Circle Check of a Vehicle: School Buses +7Quebec · CDL · English

For a school bus, use the circle check method for a straight-body truck and add the city bus points plus specific school bus components. These include the power steering belt, driver-area windows, the retractable stop sign with flashing lights, red flashing lights, alternately flashing yellow lights, and the hydraulic brake system where equipped.

• ✓Check the power steering belt (often present, depending on equipment) (5.3)
• ✓Check the windows on both sides of and directly behind the driver's compartment (11.4)
• ✓Check the retractable stop sign and its flashing and alternately flashing lights (20.7)
• ✓Check the flashing red lights and alternately flashing yellow lights (20.8)
• ✓Check the hydraulic brake system where equipped (section 18)

This guide summarizes the standards and rules of conduct that apply to driving a heavy vehicle in Québec. It presents the principal obligations of heavy vehicle drivers, driving techniques and safety standards. For legal reference, drivers should consult the Highway Safety Code and its regulations.

• ✓Sharing the road requires courtesy and mutual respect from all road users
• ✓Professional drivers must know their rights and obligations and adopt safe, cooperative behaviour
• ✓Consult the Highway Safety Code and attendant regulations for legal reference

The guide uses icons to help candidates: IMPORTANT (important safety information), THINK ABOUT IT (things needed to become competent), TOOLBOX (additional information), and THEORETICAL EXERCISES (self-checks of learning).

• ✓The IMPORTANT icon flags critical safety information
• ✓The THEORETICAL EXERCISES icon marks self-evaluation exercises

Under the Highway Safety Code, drivers must ensure the vehicle undergoes an inspection each day and at predetermined intervals (circle check). The Regulation respecting hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers aims to cut down accident risk and also affects operators who must ensure drivers can drive safely.

• ✓A daily circle check inspection is required under the Highway Safety Code
• ✓Hours of driving and rest regulations apply to both drivers and operators

This regulation sets standards limiting size, load per axle group and total loaded mass on public roads. Vehicles not meeting standards are considered outsized or overloaded and cannot use public roads without a special permit.

• ✓Vehicles exceeding size/load limits are outsized or overloaded
• ✓Outsized/overloaded vehicles require a special permit to use public roads

Drivers transporting dangerous substances must be trained and carry an employer's certificate proving training. School bus drivers must receive training on school children safety and hold a certificate of competency.

• ✓Dangerous substance drivers need training and an employer's certificate
• ✓School bus drivers need training and a certificate of competency

When driving outside Québec, be familiar with laws and regulations in other states/provinces. Heavy vehicle drivers in the United States must be at least age 21. Driving hour requirements and defect classifications may differ in some jurisdictions.

• ✓US heavy vehicle drivers must be at least age 21
• ✓Driving hours and defect classifications may differ between jurisdictions

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, along with speeding, distraction and alcohol. A U.S. study shows fatigue is a primary cause of fatal accidents for heavy vehicle drivers, and health problems related to insufficient or poor-quality sleep contribute to many fatalities.

• ✓Fatigue is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents alongside speeding, distraction and alcohol
• ✓Fatigue is a primary cause of fatal accidents among heavy vehicle drivers
• ✓Regulating driving/off-duty hours alone is not enough to eliminate fatigue-related accident risk

Fatigue becomes a problem when it compromises your ability to perform tasks requiring attention, judgment and sharp reflexes. It can lead to drowsiness, microsleep periods and falling asleep at the wheel.

• ✓Fatigue reduces alertness, concentration and attention
• ✓Fatigue alters judgment and decision-making, slows reaction time and impairs memory
• ✓Fatigue can lead to drowsiness, microsleep periods and falling asleep at the wheel

The warning signs of fatigue vary from person to person but should always be taken seriously. When the first signs appear, you should stop immediately in a safe location to rest.

