ELDT Theory Unit, Part 1 - Mastery Test

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.