10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
These 10 free PDS questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Professional Dispatching and Scheduling (PDS) blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A rider requests a 2:00 p.m. pickup, but that time is not available. Under ADA complementary paratransit requirements, what is the latest pickup time the reservationist may negotiate with the rider?
Correct answer: D - 3:00 p.m., one hour after the departure time the rider requested
A cutaway vehicle is configured with 12 ambulatory seats and 2 wheelchair securement positions. It is currently carrying 3 ambulatory riders and 2 riders using wheelchairs. A same-day request comes in from another rider who uses a wheelchair. The scheduler should:
Correct answer: A - Decline to add the trip to this run and look for capacity elsewhere
A paratransit scheduler has more trip requests than available capacity for Tuesday morning. She schedules the dialysis and medical appointments first, then denies the requests for a shopping center and a senior nutrition program. Under ADA complementary paratransit requirements, this practice is:
Correct answer: D - Prohibited, because service may not be restricted or prioritized by trip purpose
An ADA paratransit rider whose eligibility record indicates she requires a personal care attendant travels with her attendant and one friend. The paratransit fare is $4.00 per person. What is the correct total fare for this trip?
Correct answer: D - $8.00 - the rider and the friend each pay; the attendant rides free
An applicant submitted a complete ADA paratransit eligibility application 24 days ago. The agency has not yet made a determination. What must the agency do?
Correct answer: A - Provide service as an eligible rider until a determination is made
An ADA paratransit call center's average hold time has risen to 14 minutes, and roughly a quarter of callers hang up before reaching an agent. Beyond the customer service concern, why is this significant?
Correct answer: B - It can constitute a capacity constraint, since riders are effectively denied trips
A transit agency is revising its no-show suspension policy so that it will hold up under FTA review. Which policy design is most consistent with FTA guidance?
Correct answer: B - Suspension based on both a minimum number of no-shows and a percentage of scheduled trips
A dispatcher who has not completed reasonable suspicion training notices that a driver reporting for duty has slurred speech, unsteady balance, and the odor of alcohol. What should the dispatcher do?
Correct answer: C - Keep the driver from operating and immediately notify a trained supervisor
A rider's negotiated pickup time is 9:00 a.m., with an on-time window of 9:00 to 9:20. The vehicle arrives at 9:42. The rider waited outside until 9:35, then accepted a ride from a neighbor. How should the dispatcher record this trip?
Correct answer: C - As a missed trip, because the failure was attributable to the agency
A vehicle arrives at 8:45 for a pickup with an on-time window of 9:00 to 9:20. The rider is not outside and does not come out. Because the vehicle was present and the rider did not board, the driver may record a no-show.
Correct answer: B - False
The PDS exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:
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