11.3 School Bus Only

Emergency Equipment

In addition to checking for spare electrical fuses (if equipped), three red reflective triangles, and a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher, school bus drivers must also inspect the following emergency equipment:

  • Emergency Kit
  • Body Fluid Cleanup Kit

Lighting Indicators

In addition to checking the lighting indicators listed in Section 10.2 of this manual, school bus drivers must also check the following light­ing indicators (internal panel lights):

  • Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if equipped.
  • Alternately flashing red lights indicator.
  • Strobe light indicator, if equipped.

Lights and / or Reflectors

In addition to checking the lights and reflective devices listed in Section 10.2 of this manual, school bus drivers must also check the following (external) lights and reflectors:

  • Strobe light, if equipped.
  • Stop arm light, if equipped.
  • Alternately flashing amber lights, if equipped.
  • Alternately flashing red lights.

Student Mirrors

In addition to checking the external mirrors, school bus drivers must also check the internal and external mirrors used for observing students:

  • Check for proper adjustment.
  • Checks that all internal and external mirrors and mirror brackets are not damaged and are mounted securely with no loose fittings.
  • Checks that visibility is not impaired due to dirty mirrors.

Stop Arm  and / or Safety Arm

If equipped, check the stop arm that it is mounted securely to the vehicle, checks for loose fittings and damage, checks that stop arm extends fully when operated and stop arm lights are operational.

Checks that safety arm is securely mounted and functions properly in conjunction with stop arm.

Passenger Entry  and / or Lift

  • Check that the entry door is not damaged, operates smoothly, and closes securely from the inside.
  • Hand rails are secure and the step light is working, if equipped.
  • The entry steps must be clear with the treads not loose or worn excessively.
  • If equipped with a handicap lift, look for leaking, damaged, or missing parts and explain how lift should be checked for correct operation. Lift must be fully retracted and latched securely.

Emergency Exit

  • Make sure that all emergency exits are not damaged, operate smoothly, and close securely from the inside.
  • Check that any emergency exit warning devices are working.

Seating

  • Look for broken seat frames and check that seat frames are firmly attached to the floor.
  • Check that seat cushions are attached securely to the seat frames.

The Meet The Bus video is a new tool to help study for the CDL Bus Vehicle Inspection.

Produced by DDS and Forsyth County Schools, it can be found on the DDS website at www.dds.georgia.gov