School Bus Pre-Trip Safety Inspection Checklist

This checklist ensures school buses meet federal and state safety standards before each route. Designed for school bus drivers, fleet managers, and transportation directors to comply with FMCSA and state DOE requirements.

Industry: Transportation / Education
Frequency: Daily (before each AM and PM route)
Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
Role: School Bus Driver / Fleet Manager
Total Items: 25
Compliance: FMCSA 49 CFR Part 393 - School Bus Safety Standards, FMVSS 220/221 - School Bus Rollover/Body Joint Protection, State Department of Education School Bus Safety Regulations, NASDPTS National Standards for School Buses and School Bus Operations

Engine and Exterior

Engine compartment and exterior pre-trip inspection.

Engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels adequate?
No fluid leaks visible under bus or in engine compartment?
All tires properly inflated with no cuts, bulges, or visible wear?
All exterior lights operational (head, tail, stop, 8-way, hazards)?
Alternating amber and red warning light system functional?

Interior Safety Equipment

Passenger area safety equipment.

Emergency exit doors operational and not blocked?
Emergency exit windows operate correctly?
First aid kit stocked and mounted?
Fire extinguisher mounted, charged, and accessible?
Body fluid cleanup kit present?

Student Safety Devices

Crossing arm, stop arm, and student safety features.

Stop arm extends and retracts fully?
Crossing arm (if equipped) extends and retracts properly?
Service door interlocked with brake (door will not open when bus in motion)?
All mirrors (cross-view, convex, flat) adjusted for full coverage?

Brakes and Steering

Brake and steering system pre-trip tests.

Air brake system build-up and leak-down test within limits (if air brakes)?
Parking brake holds bus on grade?
Service brakes responsive with no pull, squeal, or extended stopping distance?
Steering responsive with no excessive free play?

Communication and Accessibility

Radio, camera, and special needs equipment.

Two-way radio operational and communicating with dispatch?
On-board security cameras operational (if equipped)?
Wheelchair lift operational with no oil leaks (if equipped)?

Driver Compliance

Driver documentation and fitness.

CDL with School Bus (S) endorsement current?
DOT medical certificate current?
Pre-trip inspection report signed and filed?
Defects found and reported to fleet manager

Related Transportation Checklists

Why Use This School Bus Pre-Trip Safety Inspection Checklist?

This school bus pre-trip safety inspection checklist helps transportation / education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for school bus driver / fleet manager professionals, this checklist covers 25 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily (before each am and pm route).

Ensures compliance with FMCSA 49 CFR Part 393 - School Bus Safety Standards, FMVSS 220/221 - School Bus Rollover/Body Joint Protection, State Department of Education School Bus Safety Regulations, NASDPTS National Standards for School Buses and School Bus Operations. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the School Bus Pre-Trip Safety Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 25 inspection items across 6 sections: Engine and Exterior, Interior Safety Equipment, Student Safety Devices, Brakes and Steering, Communication and Accessibility, Driver Compliance. It is designed for transportation / education operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily (before each am and pm route). Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Who should use this School Bus Pre-Trip Safety Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for School Bus Driver / Fleet Manager professionals in the transportation / 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.