• ✓Warning signs include frequent yawning, excessive blinking, nodding off and straying into the adjacent lane
• ✓Other signs include being slow to brake, difficulty keeping constant speed, not remembering the last few kilometres, and missing an exit
• ✓When the first signs of fatigue appear, stop immediately in a safe location to rest

The body follows a daily biological cycle with 'down' periods where metabolism slows, alertness declines and fatigue sets in. Certain periods carry the highest risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

• ✓The risk of falling asleep is greatest early in the afternoon between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• ✓The risk is also greatest at night between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
• ✓Whenever possible, avoid driving during these high-risk periods

Physical and mental performance declines rapidly after prolonged periods without sleep, becoming comparable to alcohol impairment.

• ✓After 17 hours without sleep, physical and mental performance declines rapidly
• ✓After 17 to 19 hours without sleep, your capacities equal a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05
• ✓After 24 hours without sleep, your capacities equal a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10

On the road, plan for rest and adjust driving to avoid fatigue. Fatigue is not something you can fight against.

• ✓Begin the work day well rested and take a break every two hours with naps when necessary
• ✓Avoid driving at high-risk times (midnight–6 a.m. and 1–3 p.m.) and slow down to reduce information overload
• ✓Assess your degree of fatigue and pull over to a safe location at the first signs to rest

The warning signs of fatigue should be taken seriously. You must stop immediately in a safe location to rest when the first signs appear. Signs vary by individual but must be learned and recognized.

• ✓Stop immediately in a safe location to rest when the first signs of fatigue appear
• ✓Signs include frequent yawning, excessive blinking, nodding off, and straying into the adjacent lane
• ✓Signs include being slow to brake, difficulty keeping constant speed, missing an exit, and not remembering the last few kilometres travelled
• ✓Signs include feeling irritable, hallucinations, and failing to check rearview mirrors

The risk of falling asleep at the wheel is greatest early in the afternoon between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and at night between midnight and 6:00 a.m. The body follows a daily cycle with 'down' periods where metabolism slows and alertness declines.

• ✓Highest fatigue accident risk occurs at night between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
• ✓Elevated fatigue risk also occurs in the afternoon between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• ✓During 'down' periods metabolism slows, alertness declines and fatigue sets in

Fatigue must be managed both at home and on the road. At home: prioritize sleep, plan rest time, exercise, eat well, watch caffeine/alcohol, manage stress. On the road: begin well rested, plan routes with rest stops, avoid high-risk hours, slow down, avoid visual fatigue. Fatigue cannot be fought—respect your limits.

• ✓At home, make sleep a priority, exercise regularly and watch caffeine and alcohol consumption
• ✓On the road, begin the work day well rested and take a break every two hours with naps as needed
• ✓Avoid driving at night between midnight and 6:00 a.m. and during the day between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• ✓Fatigue cannot be fought; pull over to a safe location as soon as the first signs appear

Three main factors determine an individual's fatigue: the driver, the work environment and the physical environment.

• ✓The driver factor includes health, sleep disorders, sleep quality, age, emotional state, diet and fitness
• ✓The work environment factor includes schedule changes, long hauls, night work, waiting times and length of work day
• ✓The physical environment factor includes weather, road conditions, rest area availability, noise, lighting, cab temperature and ergonomics

If you do not get enough sleep, you build up a 'sleep debt.' Performance may suffer after even a single night of insufficient sleep. The only remedy is adequate sleep.

• ✓Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to feel rested and alert
• ✓Performance may begin to suffer after even a single night without enough sleep
• ✓The only way to remedy a sleep debt is to get enough sleep; the body cannot compensate long-term

Obstructive sleep apnea affects at least 10% of the population and is characterized by throat obstruction that recurs during the night, reducing blood oxygen and disrupting sleep. Many sufferers are unaware of their condition.

