Steering Wheel +14Quebec · CDL · English

Because heavy vehicles are much bigger than other vehicles, expert and safe operation is essential. Hold the steering wheel with both hands positioned far enough apart to maintain firm control and react quickly.

• ✓Hold the steering wheel with both hands and vary your position for comfort
• ✓Keep hands far enough apart to maintain firm steering control and react quickly
• ✓For special turning techniques, sit well back with arms bent, starting at the 8 o'clock/4 o'clock position and hand-over-hand shuffling until wheels are turned

Driving a heavy vehicle requires special skills since these vehicles are much larger. Hold the wheel with both hands and vary your position for comfort while keeping hands far enough apart for firm control. Some models require a special turning technique due to steering wheel size or configuration.

• ✓Hold the steering wheel with both hands and keep them far enough apart to maintain firm control
• ✓Sit well back in your seat and keep your arms bent when turning the wheel
• ✓Start turns with hands at the 8 o'clock/4 o'clock position using a hand-over technique
• ✓React quickly to maintain firm steering control no matter what happens

When pulling over, turn on hazard lights, especially at night so other drivers don't mistake your stopped vehicle as moving and follow you. In a breakdown, also use flares or red reflectors to show the vehicle is stopped and replace flares when they burn out to keep a continuous signal.

• ✓Turn on hazard lights when pulling over, especially at night
• ✓In a breakdown, use flares or red reflectors and replace burned-out flares
• ✓Flares are prohibited when carrying flammable, explosive or dangerous materials (fuel, paint thinners, propane, dynamite)

On a secondary road, place warning signals: first about 3 m behind the vehicle in line with its left side; second about 30 m behind in line with the first; third about 30 m ahead of the vehicle in line with its left side.

• ✓First signal ~3 m behind, in line with the left side of the vehicle
• ✓Second signal ~30 m behind, in line with the first
• ✓Third signal ~30 m ahead of the vehicle, in line with the left side

On a highway, one-way road or thoroughfare with no oncoming traffic, place warning signals: first about 3 m behind in line with the left side; second about 30 m behind in line with the first; third about 60 m behind in line with the others.

• ✓First signal ~3 m behind, in line with the left side
• ✓Second signal ~30 m behind, in line with the first
• ✓Third signal ~60 m behind, in line with the others (all behind the vehicle)

When pulling over, turn on hazard lights—especially at night—so other drivers don't think you are still moving and try to follow. In a breakdown, also use flares or red reflectors to show the vehicle is stopped, replacing flares as they burn out. Flares are prohibited if carrying flammable, explosive or dangerous materials (fuel, paint thinners, propane, dynamite).

• ✓Turn on hazard lights when pulling over, especially at night
• ✓In a breakdown, use flares or red reflectors in addition to hazard lights
• ✓Replace flares as they burn out to maintain a continuous warning
• ✓Flares are prohibited when carrying flammable/explosive/dangerous materials

On a secondary road, place warning signals as: first signal about 3 m behind the vehicle in line with the left side; second signal about 30 m behind in line with the first; third signal about 30 m ahead of the vehicle in line with the left side.

• ✓First signal 3 m behind, in line with the left side of the vehicle
• ✓Second signal 30 m behind, in line with the first signal
• ✓Third signal 30 m ahead of the vehicle, in line with the left side

On a highway, one-way road or thoroughfare with no oncoming traffic, place signals as: first about 3 m behind in line with the left side; second about 30 m behind in line with the first; third about 60 m behind in line with the others.

• ✓First signal 3 m behind, in line with the left side
• ✓Second signal 30 m behind, in line with the first
• ✓Third signal 60 m behind on a highway (no oncoming traffic), in line with the others

Passenger-carrying drivers must know applicable laws enforced by the SAAQ, Ministère des Transports du Québec, and Commission des transports du Québec. Beyond the Highway Safety Code, they are subject to the Transport Act, Bus Transport Regulation, and the Regulation respecting road vehicles used for transporting school children.

