PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
School Bus drivers are required by law to complete a Pre-Trip Inspection before
departing on their first trip of the day.
By doing a complete and thorough Pre-Trip each morning, you will have peace of mind
knowing you are transporting students in a Safe and Professional manner.
There are three parts to the Pre-Trip Inspection: Interior, Exterior and Under the
Hood.
The following guideline has been developed to help you do a complete Pre Trip
Inspection. Drivers who develop a routine are less likely to miss anything.
DRIVE SAFE
PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
Upon approach to your bus, do an overall Visual Review of your bus.
Often leaks, flat tires or damage is easier to see from a distance.
UNDER THE HOOD
• Check Oil level. Level should be between the add and full mark
• Ensure Antifreeze level in reservoir is adequate and Radiator is topped up
General rule: Diesel buses use red antifreeze,
Propane buses use green antifreeze
• Look for any leaks around the Power Steering or Brake Fluid Reservoir
• Inspect Fan Belts for wear. Belts should have no more than one half inch play
• Check both sides of the engine for wire corrosion or breakage
• Look for leaks or wear on all hoses
• Check on each side, the inside wall of the tire and rim
• While the hood is open, do a visual inspection of the axel and cross members.
Look for leaks or missing bolts.
General appearance under the hood looks good
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Shut and latch the hood.
Place wheel chocks under rear wheel.
Proceed into the bus.
Ensure rear emergency exit lock is not secure
Upon entering the bus, turn Air Emergency Release Valve to normal position.
Turn the key to the on position, check for Wait to Start indicator and allow vehicle gauges to
complete there activation cycle.
• Start the bus and wait for the air brakes to charge up. Listen for low air alarms and observe the
pressures they deactivate (approximately 90psi).
• Listen for an air release (hiss of air) to indicate brakes are fully charged.
Safety Reminders
Air equipped buses with a rear security door latch or an Emergency Door
Release valve will not start when device is in the wrong position
Wheel chocks must be used when performing air brake checks
to prevent any unnatural bus movements
If your unit has Special Equipment installed on board, (such as a wheelchair lift)
you must include it in your. Pre Trip and ensure it is in working order.
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PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
INTERIOR CHECKS
• Upon entering the bus, turn Air Emergency Release Valve to normal position.
• Turn the key to the on position, check for Wait to Start indicator and allow vehicle gauges to
complete there activation cycle.
• Start the bus and wait for the air brakes to charge up. Listen for low air alarms and observe the
pressures they deactivate (approximately 90psi).
• Listen for an air release (hiss of air) to indicate brakes are fully charged.
PERFORM AIR BRAKE CHECKS
Compressor Check:
1.
Turn off engine, leaving key in the on position
2.
Release the Parking Brake
3.
Pump brake until low air alarm activates. Document pressure (should
activate at 60psi or slightly higher)
4.
Continue pumping brake until yellow Parking Brake button
pops out. Document pressure (should pop between 20 - 45psi). Push
yellow Parking Brake button in to ensure button does not release
5.
Start engine and set engine to 1200RPM (either high idle or foot feed)
6.
Time refill rate from 50 – 90psi (should pressure up in less than three
(3) minutes) and document
7.
Continue building to cut-out (maximum) pressure (between
120 – 130psi)
8.
Release park brake
9.
Pump brakes until compressor engages (roughly20 – 25psi below
cut-out (maximum) pressure)
10.
Refill system to cut-out (maximum) pressure
Pressure Check:
1.
2.
3.
Shut-off engine
Monitor pressure gauges for three (3) minutes (one (1) minute to
stabilize system with two (2) minutes for test), looking for no more
than two (2) psi pressure drop in each pressure gauge.
Apply steady pressure, note pressure and hold for three (3)
minutes (one (1) minute to stabilize system with two (2)
minutes for test), looking for no more than two (2) psi
pressure drop in each pressure gauge
Start the bus.
Turn on 6 sets of lights
• Headlights
• Hazard Lights
• Strobe lights
• Clearance Lights
• Alternating Yellow Lights (check front Alternating lights in your crossover mirror)
• Brake Lights (use a window scraper wedged between the brake and steering wheel)
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PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
INTERIOR CHECKS
Proceed inside, to the rear of the bus
• Check that seat bottoms are latched and there are no missing or loose bolts securing the seat
legs to the floor
Once you reach the rear of the bus, open the emergency door
• Ensure the rear door and buzzer is in working order
Looking out the rear door check
• Alternating Yellow Lights
• Clearance Lights
• Brake Lights
• Hazard lights
Latch Emergency door
As you return to the front of the bus
• Push on the seat backs to ensure they are secured to the floor
• Open the roof hatch and all Emergency windows
All emergency exits must open and close freely and the buzzer must sound.