• ✓Symptoms include snoring, agitated sleep and frequently waking due to a feeling of suffocation
• ✓Daytime symptoms include sleepiness, low energy, morning headaches and memory/attention problems
• ✓Conditions like type II diabetes, hypertension, depression and cardiovascular disease can lead to sleep apnea; see your doctor to treat it

Consumption of alcohol, medications or drugs greatly amplifies the effects of fatigue and the accumulation of a sleep debt.

• ✓Alcohol, medications or drugs greatly amplify the effects of fatigue
• ✓These substances worsen the accumulation of a sleep debt

Managing fatigue starts at home by prioritizing sleep, exercise, diet and stress management.

• ✓Make sleep a priority, plan free time for restorative sleep and ask family not to disturb you
• ✓Exercise regularly (even 15 minutes/day), watch diet, caffeine and alcohol consumption
• ✓See your doctor if you need help with sleep disorders

There are dozens of sleep disorders that can make a person abnormally tired. Obstructive sleep apnea affects at least 10% of the population and is often undiagnosed. It involves repeated throat obstruction reducing blood oxygen and disrupting sleep, preventing deep restorative sleep.

• ✓Obstructive sleep apnea affects at least 10% of the population and often goes undiagnosed
• ✓Symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, agitated sleep, waking with feelings of suffocation, daytime sleepiness and morning headaches
• ✓Illnesses such as type II diabetes, hypertension, depression and cardiovascular disease can lead to sleep apnea
• ✓See your doctor to treat sleep disorders

Consumption of alcohol, medications or drugs greatly amplifies the effects of fatigue and sleep debt. Noise from the engine, tires, exhaust, radio or the cab itself magnifies driver fatigue, worsened by poor soundproofing, high speed and loud radio.

• ✓Alcohol, medications or drugs greatly amplify the effects of fatigue and sleep debt
• ✓Noise from the engine, tires, exhaust, radio or cab contributes to driver fatigue
• ✓Inadequate soundproofing, high vehicle speed and loud radio all increase noise-related fatigue

Noise magnifies fatigue and varies with the environment and vehicle type. Sources include the engine, tires, exhaust, radio and cab.

• ✓Inadequate cab soundproofing, high speed and loud radio all add to noise level and driver fatigue
• ✓Reducing noise sources helps reduce fatigue

Downshifting requires the double-declutching technique to prevent friction between components of the non-synchromesh manual transmission and to protect the mechanism from premature wear. Unlike upshifting, engine speed must be increased before downshifting.

• ✓Must use double-declutching to downshift
• ✓Prevents wear on non-synchromesh transmission
• ✓Requires shifting into neutral
• ✓Engine speed must be increased before downshifting

To downshift, slow the vehicle with the service brake to reduce and stabilize engine RPM, then follow a precise sequence. Engine speed must be reduced to no faster than its maximum RPM when in neutral. Example: downshifting from 5th to 4th gear.

• ✓Slow vehicle until gauge reads 1,200 RPM, push clutch to friction point (position 2)
• ✓Keep engine speed same, push clutch to lower free play (position 3) releasing accelerator
• ✓Shift into neutral (N)
• ✓Release clutch to upper free play (position 1)
• ✓Push accelerator to increase engine speed by 300 RPM to reach 1,500 RPM
• ✓Release accelerator, push clutch to position 3, shift into 4th gear
• ✓Release clutch to complete manoeuvre
• ✓Practise double-clutching on flat terrain

Use the counting method to set following distance: allow one second for every three metres of vehicle length on dry pavement. A 12 m heavy vehicle needs 4 seconds; an 18 m tractor-trailer needs 6 seconds. This method works at all speeds.

• ✓Allow one second for every 3 metres of vehicle length on dry pavement
• ✓12 m vehicle = 4 seconds; 18 m tractor-trailer = 6 seconds
• ✓Choose a fixed reference point and count 'one thousand and one...' when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes it

Increase following distance for speeds over 60 km/h or driving at night. Multiply the distance for poor road conditions.