• ✓Enforcement bodies: SAAQ, Ministère des Transports, Commission des transports du Québec
• ✓The Transport Act requires school bus drivers to hold a certificate of competency
• ✓The Bus Transport Regulation governs issuing of passenger-transport permits

All bus drivers except urban transit are governed by the Regulation respecting hours of driving and rest, and must follow rules of other jurisdictions when travelling outside Québec. A bus driver must perform a circle check within 24 hours before taking a bus out, or read and sign the previous circle check report if done within the preceding 24 hours.

• ✓All bus drivers except urban transit follow the hours of driving and rest regulation
• ✓A circle check must be performed within 24 hours before taking a bus out
• ✓A driver may read and sign a previous circle check report if done within the preceding 24 hours

Owners, operators, and drivers each have distinct obligations to keep the vehicle in safe mechanical condition.

• ✓Owners must maintain vehicles in good mechanical condition and have reported defects repaired
• ✓Operators must ensure the driver or designated person conducts the check per regulatory requirements
• ✓Drivers must perform the check per requirements (unless accepting another's inspection) and must report defects detected during a trip

Drivers are always responsible for detecting and reporting defects during a trip, even if someone else performed the circle check.

• ✓Drivers are always responsible for reporting defects noted during a trip, even if another person performed the check
• ✓Drivers must be able to carry out an inspection and recognize defects normally detected during a circle check
• ✓Drivers must remain vigilant as they are best positioned to detect unusual vehicle behaviour

The answer key confirms testable circle check rules: the driver need not personally perform the check; a 35 kPa air leak in one minute on a motor coach is NOT minor (it is a major defect for a single-unit vehicle); adjacent front tire tread wear at the indicator prohibits operation; minor defects during a trip still must be recorded; and the driver must check power steering fluid.

• ✓A 35 kPa/minute air leak on a single-unit motor coach exceeds the minor threshold and constitutes a major defect (answer: False to 'minor')
• ✓Front steering axle wear on 2 adjacent treads level with the indicator means you cannot operate the vehicle (answer: True)
• ✓The driver must record minor defects found during a trip and must check the power steering fluid level (both statements False)

The Highway Safety Code sets maximum passengers per bus. On a school bus, the number allowed equals the number of seating positions, with no more than three school children per seat and sufficient space for each child without blocking the aisle. For non-school buses outside urban areas (e.g., chartered), the limit equals seating positions plus one standing passenger per row of seats. For urban buses (mass transit), the Code sets no passenger limit.

• ✓School bus: passengers equal seating positions; maximum three children per seat
• ✓Children must not block the aisle and must be seated safely
• ✓Non-urban buses: seating positions plus one standing passenger per row (e.g., 15 rows = 15 standing max)
• ✓Urban/mass transit buses: no limit on passengers

The Highway Safety Code sets maximum passengers. For school buses, allowed passengers equal the number of seating positions; no more than three school children per seat, with enough space so each child is seated safely without blocking the aisle. For non-school buses outside urban areas (chartered), the max is seating positions plus one standing passenger per row of seats. For urban buses (mass transit), there is no passenger limit.

• ✓School bus: passengers equal seating positions; max 3 children per seat
• ✓Chartered/non-urban bus: seating positions plus one standing passenger per row of seats
• ✓Urban/mass transit bus: no limit on number of passengers

Braking power depends on vehicle weight and speed. Brakes are designed to work efficiently within the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) — vehicle weight plus load. Exceeding GVWR reduces brake performance and increases wear.

• ✓Two factors influence braking power: weight and speed
• ✓GVWR = vehicle weight + load
• ✓Exceeding GVWR reduces performance and wears brakes faster
• ✓Never exceed the vehicle's maximum authorized load — brakes could fail completely

Doubling the total vehicle weight doubles the stopping/braking distance if the same brake pressure is applied. Doubling brake pressure keeps the same distance but doubles the heat. Reduce speed or increase stopping distance to avoid overheating.

• ✓Double weight = double stopping distance at same brake pressure
• ✓Double pressure keeps distance but doubles heat
• ✓Reduce speed or increase distance to prevent overheating

Speed is even more important than weight because braking power required is proportionate to the square of the speed increase. Doubling speed quadruples the braking power required and generates four times more heat.

