Page 23 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Operator and Bus Attendant (if assigned):

Lift Bus: wheelchair tracks, tie downs, securement straps and occupant restraint systems straps
for cleanliness, cuts, frays and wear.

Departure
 Fasten seat belt
 Two-way radio check: make sure to announce Bus Number and Radio Check; listen for a
response
o If the radio is not working contact dispatch immediately
 Headlights, clearance, taillights, strobe light should all be on for safety

Parking and Service brake checks:
 Parking Brake: With the parking brake engaged, depress the service brake and shift to drive.
Remove your foot from the service brake and gently accelerate. The bus should not move if the
parking brake is holding
 Service Brake Test: Depress the service brake, shift to drive and release the parking brake. Ease
ahead and step on the service brake firmly. The air pressure should fall no more than 3(three) PSI
per service brake application.
 Check area around bus for safety clearance, follow traffic pattern of facility

Final Brake check:
 Pull out of parking space, accelerate in a straight line. Check traffic behind you to make sure you
are clear of other traffic before doing this part of the test.
 Radio Dispatch to arrange for a spare bus. Immediately write up the bus for repairs. Do not
attempt to drive the bus. This part of brake check completed.

Never drive the bus if any part of the brake test results in a failure.

Fueling the Bus

The Bus Driver shall verify that the fuel supply is adequate before leaving the Transportation
Facility, and fuel the bus as necessary. While fueling, the Bus Driver, bus Attendant, and all
passengers must be off the bus.

Never leave the transportation facility with less than a’ ½ tank of fuel.

Supplies, Forms, Personal Items aboard the Bus

The Bus Driver should check that the bus is kept supplied with the necessary materials, forms, and
personal credentials listed below. All forms must be current and all student information must be
up-to-date.
 Up to date route sheets
 Pre-Trip Inspections Forms (PBSD# 0454)
 Bus Seating Charts
 School Board ID Badge

Page 23 of 149
Pre-Trip Inspection of the School Bus