Vehicle Inspection: Pre-Trip, En-Route, Post-Trip, and the Child Check
This domain tests whether you can verify that a school bus is safe before it carries students, recognize defects while driving, and complete the post-trip child check that is unique to school bus operations.
Pre-trip inspection
The seven-step inspection covers the engine compartment, exterior lights, walk-around, steering and suspension, brakes, tires, and the driver's compartment. On a school bus, add the stop arm, crossing gate, student mirrors, emergency exits, roof hatches, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, seat belts, and passenger seats. Test the emergency exits by opening and closing them. If the bus has air brakes, perform the static leak test, applied leak test, low-pressure warning test, and spring brake check. A defect that affects safety keeps the bus out of service until it is repaired.
En-route inspection
Watch gauges, listen for brake or tire problems, and check that doors and exits stay secured. If a defect develops, stop safely, report it, and do not continue if the bus is unsafe.
Post-trip and child check
After every route or trip, walk the full length of the bus, check under and between seats, and open the rear emergency door as part of the sweep. This child check is required even if an aide or monitor was aboard. Complete the written report and secure the bus.
Worked example
After finishing a route, you find a sleeping child in the rear seat. The correct action is to return to the bus immediately, wake and account for the child, follow district notification procedures, and document the event. The reasoning is that a post-trip walk-through is not a formality; it is the last defense against a heat or cold emergency.
Traps
Assuming an aide performed the child check, skipping the air brake tests because the bus "felt fine," failing to test emergency exits, and signing an inspection report before the walk-around is complete.