CDL School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection: What to Know (November 2024)

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Are you ready to become a school bus driver? Do you want to learn how to inspect your bus before every trip? Do you want to ensure the safety and comfort of your passengers and yourself? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the right content for you.

Read this article to grab everything you need to know about the CDL school bus pre-trip inspection. Remember that this is a mandatory process that you have to perform before you start your service. Federal law and most states require this to make sure that your bus is in good condition and free of any hazards or malfunctions.

Peruse the guides in this article to be able to check every part of your bus, from the engine to the emergency exits, and report any defects or problems. You can also learn how to test your brakes, lights, signals, and horn — and become familiar with your bus and how it works. In addition, you can gain confidence and skills that can help you pass your CDL exam and become a professional school bus driver.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your clipboard, pen, and flashlight, and let’s get started. This is the CDL school bus pre-trip inspection guide.

To know how to ace your CDL school bus pre-trip inspection:

  • Approach the Bus With a Keen Eye
  • Review the Previous Trip Vehicle Inspection Report, If Available
  • Walk Around the Bus And Inspect the Exterior Parts
  • Check the Engine Compartment
  • Check the Air-Brake System
  • Make Necessary Adjustments
1. Approach the Bus With a Keen Eye

To excel in your CDL school bus pre-trip inspection, approach the bus with a keen eye. Look for any signs of trouble, such as leaks, damage, or loose parts. Is the bus parked on a level surface? Are the wheels chocked? Are there any obstacles around the bus? If you see anything wrong, report it immediately.

2. Review the Previous Trip Vehicle Inspection Report, If Available

To master the CDL school bus pre-trip inspection, review the previous trip vehicle inspection report, if any is available. This is a document that records any defects or repairs that you find or fix on the bus previously. Does the previous driver report any problems? Do you ensure they are fixed? Do you agree with the report? If not, write down your observations.

3. Walk Around the Bus And Inspect the Exterior Parts

To become proficient in the CDL school bus pre-trip inspection, Walk around the bus and inspect the exterior parts. Start from the front and work your way to the back, checking both sides of the bus. Pay attention to these parts:

  • Tires: Are tires properly inflated? Do they have enough tread depth? Are they free of cuts, bulges, or cracks?
  • Mirrors: Are they clean and secure? Can you adjust them to see clearly?
  • Windows: Are they clean and intact? Do they open and close easily?
  • Windshield: Is it clean and free of cracks or chips? Do the wipers work well?
  • Lights: Are they all working and visible? Do they have the right color and brightness?
  • Signals: Do they flash properly and indicate your intentions?
  • Doors: Do they open and close smoothly and securely? Do they have emergency releases?
  • Emergency exits: Are the marks on the exits clear and accessible? Do they have alarms or buzzers?
  • License plates: Are they current and valid? Are their attachments secure?
4. Check the Engine Compartment

To perfect your skills in the CDL school bus pre-trip inspection, Check the engine compartment for any fluid levels, belts, hoses, wires, and battery connections. Note that some states may waive this step for CDL applicants seeking the school bus (S) and passenger (P) endorsements and the intrastate only (K) restriction. If you need to do this step, here’s what you must look for:

  • Fluid levels: check if they are within the normal range or if they require topping or change.
  • Belts: Check if they are tight and aligned. Also, look for any cracks or frays.
  • Hoses: Observe if they are secure and leak-free. Also, note if they have any cuts or bulges.
  • Wires: Check the insulation and connections of the wire. Pay attention to them to see if they have any burns or breaks.
  • Battery connections: Check the cleanliness and tightening of the battery. Also, observe if there is any corrosion or sparks.
5. Make Necessary Adjustments

To perform exceptionally in the CDL school bus pre-trip inspection, make necessary adjustments. Adjust the seat, mirrors, and seat belt, and inspect the interior of the bus. Make sure you are comfortable and safe in the driver’s seat. Check these parts:

  • Gauges: Do they show accurate readings of speed, fuel, oil pressure, temperature, voltage, etc.?
  • Controls: Do they operate smoothly and correctly? Do they include ignition, steering wheel, accelerator, brake, clutch, and transmission?
  • Pedals: Do they have enough clearance and resistance? Do they respond well to your foot pressure?
  • Steering wheel: Does it turn easily and return to the center? Does it have any play or slack?
  • Horn: Does it sound loud and clear? Does it have an air horn as well?
  • Heater: Does it warm up the bus adequately? Does it have a defroster for the windshield?
  • Fire extinguisher: Is it fully charged and accessible? Do you know how to use it?
  • First aid kit: Is it stocked and accessible? Do you know what’s in it?
  • Emergency equipment: Is it available and accessible? Does it include flares, triangles, fuses, etc.?
6. Check the Air-Brake System

To achieve success in the CDL school bus pre-trip inspection, check the air-brake system for any leaks, pressure, or warning signals.

This is a crucial step for buses with air brakes. You need to test three things:

  • Air leakage rate: Know how fast the air pressure drops when the engine is off and when you apply brakes.
  • Air pressure build-up rate: Check how fast the air pressure rises when the engine is on and when you release the brakes.
  • Low air pressure warning signal: Know when the warning light or buzzer comes on when the air pressure falls below a certain level.

In addition, you may also need to perform two brake tests which are:

  • Service brake test: How well does the bus stop when you apply the brakes while moving slowly forward?
  • Parking brake test: How well does the bus stay in place when you apply the parking brake while on a slight incline?
Recap

To ensure excellence in the CDL school bus pre-trip inspection, examine the bus attentively as you approach it. If accessible, go through the vehicle inspection report from the previous trip. Also, take a walk around the bus, assessing its exterior components. Inspect the engine compartment thoroughly and verify the air-brake system’s condition. Finally, Make any required adjustments.

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