• ✓Braking power required is proportional to the square of speed
• ✓Double speed = 4x braking power required
• ✓Double speed = 4x more brake heat
• ✓Speed matters more than weight/load

If both weight and speed double, it takes eight times more braking power to stop. Excessive braking creates more heat than drums/discs can absorb, glazing the linings and reducing effectiveness until they cool.

• ✓Both weight and speed doubled = 8x braking power needed
• ✓Excess heat glazes linings and reduces effectiveness
• ✓Glazing improves once linings cool down

Brake performance depends on more than brake power. Brake adjustment, type and condition of linings, tire condition, road grade, road surface, and vehicle aerodynamics all have an impact.

• ✓Brake adjustment affects performance
• ✓Lining type and condition matter
• ✓Tire condition, road grade, surface, and aerodynamics also affect braking

Braking power required depends on weight and speed. Brakes are designed to be efficient up to the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the manufacturer's maximum of vehicle plus load. Exceeding GVWR reduces performance and increases wear. Doubling the load doubles braking distance at the same air pressure; doubling the pressure keeps distance but doubles heat. Never exceed maximum authorized load — brakes could fail completely.

• ✓Two factors affect braking power: weight and speed
• ✓Do not exceed GVWR (vehicle + load maximum)
• ✓Doubling load doubles braking distance at same pressure
• ✓Exceeding maximum authorized load can cause total brake failure

Speed matters more than weight because braking power is proportionate to the square of the speed increase. Doubling speed quadruples the braking power needed and generates four times the heat. Doubling both weight and speed requires eight times more braking power.

• ✓Braking power is proportional to the square of speed increase
• ✓Doubling speed requires four times the braking power and heat
• ✓Doubling both weight and speed requires eight times the braking power

Excessive braking creates more heat than drums and discs can absorb, causing linings to glaze and lose effectiveness; this reverses once linings cool. Reduce heat by decreasing speed or increasing stopping distance. Performance also depends on brake adjustment, linings, tires, road grade and surface, and aerodynamics.

• ✓Excessive heat glazes linings and reduces effectiveness
• ✓Glazing disappears when the linings cool down
• ✓Reduce heat by lowering speed or increasing stopping distance

A minor defect does not pose immediate risk but can deteriorate; the vehicle cannot be operated if not repaired within a set time.

• ✓A minor defect does not pose an immediate risk to safety but could deteriorate quickly
• ✓A vehicle with a minor defect cannot be operated if repairs are not performed within 48 hours
• ✓Minor defect must be recorded in the report and notified to the operator before the next circle check or within 24 hours, whichever comes first

A major defect poses an immediate safety risk and legally prohibits operation of the vehicle.

• ✓A major defect poses an immediate risk to safety
• ✓It is prohibited to operate or allow operation of a vehicle with a major defect
• ✓A major defect must be immediately recorded in the report and reported without delay to the operator
• ✓A major defect constitutes a prohibition from operation

Check presence, condition, and working order of the driver's seat belt (anchorages, buckle, retractor, locking mechanism). Buckle and unbuckle to confirm proper working order.

• ✓Defect 13.A (major): The driver's seat belt is missing, modified, or inadequate
• ✓A seat belt is inadequate if it is not in proper working order

Check general condition and adjustment of the driver's seat. Sit in it, make needed adjustments for safe driving, and confirm the seat remains locked in position after adjustment. A seat is inadequate if not in proper working order to the point of being unsafe.

• ✓Defect 13.1 (minor): The driver's seat is inadequate or does not remain locked in position
• ✓A seat is inadequate if it is not in proper working order to the point of being unsafe

Be cautious at level crossings—track signs may be obscured by snow, weeds or branches. Heavy vehicles take longer to cross due to size and cargo. Avoid changing gears while crossing; an error or stall can be disastrous. Risk is greater for buses due to passenger safety. Bus drivers and dangerous goods carriers have special rules (Chapters 7 and 8).

