School Bus Endorsement School Bus Endorsement Vehicle Inspection & Pre-Trip Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When checking tire condition during a pre-trip inspection, what is the minimum tread depth required for front steer tires on a school bus?
- 4/32 of an inch (Correct answer)
- 2/32 of an inch
- 1/32 of an inch
- 6/32 of an inch
Correct answer: 4/32 of an inch
Front steer tires require a minimum of 4/32-inch tread depth because steering response depends heavily on front tire grip.
Question 2: What is the purpose of checking the lug nuts on school bus wheels during a pre-trip inspection?
- To ensure they are tight and show no signs of looseness or rust streaking (Correct answer)
- To verify the tire brand matches the vehicle spec sheet
- To count the number of studs per wheel
- To check that wheel covers are secure
Correct answer: To ensure they are tight and show no signs of looseness or rust streaking
Loose lug nuts can cause wheel separation while driving, which is an extreme safety hazard for passengers and other road users.
Question 3: When inspecting the school bus body during a pre-trip, which of the following would require the bus to be placed out of service?
- A broken mirror that reduces required visibility (Correct answer)
- A small paint scratch on the rear bumper
- A loose interior overhead storage door
- A slightly bent front license plate bracket
Correct answer: A broken mirror that reduces required visibility
Mirrors are required safety equipment; if they no longer provide the required field of view the bus cannot legally or safely operate.
Question 4: What does the school bus driver check when testing the parking brake during a pre-trip inspection?
- That the bus does not move when the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is placed in gear (Correct answer)
- That the parking brake handle moves smoothly
- Only that the brake warning light illuminates
- That the rear wheels lock when the brake is applied at speed
Correct answer: That the bus does not move when the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is placed in gear
The parking brake must hold the fully loaded bus in place; testing it against drive engagement confirms it is functioning correctly.
Question 5: During a school bus pre-trip inspection, the driver should verify the first-aid kit is:
- Present, properly stocked, and accessible (Correct answer)
- Stored in the driver's personal bag for quick access
- Present but does not need to be inspected daily
- Located only in the rear of the bus
Correct answer: Present, properly stocked, and accessible
State regulations require a stocked, accessible first-aid kit on every school bus so it can be used immediately in an emergency.
Question 6: When checking the school bus fuel level during a pre-trip inspection, what should the driver do if the tank is less than one-quarter full?
- Refuel before beginning the route (Correct answer)
- Complete the morning route and refuel afterward
- Notify dispatch and continue if the route is short
- Add fuel only if the warning light activates
Correct answer: Refuel before beginning the route
Running low on fuel risks stalling mid-route with students on board, so drivers should refuel before departure when the tank is critically low.
School Bus Endorsement School Bus Endorsement Vehicle Inspection & Pre-Trip Procedures 2
When checking tire condition during a pre-trip inspection, what is the minimum tread depth required for front steer tires on a school bus?