School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist (US DOT)

This school bus pre-trip inspection checklist ensures compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state transportation regulations. Proper pre-trip inspections are critical for student safety.

Industry: Education
Frequency: Before Each Trip
Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
Role: School Bus Driver / Transportation Supervisor
Total Items: 39
Compliance: FMCSA 392.7, FMCSA 396.11, State DOT Requirements, NHTSA Guidelines

Exterior Front Inspection

Front of bus safety equipment and condition

Headlights (high/low beam) operational
Front turn signals working
Amber warning lights functional
Red warning lights functional
Stop arm extends and retracts properly
Windshield clear, no cracks obstructing view
Windshield wipers operational
All mirrors clean and properly adjusted

Exterior Sides & Rear

Side and rear safety features

Side marker lights working
Emergency exit doors/windows operational
Tires properly inflated, no damage or excessive wear
Lug nuts present and secure
Brake lights operational
Tail lights operational
Rear turn signals working
Reflectors clean and visible

Interior Safety Equipment

Emergency and safety equipment inside bus

First aid kit present and stocked
Fire extinguisher charged and accessible
Emergency warning triangles present
Body fluid cleanup kit available
Seatbelts operational (if equipped)
Emergency exits clearly marked

Driver Compartment

Driver controls and instruments

Horn operational
All gauges reading normal
Parking brake holds properly
Service brake pressure adequate
Steering wheel play within limits
Crossing control arm operational (if equipped)

Passenger Compartment

Seating and passenger safety

All seats securely fastened
Aisle clear of obstructions
Floor clean and in good condition
Handrails secure
Step treads in good condition

Documentation & Sign-Off

Required documentation and certification

Vehicle registration current
Insurance card present
Any defects noted during inspection
Defect details (if any)
Bus is safe for student transportation
Driver Signature

Related Education Checklists

Why Use This School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist (US DOT)?

This school bus pre-trip inspection checklist (us dot) helps education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for school bus driver / transportation supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 39 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: before each trip.

Ensures compliance with FMCSA 392.7, FMCSA 396.11, State DOT Requirements, NHTSA Guidelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist (US DOT) cover?

This checklist covers 39 inspection items across 6 sections: Exterior Front Inspection, Exterior Sides & Rear, Interior Safety Equipment, Driver Compartment, Passenger Compartment, Documentation & Sign-Off. It is designed for education operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed before each trip. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Who should use this School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist (US DOT)?

This checklist is designed for School Bus Driver / Transportation Supervisor professionals in the education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.