• ✓Increase distance at speeds over 60 km/h and at night
• ✓Double the distance on wet pavement
• ✓Triple it in snow and quadruple it on icy pavement

Be aware of your vehicle's height (including load) to avoid striking bridges or overpasses. Do not assume posted heights are correct — repaving, ice or packed snow can reduce clearance. An empty trailer rides higher than a loaded one.

• ✓Do not assume posted bridge/overpass heights are correct; stop and check if unsure
• ✓Repaved roads, ice or packed snow reduce clearance
• ✓An empty trailer rides higher than a loaded one
• ✓Watch for tilting roads and overhead objects when clearing signs, trees or when backing up

To follow at a safe distance, allow one second for every three metres of vehicle length on dry pavement. A 12 m vehicle needs 4 seconds; an 18 m tractor-trailer needs 6 seconds. Choose a stationary reference point and count 'one thousand and one' as the vehicle ahead passes it.

• ✓Allow one second for every three metres of vehicle length on dry pavement
• ✓A 12 m heavy vehicle needs 4 seconds following distance
• ✓An 18 m tractor-trailer needs 6 seconds following distance
• ✓If you pass the reference point before finishing the count, you are following too closely

The base following distance must be increased for higher speeds, night driving and poor conditions. Speed over 60 km/h or night driving requires more distance; double on wet pavement, triple in snow and quadruple on ice.

• ✓Increase distance at speeds over 60 km/h or when driving at night
• ✓Double the distance on wet pavement
• ✓Triple the distance when driving in snow
• ✓Quadruple the distance on icy pavement

Be aware of your vehicle and load height to avoid striking bridges and overpasses. Do not assume posted clearances are correct—repaving, ice or packed snow reduces clearance. Load weight affects height, as an empty trailer rides higher than a loaded one.

• ✓Do not assume posted bridge/overpass heights are correct
• ✓Stop and check if unsure you have enough overhead clearance
• ✓Remember an empty trailer rides higher than a loaded one
• ✓Check overhead for wires, branches and objects before backing up

When stopping behind another vehicle, leave enough space to pull out around it without backing up. When driving, always allow enough space in front so you can brake or stop easily if an unexpected hazard arises.

• ✓Leave enough space to pull around the vehicle ahead without backing up
• ✓Always keep enough space in front to brake or stop for hazards

If you reach the reference point after counting the full number of seconds, you are following at the correct distance under normal conditions. If you reach it before finishing the count, you are following too closely.

• ✓Reaching the point after the full count = safe distance
• ✓Reaching the point before finishing the count = too close, increase distance

Most heavy vehicles make it nearly impossible to see vehicles following close behind. When forced to drive slowly, motorists tend to follow closely. Since you cannot prevent tailgating, make allowance for their presence.

• ✓Be ready at all times to respond to changing situations
• ✓Avoid abrupt manoeuvres when changing lanes or turning
• ✓Signal ahead of time and before braking
• ✓Increase distance from the vehicle ahead so a passing vehicle can pull back in
• ✓Do not use brake lights to warn a tailgater

A heavy vehicle occupies almost the full lane width. Stay centred in your lane and avoid straying into other lanes by looking well ahead to the centre of your lane. Drive defensively and make sure other drivers can see you.

• ✓Keep your vehicle centred in the lane
• ✓Look well ahead to the centre of your lane to maintain position
• ✓Drive defensively and ensure other drivers can see you

Strong winds or blowing snow can make it hard to stay in your lane. How your vehicle reacts to crosswinds varies with load, road surface, and situations like emerging from a tunnel or passing under an overpass. Slow down in high winds and watch for warning signs.

• ✓Slow down in high winds
• ✓Be alert to crosswinds when emerging from tunnels or under overpasses
• ✓Watch for signs indicating high winds or blowing snow (VISIBILITÉ RÉDUITE)

Since 2019, all dump trucks and road tractors carrying dump trailers or semi dump trailers must be equipped with a warning system that is automatically activated until the dump body is completely lowered. Fines apply if this safety feature is missing.

