Post-Trip Inspection, Defect and Incident Reporting, and Servicing Between Runs
Domain 8 covers what happens after the last stop: the post-trip inspection, the paper trail for defects and incidents, and servicing between runs.
Post-trip inspection
Walk the bus as you did before the trip and look for what the day added: new damage, leaks under the engine, tire condition, lamp failures, brake feel. Inside, check seats, exits, and extinguisher, collect lost property, and walk the full length for sleeping passengers - check overhead racks, the lavatory, and under seats. A passenger locked aboard overnight is a catastrophic and preventable failure.
Defect reporting
Under 49 CFR 396.11 a driver who finds defects must prepare a written report at the end of the day's work listing them; if no defects are found, no report is required for that vehicle, though many carriers require one anyway. Before driving, 49 CFR 396.13 requires you to review the last inspection report and sign that any defects were corrected. Brake, steering, tire, lighting, and exit-hardware defects put the bus out of service.
Incidents and servicing
Report collisions, injuries, near misses, and rider incidents to dispatch immediately, complete the carrier's forms, and do not admit fault or discuss liability. Between runs: fuel with the engine off and no smoking, clean spills, never leave passengers unattended, secure the bus when parked, and recheck brakes after a wash.
Worked example
The post-trip finds the rear-exit window latch broken. You write it on the defect report and tag the bus; the next driver reviews the report, sees the unresolved item, and refuses the vehicle until it is repaired.
Traps
Skipping the sleeping-passenger walk; calling a defect minor and leaving it off the report; never reviewing the previous driver's report; fueling with the engine running.