Passenger practice test

Passenger questions with answers

Every question below carries the answer, the reason, and the section of the FMCSA CDL Manual or 49 CFR it comes from. Nothing here is a recalled exam question.

1. Which passenger-area condition must be corrected before driving a bus?

   • AA carry-on blocks the aisleCorrect
   • BA secured seat is empty
   • CA rider stands behind the standee line on a bus designed for standing riders
   • DA passenger window is closed

   Aisles and stairwells must remain clear so riders can move and use exits. Some buses are designed for standing riders; those riders must stay behind the standee line. The old answer incorrectly treated seating every rider as one universal bus rule.

   FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 4.1.3 and 4.2.3 — Bus Interior and Standee Line · verified 2026-09-07

2. A bus is carrying passengers at an ordinary rail grade crossing, and no § 392.10(b) exception applies. What must the driver do?

   • ASlow down to 5 mph
   • BStop, look, and listen before crossingCorrect
   • CSound the horn twice
   • DTurn on flashers only

   Make the required stop 15–50 feet from the tracks, look and listen, and cross only when clear without shifting gears. The federal rule has specific exceptions; do not turn it into an exception-free rule for every bus.

   49 CFR § 392.10 · 392.10(a) listed vehicles and (b) exceptions · verified 2026-09-07

3. When a bus carrying passengers makes the required federal rail-crossing stop, what stopping range applies?

   • A5-10 feet
   • B10-25 feet
   • C15-50 feetCorrect
   • D50-75 feet

   For the required stop, use the 15–50-foot range, then check both directions and cross only when safe. The question assumes the stopping rule applies; it does not establish rules for all vehicles.

   49 CFR § 392.10 · 392.10(a) listed vehicles and (b) exceptions · verified 2026-09-07

4. A bus has riders aboard and refueling is not absolutely necessary. What should the driver do?

   • AWait to refuel until the riders are off the busCorrect
   • BRefuel inside a closed building to reduce traffic risk
   • CRefuel normally because riders do not affect the rule
   • DAsk the riders to stand in the aisle during refueling

   The CDL manual says to avoid fueling with riders aboard unless it is absolutely necessary, and never to refuel in a closed building with riders aboard. In this scenario there is no necessity, so wait until the riders are off the bus.

   FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 4.5 — Prohibited Practices · verified 2026-09-07

5. No federal exception applies at this crossing. Where must a bus carrying passengers stop before crossing?

   • ABetween 15 and 50 feet from the tracksCorrect
   • BOnly stop if a train is visible
   • COnly stop if a gate is down
   • DBetween 50 and 100 feet away

   The required federal stop is within the 15–50-foot range. Quiet signals or no visible train do not cancel it. Check the route and applicable exceptions separately.

   49 CFR § 392.10 · 392.10(a) listed vehicles and (b) exceptions · verified 2026-09-07

6. At a destination or intermediate stop, which information does the passenger manual tell the driver to announce?

   • ALocation, reason for stopping, next departure time, and bus numberCorrect
   • BOnly the number of riders who got off
   • CThe driver's license number and home terminal
   • DOnly the next fuel stop

   At a destination or intermediate stop, announce the location, reason for stopping, next departure time, and bus number. The prior item asserted an unsupported federal duty to recount all riders after every boarding or exit stop.

   FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 4.2.4 — At Your Destination · verified 2026-09-07

7. What should a transit employee do when a package or substance appears suspicious?

   • ADo not touch it; move patrons to a safe distance if needed; report it.Correct
   • BPick it up and move it to a secure location.
   • COpen it to look for an owner before reporting it.
   • DContinue the route and report it at the end of the shift.

   FTA Table A-3 advises employees not to touch suspicious items, to move patrons away when needed, and to report the item.

   Federal Transit Administration: Immediate Actions for Transit Employees · Table A-3: Security Emergencies — Suspicious Items or Behaviors · verified 2026-09-27

8. For a bus carrying passengers, which statement correctly summarizes the federal crossing-stop rule?

   • AStop unless a specific § 392.10(b) exception appliesCorrect
   • BStop only when a route sign specifically says Bus
   • CStop only while warning signals flash
   • DStop only at night

   Passenger-carrying buses are listed in the stop rule, which also specifies exceptions such as directions from a police officer or crossing flagman. Do not reduce the exceptions to one sign or assume inactive signals remove the duty.

   49 CFR § 392.10 · 392.10(a) listed vehicles and (b) exceptions · verified 2026-09-07

9. A passenger-carrying bus must make a federal stop at this rail crossing. How far from the tracks is the required stopping range?

   • A5 to 10 feet
   • B100 feet
   • C15 to 50 feetCorrect
   • DNo specific distance — just before the tracks

   Stop within 15–50 feet, look and listen, and cross only when safe without shifting gears. This asks about a required stop, not whether every bus trip is subject to the same state and federal conditions.

