CDL · On the Road

At a bus stop, what should the driver do before allowing passengers to board or exit?

Correct answer

Bring the bus to a complete stop, secure it (brake), and ensure it is safe before opening the door — passengers should board and exit only when the bus is fully stopped and secured

  1. A Bring the bus to a complete stop, secure it (brake), and ensure it is safe before opening the door — passengers should board and exit only when the bus is fully stopped and secured
  2. B Let passengers jump off anywhere
  3. C Keep the bus moving slowly
  4. D Open the door while still rolling

Why this is the answer

Boarding and exiting safety: Passengers should board and exit only when the bus is COMPLETELY STOPPED and SECURED.

Procedure: Bring the bus to a full stop at the proper location; apply the parking brake (secure the bus so it can't roll); ensure it is safe to open the door (check for traffic, hazards); only then open the door for boarding/exiting; watch passengers board/exit safely; ensure all are clear before closing the door and moving.

Why: Opening the door or allowing movement while the bus is still rolling is extremely dangerous — passengers can fall, be caught in the door, or be struck; a secured bus prevents rolling while passengers are boarding/exiting.

Special care: For elderly, disabled, or passengers with mobility issues — allow time, use lifts/ramps as needed; watch for passengers near the bus.

At stops: Pull fully out of the traffic lane if possible; signal; stop smoothly; the driver must ensure the bus is fully stopped and secured before any boarding or exiting; rushing this process or allowing movement while passengers are at the door causes injuries; safe boarding/exiting procedure is a passenger safety fundamental tested on the endorsement.

Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Passenger, Boarding and Exiting

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About this topic: On the Road

On-the-road passenger questions cover speed on curves, stopping at railroad crossings and drawbridges, managing passengers while driving, and the rules on fuelling, talking with passengers and towing. Passenger safety overrides schedule every time. This is one of 26 Passenger Transport questions on on the road, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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