School Bus Pre-Trip Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

School bus drivers and transportation directors use this checklist for daily pre-trip inspections per Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and state department of education pupil transportation regulations.

  • Industry: Education Transportation
  • Frequency: Per Shift
  • Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Role: School Bus Driver
  • Total Items: 8
  • Compliance: FMVSS 217/220/222, State Pupil Transport Regs

Safety Equipment & Signals

Verify school bus-specific safety equipment and warning devices.

  • Is the stop sign arm extending and retracting properly?
  • Are alternating red and amber warning flashers operational?
  • Is the crossing control arm (if equipped) functioning correctly?
  • Safety equipment notes

Interior Safety & Emergency Equipment

Check interior condition, emergency exits, and required equipment.

  • Do all emergency exits open fully and activate buzzers when opened?
  • Are all passenger seats secure with no broken frames or torn padding?
  • Is the fire extinguisher mounted, charged, and inspection tag current?
  • Interior safety notes

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Why Use This School Bus Pre-Trip Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This school bus pre-trip safety inspection checklist [free pdf] helps education transportation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for school bus driver professionals, this checklist covers 8 critical inspection points across 2 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift.

Ensures compliance with FMVSS 217/220/222, State Pupil Transport Regs. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the School Bus Pre-Trip Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 8 inspection items across 2 sections: Safety Equipment & Signals, Interior Safety & Emergency Equipment. It is designed for education transportation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per shift. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

Who should use this School Bus Pre-Trip Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for School Bus Driver professionals in the education transportation 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.

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