• Continually scan the interior body for loose bolts on sidewalls and ceiling
• Garbage or articles on the floor
• Vandalism, seat repairs and cleanliness
General appearance inside the bus looks good
Proceed outside to the front
• Check hazard lights, headlights and crossing arm
Return to the inside
• Remove window scraper and turn hazard lights off
• Turn on high beams and left signal
With your rubber hammer or broom, proceed outside for EXTERIOR CHECK
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PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
EXTERIOR CHECKS
Beginning at the entrance door ensure
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Door glass is not cracked or broken
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Mirrors are secure and clean
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Locate and confirm dates on Inspection Sticker
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Inspect Tires for inflation
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Tire tread is adequate
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Check that Lug nuts are secure and in place
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Rim is not cracked or wearing
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Mud Flaps are secure and in good condition
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Check mirror brackets as you proceed around the front of the bus
Once you are at the front of the bus, starting at the top check
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Clearance lights - on mirrors as well
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Alternating Red lights are working
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Windshield and hood are clean
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High beam headlights are working
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Left Turn Signal is operating
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Look under the bus for fluid leaks
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This is another good opportunity to check the axel and cross members
General appearance at the front of the bus is good
Check mirrors and brackets as you continue around the front
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Mirrors are secure and clean
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Inspect Tires for inflation
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Tire tread is adequate
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Ensure Lug nuts are secure and in place
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Rim is not cracked or wearing
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Mud Flaps are secure and in good condition
Proceed down the side of the bus
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Ensure Stop Sign and lights are in working order
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Check Battery connections and look for corrosion
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Battery tray secure
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Air Brake Cables are visible and operational
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Reflective signals (circles) are in place
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Clearance lights and left turn signal are operating along the side of the bus
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Baggage compartments are clean and open/close freely
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Passenger windows are not cracked or broken
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PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
EXTERIOR CHECKS
Looking under the bus, along the side
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Ensure there are no exhaust leaks
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Drive axel is in good condition
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Check the inside of the opposing duals for leaks, cracked rims or objects lodged
between the tires
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Always check the suspension (springs) as you are looking at the opposing
wheels
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Check air brake system for any unusual damage to tanks, hoses or brake pods.
Proceed along towards the rear of the bus
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Check the inflation of both rear dual tires by “thumping” them with your broom or
hammer. Properly inflated tires will sound deep and hollow
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Tire tread is adequate
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Check that lug nuts are secure and in place
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Check rims are not cracked or wearing
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Ensure debris is not logged between the duals
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Mud flaps are secure and in good condition
General appearance along the drivers side looks good
At the rear of the bus, starting at the top, check
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Clearance lights are working
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Red alternating lights are operating
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Windows, lights and all signs are visible
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Reflective lights (circles) in place
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Left turn signal is on
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Tail lights are working
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License plate is secure and the light cover is clean
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Tap the exhaust pipe with your broom, should sound hollow
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Visually inspect the exhaust pipe for breaks, snow, mud or unusual debris
that may have accumulated in the opening
The rear Emergency Door must be opened from the outside
• Check interior floors for leaking heaters or debris
• Emergency reflective equipment should be secured under the back seat
• Check security latch for operation
General appearance at the back of the bus is good
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PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
EXTERIOR CHECKS
Proceed along the other side of the bus
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Check inflation of tires by bumping them with your broom or hammer
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Tire tread is adequate
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Lug nuts are secure and in place
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Rim is not cracked or wearing
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Debris is not logged between the tires
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Mud Flaps are secure and in good condition
Looking under the bus, along the side
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Ensure there are no exhaust leaks
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Drive axel is in good condition
•
Check the inside of the opposing duals for leaks, cracked rims or objects lodged
between the tires
•
Always check the suspension (springs) as you are looking at the opposing
wheels
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Check air brake system for any unusual damage to tanks, hoses or brake pods.
As you proceed to the front check
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Clearance lights along the side of the bus
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Windows that may be cracked or broken
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Fuel cap is in place
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Reflective signals (circles) are in place.
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Check outside Emergency Air release valve is pointed down and operational
General appearance on the loading side of the bus is good
Proceed back into the bus
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Turn off high beam headlights and turn on right signal
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Check the right hand turn signal outside, at the front, side and rear of the bus
Upon re-entering the bus ensure
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Steps are clean and free of ice and snow
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Stair light is operating
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Handrail is secure
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Fire Extinguisher is secure and charged
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First Aid Kit is intact and complete
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View Insurance and Registration. This paperwork must be present in the bus
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PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
DRIVERS SEAT CHECKS
Close the door and sit in the drivers seat
• Close the door an sit in drivers seat
• Activate the high Idle (RPM control switch)
• Locate and adjust Seatbelt
• Drivers window must open and close freely
• Horn must be working
• Check all Heaters on Low and High
• Check door switch
• Dome Lights
• Defrost Fans - Low and High
• Windshield wipers and washers
• Ensure all gauges are reading properly - Temperature, Oil Pressure, Voltage, RPM and Fuel
• Rock steering wheel back and forth checking for free play
• Adjust all mirrors and sun visor
• Turnoff high idle (RPM Control switch)
BRAKE RESPONSE CHECKS
Check 1:
With the bus in gear and park brake applied, check holding ability of brake by
gently accelerating
Check 2:
At a VERY slow roll stop bus by applying brake pedal
Check 3:
At a VERY slow roll stop bus by applying parking brake
This will confirm brakes are working properly. You are now ready to depart Safely
POST TRIP INSPECTION
Upon returning from your trip allow your bus to "cool down" while you complete your post trip
inspection.
Inside the Bus
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Shut off all heaters and lights
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Proceed to the rear of the bus checking seats for sleeping children, vandalism or
articles left on the bus
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Sweep your floor and remove any garbage
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Ensure you have enough fuel for the following day
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With door closed place Air Emergency Release valve in emergency position
Outside the bus
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Check under the bus for fluid leaks
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Drain air brake system from outside valves
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Tire inflation
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Body damage
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