Commercial Driver Handbook ( PDF ) - California Department of ...

SectIOn 4: tRAnSPORtIng PASSengeRS SAFely
This section is for all drivers who transport passengers
This section contains general knowledge and safe
driving practices for passenger vehicle drivers. You
must take a test on the information contained in
this section to get an endorsement on your CDL.
Passenger vehicle drivers have special responsibilities.
They are not only responsible for the condition
and safe operation of their vehicle, but also for the
safety of their passengers.
This section does not contain information on air
brakes. You must read Section 5 of this handbook
for that information.
Passenger Vehicle Endorsement Needed
You must have a passenger vehicle endorsement for
a passenger transportation vehicle which includes,
but is not limited to, a bus, farm labor vehicle, or
general public paratransit vehicle when the vehicle
is designed, used, or maintained to carry more than
10 passengers including the driver, for hire or for
profit, or by any nonprofit organization or group.
If you take a driving test in a van designed, used,
or maintained to carry 15 persons or less including
the driver, you will be restricted to driving a
small-size bus.
VehIcle InSPectIOnS
Safety is the most important and obvious reason to
inspect your vehicle. Also, federal and state laws
require inspection by the driver. Federal and state
inspectors also inspect commercial vehicles. An
unsafe vehicle can be put out of service until the
driver or owner has it repaired. Do not risk your
life or the lives of your passengers in an unsafe
vehicle.
Many drivers work for companies who have
maintenance mechanics responsible for much of the
detailed checks outlined in this section. However,
as a driver you must still be able to check for and
recognize many of the signs of unsafe operating
conditions. The driver must also inspect the
emergency equipment and make sure it is in place
and ready for use.
Before driving your bus, you must make sure it is
safe. You must review the inspection report made by
the previous driver. Only if defects reported earlier
have been certified as repaired or not needed to
be repaired, should you sign the previous driver’s
report. This is your certification that the defects
reported earlier have been fixed.
types of inspeCtions
Pre-trip inspection. Do a pre-trip inspection before
each trip to find problems that could cause a collision
or a breakdown. A pre-trip inspection should
be routinely done before operating the vehicle.
During a trip you should:
• Watch gauges for signs of trouble.
• Use your senses to check for problems (look,
listen, smell, feel).
• Check critical items when you stop:
— tires, wheels, and rims
— brakes
— lights
After-trip inspection and report. Inspect your
transport vehicle at the end of the trip, day, or
tour of duty. You must complete a written vehicle
inspection report each day. It must include a listing
of any problems you find.
If you work for an interstate carrier and you drive
buses, you must complete a written inspection
report for each bus driven. The report must specify
each bus and list any defect that would affect safety
or result in a breakdown. If there are no defects,
the report should say so.
- 67 -