Preparing Drivers for

1

• Preparing Drivers for
• CDL
• Skill Testing
• INSERVICE 2008-2009

2
CDL Guide

• Use the most current CDL guide
• Access online at dol.gov
• Call DOL at 360-902-3900 to order guides.
• Allow a couple weeks
• for delivery.

3
H-1 Example

• Front of vehicle
• Clearance lights (Red in back, Amber everywhere
  else)
• School Bus lights (flashing amber lights,
  flashing red lights, stop paddle lights)
• 4 way hazard lights
• Left and Right turn signals
• Head lights (low-beams, high-beams)
• Reflectors (Amber in front, Red in rear, not
  broken or damaged)
• Reflective tape (not peeling, damaged or frayed)
• Rear of vehicle
• Clearance lights (Red in back, Amber everywhere
  else)
• School Bus lights (flashing amber lights,
  flashing red lights, stop paddle lights)
• 4 way hazard lights
• Left and right turn signals
• Tail lights
• Brake lights
• Back up lights (while holding down brake pedal)

• Air Leak CheckEngine Off
• Apply service brake and release the parking brake
• Let the air gauge stabilize and hold for one full
  minute.
• Check air gauge to see that pressure does not
  drop more than 3 psi in 1 minute (single vehicle)
  
• NOTE You must tell tester what the leakage rate
  is or you will be immediately disqualified.
• Low Air Warning Checkwithout restarting engine
• Turn ignition key to on or battery charge
  position.
• Begin fanning off the air pressure by pumping the
  foot brake.
• Low air warning devices (buzzer, light, wig-wag)
  should activate at 60 psi or above.
• NOTE You must tell the tester that the low air
  warning must activate at 60 psi or above, or you
  will be immediately disqualified. Also tell
  tester when the low air warning device activated
  on your vehicle.
• Parking Brake Check
• Continue fanning down the air pressure.
• The parking brake valve should apply/pop out when
  air pressure drops to 20 - 45 psi.
• NOTE You must tell the tester that the parking
  brake must activate when pressure drops to 20-45
  psi or you will be immediately disqualified.
  Tell the tester the psi your parking brake
  actually applies during check to verify its
  within the range.
• Air Governor Cut-Out Check
• With the engine running, build the air pressure
  to the governed cutout of 100-125 psi
• Tell the tester when the air governor cutout
  activates.
• NOTE You must tell the tester that the air
  governor cutout should activate when pressure
  builds to 100-125 psi or you will be immediately
  disqualified.

4
CDL Pre-trip Sections 2 11

• Concentrate on correct verbiage and key words
• Use organized sequence
• No official order
• DOL has recommended sequence
• If trainers and testers use same method student
  will be prepared

5
DOL Recommended Sequence

• Lights and reflectors
• Air supply system
• Brake checks
• Engine start/in cab inspection
• Interior/school bus items
• Engine compartment

6
DOL Sequence Continued

• Exterior walk around
• (begin in front)
• Left side
• Front axle
• Front suspension
• Under the vehicle

7
DOL Sequence Continued

• Under the vehicle
• Rear axle
• Rear suspension
• Brakes
• Other side of vehicle
• if there is anything different
• not yet covered

8
Study Methods for the Pre-trip

• 3 x 5 cards

9
Pre-trip Study Methods cont.

• Bus in shop on rack utilize knowledge of
  mechanics
• Provide visual aids, i.e. parts, pictures

10
Pre-trip Study Methods cont.

• Acronyms SMUSA
• Spring/Mounts/hangers/U-bolts/Shock
  absorbers/Airbag
• Word Association
• - Slack Adjustor Trousers/Pants

11
Pre-trip Study Methods cont.

• Self-practice on bus in lot
• Pair up trainees to test each other
• Self test on the computer
• Type, review, re-type mistakes

12
The Skill Test

• Communicate with your TPT
• Discuss testing expectations
• H-3 Available TPTs in your area
• Prompting of sections is not required
• Cone layout and backing section

13
H-4 Examples of Cone Layout

• EXAMPLE 1

• EXAMPLE 2

14
Skills Testing Instructions

• Point to items, define them, and explain what
  defects may be present
• Inspect only one side of the bus, unless the
  other side is different
• Inspect a front axle and a rear axle
• Ask questions before test the begins
• Tester will assist checking the lights

15
Common Pre-trip Disqualifications

• Seatbelt not fastened/worn every time the bus
  is in motion
• Not knowing key words/defects
• Not giving tester enough defects for items
  inspected

16
Pre-trip Disqualifications, cont.
PULL TO APPLY SPRING BRAKE

• Air Brake Checks
• Not releasing spring brake prior to timing the
  air leakage
• Incorrect or no PSI range given
• Key not turned on for warning buzzer
• Not noting actual PSI during test

17
Common Road Test Disq.s

• Anything unsafe requiring TPT instructions
• Vehicle over curb
• Violation of Law
• Improper mirror use
• (per CDL guide)

18
Road Test Disq.s cont.

• Improper traffic checks
• Stopping over line/crosswalk
• Palming steering wheel, etc.
• Braking (smooth, complete stops)

19
Common Basic Control Disqs

• Failure to attempt positioning within the 2 ft.
  cones
• Must honk and re-check mirrors each time the bus
  stops
• Any part of bus over the cones
• Too many errors (lack of practice)

20
New Stuff

• Recent changes (January 08 ) affected Third
  Party Testers.
• Information for Drivers/Trainers regarding a
  training certificate will come later this year.
• OSPI will let districts know when the information
  is available from DOL

21
Review

• Be Knowledgeable and prepared
• Communicate with your TPT
• Use study methods that will help drivers learn
  Pre-trip material
• Review the common mistakes

22
Driver CDL Preparation

• Be Prepared
• Be Successful