7D Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Vehicle Inspections 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a pre-trip inspection, what must a 7D driver verify about the school bus mirrors?
- That they are clean only
- That all required mirrors are present, properly adjusted, and provide the required fields of view (Correct answer)
- That the mirrors fold properly for parking
- That mirrors have the school district logo visible
Correct answer: That all required mirrors are present, properly adjusted, and provide the required fields of view
All required mirrors must be present, adjusted correctly, and provide the mandated fields of view to ensure the driver can see the danger zones around the bus.
California regulations require school buses to have specific exterior and interior mirrors providing defined fields of view around the vehicle. During pre-trip inspection, the driver must verify that all required mirrors are physically present, undamaged, properly adjusted for the driver's height and seating position, and that each mirror provides its required field of view. This includes crossover mirrors, flat mirrors, and convex mirrors.
Question 2: What must a driver check regarding the school bus stop-arm during a pre-trip inspection?
- Only that it is painted red
- That it operates correctly, extends fully, and the alternating red lights flash when deployed (Correct answer)
- That it is pointed to the right side of the bus
- Only that the sign is clean and visible
Correct answer: That it operates correctly, extends fully, and the alternating red lights flash when deployed
The stop-arm must extend fully and the flashing red lights must operate correctly — these are mandatory safety systems for loading and unloading.
The stop-arm is a critical safety device that signals motorists to stop while students board or exit. During pre-trip inspection, the driver must test that the arm extends fully to a perpendicular position and retracts properly, and that both alternating red lights on the stop-arm flash correctly when activated. A malfunctioning stop-arm must be repaired before the vehicle is placed in service.
Question 3: During a school bus pre-trip inspection, the driver notices a crack in the windshield in the driver's direct line of sight. What is the correct action?
- Continue the route and report it at day's end
- Place a note on the dash and drive carefully
- Remove the bus from service and report the defect (Correct answer)
- Cover the crack with tape to prevent further spreading
Correct answer: Remove the bus from service and report the defect
A windshield crack in the driver's line of sight is a safety defect requiring the vehicle to be removed from service until repaired.
A crack in the windshield within the driver's direct line of sight is considered a safety-critical defect. The driver must refuse to operate the vehicle and report the defect to the fleet supervisor or maintenance department immediately. The bus must be taken out of service until the windshield is repaired or replaced. Driving with impaired vision endangers students and violates California Vehicle Code.
Question 4: What is the purpose of checking the floor and aisle of the school bus during a pre-trip inspection?
- To verify the bus is clean enough to pass a district audit
- To ensure there are no objects, torn flooring, or debris that could cause students to trip or block exits (Correct answer)
- To count the number of available seats
- To check for contraband left by students
Correct answer: To ensure there are no objects, torn flooring, or debris that could cause students to trip or block exits
The driver must ensure the aisle and floor are free of hazards that could cause trips, falls, or block emergency exits.
During pre-trip inspection, the driver must walk the aisle to verify that the floor is structurally sound (no holes or torn non-slip matting), there are no objects in the aisle that could cause students to trip, and no items are blocking emergency exits. This check also includes verifying that the aisle is wide enough for unobstructed passage and that seat belts (if equipped) are not tangled in the walkway.
Question 5: What brake check must a school bus driver perform before leaving the yard?
- Only visually inspect brake lines for leaks
- Apply the service brakes at 5 mph to check for pulling or grinding, and test the parking brake (Correct answer)
- Test brakes only when carrying students
- Have a mechanic certify brakes monthly — no driver check needed
Correct answer: Apply the service brakes at 5 mph to check for pulling or grinding, and test the parking brake
Drivers must perform a low-speed brake application to check for pulling, grabbing, or grinding, and must verify the parking brake holds.
As part of the pre-trip brake check, the driver should apply the service brakes at low speed (typically 5 mph in the yard) to verify that the brakes apply evenly without pulling to one side, without grinding, and that stopping distance is appropriate. The parking brake must also be tested to confirm it holds the vehicle on level ground. Any abnormal brake behavior requires the vehicle to be taken out of service.
Question 6: During a post-trip inspection, why must a driver physically walk to the rear of the bus?
- To check the exterior lights from behind
- To verify the rear emergency door is locked
- To ensure no student has been left on the bus — including sleeping or hiding children (Correct answer)
- To retrieve any items left in the rear storage compartment
Correct answer: To ensure no student has been left on the bus — including sleeping or hiding children
Physically walking to the rear forces the driver to check every row and ensures no child has been accidentally left on the bus.
One of the most critical post-trip inspection requirements is a physical walk to the rear of the bus — not just a mirror check — to verify no child remains on board. Children have died from heat exposure after being left sleeping or hiding on school buses. Many school districts require drivers to activate a rear buzzer that can only be silenced at the rear of the bus, physically forcing a complete walk-through. This procedure must be performed after every trip.
7D Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Vehicle Inspections 2
During a pre-trip inspection, what must a 7D driver verify about the school bus mirrors?