• ✓Track warning signs may be obscured by snow, weeds or branches
• ✓Heavy vehicles take longer than other vehicles to cross tracks
• ✓Avoid changing gears while crossing tracks—an error or stall can be disastrous
• ✓Bus drivers and dangerous goods carriers are subject to special crossing rules

Be cautious at level crossings; track warning signs may be obscured by snow, weeds or branches. Heavy vehicles take longer to cross due to size and cargo. Avoid changing gears while crossing — a gear error or stall could be disastrous. The risk is greater for buses (passenger safety). Bus drivers and dangerous-goods carriers have special rules (Chapters 7 and 8).

• ✓Avoid changing gears while travelling through a level crossing
• ✓Watch for obscured track warning signs due to snow, weeds or branches
• ✓Buses and dangerous-goods vehicles are subject to special level-crossing rules

A special warning sign means that, because of the level crossing configuration, you must reduce speed by more than 70% of the posted speed limit. For example, if the posted limit is 70 km/h, you must reduce to no more than 20 km/h before crossing.

• ✓The special sign requires reducing speed by more than 70% of the posted limit
• ✓At a 70 km/h posted limit, slow to no more than 20 km/h before crossing

A special truck warning sign means that due to the crossing configuration you must reduce speed by more than 70% of the posted speed limit. For example, at a posted limit of 70 km/h you must reduce to no more than 20 km/h before crossing.

• ✓This sign requires reducing speed by more than 70% of the posted limit
• ✓Example: at 70 km/h posted, reduce to no more than 20 km/h before crossing

A single low beam, parking, turn-indicator, brake, or plate light not turning on is a minor defect. Major defects are failure of all low-beams, and at the rear of a single-unit or last vehicle: failure of all turn-indicator, brake, or parking lights.

• ✓Minor: one low beam, parking, turn, brake, or plate light not turning on
• ✓Major: failure of all low-beams
• ✓Major: rear failure of all turn-indicator, brake, or parking lights

A passenger-side wiper missing/inadequate or ineffective washer is a minor defect, while a driver-side wiper missing/inadequate is a major defect. Insecurely fixed or inaccessible first-aid kits and chemical extinguishers required by law are minor defects.

• ✓Minor: passenger-side wiper missing/inadequate; washer ineffective
• ✓Major: driver-side wiper missing or inadequate
• ✓Minor: required first-aid kit or extinguisher insecure/not readily accessible

The accelerator controls vehicle speed. Smooth, gradual acceleration avoids jerking and maintains vehicle control. Proper fuel flow ensures optimal engine performance.

• ✓Accelerate smoothly and gradually to avoid jerking the vehicle
• ✓The sole of your shoe should lie flat against the pedal with your heel on the floor
• ✓Accelerate gradually while gauging engine RPM, then maintain your desired speed for better control

The accelerator controls vehicle speed. Accelerate smoothly and gradually to set the vehicle in motion without jerking. The sole of your shoe should lie flat against the pedal with your heel on the floor. Gauge engine RPM and maintain steady speed once reached.

• ✓Accelerate smoothly and gradually to avoid causing the vehicle to jerk
• ✓Keep the sole of your shoe flat against the accelerator pedal with your heel on the floor
• ✓Accelerate gradually while gauging engine RPM to obtain optimal engine performance
• ✓Once you reach your desired speed, maintain it to keep control of your vehicle

Before picking up or dropping off passengers, pull over and come to a full stop on the far right-hand side of the road or in a designated area. Once stopped, do not open the door until you are sure it is safe to do so.

• ✓Pull over and fully stop on the far right or in a designated area
• ✓Do not open the door until it is safe to do so

Drive smoothly for passenger comfort and safety. Do not drive on if anyone leans against the outside of the bus, and ensure dropped-off passengers are not at risk of being struck. On city roads under 70 km/h, a bus has the right of way when pulling back into its lane but must still use judgment, signal, and ensure the way is clear. At level crossings, slow down, stop at least 5 m from the crossing, and do not proceed until there is room to clear it completely, unless an EXEMPT sign is posted.

• ✓Do not drive on if anyone is leaning against the outside of the bus
• ✓On roads under 70 km/h, a bus has right of way re-entering its lane but must signal and ensure safety
• ✓At level crossings, stop at least 5 m away and clear the crossing completely before proceeding
• ✓An EXEMPT sign exempts you from the level crossing stop obligation

Buses need not stop at inspection stations unless hauling a trailer. When driving any vehicle with a total loaded mass of 3,000 kg or more, including a bus, you must pull over at a brake check area marked by a VÉRIFICATION sign, stop at the stop sign, and check the brakes yourself.

