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10.7.2 – Driving in High Winds
Strong winds affect the handling of the school bus!
The side of a school bus acts like a sail on a
sailboat. Strong winds can push the school bus
sideways. They can even move the school bus off
the road or, in extreme conditions, tip it over.
If you are caught in strong winds:
Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. Try to
anticipate gusts.
You should slow down to lessen the effect of the
wind, or pull off the roadway and wait.
Contact your dispatcher to get more information on
how to proceed.
10.7.3 – Backing
Backing a school bus is strongly discouraged. You
should back your bus only when you have no other
safe way to move the vehicle. You should never
back a school bus when students are outside of the
bus. Backing is dangerous and increases your risk
of a collision. If you have no choice and you must
back your bus, follow these procedures:
Post a lookout. The purpose of the lookout is to
warn you about obstacles, approaching persons,
and other vehicles. The lookout should not give
directions on how to back the bus.
Signal for quiet on the bus.
Constantly check all mirrors and rear windows.
Back slowly and smoothly.
If no lookout is available:
Set the parking brake.
Turn off the motor and take the keys with you.
Walk to the rear of the bus to determine whether the
way is clear.
If you must back-up at a student pick-up point, be
sure to pick up students before backing and watch
for late comers at all times.
Be sure that all students are in the bus before
backing.
If you must back-up at a student drop-off point, be
sure to unload students after backing.
10.7.4 – Tail Swing
A school bus can have up to a three-foot tail swing.
You need to check your mirrors before and during
any turning movements to monitor the tail swing.
Section 10
Test Your Knowledge
1. Define the danger zone. How far does the
danger zone extend around the bus?
2. What should you be able to see if the
outside flat mirrors are adjusted properly?
The outside convex mirrors? The crossover
mirrors?
3. You are loading students along the route.
When should you activate your alternating
flashing amber warning lights?
4. You are unloading students along your
route. Where should students walk to after
exiting the bus?
5. After unloading at school, why should you
walk through the bus?
6. What position should students be in front of
the bus before they cross the roadway?
7. Under what conditions must you evacuate
the bus?
8. How far from the nearest rail should you
stop at a highway-rail crossing?
9. What is a passive highway-rail crossing?
Why should you be extra cautious at this
type of crossing?
10. How should you use your brakes if your
vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes
(ABS)?
These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
answer them all, re-read Section 10.
Section 10 – School Buses Page 10-11
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Section 11
Vehicle Inspection Test
This Section Covers
• Internal Inspection
• External Inspection
During the Vehicle inspection, you must show that
the vehicle is safe to drive. You will have to walk
around the vehicle, name and point to/ touch each
item and explain to the examiner what you are
checking and why.
Any vehicle that has components marked or labeled
cannot be used for the Vehicle Inspection test.
11.1 All Vehicles
Study the following vehicle parts for the type of
vehicle you will be using during the CDL skills tests.
You should be able to identify each part and tell the
examiner what you are looking for or inspecting.
11.1.1 Engine Compartment (Engine Off)
Leaks/Hoses
Look for puddles on the ground.
Look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and
transmission.
Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
Oil Level
Check oil level when engine is off.
Indicate where dipstick is located.
Check that the oil level is within safe operating
range. Level must be above refill mark.
Coolant Level
Looks at sight glass on radiator or coolant reservoir;
adequate level will show in sight glass. If no sight
glass is available, you must describe what s/he
would look for after removing radiator cap.
Power Steering Fluid
Checks the dipstick and sees where the fluid level is
relative to the refill mark or checks sight glass. Level
must be above refill mark.
Engine Compartment Belts
Check the following belts for snugness (1/2 to 3/4
inch play at center of belt), cracks, frays,loose
fibers or signs of wear:
Power steering belt.
Water pump belt.
Alternator belt.
Air compressor belt.
Note: If any of the components listed above are
not belt driven, you must:
Tell the examiner which component(s) are not belt
driven.
Make sure component(s) are operating properly,
are not damaged or leaking, and are mounted
securely.
Hydraulic Brakes Master Cylinder & Brake Fluid
Checks that master cylinder is securely attached
and not leaking
Checks the level of brake fluid in the reservoir to
ensure it is between the add and full marks
Safe Start
Place gearshift lever in neutral (or park, for
automatic transmissions).
