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Section 4: Transporting Passengers

A bus driver must have a CDL if he/she drives a vehicle designed to seat 16 or more persons, including the driver. A bus driver must have a Passenger Endorsement on his/her CDL. To obtain the endorsement, you must pass a knowledge test on Sections 2 and 4 of this manual (if the bus has air brakes, you also must pass a knowledge test on Section 5). You also must pass the skills tests required for the class of vehicle you drive.

4.1 Pre-Trip Inspection

Before driving your bus, make sure it is safe. During the pre-trip inspection , check defects reported by previous drivers. Only if defects reported earlier have been repaired should you sign the previous driverʼs report. This is your certification that the defects reported earlier have been repaired.

Vehicle Systems

Make sure the following are in good working order before driving:

• Service brakes, including air hose couplings (if your bus has a trailer or semitrailer).
• Parking brake.
• Steering mechanism.
• Lights and reflectors.
• Tires (front wheels must not have recapped or regrooved tires).
• Horn.
• Windshield wiper or wipers.
• Rear-vision mirror or mirrors.
• Coupling devices (if present).
• Wheels and rims.
• Emergency equipment.

Access Doors and Panels

As you check the outside of the bus, close any open emergency exits. Also, close any open access panels (for baggage, restroom service, engine, etc.) before driving.

Bus Interior

People sometimes damage unattended buses. Always check the interior of the bus before driving to ensure rider safety. Aisles and stairwells must always be clear. The following parts of your bus must be in safe working condition:

• Each handhold and railing.
• Floor covering.
• Signaling devices, including the restroom emergency buzzer, if the bus has a restroom.
• Emergency exit handles.

The seats must be safe for riders. All seats must be securely fastened to the bus.

Never drive with an open emergency exit door or window. The Emergency Exit sign on an emergency door must be clearly visible. If there is a red emergency door light, it must work. Turn it on at night or any other time you use your outside lights.

Roof Hatches

You may lock some emergency roof hatches in a partly open position for fresh air. Do not leave them open as a regular practice. Keep in mind the busʼs higher clearance while driving with them open.

Make sure your bus has the fire extinguisher and emergency reflectors required by law. The bus must also have spare electrical fuses unless equipped with circuit breakers.

Safety Belt

The driverʼs seat should have a safety belt. Always use it for safety.