• ✓Dump trucks and dump-trailer tractors must have a raised-body warning system since 2019
• ✓The warning stays active until the dump body is fully lowered; fines apply for non-compliance

When stopping behind another vehicle, leave enough space to pull around it without backing up. When driving, always allow enough space in front so you can brake or stop easily if an unexpected hazard arises.

• ✓Leave enough space when stopped to pull around the vehicle ahead without backing up
• ✓Always allow enough space in front to brake or stop for hazards

Most heavy vehicles make it nearly impossible to see vehicles following closely, and motorists tend to follow closely when you drive slowly. Since you cannot prevent tailgating, make allowance for it by staying alert, avoiding abrupt manoeuvres, and increasing your front space.

• ✓Avoid abrupt manoeuvres when changing lanes or turning if being tailgated
• ✓Signal intentions ahead of time and before braking
• ✓Increase distance to the vehicle ahead to leave room for passers to merge
• ✓Do not use your brake lights to warn a tailgater against following too closely

A heavy vehicle occupies almost the full lane width. Maintain your vehicle in the centre of the lane and avoid straying. Look well ahead to the centre of your lane to help hold position. Strong winds or blowing snow can push you out of your lane, especially when emerging from tunnels or under overpasses.

• ✓Keep the vehicle centred in the lane and avoid straying into other lanes
• ✓Look to the centre of your lane far ahead to maintain lane position
• ✓Slow down in high winds and watch for high wind/blowing snow warning signs
• ✓Crosswind effect varies with load and is worse on snowy or icy roads

Since 2019, all dump trucks and road tractors carrying dump trailers or semi dump trailers must be equipped with a warning system that activates automatically until the dump body is fully lowered. Fines apply if the vehicle lacks this safety feature.

• ✓Dump trucks and dump trailer combinations must have a raised dump body warning system (since 2019)
• ✓The warning system stays active until the dump body is completely lowered
• ✓Fines apply for vehicles not equipped with this feature

Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose traction, especially when puddles form during rain. A thin layer of water forms between the tire and road, causing tires to lose grip. It is worse with underinflated tires or worn tread.

• ✓Hydroplaning happens when a water layer forms between tire and road, causing loss of grip
• ✓Underinflated tires and worn tread make hydroplaning worse

To maintain control during hydroplaning, take your foot off the accelerator and avoid braking, which could cause loss of control. Once control is regained, resume normal speed.

• ✓Take your foot off the accelerator
• ✓Avoid braking, as it could cause loss of control
• ✓Resume normal speed only after regaining control

A second semi-trailer can be hitched using different equipment depending on train type: an A converter dolly with one pintle eye (A train); a sliding or stationary fifth wheel (B train); or a tandem-axle B converter dolly with 2 pintle eyes (C train).

• ✓An A train uses an A converter dolly with one pintle eye
• ✓A B train uses a sliding fifth wheel below the first semi-trailer or a stationary fifth wheel at the rear
• ✓A C train uses a tandem-axle B converter dolly with 2 pintle eyes

First hitch the first semi-trailer to the tractor. Then position the combination in front of the second semi-trailer, back up until the kingpin is inside the fifth wheel, test the lock, inspect the coupling, connect lights and hoses, open the first semi-trailer's brake line shut-off valves, and raise the landing gear.

• ✓Hitch the first semi-trailer to the tractor before positioning for the second
• ✓Back up until the kingpin is inside the fifth wheel and test by moving forward until resistance
• ✓Open the brake line shut-off valves of the first semi-trailer
• ✓Check the kingpin is fully inserted and the locking mechanism is in the lock position

Hitch the first semi-trailer, then back up to line the dolly's pintle eye with the first semi-trailer's pintle hook. Hitch the dolly, lower the drawbar and put the safety catch in place, connect brake hoses, indicator lights and safety chains, open shut-off valves, and check the dolly's general condition before hitching the second semi-trailer.

