Bus-specific vehicle knowledge and pre-trip checks
Bus-specific vehicle knowledge and pre-trip checks
This domain tests the daily inspection and technical knowledge that prevent breakdowns and door, brake or fire emergencies. A category D driver must know what a defect looks like and when the bus must not leave the depot.
Core rules
- Walk around the bus before departure. Check tyres for pressure, cuts, bulges and tread; check wheels and nuts for obvious looseness; remove objects from the path.
- Check lights, indicators, hazard lights, brake lights, wipers, washers, horn, mirrors and cameras. Clean glass and mirrors.
- With the engine running, confirm brake and air-pressure warnings extinguish and pressure builds. Listen for air leaks. Test the parking brake.
- Operate every passenger door and emergency exit. Check door interlocks, warning buzzers, ramps or lifts, and that aisles and exits are unobstructed.
- Confirm fire extinguishers are charged and in place, the first-aid kit is complete, the warning triangle and high-visibility vest are present, and the tachograph is calibrated and loaded with the driver card.
- Check engine oil, coolant, screen wash and AdBlue where fitted. Secure luggage and equipment. Record defects and report them; do not sign off a bus you would not carry passengers in.
Worked example
At start-up the bus shows a low air-pressure warning and the brake pedal feels soft. The driver does not 'drive it off'. The correct response is to let pressure build, check for leaks and warning lamps, and if the warning persists, take the bus out of service. A bus with an unsafe brake system must not carry passengers.
Traps
Common failures are skipping the walk-around because of a late departure, assuming a warning light will clear, ignoring a damaged emergency exit, and overloading luggage until an exit is blocked. A defect you notice but do not record can become your responsibility.