The Daily Trip Inspection

The following overview outlines a school bus driver's daily responsibilities for ensuring the safety of the school vehicle.
School buses, and school bus drivers, are the most regulated vehicles and drivers in the province. Every day, before taking a school bus onto the road, and while driving, the school bus driver is responsible for making sure that the bus is in safe operating condition. To do so, the driver must complete a "Circle Check": a thorough stationary and operating inspection of the vehicle, both inside and out. Information on any defects must be recorded in a logbook. The operator is responsible for repairing any defects promptly. The vehicle must be maintained in safe operating condition and meet all regulations.
The following is a general guideline. For more detailed information, please refer to the "Official Bus Handbook: For Bus and School Bus Drivers".
The daily trip inspection includes:
16 specific items to be checked in the outside inspection. These include:
* Alternating lights, front
* Headlights, directional signals, parking and clearance lights
* Windshield and wipers
* Engine compartment: fluid levels, wiring, belts and hoses
* Tires (retreads are allowed on rear wheels only)
* exposed wheel nuts, lugs and studs
* exhaust system for leaks
* Directional, stop tail and clearance lights
* Emergency exit
* alternating lights, rear
* Rear windows (for cleanliness)
* Entrance door
* Body condition, for sharp edges
* Fuel system (for leaks)
* Signs (for cleanliness and legibility)
* stop arm
Inside Inspection:
28 specific items to be checked in the inside inspection. These include:

* Steering wheel (for excessive free play)
* brake pedal reserve and fade
* brake booster operation
* brake failure warning light
* parking brake operation
* brake air pressure or vacuum gauge
* Warning signal, low air pressure/ vacuum
* Interior, (for exhaust fumes)
* Signal and hazard lights, switch and pilot
* Alternating lights switch and signal device
* Interior lights
* Windshield washer and lights
* Windshield and windows
* Mirrors, adjustment and condition



* Defroster and heaters
* Horn
* stop arm mechanism
* Driver’s seat belt and seat security
* Service door and controls
* Passengers' seat security
* Emergency exit and warning signal
* Floor covering (tripping hazards)
* Fire extinguisher
* Axe or claw bar
* First aid kit
* Flares, fuzzes or reflectors
* Interior (for cleanliness)
* Passenger seat belts (if so equipped).
Before proceeding onto the highway, the driver must:
* check that the driver's seat belt is correctly worn and fastened
* drive forward and brake to a stop to test the service brake
* make an additional check of all gauges
* complete the log book entry
The driver must also check and adjust all mirrors.
At the end of the run, the driver should do a physical check to make sure that all passengers have left the bus.