Table of Contents

11. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

• 11.1. All Vehicles
• 11.2. External Inspection (School Bus/Truck/Tractor)
• 11.3. School Bus Only
• 11.4. Trailer
• 11.5. Coach/Transit Bus
• 11.6. Taking the CDL Pre-trip Inspection Test

Emergency Equipment

• In addition to checking for spare electrical fuses (if equipped), three red reflective triangles, and a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher, school bus drivers must also inspect the following emergency equipment:
  • Three red-burning flares (fusees).
  • Nine-item first-aid kit.

Lighting Indicators

• In addition to checking the lighting indicators listed in Section 10.2 of this manual, school bus drivers must also check the following lighting indicators (internal panel lights):
  • Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if equipped.
  • Alternately flashing red lights indicator.
  • Strobe light indicator, if equipped.

Lights/Reflectors

• In addition to checking the lights and reflective devices listed in Section 10.2 of this manual, school bus drivers must also check the following (external) lights and reflectors:
  • Strobe light, if equipped.
  • Stop arm light, if equipped.
  • Alternately flashing amber lights, if equipped.
  • Alternately flashing red lights.

Stop Arm

• If equipped, check the stop arm to see that it is mounted securely to the frame of the vehicle. Also, check for loose fittings and damage.

Passenger Entry/Lift

• Check that the entry door is not damaged, operates smoothly, and closes securely from the inside.
• Hand rails are secure and the step light is working, if equipped.
• The entry steps must be clear with the treads not loose or worn excessively.
• If equipped with a handicap lift, look for leaking, damaged, or missing parts and explain how lift should be checked for correct operation. Lift must be fully retracted and latched securely.

Emergency Exit

• Make sure that all emergency exits are not damaged, operate smoothly, and close securely from the inside.
• Check that any emergency exit warning devices are working.

Seating

• Look for broken seat frames and check that seat frames are firmly attached to the floor.
• Check that seat cushions are attached securely to the seat frames.

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