EOH-P1 - Daily Bus Inspection by the Driver

Procedure - School Bus Driver Inspection

1. Look outside the bus:

   • windshield, mirrors, front windows, headlights - wipe clean.

   • exhaust - tailpipe clear?

   • rear emergency door, open and close.

   • bump tires. OK?  Lug nuts in place?

   • look under bus - all clear?

   • general outside appearance, clean for school bus identification?

   • washer fluid level.

   • with engine COLD, check radiator coolant level.

   • engine lube oil.

2. Look inside the bus:

   • seats, floor - housekeeping.

   • emergency exits - open and close, rear door, roof and windows exits.

   • emergency equipment: fire extinguisher pressure, first aid kit.

   • driver’s area - windshield and windows clean?

3. Starting the Engine:

   • fuel gauge OK?  Check brake warning buzzer, neutral safety switch.

   • start engine - look, listen for trouble signs, check gauges.

4. With engine running, check (from driver’s seat):

   • mirrors, interior and step well lights, service door seal.

   • steering feel OK?  Noise?

   • horn, defroster and heat blowers, windshield wiper operation.

   • brakes - pedal height and feel, gauge reading OK?

   • parking brake release, reset.

5. Outside checks required before you drive away:

   • turn signals - right/left - front/rear - clean and flashing?

   • flasher warning lights - front/rear - clean and flashing?

   • stop arm - clean and working? 

   • headlights hi/lo beams

   • stoplights/taillights - clean and working?

   • hazard warning flasher working?

   • crossing arm/gate working?

6. Final checks as you move the bus:

   • seat belt fasteners?

   • brakes - stop and hold?

   • clutch - OK?

   • steering feel OK?  Unusual noises?

   • bus under control/tracking straight?

   • brake to  stop.  All gauges OK?

7. Additional items due to local conditions:

Each school bus is to be equipped with a vehicle log book, to be maintained in the form and manner prescribed by the Minister.  (M.R. 465/88-19)

Procedures to be followed for field trips and extra-curricular trips

1. When field-trip or co-curricular activity is to depart immediately, or shortly after completion of the regular route - a post-trip inspection should be undertaken as outlined in the most recent version of the School Bus Driver’s Handbook after the regular route and prior to departure on the field trip with a second post trip inspection upon completion of the field trip.

2. When the regular route is to depart immediately upon completion of a field trip or co-curricular activity - if the bus has been out of service (parked) for sufficient time prior to departure on the field trip, a pre-trip inspection shall be undertaken prior to the field trip and a post-trip inspection shall be taken prior to the regular route with a second post-trip inspection upon completion of the regular route.

3. When the bus goes directly from a regular route into service on a field trip and then into service on a regular route - a series of post-trip inspections shall occur between each re-assignment, and following the last assignment on that day.

4. Upon arrival at the destination on an all-day field trip, a post-trip inspection is to be undertaken to detect any problems which may require immediate attention.  On a field trip, where extensive layover time is involved (in excess of three hours), a pre-trip inspection shall be undertaken prior to returning home.  A post-trip inspection shall be undertaken upon completion of the field trip.

The foregoing is to apply only when the same bus and Driver are involved.  Prior to operating any bus for the first time on any day, a pre-trip inspection must be undertaken and the signature of the operating Driver entered in the log book. (See also IFH)