Podcast
Questions and Answers
If your CDL is suspended, revoked, canceled, or you are disqualified from driving in any way, you must notify your employer within how many business days?
If your CDL is suspended, revoked, canceled, or you are disqualified from driving in any way, you must notify your employer within how many business days?
2 days
What is the program issued by NHTSA to improve state programs for transporting students safely?
What is the program issued by NHTSA to improve state programs for transporting students safely?
Guideline 17
What is the approximate width, height, and length of a school bus?
What is the approximate width, height, and length of a school bus?
7' x 11' x 40'
What is the proper positioning and adjustment for wearing a seatbelt while driving a commercial vehicle?
What is the proper positioning and adjustment for wearing a seatbelt while driving a commercial vehicle?
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An important part of operating a commercial vehicle is being aware of the clearances required of your vehicle.
An important part of operating a commercial vehicle is being aware of the clearances required of your vehicle.
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Which of the following is NOT found as a gauge/indicator on the dash of a commercial vehicle?
Which of the following is NOT found as a gauge/indicator on the dash of a commercial vehicle?
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What items should be checked during the pre-trip inspection?
What items should be checked during the pre-trip inspection?
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What are the 3 required components of a post-trip inspection?
What are the 3 required components of a post-trip inspection?
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When entering an interstate highway, what is best practice?
When entering an interstate highway, what is best practice?
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What should a driver do when executing a turn in a commercial vehicle?
What should a driver do when executing a turn in a commercial vehicle?
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Most heavy vehicles require double clutching to change gears.
Most heavy vehicles require double clutching to change gears.
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What is the procedure called that involves appropriate signaling, braking, and downshifting to prevent brakes from overheating before starting down a steep hill?
What is the procedure called that involves appropriate signaling, braking, and downshifting to prevent brakes from overheating before starting down a steep hill?
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What are the 4 H's of backing a commercial vehicle?
What are the 4 H's of backing a commercial vehicle?
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What procedure should a commercial driver use when backing up without the use of a helper?
What procedure should a commercial driver use when backing up without the use of a helper?
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How far ahead should a driver look when seeing ahead?
How far ahead should a driver look when seeing ahead?
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What are the steps of the S.I.P.D.E. Method?
What are the steps of the S.I.P.D.E. Method?
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It is acceptable to communicate intentions using hand gestures while driving.
It is acceptable to communicate intentions using hand gestures while driving.
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What is the best practice for using turn signals?
What is the best practice for using turn signals?
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What distractions should be avoided while driving a commercial vehicle?
What distractions should be avoided while driving a commercial vehicle?
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Which of the following is a best practice for preventing distracted driving?
Which of the following is a best practice for preventing distracted driving?
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High speeds increase stopping distance greatly.
High speeds increase stopping distance greatly.
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If traveling 50 miles per hour in a bus, what is the appropriate following distance under good weather conditions?
If traveling 50 miles per hour in a bus, what is the appropriate following distance under good weather conditions?
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How much space should you keep in front of your vehicle for speeds below 40 mph?
How much space should you keep in front of your vehicle for speeds below 40 mph?
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Which of the following are safe night-driving procedures?
Which of the following are safe night-driving procedures?
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Which of these items are key vehicle factors for greater safety while night driving?
Which of these items are key vehicle factors for greater safety while night driving?
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It is important to carry the right number of chains & cross links in extreme weather.
It is important to carry the right number of chains & cross links in extreme weather.
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What items should be paid special attention to during a pre-trip inspection in very hot weather?
What items should be paid special attention to during a pre-trip inspection in very hot weather?
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What is the correct order for the defensive driving procedure?
What is the correct order for the defensive driving procedure?
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Checking mirrors regularly is a key factor involved in hazard perception.
Checking mirrors regularly is a key factor involved in hazard perception.
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Which of the following is NOT the correct procedure for handling a skid in a commercial motor vehicle?
Which of the following is NOT the correct procedure for handling a skid in a commercial motor vehicle?
