Vermont 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 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 100 pounds of any one class of allowed hazardous materials.

Passenger buses can carry up to 100 pounds of each class of hazardous materials and up to 500 pounds total. 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 small-arms ammunition marked "Limited Quantity."

Buses may carry small-arms ammunition marked "Limited Quantity" (relatively small quantity of hazmat; formerly "ORM-D"), emergency hospital supplies, and drugs. Buses may carry small amounts of some other hazardous materials if the shipper cannot send them any other way. Buses may not carry more than 100 pounds of any class or more than 500 pounds total.

Not quite. The answer is The driver's seat

The driver's seat in every bus must be equipped with a seat belt in good working order. Always wear your seat belt whenever your bus is in motion. In the event of a crash, your seat belt will keep you from being badly injured or thrown out of your seat, which would result in your losing control of your vehicle.

Not quite. The answer is do any of the above.

If you have a drunk or disruptive passenger, you have a few options for the safety of all concerned. If possible, follow your carrier's guidelines for dealing with such passengers. Otherwise, you may drop the passenger off at the next scheduled stop or in any clean, well-lighted place where there are many people.

Not quite. The answer is Zero

Federal regulations require all seats to be securely fastened to the bus. Temporary folding seats are not permitted on a bus unless it's carrying agricultural workers on short trips. [49 CFR 393.91],

Source: 29 CFR 500.105

Not quite. The answer is No, because it may distract the bus driver from driving.

Conversations with passengers represent a distraction from the driving task. The bus driver should avoid all potential distractions while driving the bus. The only real way to treat feelings of sleepiness is with sleep.

Not quite. The answer is wait for a sufficient gap.

You should know the size of the gap that your bus needs to accelerate and merge with traffic. Before leaving the bus stop, wait for a large enough gap to open. Never assume other drivers will brake to give you room when you signal or start to pull out.

Not quite. The answer is your ability to drive safely is impaired by illness or fatigue.

Federal regulations prohibit you from operating a commercial motor vehicle if your ability to drive safely is impaired for any reason: fatigue, illness, or the side effects of medications you're taking.

Not quite. The answer is safe for cars in good weather.

Each curve has a safe "design speed," which is its safe speed for cars in good weather. However, at that speed, a bus is more prone to rolling over. And it may not be safe for any vehicles to travel at that speed in bad weather. In particular, a bus could go sliding right off the road. For safety on curves, slow down below the posted speed. If your bus is leaning outward on a banked curve, you are driving too fast.

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 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 latch

If you are performing your vehicle inspection test on a coach or transit bus, you will have to inspect the baggage compartments. Check that the baggage compartment doors are undamaged, operate properly, and latch securely.

Not quite. The answer is Never

During your pre-trip inspection, make sure that the emergency exit doors and windows are closed. Never drive with them open. However, you are allowed to lock some emergency roof hatches in a partly open position for fresh air. Keep in mind that doing so adds to the height of the bus.

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 secured and out of the way of any exit.

Carry-on baggage must not be left in a doorway or aisle where it could trip riders. Secure baggage and freight so it (a) remains undamaged; (b) allows the driver to move freely and easily; (c) allows riders to exit by any window or door in an emergency; and (d) protects riders from injury if carry-on baggage falls or shifts.

Not quite. The answer is No.

Never drive with an open emergency exit door or window. As part of your pre-trip inspection of the interior of the bus, check that all emergency exit doors and windows are securely closed.

Not quite. The answer is The driver must engage in a conversation with the riders while driving.

Avoid fueling your bus with riders on board unless it is absolutely necessary. Never refuel in a closed building with riders on board. Don’t talk with riders, or engage in any other distracting activity, while driving.

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.