Depress clutch before attempting to start the
vehicle
Start the vehicle and keep clutch depressed until
engine reaches idling speed.
Then release clutch slowly.
11.1.2 – Cab Check/Engine Start
Oil Pressure Gauge
Make sure oil pressure gauge is working.
Check that pressure gauge shows increasing or
normal oil pressure or that the warning light goes
off.
If equipped, oil temperature gauge should begin a
gradual rise to the normal operating range.
Temperature Gauge
Make sure the temperature gauge is working.
Temperature should begin to climb to the normal
operating range or temperature light should be off.
Section 11 - Vehicle Inspection Page 11-1
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Air Gauge
Check that the air gauge is working properly and
that the air compressor builds the air pressure to
governor cut-out at approximately 120-140 psi or
as specified by manufacturer.
Ammeter/Voltmeter
Check that gauges show alternator and/or
generator is charging or that warning light is off.
Mirrors and Windshield
Mirrors should be clean and adjusted properly from
the inside.
Windshield should be clean with no illegal stickers,
no obstructions, or damage to the glass.
Emergency Equipment
Check for spare electrical fuses.
Check for three red reflective triangles and 6
fusees or 3 liquid burning flares.
Check that the fire extinguisher is properly
charged and securely mounted.
Note: If the vehicle is not equipped with electrical
fuses, you must mention this to the examiner.
Wipers/Washers
Check that wiper arms and blades are secure, not
damaged, and operate smoothly.
If equipped, windshield washers must operate
correctly.
Lights/Reflectors/Reflector Tape Condition
(Sides & Rear)
Test that dash indicators work when corresponding
lights are turned on:
Left turn signal.
Right turn signal.
Four-way emergency flashers.
High beam headlight.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) indicator.
Check that all external lights and reflective
equipment are clean and functional and none or
broken or missing. Light and reflector checks
include verification of correct color:
Clearance lights (red on rear, amber elsewhere).
Headlights (high and low beams).
Taillights.
Backing lights.
Turn signals.
Four-way flashers.
Brake lights.
Red reflectors (on rear) and amber reflectors
(elsewhere).
Section 11 - Vehicle Inspection Page 11-2
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Reflector tape condition
Note: Checks of brake, turn signal and four-way
flasher functions must be done separately.
Horn
Check that air horn and/or electric horn work.
Heater/Defroster
Test that the heater and defroster work.
Parking Brake Check
With air pressure built to governor cutout and the
parking brake engaged (trailer brakes released on
combination vehicles), check that the parking brake
will hold vehicle by gently trying to pull forward with
parking brake on.
With air pressure built to governor cutout, the
parking brake released and the trailer parking
brake engaged (combination vehicles only), check
that the trailer parking brake will hold vehicle by
gently trying to pull forward with the trailer parking
brake on.
Hydraulic Brake Check
Failure to perform both components of the
hydraulic brake check will result in an automatic
failure of the vehicle inspection test.
1. Pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it
down for five seconds. The brake pedal should
not move (depress) during the five seconds.
2. If equipped with a hydraulic brake reserve
(back-up) system, with the key off, depress the
brake pedal and listen for the sound of the
reserve system electric motor.
3. Check that the warning buzzer or light is off.
Air Brake Check (Air Brake Equipped Vehicles
Only)
Failure to perform all three components of the air
brake check correctly will result in an automatic
failure of the vehicle inspection test. Air brake safety
devices vary. However, this procedure is designed
to see that any safety device operates correctly as
air pressure drops from normal to a low air
condition. For safety purposes, in areas where an
incline is present, you will use wheel chocks during
the air brake check. The proper procedures for
inspecting the air brake system are as follows:
1. With the air pressure built up to governor cutoff
(120 – 140 psi), shut off the engine leaving the
key in the “on” or “battery charge” position,
chock your wheels if necessary, release the
parking brake (all vehicles), and the tractor
protection valve (combination vehicle) and fully
apply the foot brake. Hold the foot brake for one
minute. Check the air gauge to see if the air
pressure drops more than three pounds in one
minute (single vehicle) or four pounds in one
minute (combination vehicle).