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Which of the following are considered best practices if you are forced to leave the road while driving a commercial vehicle?
Which of the following are considered best practices if you are forced to leave the road while driving a commercial vehicle?
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If you are positioned at a railroad track and have any issues with the crossing equipment, where do you find information to contact the railroad officials?
If you are positioned at a railroad track and have any issues with the crossing equipment, where do you find information to contact the railroad officials?
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What are the distances (near & far) you should stop when stopping at a railroad crossing?
What are the distances (near & far) you should stop when stopping at a railroad crossing?
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What is a railroad crossing that has no lights or no rail/stop arm called?
What is a railroad crossing that has no lights or no rail/stop arm called?
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List the 5 major components that are checked under the hood in a pre-trip inspection.
List the 5 major components that are checked under the hood in a pre-trip inspection.
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What is the range of penalty for a commercial driver failing a roadside inspection?
What is the range of penalty for a commercial driver failing a roadside inspection?
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What things does a weigh station check for?
What things does a weigh station check for?
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The potential consequences of violating driver-related regulations can carry significant financial penalties.
The potential consequences of violating driver-related regulations can carry significant financial penalties.
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If you see anything that does not pass your pre-trip inspection, what should you do?
If you see anything that does not pass your pre-trip inspection, what should you do?
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How often should your school bus be inspected by a state-certified mechanic?
How often should your school bus be inspected by a state-certified mechanic?
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Is it acceptable to drive a school bus while texting/talking on a cellphone?
Is it acceptable to drive a school bus while texting/talking on a cellphone?
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A light check & air brake check are optional items of the pre-trip.
A light check & air brake check are optional items of the pre-trip.
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What is the ultimate goal and purpose of the pre-trip & post-trip inspection?
What is the ultimate goal and purpose of the pre-trip & post-trip inspection?
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What should you check and adjust prior to beginning your route?
What should you check and adjust prior to beginning your route?
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A driver should use hand signals from the driver's seat to communicate his/her intentions on the roadway.
A driver should use hand signals from the driver's seat to communicate his/her intentions on the roadway.
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Study Notes
CDL Compliance and Notifications
- Notify your employer within two business days if your CDL is suspended, revoked, canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving.
Highway Safety Programs
- The program for improving student transportation safety is initiated by NHTSA and covers equipment, driver training, and pupil services.
School Bus Dimensions
- A standard school bus measures approximately 7 feet wide, 11 feet high, and 40 feet long.
Seatbelt Positioning
- Proper seatbelt positioning requires the belt to strike across the right hip and the top of the left shoulder when driving a commercial vehicle.
Vehicle Clearance Awareness
- Awareness of vehicle clearances, gross vehicle weight, and operational systems is essential for safe commercial vehicle operation.
Dash Gauges
- A tire pressure gauge is not typically found on the dash of a commercial vehicle.
Pre-Trip Inspection Requirements
- During a pre-trip inspection, check all safety and emergency components, brake systems, and all vehicle lights.
Post-Trip Inspection Components
- Required post-trip inspection components include K.B.K: Check for Kids, Bleed the Brakes, and Secure the Key.
Interstate Highway Entry Best Practices
- Use the full acceleration lane when entering an interstate highway to match the speed of other traffic.
Proper Turn Execution
- Check mirrors and signal at least 100 feet before a turn, completing the turn into the nearest lane using hand-over-hand steering.
Double Clutching
- Most heavy vehicles require double clutching for gear changes, a skill that necessitates practice.
Snub Braking Technique
- Snub braking involves signaling, braking, and downshifting properly before descending a steep hill to prevent brake overheating.
The 4 H's of Backing
- Remember the 4 H's: Helper, Hazard, Horn, and Hush for safe backing of a commercial vehicle.
Backing Safety Protocol (GOAL)
- Implement "Get Out And Look" (GOAL) for safe backing when approaching a dock without a helper.
