CDL Passenger Transport Practice Test

25 practice questions

Choose an answer, then check it under Show answer.

1. Question 1 of 25Easy

   Hazardous material containers must be marked with hazard labels. How many different hazard labels are there?

   1. AA. Three
   2. BB. Twelve
   3. CC. Six
   4. DD. Nine
   Show answer to question 1

   Answer: D. Nine

   The CDL manual says there are nine different four-inch, diamond-shaped hazard labels used to mark hazardous materials. Watching for those labels is how a driver spots cargo or baggage that may be hazardous. Twelve is not the number of labels; the count given is nine.

2. Question 2 of 25Hard

   A mass transit driver checks the passenger signaling devices but does not check the brake-door interlocks. What mistake is the driver making?

   1. AA. The driver is performing the check at the wrong time during the shift.
   2. BB. The driver is checking items that riders are responsible for reporting.
   3. CC. The driver is not making sure all the required mass transit items work properly.
   4. DD. The driver is using the pre-trip checklist instead of the after-trip checklist.
   Show answer to question 2

   Answer: C. The driver is not making sure all the required mass transit items work properly.

   Mass transit drivers should make sure passenger signaling devices and brake-door interlocks work properly, so skipping one of these checks leaves the job incomplete. The manual does not say these items are the riders' responsibility or that the check must be done at a particular time of day.

3. Question 3 of 25Medium

   The inspection requires all seats to be securely fastened to the bus. What reason is given for this requirement?

   1. AA. So the seats are safe for riders
   2. BB. To keep the seats from squeaking during the trip
   3. CC. So riders can move seats when needed
   4. DD. To make cleaning under the seats easier
   Show answer to question 3

   Answer: A. So the seats are safe for riders

   The manual states that the seats must be safe for riders and that all seats must be securely fastened. Keeping seats quiet or making cleaning easier is not the stated reason.

4. Question 4 of 25Medium

   What should a bus driver do when preparing to pull out from a curb stop into traffic?

   1. AA. Signal and immediately enter traffic, expecting other drivers to yield.
   2. BB. Wait for an adequate gap to open in traffic before leaving the stop.
   3. CC. Sound the horn to prompt passing vehicles to slow down and create room.
   4. DD. Accelerate rapidly across the shoulder before checking side clearances.
   Show answer to question 4

   Answer: B. Wait for an adequate gap to open in traffic before leaving the stop.

   Drivers must know the clearance and acceleration gap the bus needs, waiting for that gap to open before pulling out. Drivers should never assume other motorists will brake or give room simply because a turn signal has been activated.

5. Question 5 of 25Medium

   After passengers finish exiting through the rear door of a transit bus, what must the driver do to release the brake-door interlock?

   1. AA. Tap the brake pedal.
   2. BB. Close the rear door.
   3. CC. Shift the bus into neutral.
   4. DD. Press the accelerator.
   Show answer to question 5

   Answer: B. Close the rear door.

   The brake-door interlock releases when the rear door is closed. Drivers might assume tapping the brake pedal or pressing the accelerator overrides the interlock, but the system remains engaged until the rear door is shut.

6. Question 6 of 25Medium

   Your bus is disabled with riders aboard. When may you tow or push it with the riders still on board?

   1. AA. Only if the bus is blocking traffic at the crossing
   2. BB. Never, because riders must always get off the bus first
   3. CC. Only when getting off the bus would be unsafe
   4. DD. Whenever a tow truck is available to move the bus
   Show answer to question 6

   Answer: C. Only when getting off the bus would be unsafe

   The CDL manual says not to tow or push a disabled bus with riders aboard unless getting off would be unsafe. Only then should you move the bus, and only to the nearest safe spot to discharge passengers.

7. Question 7 of 25Medium

   A bus driver is required to slow down and check traffic, but does not need to stop, at which railroad crossing?

   1. AA. A crossing located on an unpaved rural road
   2. BB. A crossing marked as exempt or abandoned
   3. CC. A crossing that has crossbuck signs only
   4. DD. A crossing that appears rusty and overgrown
   Show answer to question 7

   Answer: B. A crossing marked as exempt or abandoned

   You do not have to come to a complete stop at crossings marked as exempt or abandoned, though you must slow down and check for hazards. A driver cannot assume a crossing is unused merely because the tracks look rusty or the road is rural.

8. Question 8 of 25Medium

   According to after-trip inspection requirements for interstate carriers, what specific identification must be on each written report?

   1. AA. The specific bus that was driven
   2. BB. The names of all passengers transported
   3. CC. The exact dollar cost of any needed repairs
   4. DD. The fuel economy achieved during the shift
   Show answer to question 8

   Answer: A. The specific bus that was driven

   The CDL manual requires that the written inspection report must specify each bus and list any defect affecting safety or resulting in a breakdown. Passenger manifests, fuel economy statistics, and repair estimates are not required parts of this report.

9. Question 9 of 25Medium

   What is an unsafe practice when operating a transit coach equipped with a brake-door interlock?

