Federal law states that single axles are limited to 20,000 pounds, and axles spaced more than 40 inches and not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds.

Stop at drawbridges that do not have a signal light or traffic control attendant. Stop at least 50 feet before the draw of the bridge. Look to make sure the draw is completely closed before crossing.

Secure baggage and freight in ways that avoid damage and: allow the driver to move freely and easily, allow riders to exit by any window or door in an emergency, and protect riders from injury if carry-ons fall or shift.

Buses designed to allow standing must have a two-inch line on the floor or some other means of showing riders where they cannot stand. This is called the standee line. All standing riders must stay behind it.

The rules require shippers to mark containers of hazardous material with the material's name, identification number, and hazard label.

With the low ground clearance humps or dips in the road would present more of a hazard.

A vehicle with no articulation (Class A has articulation), weighing less than 26,001 pounds (Class B is 26,001 or more) would fall under Class C.

Avoid fueling your bus with riders on board unless absolutely necessary, never refuel in a closed building with riders on board, don't talk with riders or engage in any other distracting activity while driving, and do not tow or push a disabled bus with riders aboard the vehicle unless getting off would be unsafe.

Releasing the clutch slowly until you feel the vehicle start to pull against the parking brake, and then releasing the parking brake should allow the vehicle to move without rolling.

A bus cannot carry more than 500 pounds total of allowed hazardous materials, and no more than 100 pounds of any one class.

Because you cannot see everything behind your vehicle, backing is always dangerous. Avoid backing whenever you can. When you have to back, here are a few simple safety rules: start in the proper position, look at your path, use mirrors on both sides, back slowly, back and turn toward the driver's side whenever possible, and use a helper whenever possible.

Stop your bus between 15 and 50 feet before railroad crossings. Listen and look in both directions for trains.

Buses may carry small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies, and drugs that are properly labeled. You can carry small amounts of some other hazardous materials if the shipper cannot send them any other way. Most hazardous material may not be carried on a bus.

Occasionally, you may have a drunk or disruptive rider. You must ensure this rider's safety as well as that of others. Don't discharge such riders where it would be unsafe for them. It may be safer at the next scheduled stop or a well-lighted area where there are other people.

Aisles and stairwells should always be clear. The following parts of your bus must be in safe working condition: The "Emergency Exit" sign on an emergency door must be clearly visible, the seats must be safe for riders and securely fastened to the bus, among others.

Charter bus drivers should not allow riders on the bus until departure time. This will help prevent theft or vandalism of the bus.

School and mass transit buses sometimes scrape off mirrors or hit passing vehicles when pulling out from a bus stop. Remember the clearance your bus needs and watch for poles and tree limbs at stops.

You must have a fire extinguisher 10 BC or better, spare electrical fuses, and emergency reflective triangles.

Remember the clearance your bus needs and watch for poles and tree limbs at stops.

You should only sign off on a post trip report after it is certified there are no repairs needed.