When checking the power steering fluid during the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to indicate where the power steering fluid dipstick is located and show that there is an adequate amount of power steering fluid in the engine compartment. The fluid level must be above the refill mark.

Mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings are dangerous and should not be used.

Reduce your speed when traveling on surfaces that provide reduced traction. Reduce your speed by about one-third when driving on a wet road.

When stopping, apply gradual pressure to the brake pedal and stop smoothly. If stopping a manual transmission vehicle, push the clutch in when the engine is close to idle.

When approaching a railroad crossing while driving a bus, you must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest track to look and listen for any approaching trains. Only proceed once you are certain that there are no approaching trains. You do not need to stop at streetcar crossings; if a police officer or flagger is directing traffic; if there is a green traffic signal at the crossing; or at crossings marked "exempt" or "abandoned."

Cargo must be properly secured to prevent it from moving in transit. Loose cargo can be dangerous to the driver operating the CMV, as well as to other road users.

Rust around wheel nuts may mean that they are loose. Check the tightness of the nuts if you see any rust in the area.

Texting while driving is dangerous and is never permitted while operating a CMV.

When inspecting a vehicle equipped with power steering, check the hoses, pumps, and fluid level. Be sure to check for and repair leaks before operating the vehicle.

Mandatory emergency equipment includes: at least one fire extinguisher; spare electrical fuses (unless the vehicle is equipped with circuit breakers); and warning devices for parked vehicles (such as reflective triangles).

If the weight of your vehicle prevents you from matching the speed of surrounding traffic, you should stay in the right lane, if possible.

You should start and stop as smoothly as possible to help prevent passenger injury. After passengers have boarded your bus at a stop, you should allow them time to be seated or to brace themselves before you begin driving.

There should be at least 4/32 of an inch of tread depth in every major groove on front tires and 2/32 of an inch on other tires. Valve stems should not be cut or cracked. Tire sizes should not be mismatched.

Bridges usually freeze before the rest of the road. You should be especially careful when crossing bridges if the temperature is near the freezing point.

Defects to check for when inspecting your vehicle's suspension system include cracked or broken spring hangers; missing or broken leaves in a leaf spring; and leaking shock absorbers. If you spot any of these issues, be sure to have them repaired.

If you begin to feel sleepy while driving, the only safe response is to stop driving and get some sleep. Attempting to fight off exhaustion is dangerous and a major cause of fatal crashes. Stimulants are not a safe solution because they may help keep you awake but will not make you more alert. Once stimulants wear off, you will be even more tired than you were originally.

A vehicle inspection report keeps the carrier informed about any problems that need to be fixed.

Blocking is used to prevent cargo from sliding while in transit.

Be sure to thoroughly inspect your tires before a trip. Tire sizes should not be mismatched, and tires should not be cut, cracked, or otherwise damaged in any way.

After a vehicle's engine is started, the engine's oil pressure should rise to its normal level within seconds. Do not drive a vehicle with oil pressure that is too low.