   1. AA. Using the brake-door interlock in place of the parking brake
   2. BB. Opening the rear door only when the vehicle is fully stopped
   3. CC. Keeping the front door open while boarding passengers
   4. DD. Allowing the engine to idle while waiting at a scheduled stop
   Show answer to question 9

   Answer: A. Using the brake-door interlock in place of the parking brake

   Drivers must never use the brake-door interlock as a substitute for the parking brake. Opening doors only when stopped and letting the bus idle at scheduled stops are normal operating practices, not safety violations.

10. Question 10 of 25Easy

    In addition to standard passenger endorsement testing, what must a driver complete if the bus is equipped with air brakes?

    1. AA. A hazardous materials knowledge test
    2. BB. A dedicated air brakes knowledge test
    3. CC. A combination vehicle knowledge test
    4. DD. A mechanical couplings knowledge test
    Show answer to question 10

    Answer: B. A dedicated air brakes knowledge test

    If a bus has air brakes, the driver must pass a specific air brakes knowledge test to obtain proper authorization. While combination vehicles also utilize air systems, passenger bus drivers take the air brakes test rather than the combination vehicles examination.

11. Question 11 of 25Hard

    Under federal hazardous materials regulations for buses, what is the rule regarding liquid Class 6 poisons?

    1. AA. They can be transported only if stowed in the passenger seating area.
    2. BB. They are permitted if accompanied by emergency hospital paperwork.
    3. CC. They may be carried if limited to no more than 100 pounds total.
    4. DD. They are completely forbidden from being transported on a bus.
    Show answer to question 11

    Answer: D. They are completely forbidden from being transported on a bus.

    Buses must never carry liquid Class 6 poisons, Division 2.3 poison gas, tear gas, or irritating materials under any circumstances. While solid Class 6 poisons are permitted up to 100 pounds, liquid poisons of this class are never allowed.

12. Question 12 of 25Medium

    You need to fuel your bus and riders are on board. What should you do?

    1. AA. Refuel with riders aboard whenever it saves time on the route
    2. BB. Avoid fueling with riders aboard unless absolutely necessary
    3. CC. Fueling with riders aboard is never allowed under any condition
    4. DD. Fuel only if riders stay in their seats and windows are open
    Show answer to question 12

    Answer: B. Avoid fueling with riders aboard unless absolutely necessary

    The CDL manual says to avoid fueling your bus with riders on board unless absolutely necessary. Saying fueling with riders aboard is never allowed is too absolute; the rule is to avoid it unless necessary.

13. Question 13 of 25Easy

    When pulling into or out of a bus stop, what should you watch for?

    1. AA. The fare box and radio controls
    2. BB. The speed limit posted on the street
    3. CC. Poles and tree limbs near the stop
    4. DD. The number of riders waiting to board
    Show answer to question 13

    Answer: C. Poles and tree limbs near the stop

    The CDL manual reminds drivers to remember the clearance the bus needs and to watch for poles and tree limbs at stops. Watching the posted speed limit or the number of waiting riders does not address the risk of striking an object with the bus.

14. Question 14 of 25Hard

    Which sequence shows the correct procedure for handling an after-trip defect on a passenger bus?

    1. AA. Attempt to repair the defect yourself, conduct an inspection the next morning, and hand off the bus to the driver
    2. BB. Operate the bus on the next scheduled run, notify dispatch of the problem, and complete the paperwork later
    3. CC. File the inspection report before departure, examine the bus after the shift, and keep the bus in regular service
    4. DD. Inspect the bus at shift end, record the defect on the report, and have mechanics make repairs before the next trip
    Show answer to question 14

    Answer: D. Inspect the bus at shift end, record the defect on the report, and have mechanics make repairs before the next trip

    The proper procedure requires the driver to inspect the bus at the end of the shift, document any safety or breakdown defects on the report, and give mechanics time to make repairs before the vehicle goes out again. Putting the bus back into service before defects are reported and repaired creates a severe safety risk.

15. Question 15 of 25Hard

    What must you keep in mind if you lock emergency roof hatches in a partly open position for fresh air?

    1. AA. The emergency exit warning buzzer will sound continuously
    2. BB. The emergency exit markings inside must be covered
    3. CC. The service brake air pressure will build up more slowly
    4. DD. The bus will have a higher overall vehicle clearance
    Show answer to question 15

    Answer: D. The bus will have a higher overall vehicle clearance

    Drivers may lock some emergency roof hatches partly open for fresh air, but must keep in mind the higher clearance of the bus while driving. Partially opening roof hatches does not affect brake air pressure or require exit markings to be covered.

16. Question 16 of 25Medium

    After the rear door of a transit bus equipped with a brake-door interlock is closed, what does the system do?

    1. AA. The interlock remains applied until the engine is restarted.
    2. BB. The interlock holds the throttle in idle.
    3. CC. The interlock releases.
    4. DD. The interlock applies the parking brake.
    Show answer to question 16

    Answer: C. The interlock releases.

    The interlock releases when the rear door is closed. Holding the throttle in idle occurs while the door is open, and the system does not apply the parking brake.

17. Question 17 of 25Medium

    If your bus aisle is on a lower level than the passenger seats, when is the best time to remind riders about the step-down?