   49 CFR § 392.10 · 392.10(a) listed vehicles and (b) exceptions · verified 2026-09-07

10. A rider tries to board a bus carrying a container of gasoline. What should the driver do?

    • ARefuse the gasoline and do not allow it aboardCorrect
    • BPlace it under the rider's seat
    • CAllow it if the cap feels tight
    • DMove it to the aisle where it can be watched

    The passenger manual tells drivers not to allow riders to carry common unlabeled hazards such as gasoline or car batteries. Do not accept a hazardous material unless you are sure current rules allow it; moving the container inside the bus does not make it safe or permitted.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 4.2.1–4.2.2 — Hazardous and Forbidden Materials · verified 2026-09-07

11. A bus driver must have a valid 'P' endorsement to:

    • ADrive any vehicle with more than 10 seats
    • BDrive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver)Correct
    • CDrive a school bus only, regardless of passenger capacity
    • DOperate a charter bus on interstate routes only

    A P endorsement is required for a CDL driver operating a CMV designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver. The federal passenger-endorsement threshold does not depend on whether the passengers pay. Smaller for-hire vehicles can be subject to other motor-carrier rules without meeting this P-endorsement threshold.

    49 CFR § 383.93 · Passenger Transport — Endorsement Requirement · verified 2026-09-07

12. Which material does the passenger manual prohibit in the space occupied by people?

    • AOrdinary sealed luggage
    • BA folded mobility device that is secured
    • CLabeled radioactive materialCorrect
    • DA rider's coat

    The passenger manual prohibits labeled radioactive material in the space occupied by people. Other hazardous-material limits depend on the material, amount, packaging, location, and current rules, so the old phrase “most hazardous materials” was too vague to be a defensible answer.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 4.2.2 — Forbidden Hazardous Materials · verified 2026-09-07

13. Which bus category is expressly listed in the federal stopping rule at § 392.10(a)(1)?

    • AA bus transporting passengersCorrect
    • BEvery empty bus solely because it is a bus
    • COnly a bus at a crossing with gates down
    • DOnly a bus on an unpaved road

    The paragraph lists buses transporting passengers. State or local rules can impose additional duties, including for school buses. Do not use this federal wording to assume an empty school bus is exempt from all rules.

    49 CFR § 392.10 · 392.10(a) listed vehicles and (b) exceptions · verified 2026-09-07

14. Before a bus leaves a bus stop and pulls into traffic, what should the driver do?

    • AWait for a gap large enough for the bus to openCorrect
    • BAssume other drivers will brake to give room once the signal is on
    • CPull out as soon as the signal is on
    • DAccelerate into any gap that seems close to big enough

    Section 4.3.3 says to know the gap the bus needs to accelerate and merge, wait for the gap to open before leaving the stop, and never assume other drivers will brake.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2014) · 4.3.3 Common Accidents · verified 2026-09-25

15. When approaching a stop, a bus driver should:

    • ACoast in neutral to the curb
    • BBrake late to stay on schedule
    • CSlow gradually so standing riders keep balanceCorrect
    • DAccelerate then brake firmly

    The FMCSA manual says riders can stumble when a bus starts or stops. Make stops as smooth as possible, and wait for riders to sit down or brace themselves before moving.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual (2005 CDL Testing System) · Section 4.3.2 — At Stops · verified 2026-09-08

16. What does a door and brake interlock do on a transit bus?

    • AHolds the brakes while the door is openCorrect
    • BOpens the door at every stop
    • CLocks the steering when parked
    • DDisables the horn while loading

    When the rear door is open, the interlock applies the brakes and holds the throttle at idle. It releases when the rear door closes and must not be used instead of the parking brake.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 4.6 — Use of Brake-door Interlocks · verified 2026-09-07

17. At a destination or intermediate stop, what should a bus driver announce?

    • AThe location, reason for stopping, next departure time, and bus numberCorrect
    • BOnly the driver's personal phone number
    • CA promise that no delay is possible
    • DThe route of every other bus in the fleet

    FMCSA Section 4.2.4 says to announce the location, reason for stopping, next departure time, and bus number at a destination or intermediate stop.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 4.2.4: At Your Destination · verified 2026-09-08

18. Where should a disruptive passenger be discharged when a stop would be unsafe?

    • AAt the next scheduled stop or a well-lighted area with other peopleCorrect
    • BOn the shoulder nearest the current location
    • CAt any isolated location requested by the passenger
    • DOn the roadway so the bus can continue

    FMCSA Section 4.3.2 says not to discharge a disruptive rider where it would be unsafe; the next scheduled stop or a well-lighted area with other people may be safer.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 4.3.2: At Stops · verified 2026-09-08

19. What should be checked in a bus interior before driving?

    • AClear aisles and stairwells, plus handholds and railings in safe working conditionCorrect
    • BOnly the seat colors and advertising signs
    • CThat all handholds are removed before boarding
    • DThat the aisle is used for carry-on baggage

    FMCSA Section 4.1.3 says aisles and stairwells should be clear and handholds and railings must be in safe working condition before driving.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 4.1.3: Bus Interior · verified 2026-09-08

20. What lets a bus cross a drawbridge without stopping?

    • AA posted speed limit sign
    • BA green light or an attendant on dutyCorrect
    • CLight traffic on the bridge
    • DA dry road surface

    FMCSA Section 4.3.6 says a bus does not need to stop at a drawbridge when a green traffic light is showing or an attendant or traffic officer controls traffic; the driver must still slow down and make sure it is safe.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2014) · 4.3.6 Drawbridges · verified 2026-09-25