School Bus Pre-Trip DVIR

Daily pre-trip inspection template for school buses covering FMCSA-aligned safety checks, operational controls, and child safety equipment before service.

Vehicle Exterior and Ground Check

• No fluid leaks under or around the bus
  Check the ground beneath the engine, transmission, coolant, fuel, and brake system areas for fresh puddles, drips, or wet spots.
• Tires properly inflated and free of visible damage
  Inspect all visible tires for cuts, bulges, exposed cords, flat spots, or obvious underinflation.
• Wheel lug nuts and wheels show no visible damage or looseness
  Check for missing lug nuts, cracked rims, or signs of wheel separation.
• Body panels, mirrors, and glass are intact
  Verify there are no cracked mirrors, broken glass, sharp edges, or body damage that could create a hazard.
• Entrance door and steps are clear and undamaged
  Confirm the entry area is free of debris and that steps, handrails, and door surfaces are in safe condition.

Lights, Signals, and Reflective Equipment

• Headlights, parking lights, and marker lights operate correctly
  Check that all forward and side marker lights illuminate as intended.
• Turn signals and hazard flashers operate correctly
  Verify left and right turn signals and four-way flashers function properly.
• Stop arm and crossing control device operate correctly
  Confirm the stop arm extends and retracts properly and any crossing control device functions as designed.
• Brake lights and tail lights operate correctly
  Verify rear lighting activates when brakes are applied and when lights are switched on.

In-Cab Controls and Driver Area

• Service brake and parking brake operate properly
  Test brake response and confirm the parking brake holds the bus securely.
• Steering wheel and power steering operate without excessive play or binding
  Check for abnormal looseness, stiffness, or binding during steering input.
• Horn operates correctly
  Verify the horn is audible and functions when activated.
• Dashboard warning indicators show no active safety-related faults
  Check for warning lights or messages related to brakes, engine, air system, ABS, or other critical systems.
• Windshield wipers and washers operate correctly
  Confirm wipers clear the windshield and washer fluid sprays properly.

Emergency Exits and Child Safety Equipment

• Emergency doors, windows, and roof hatches open and latch properly
  Check that each emergency exit is unobstructed, labeled, and functions as intended.
• Fire extinguisher is present, charged, and accessible
  Verify the extinguisher is mounted, in the correct location, and the gauge indicates serviceable condition.
• First aid kit is present and accessible
  Confirm the first aid kit is on board, secured, and available for immediate use.
• Reflective triangles or warning devices are present
  Verify required roadside warning devices are available and stored properly.
• Child safety equipment and securement items are present and serviceable
  Check for required child safety items such as seat belts, child check reminder systems, or other district-required equipment.

Final Readiness and Documentation

• All critical deficiencies documented and reported
  Record any defects, non-conformances, or out-of-service conditions according to fleet procedure.
• Bus approved for service
  Confirm the vehicle is safe and ready to enter service.
• Inspector signature
  Signature of the driver or authorized inspector completing the pre-trip inspection.