    1. AA. Immediately after the bus doors open
    2. BB. Before coming to a complete stop
    3. CC. Once riders have begun standing in the aisle
    4. DD. After all passengers have left their seats
    Show answer to question 17

    Answer: B. Before coming to a complete stop

    The CDL manual recommends warning riders of a step-down before coming to a complete stop so they are alert to the hazard before getting up. Waiting until riders are already standing or moving down the aisle creates a serious tripping and injury risk.

18. Question 18 of 25Easy

    While driving your bus, what should you do about talking with riders?

    1. AA. Use hand signals to communicate with riders while driving
    2. BB. Ask riders to stand near the driver so you can hear them
    3. CC. Talk with riders to keep them calm and relaxed
    4. DD. Avoid talking with riders and any other distracting activity
    Show answer to question 18

    Answer: D. Avoid talking with riders and any other distracting activity

    The CDL manual says not to talk with riders or engage in any other distracting activity while driving. Talking with riders to keep them calm still takes your attention away from the road.

19. Question 19 of 25Hard

    You approach a railroad crossing marked as "exempt." What must you do?

    1. AA. Slow down and carefully check for other vehicles
    2. BB. Stop and wait for a flagman's signal
    3. CC. Stop only when a train is visible
    4. DD. Continue at the same speed without checking
    Show answer to question 19

    Answer: A. Slow down and carefully check for other vehicles

    The CDL manual lists crossings marked "exempt" or "abandoned" as places where you do not have to stop but must slow down and carefully check for other vehicles. Continuing without checking ignores the required slowdown and look for traffic.

20. Question 20 of 25Easy

    A driver must hold a commercial driver license with a passenger endorsement to drive a vehicle designed to seat at least how many people, including the driver?

    1. AA. 12 or more persons
    2. BB. 20 or more persons
    3. CC. 16 or more persons
    4. DD. 10 or more persons
    Show answer to question 20

    Answer: C. 16 or more persons

    Bus drivers must hold a commercial driver license with a passenger endorsement if they drive a vehicle designed to seat 16 or more persons, including the driver. Lower passenger counts such as 10 or 12 do not meet this commercial passenger endorsement threshold.

21. Question 21 of 25Medium

    What is one requirement for securing baggage and freight on a bus?

    1. AA. Stack baggage in front of the standee line
    2. BB. Block emergency exits to prevent theft
    3. CC. Protect riders if carry-ons fall or shift
    4. DD. Keep the aisle blocked so baggage cannot move
    Show answer to question 21

    Answer: C. Protect riders if carry-ons fall or shift

    Baggage and freight must be secured so riders are protected from injury if carry-ons fall or shift. Blocking the aisle or emergency exits would create a hazard rather than secure the items properly.

22. Question 22 of 25Easy

    On which type of passenger vehicle is a brake and accelerator interlock system typically installed?

    1. AA. Urban mass transit coaches
    2. BB. Cross-country sleeper buses
    3. CC. Hotel courtesy shuttle vans
    4. DD. Over-the-road charter coaches
    Show answer to question 22

    Answer: A. Urban mass transit coaches

    Urban mass transit coaches may be equipped with a brake and accelerator interlock system to protect passengers using the rear exit. Over-the-road charter coaches and cross-country buses typically lack rear passenger exit doors and do not feature this system.

23. Question 23 of 25Easy

    A driver for an interstate carrier tells a mechanic about a defect at the end of the shift but does not complete a written inspection report. What is the result?

    1. AA. The required written report for that bus is missing.
    2. BB. The driver must inspect the bus again before leaving.
    3. CC. The bus must be removed from service permanently.
    4. DD. The mechanic is not allowed to repair the bus.
    Show answer to question 23

    Answer: A. The required written report for that bus is missing.

    Interstate carriers require a written inspection report for each bus driven, and a verbal report does not take the place of that written report. The manual does not say the mechanic cannot repair the bus or that the bus must be removed from service.

24. Question 24 of 25Hard

    You are driving a bus with riders on board and need fuel. The only fuel pump is inside a closed building. What should you do?

    1. AA. Refuel quickly while riders stay seated on the bus
    2. BB. Leave the engine running to speed up the refueling
    3. CC. Do not refuel in the closed building with riders on board
    4. DD. Ask riders to move to the back of the bus while you refuel
    Show answer to question 24

    Answer: C. Do not refuel in the closed building with riders on board

    The CDL manual says never refuel in a closed building with riders on board. Refueling quickly while riders stay seated is exactly the situation the rule prohibits.

25. Question 25 of 25Hard

    You approach a drawbridge with an attendant who controls traffic whenever the bridge opens. What should you do?

    1. AA. Stop at least 50 feet before the draw
    2. BB. Wait for the attendant to wave you across
    3. CC. Stop and inspect the draw before crossing
    4. DD. Slow down and make sure it is safe
    Show answer to question 25

    Answer: D. Slow down and make sure it is safe

    When a drawbridge has an attendant who controls traffic whenever the bridge opens, you do not need to stop but must slow down and make sure it is safe. Stopping at least 50 feet before the draw applies to a drawbridge without a signal light or attendant.

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The full CDL bank has 125 Passenger Transport questions. See plans