CDL · Vehicle Inspection

During a passenger bus pre-trip, what must be checked regarding the passenger seats?

Correct answer

That seats are securely fastened to the bus (not loose or broken) — loose seats are unsafe for passengers, especially in a crash or sudden stop

  1. A Only the color
  2. B Only the front seat
  3. C That seats are securely fastened to the bus (not loose or broken) — loose seats are unsafe for passengers, especially in a crash or sudden stop
  4. D Nothing

Why this is the answer

Passenger seat inspection: During the pre-trip, the driver must check that all passenger seats are: SECURELY FASTENED to the floor/frame of the bus (not loose, wobbly, or broken); not damaged in a way that could injure passengers.

Why: Loose or broken seats are dangerous — in a sudden stop or crash, a loose seat (and the passenger in it) can be thrown forward, causing injury; secure seats protect passengers; PASSENGER-SPECIFIC INSPECTION ITEMS (beyond standard CMV checks): Securely fastened seats; emergency exits (open from inside and out, signs lit); fire extinguisher and emergency equipment (present, charged, accessible); first aid kit; signaling devices (reflective triangles); no standing passengers forward of the standee line; aisles and exits clear; interior cleanliness and safety; the bus interior and passenger safety equipment are critical inspection items because the cargo is people; loose seats are a commonly tested item — they must be securely fastened for passenger safety; the driver must inspect the passenger compartment as carefully as the mechanical systems.

Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Passenger, Seat Inspection

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About this topic: Vehicle Inspection

The pre-trip inspection catches defects before they become crashes. CDL examiners will fail you if you skip steps or miss a deliberate fault, and federal regulations require an inspection at the start of every duty day. This is one of 11 Passenger Transport questions on vehicle inspection, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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