Visual Search Practice
- Drivers should look 12 to 15 seconds ahead, equating to one block up to 1/4 mile, to identify potential hazards.
S.I.P.D.E. Method Steps
- The S.I.P.D.E. Method includes: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute to enhance situational awareness.
Safe Driver Communication
- Proper driver communication involves using headlights, turn signals, flashers, horn, eye contact, and hand gestures.
Turn Signal Best Practices
- Signal at least 100 feet before making a turn to inform other drivers and prevent them from passing.
Driving Distractions to Avoid
- Avoid distractions such as cell phone use, eating/drinking, and operating electronic devices while driving.
Preventing Distracted Driving
- Keep eyes on the road, both hands on the wheel, and remain focused to prevent distractions.
Impact of Speed on Stopping Distance
- Doubling speed increases stopping distance by about four times, significantly raising crash impact risks.
Following Distance Guidelines
- Maintain a following distance of 5 seconds under good weather conditions when driving a bus.
Space Management for Stopping
- At speeds below 40 mph, maintain 1 second of space for every 10 feet of vehicle length in front of you.
Safe Night Driving Practices
- Avoid glare from other vehicles and utilize high beams when necessary; stop if drowsy.
Key Night Driving Factors
- Ensure headlights are functional, keep the windshield clean, and verify turn signals and brake lights are operational for safe night driving.
Importance of Chains in Extreme Weather
- Carrying the appropriate number of chains and cross links is crucial for safety in extreme conditions.
Pre-Trip Inspection in Hot Weather
- During high temperatures, pay special attention to engine coolant, belts, and hoses in your pre-trip inspection.
Defensive Driving Steps
- The defensive driving procedure involves: Recognize potential hazards, Decide on the defense, and Act on time.
Mirror Checking for Hazard Perception
- Regular mirror checks are essential for maintaining awareness of hazards around your vehicle.
Handling a Skid
- Stabbing the brakes hard is not recommended when handling a skid; the focus should be on controlled braking.
Best Practice for Leaving the Road
- Advise students to put up windows, line up down the aisle to evacuate, and keep one set of wheels on the pavement.
Railroad Crossing Information
- If issues arise at a railroad crossing, information to contact railroad officials can be found on the sign attached to the crossing.
Stopping Distances at Railroad Crossings
- Stop 15 feet from the nearest rail when close, and 50 feet when farther away from the crossing.
Types of Railroad Crossings
- A passive railroad crossing has no lights or stop arms, indicating lower safety measures.
Pre-Trip Inspection Components
- Major components for under-the-hood checks include Electrical systems, Fluids, Steering, Suspension, and Brakes.
Consequences of Roadside Inspection Failure
- Failing a roadside inspection can lead to fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and a possible out-of-service period of 90 days to 5 years.
Weigh Station Requirements
- Weigh stations check for adherence to weight restrictions and conduct safety inspections on vehicles over 10,000 pounds, excluding some buses.
Importance of Driver Integrity
- Violating driver regulations or falsifying records can result in financial penalties and loss of driving privileges; honesty is essential.
Response to Pre-Trip Inspection Failures
- If a pre-trip inspection reveals issues, contact the shop for guidance as soon as safely possible.
Monthly School Bus Inspections
- A school bus should be inspected by a state-certified mechanic once per month.
Cellphone Use While Driving Ban
- Driving a school bus while texting or using a cellphone without a safety belt is illegal and unsafe.
Essential Pre-Trip Inspection Checks
- Key items to check prior to a route include Windshield & Wipers, Seats & Mirrors, Steering Wheel, Tires, and Horn.
Use of Hand Signals in Commercial Vehicles
- Hand signals from the driver's seat create liability and uncertainty; reliance on vehicle signals is recommended.
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Description
Prepare for your CDL mastery with this flashcard quiz focusing on essential definitions and regulations. Test your knowledge of notification requirements and safety guidelines as mandated by the NHTSA. Perfect for students of the Entry-Level Driver Training program.