2. Begin fanning off the air pressure by rapidly
applying and releasing the foot brake. Low air
warning devices (buzzer, light, flag) should
activate before air pressure drops below 55 psi
or level specified by the manufacturer.
3. Continue to fan off the air pressure. At a range
between 20 – 45 psi on a tractor-trailer
combination vehicle (or level specified by the
manufacturer), the tractor protection valve and
parking brake valve should close (pop out). On
other combination vehicle types and single
vehicle types, the parking brake valve should
close (pop out).
Service Brake Check
You will be required to check the application of air
or hydraulic service brakes. This procedure is
designed to determine that the brakes are working
correctly and that the vehicle does not pull to one
side or the other.
Pull forward at 5 mph, apply the service brake and
stop. Check to see that the vehicle does not pull to
either side and that it stops when brake is applied.
Safety Belt
Check that the safety belt is securely mounted,
adjusts, latches properly and is not ripped or
frayed.
11.2 – External Inspection (All Vehicles)
11.2.1– Steering
Steering Box/Hoses
Check that the steering box is securely mounted
and not leaking. Look for any missing nuts and/or ,
bolts.
Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to
power steering hoses.
Steering Linkage
See that connecting links, arms, and rods from the
steering box to the wheel are not worn or cracked.
Check that joints and sockets are not worn or loose
and that there are no missing nuts, bolts, or cotter
keys.
Section 11 - Vehicle Inspection Page 11-3
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Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
11.2.2 – Suspension
Springs/Air/Torque
Look for missing, shifted, cracked, or broken leaf
springs.
Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
If vehicle is equipped with torsion bars, torque
arms, or other types of suspension components,
check that they are not damaged and are mounted
securely.
Air ride suspension should be checked for damage
and leaks.
Mounts
Look for cracked or broken spring hangers,
missing or damaged bushings, and broken, loose,
or missing bolts, u-bolts or other axle mounting
parts. (The mounts should be checked at each
point where they are secured to the vehicle frame
and axle[s]).
Shock Absorbers
See that shock absorbers are secure and that
there are no leaks.
Note: Be prepared to perform the same
suspension components inspection on every axle
(power unit and trailer, if equipped).
11.2.3 – Brakes
Slack Adjustors and Pushrods
Look for broken, loose, or missing parts.
For manual slack adjustors, the brake pushrod
should not move more than one inch (with the
brakes released) when pulled by hand.
Brake Chambers
See that brake chambers are not leaking, cracked,
or dented and are mounted securely. There are no
loose or missing clamps.
Brake Hoses/Lines
Look for cracked, worn, or leaking hoses, lines,
and couplings.
Drum Brake
Check for cracks, dents, or holes. Also check for
loose or missing bolts.
Check for contaminates such debris or oil/grease.
Brake linings (where visible) should not be worn
dangerously thin.
Brake Linings
On some brake drums, there are openings where
the brake linings can be seen from outside the
drum. For this type of drum, check that a visible
amount of brake lining is showing.
Note: Be prepared to perform the same brake
components inspection on every axle (power unit
and trailer, if equipped).
11.2.4 – Wheels
Rims
Check for damaged or bent rims. Rims cannot
have welding repairs. Check rims for rust trails
that may indicate the rim is loose on the wheel.
Tires
The following items must be inspected on every
tire:
Tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32
on steering axle tires, 2/32 on all other tires).
Tire condition: Check that tread is evenly worn and
look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls.
Also, make sure that valve caps and stems are not
missing, broken, or damaged.
Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a
tire gauge. Note: You will not get credit if you simply
kick the tires or use a mallet to check for proper
inflation.
Hub Oil Seals/Axle Seals
See that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals are not
leaking and, if wheel has a sight glass, oil level is
adequate.
Lug Nuts
Check that all lug nuts are present, free of cracks
and distortions, and show no signs of looseness
such as rust trails or shiny threads.
Make sure all bolt holes are not cracked or distorted.
Spacers or Budd Spacing
If equipped, check that spacers are not bent,
damaged, or rusted through; and are centered with
dual wheels and tires evenly separated..
Check the space between the tires for debris
and/or foreign objects.
Note: Be prepared to perform the same wheel
inspection on every axle (power unit and trailer, if
equipped).
Section 11 - Vehicle Inspection Page 11-4
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
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