School Bus Daily Pre-Trip Walk

Daily pre-trip inspection for school buses covering exterior condition, interior safety, child check, service brakes, and emergency equipment.

Vehicle Identification and Inspection Readiness

• Bus number, route, and date recorded
  Document the unit identifier, assigned route, and inspection date before starting the walk-around.
• Bus parked safely with parking brake set and transmission in neutral/park
  Verify the bus is secured before inspection begins.
• No visible fluid leaks under or around vehicle
  Check for oil, coolant, fuel, brake fluid, or other leaks beneath the bus.

Exterior Condition and Walk-Around

• Tires properly inflated and free of visible damage
  Inspect all visible tires for cuts, bulges, exposed cords, or obvious underinflation.
• Wheel lugs, hubs, and rims show no visible damage or looseness
  Check for missing lug nuts, cracked rims, or signs of wheel-end damage.
• Mirrors, windshield, and windows are clean and free of cracks that impair visibility
  Confirm the driver has clear visibility in all required viewing areas.
• Headlights, turn signals, hazard lights, brake lights, and stop arm operate correctly
  Verify all required exterior warning and lighting devices function as intended.
• Body panels, doors, mirrors, and fuel cap secure and undamaged
  Check for missing, loose, or damaged exterior components that could affect safe operation.

Interior Safety and Driver Controls

• Aisles, steps, and floor are clear of debris and trip hazards
  Inspect the passenger compartment for loose objects, spills, or obstructions.
• Seats, seat backs, and seat mounts secure and free of sharp edges
  Check that seating is intact and does not present a hazard to passengers.
• Driver seat, mirrors, steering, horn, and gauges function properly
  Verify the driver can safely operate and monitor the bus from the cab.
• Interior lights and heater/defroster operational
  Confirm required interior comfort and visibility systems are functioning.

Child Check and Passenger Compartment Sweep

• Passenger compartment fully checked for sleeping or remaining children
  Perform a complete rear-to-front sweep of seats, under seats, and floor areas after unloading.
• Rear emergency area, seat rows, and under-seat spaces inspected
  Confirm no child or item remains hidden in the bus after the route or prior to departure.
• Child check procedure completed and documented
  Verify the required child check process was completed according to local policy or SOP.

Service Brakes and Operational Checks

• Service brake pedal has normal travel and firm resistance
  Check for abnormal pedal feel, excessive travel, or loss of braking resistance.
• Brake warning indicators are not illuminated
  Verify no brake system warning lights are present on the dashboard during the check.
• Parking brake holds bus securely
  Confirm the parking brake engages and holds the vehicle as expected.

Emergency Equipment and Exits

• Fire extinguisher present, charged, and accessible
  Verify the extinguisher is mounted, in the designated location, and within reach.
• First aid kit present and stocked
  Check that the first aid kit is available and not missing essential supplies.
• Emergency exits, roof hatches, and rear door open and latch properly
  Confirm emergency exits are unobstructed, labeled, and operational.
• Emergency reflectors, triangles, or warning devices present
  Verify required roadside warning devices are on board and accessible.