or ravine (but not underneath a bridge or overpass), and instruct them to lie face down with their hands over their head. In the extremely unlikely event that lightning hits your bus, it should pass around the metal exterior of the bus. However, stay off the radio. Lightning can travel down antennas and through electronic gear. Have your passengers stay inside the bus, and stay away from the sides of the bus.

Not quite. The answer is Never

Never drive with an open emergency exit door or window. Keep it closed for your passengers' safety.

Not quite. The answer is slow down.

When switching from high-beam lights to low beams, slow down, since you will not be able to see as far in front of you.

Not quite. The answer is It depends on the state.

There is no national requirement for coach buses to stop at permanent weigh station locations. Instead, each state can set its own rules. As of March 2021, there are 24 states in which coach buses must stop at weigh stations, at least under certain circumstances.

Source: Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, March 2021

Not quite. The answer is small-arms ammunition

Passenger buses can carry up to 100 pounds of certain hazardous materials, such as small-arms ammunition labeled "Limited Quantity," emergency hospital supplies, and drugs. However, there are some exceptions. Division 2.3 (poison gases) and liquid Class 6 (poisons) cannot be carried in any amounts. Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (labeled radioactives) cannot be carried in the passenger area.

Not quite. The answer is on any wheels except the front wheels.

Federal regulations prohibit the use of recapped, regrooved, or retreaded tires on the front wheels. A tire failure on the steering axle is more likely to result in loss of control than a tire failure elsewhere.

Source: 49 CFR 393.75

Not quite. The answer is Allow much more space than is needed under ideal driving conditions.

The usual formula for following distance under ideal conditions is one second for every ten feet of vehicle length, plus an extra second if you are traveling at over 40 mph. The only thing the CDL manual says about following distance on slippery roads is that you should allow "much more space to stop." The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends doubling your usual following distance under poor driving conditions.

Source: "CMV Driving Tips - Following Too Closely," FMCSA, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/cmv-driving-tips-following-too-closely

Not quite. The answer is not allow the rider to do it.

Buses are allowed to carry small amounts (up to a total of 500 pounds) of certain hazardous materials. But not battery acid or gasoline.

Not quite. The answer is in a closed building with passengers on board.

Avoid fueling your bus with riders on board unless it is absolutely necessary. Never refuel in a closed building with riders on board.

Not quite. The answer is it must be secured while the bus is being driven.

Emergency exit doors and windows must be securely closed whenever the bus is moving. Signage must be visible. If there is a red emergency door light above the emergency exit, it must work properly and be turned on whenever you use your headlights.

Not quite. The answer is it must be closed whenever the bus is in motion.

Emergency exits must be closed whenever the bus is in motion. If an emergency exit has a red emergency exit light, it should be turned on whenever conditions require you to turn on your headlights.

Not quite. The answer is A spare jacket

Federal regulations require CMVs to carry emergency warning devices, such as reflective triangles, and a properly rated fire extinguisher. A spare jacket may be useful in cold weather, but it is not federally required emergency equipment. Spare electrical fuses are also no longer federally required under current FMCSA regulations.

Source: 49 CFR 393.95

Not quite. The answer is You can carry any hazardous materials on your bus as long as they are properly labeled.

Most hazardous materials are prohibited on buses. However, certain hazardous materials (such as small-arms ammunition marked "Limited Quantity") may be allowed on a bus if the packages are properly labeled. Don't allow any hazardous material on your bus until you first make sure that the rules allow it.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

If the coach bus has a restroom (lavatory), check the following during your pre-trip inspection of the vehicle: (1) The restroom must be clean overall. (2) The Vacant/Occupied indicator must be present, clean, undamaged, and working properly. (3) The restroom lights must work properly when the restroom door is closed. (4) The restroom must be properly stocked with enough soap and toilet paper for the trip, and (these days) hand sanitizer as well.

Not quite. The answer is You must be able to stop within the distance that you can see ahead.

You should know the safe driving speeds for your vehicle under both ideal driving conditions and poor driving conditions. The posted speed limits on curves are safe for cars under ideal driving conditions, but not necessarily safe for large vehicles like buses. On a curve, you may have to slow down below the posted speed.