• ✓Buses do not stop at inspection stations unless hauling a trailer
• ✓Vehicles 3,000 kg or more must stop at VÉRIFICATION brake check areas
• ✓Come to a full stop and check the brakes yourself

Driving on the shoulder of a highway or controlled access road is only permitted if the driver took the required training course, the signage authorizes travel on that road, and traffic speed on the highway is under 50 km/h.

• ✓Driver must have taken the required training course
• ✓Signage must authorize travel on the shoulder
• ✓Highway traffic speed must be under 50 km/h

There are three defect lists tailored to different vehicle types, which help classify defects as minor or major.

• ✓List 1 – Heavy vehicles: for all heavy vehicles except those in lists 2 and 3
• ✓List 2 – Buses: for buses (excluding motor coaches), minibuses and trailers hauled by them
• ✓List 3 – Motor coaches: for motor coaches
• ✓Motor coach owner not under a recognized PMP must fill out the specific inspection report every 12,000 km or every 30 days, whichever comes first

The list of defects has prescribed content and must be kept on board the vehicle by both operators and drivers.

• ✓Operators must place the applicable list of defects in each vehicle in the prescribed format (text, order and numbering cannot be modified)
• ✓Elements may be added only to the 'Specific inspections required by the operator' section
• ✓Drivers must ensure the list remains on board and hand it over to any peace officer who requests it

The circle check covers a specified set of components; List 1 has 19 while Lists 2 and 3 add a 20th passenger-transport section.

• ✓List 1 (heavy vehicles) has 19 components; Lists 2 and 3 have a 20th section for passenger-carrying vehicles
• ✓The 20 components include coupling devices, frame/cargo body, steering, brakes (electric, hydraulic, pneumatic), tires, wheels/hubs/fasteners, suspension, and passenger transport
• ✓Components not present on a vehicle need not be verified; missing parts that should be present constitute a reportable defect
• ✓Minor defects covered by the list must be entered in the report and reported before the next check or within 24 hours

Many heavy vehicles change gears automatically based on speed and acceleration. Unlike car automatics, heavy vehicle automatic transmissions do not have a PARK setting.

• ✓To keep the vehicle stationary when stopped, shift into neutral (N) with engine running and apply the parking brake
• ✓Heavy vehicle automatic transmissions have no PARK setting
• ✓When braking or downshifting in 1st and 2nd gears, drive wheels can block on slippery roads and cause loss of control

Two types of manual transmissions exist on heavy vehicles: synchromesh and non-synchromesh. Both (and certain automated manuals) have a clutch pedal.

• ✓Synchromesh transmissions (usually 5–6 gears) allow shifting without grinding and are used on school buses and light double-axle trucks; no double-clutching needed
• ✓Non-synchromesh transmissions (usually 8–18 gears) are used on heavy vehicles with three or more axles and high GVWR, including tractor semi-trailers
• ✓Non-synchromesh transmissions require the double-clutching technique for safe and efficient driving

The clutch couples the engine to the transmission and transmits power to the drive wheels. Proper driving position is crucial for correct clutching.

• ✓Raised pedal = clutch engaged (power to wheels); pressed pedal = clutch disengaged (equivalent to neutral), allowing gear shifting
• ✓Sit so you can press the pedal far enough to fully disengage the clutch while keeping your knee slightly bent
• ✓Avoid releasing the pedal too quickly (forcing) or too slowly (slipping/heat), resting your foot on it, or pushing it all the way to the floor when shifting

A non-synchromesh manual transmission is used primarily on heavy vehicles with three or more axles and high gross vehicle weight rating, including tractor semi-trailers. It usually has 8 to 18 gears and requires the double-clutching technique because it has no synchromesh to prevent grinding.

• ✓Non-synchromesh manual transmissions are used on vehicles with three or more axles and high GVWR, including tractor semi-trailers
• ✓They usually have 8 to 18 gears
• ✓You must use the double-clutching technique for safe and efficient driving
• ✓Mastering double-clutching requires good timing and many hours of practice

A mechanical gear shift resembles an automobile lever-type shift, with each gear position serving a specific purpose.

