Class B Theory

Description

Orientation Goals — Class B

Fundamentals of Safety and Legal Requirements

In this section we’ll cover the safety fundamentals and legal responsibilities specific to Class B commercial vehicles. You’ll learn the key Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that apply to single-unit heavy vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles, and how those rules translate to everyday driving and job performance.

What you’ll learn

• Overview of the FMCSRs most relevant to Class B operation (parts 380, 382, 383, and 390–399) and how they apply to buses, straight trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, and other single-unit CMVs.

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection priorities for Class B rigs (including air-brake systems, lift-gates, passenger entry/egress, mirrors, lights, and securement points).

• Safe driving practices for urban deliveries, curbside passenger pickups, tight-yard backing, and highway operation.

• Passenger safety basics (for vehicles requiring a passenger endorsement): securement, emergency evacuation, and managing passenger behavior.

• Cargo securement and weight distribution basics when operating box trucks, dump trucks, or utility vehicles.

• How alcohol/drug testing, driver qualification files, hours-of-service rules, and medical requirements affect you day-to-day.

Consequences of Non-Compliance
Learn the real-world repercussions of violating FMCSR parts 380–399: driver disqualification, monetary fines, CDL suspension or revocation, civil liability, lost job opportunities, and insurance/owner-operator consequences. We’ll explain why compliance protects your license, your paycheck, and other people on the road.

State & Local Rules That Matter
State and municipal rules often add layers to the federal baseline. Topics include:

• Requirements around weigh stations and scales.

• Local restrictions on vehicle size, weight, and route access (low-clearance routes, bridge/height restrictions).

• School-bus and passenger-vehicle specific rules where applicable (stop-arm laws, required signage, and district-level requirements).

• Local permitting, restricted delivery windows, and curbside loading/unloading rules.

Xpress STOPS — Practical Tips You’ll Use Every Day
We’ll drop in short, practical nuggets—our “Xpress STOPS”—covering things like: alley docking and offset backing tips, safe use of spotters, managing lift-gates and ramps, wheel-chock best practices, passenger loading flow, and quick checks that catch the most common failures during inspections.

Endorsements & Notes
You’ll also get an overview of common endorsements you may need when operating Class B vehicles (Passenger (P), School Bus (S), Hazardous Materials (H) when applicable), and what each one means for training and testing.

No stress about the quiz
This lesson is about making you safer and more professional, not tricking you on a test. While some items will appear on the quiz, our goal is practical competence you can use every shift—not just a passing score. We’re CDL-licensed drivers too; we’ll teach straight from the road and keep it real.

Let’s get started — take your time and good luck!