Pre-trip inspection: a hands-on, systematic walk-around
Inspect by system, not by memory
A pre-trip inspection is a hands-on safety check, not paperwork. In British Columbia a driver must inspect the bus before each trip day and record the result, and a Class 2 candidate is graded on doing the walk-around properly and explaining what is seen. Work in a fixed pattern so nothing is missed: start at the driver's door, move clockwise, and check high to low - roof hatches and clearance lights first, then windows, mirrors, body panels, wheels, and finally the ground for leaks.
The systems you must be able to name: service brakes and air build-up, spring and parking brake, steering play, tires (tread depth, pressure, sidewall damage, mismatched duals), wheel fasteners and rust streaks, lights and reflectors, horn, wipers and washer, defroster, gauges and warning devices, entry door and emergency exits, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, seats and grab rails, clear aisle, secured luggage, exhaust, suspension, and required emergency equipment.
Traps: questions often test whether a defect stops the trip. Anything affecting brakes, steering, tires, lights, or passenger safety means the bus is not dispatched, and the defect goes on the inspection report; minor defects are recorded too. Another trap is treating inspection as a once-a-day ritual done by someone else - it is the driver's duty each trip day, again after any suspected damage, and whenever the vehicle changes hands.
Rule of thumb
Two passes: a static walk-around with the engine off, then a running check of air build-up, warning buzzer, and brake response before you move a metre.