• ✓N (neutral) is for starting the engine, extended idling and parking; R (reverse) requires a full stop before use
• ✓2 to 5 or D are forward gears for normal driving; 2 and 3 or 2 to 4 are lower gears for driving with loads
• ✓Gear 2 is used for snow or steep grades; Gear 1 gives maximum power for very slow off-road driving; MODE switches Performance/Economy mode

The clutch pedal in a non-synchromesh transmission has four positions, each with a specific role essential for proper double-clutching.

• ✓Position 1 (upper free play) prevents components constantly spinning; Position 2 (friction point) uncouples engine before changing gears
• ✓Position 3 (lower free play) transitions from friction point to clutch brake; Position 4 (clutch brake) stops transmission components to allow shifting into 1st gear

To use a non-synchromesh transmission you must know your engine's key characteristics and monitor RPM when shifting.

• ✓Know your engine's idling RPM, top speed RPM and maximum torque
• ✓Check the tachometer/engine RPM each time you shift gears
• ✓Example 10-gear setup: idling 650 RPM, top speed 1,800 RPM, maximum torque 1,200 RPM

The transmission multiplies engine power and transmits it to the differential. Non-synchromesh manual transmissions typically follow two configurations with characteristic RPM increments between gears on flat terrain.

• ✓10 or 15 gears have an increment of approximately 300 RPM from one gear to the next on flat terrain
• ✓8, 13 or 18 gears have an increment of approximately 400 RPM from one gear to the next on flat terrain
• ✓To use the double-clutching technique you must understand how to upshift and downshift

A synchromesh manual transmission usually has 5 or 6 gears with an internal synchromesh allowing shifting without grinding. It is used primarily on school buses and certain double-axle trucks with low gross vehicle weight rating and does not require double-clutching.

• ✓A synchromesh manual transmission usually has 5 or 6 gears
• ✓The internal synchromesh allows shifting without grinding
• ✓Used primarily on school buses and certain low-GVWR double-axle trucks
• ✓Does not require the double-clutching technique

The clutch couples the engine to the transmission and transmits power to the drive wheels. Raised = engaged (power transmitted); pressed = disengaged (equivalent to neutral, allowing gear shifts). Proper driving position is crucial and there are specific errors to avoid.

• ✓Press the clutch pedal to disengage and shift gears; only then can you shift a manual transmission
• ✓Sit so you can fully disengage the clutch while keeping your knee slightly bent
• ✓Avoid releasing the clutch too quickly (forces transmission) or too slowly (causes slipping, heat and wear)
• ✓Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal when not in use, and do not push it all the way to the floor when shifting gears

The transmission multiplies engine power and transmits it to the differential. Most non-synchromesh manual transmissions follow one of two configurations with different RPM increments between gears on flat terrain.

• ✓10 or 15 gears have an increment of approximately 300 RPM from one gear to the next on flat terrain
• ✓8, 13 or 18 gears have an increment of approximately 400 RPM from one gear to the next on flat terrain
• ✓The transmission multiplies engine power and transmits it to the differential

The double-clutching technique requires understanding upshifting and downshifting. Example values in the study material assume a 10-gear transmission with specific engine RPM parameters.

• ✓Example engine idling speed is 650 RPM
• ✓Example engine top speed is 1,800 RPM
• ✓Example engine maximum torque is 1,200 RPM
• ✓You must understand both upshifting and downshifting to double-clutch

These gear shifts are operated by buttons rather than a lever and have the same positions as a mechanical gear shift plus up and down buttons.

• ✓Up (↑) and down (↓) buttons allow manual selection of a higher or lower gear (1 to 5) depending on road conditions
• ✓Before selecting a gear, press the MODE button to switch from automatic to manual

An increasing number of heavy vehicles use automated manual transmissions that constantly monitor factors affecting gear shifting.

• ✓The 'smart' transmission monitors road grade, vehicle weight, speed and rolling resistance
• ✓It analyzes these factors to determine the smoothest gear transitions automatically