• ✓Line up the dolly's pintle eye straight with the first semi-trailer's pintle hook
• ✓Lower the dolly's drawbar and put the safety catch in place after hitching
• ✓Connect the dolly's brake hoses, indicator lights and install the safety chains
• ✓Open the brake line shut-off valves from the first semi-trailer to the dolly

Ensure the second semi-trailer's upper coupler is slightly lower than the dolly's fifth wheel plate at its pivot point so it raises slightly on hitching. Back up slowly until the kingpin is inside the fifth wheel, test the lock by moving forward until resistance, then inspect visually and connect brake hoses and indicator lights.

• ✓The second semi-trailer's upper coupler should be slightly lower than the dolly's fifth wheel plate
• ✓Back up until the kingpin is positioned inside the fifth wheel
• ✓Test the locking mechanism by moving the combination forward until you feel resistance
• ✓Visually inspect the locking mechanism using a flashlight if necessary

To unhitch an A, B or C train, follow the single semi-trailer procedure. For a B train, place additional landing gear under the second semi-trailer to prevent it falling over. For A or C trains, park straight on firm level ground, close air shut-offs, unhitch the second semi-trailer, then unhook the dolly safely.

• ✓Park the double road train in a straight line on a firm level surface with enough space
• ✓For a B train, place additional landing gear under the second semi-trailer to prevent it falling over
• ✓Close the air shut-offs from the dolly to the first semi-trailer before unhitching
• ✓Never unlock the heel of the tow hook while the dolly is still under the second semi-trailer, as the drawbar could fly up

Even though numerous checks are done throughout the hitching process, you must perform a circle check on the entire vehicle combination when everything is hitched and ready to go. This is the final check on the hitching system before heading out.

• ✓Perform a circle check on the entire vehicle combination once hitched and ready to go
• ✓The circle check is the final opportunity to verify the hitching system before driving

A second semi-trailer is joined to the first using specific equipment depending on the train type (A, B or C).

• ✓An A train uses an A converter dolly with one pintle eye
• ✓A B train uses a sliding fifth wheel under the first semi-trailer or a stationary fifth wheel at its rear
• ✓A C train uses a tandem-axle B converter dolly with two pintle eyes

For A/C trains, the dolly's pintle eye is aligned and hitched to the first semi-trailer's pintle hook, then the combination is backed under the second semi-trailer.

• ✓Align the dolly's pintle eye straight with the first semi-trailer's pintle hook
• ✓Center the pintle eye in the hook so the dolly can be hitched
• ✓Lower the dolly's drawbar and put the safety catch in place
• ✓Connect the dolly's brake hoses, indicator lights and install safety chains
• ✓Open the brake line shut-off valves from the first semi-trailer to the dolly
• ✓Back up until roughly 30 cm in front of the second semi-trailer before final hitch

For double road trains 25 m or shorter, some drivers position the dolly first in front of the second semi-trailer before hitching the first trailer.

• ✓Hook the dolly to the tractor by the drawbar and position it ~30 cm in front of the second trailer
• ✓Do not hitch the dolly to the second trailer at this positioning stage
• ✓Hitch the first semi-trailer, then hook the dolly to it, then back up to hitch the second trailer
• ✓Do not forget to check the dolly, brake hoses, indicator lights and safety chains

Despite checks made during hitching, a full circle check of the entire combination is required once assembled and ready to go.

• ✓Perform a circle check on the entire vehicle combination when hitched and ready
• ✓This is the final check on the hitching system before heading out on the road

For double road trains 25 m or shorter, some drivers hitch the dolly to the tractor first to position it in front of the second semi-trailer. The dolly is positioned about 30 cm in front of the second semi-trailer, then the combination is backed up to hitch.

• ✓This method is used for double road trains 25 m long or shorter
• ✓Position the dolly approximately 30 cm in front of the second semi-trailer without hitching it yet
• ✓Do not forget to check the dolly, brake hoses, indicator lights and safety chains