You have parked a school bus to begin its pre-trip inspection. What additional precaution does the inspection guidance call for before you start?
Correct answer: Chock the rear wheels before beginning the inspection.
The inspection guidance directs the driver to chock the rear wheels before the pre-trip. Looking level or having the parking brake applied does not replace that precaution.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 2, PDF physical page 45; Vehicle Inspection introduction; rear-wheel chock instruction. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
The bus engine is hot when you inspect its coolant. Which approach follows the inspection guidance?
Correct answer: Leave the radiator cap in place and check the coolant reservoir and its level marks.
Do not remove a hot radiator cap. The coolant inspection uses the reservoir, including its condition and the level between its minimum and maximum marks.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 11, PDF physical page 54; Under Hood Inspection > Coolant; also section page 2 / physical 45, hot-cap warning. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
The windshield wipers move, but a damaged blade leaves a wide streak and the washer will not spray. What does this inspection show?
Correct answer: Moving wipers are not enough; the damaged blade and inoperative washer both need attention.
The check includes secure wiper arms, sound rubber blades, proper wiping at the available speeds, and washer operation. Motor movement alone does not establish readiness.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 5, PDF physical page 48; Inside Inspection > Wipers and Washers. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
The defroster switch lights up during your pre-trip inspection. What should you do to verify the system itself?
Correct answer: Operate the blower settings and feel for airflow from the heater and defroster.
The inspection calls for checking heater and defroster operation at the blower speeds and feeling the airflow. A lit switch is not proof that air reaches the vents.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 6, PDF physical page 49; Inside Inspection > Heater and Defroster. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
Before boarding, you notice a bag on a bus step and a handrail that moves at its mounting. What is the sound inspection decision?
Correct answer: Clear the step and have the loose handrail corrected before treating the entrance as ready.
The entry check includes clear steps, secure treads and handrails, and a working stepwell light. Lighting or instructions to avoid a defect do not replace those checks.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 6, PDF physical page 49; Passenger Entry > Handrails and Steps. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
An equipped bus has its passenger lift folded in, but the stowage latch does not hold. How should you assess it?
Correct answer: It is not properly stowed until it is fully retracted and securely latched.
A lift inspection includes leaks, damage and missing parts as well as full retraction and secure latching. The need to secure it does not depend on whether a passenger will use it.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 6, PDF physical page 49; Passenger Entry > Passenger Lift, if equipped. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
An emergency exit opens and latches, but its required warning alarm does not sound during the inspection. Which conclusion is appropriate?
Correct answer: The alarm defect remains a readiness problem even though the exit moves and latches.
The exit check covers labels, condition, smooth opening and closing, secure latching, and warning-alarm operation. Passing one part does not cancel a defect in another.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 7, PDF physical page 50; Inside Inspection > Emergency Exits and Alarms. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
How should you check that a passenger-seat cushion is secure without putting your hand into the gap between the cushion and seat back?
Correct answer: Pull upward on the aisle side of the cushion near its rear edge.
The manual specifies pulling upward at the aisle side near the rear of the cushion and warns against putting a hand into the seat crack. A loose cushion also compromises the protective seating arrangement.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 7, PDF physical page 50; Passenger Seating; instructor note on seat-bottom inspection. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
A bus has a seat-belt cutter, but the driver can reach it only after unbuckling and leaving the seat. What improvement is needed?
Correct answer: Secure it where the driver can reach it while properly belted in the driving position.
The inspection checks that the cutter is secured and accessible to the driver while the driver is belted. Merely having a cutter somewhere on the bus does not satisfy that practical access check.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 10, PDF physical page 53; Emergency Equipment > Seat Belt Cutter. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
With the bus parked on level ground and the engine off, you pull out the oil dipstick. What is the next sound way to obtain its level reading?
Correct answer: Wipe it, reinsert it fully, then remove it and check that the level is within the marked range.
The oil-level procedure calls for an engine-off check: remove and wipe the dipstick, reinsert it, then read the level between the add and full marks and secure it afterward.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 11, PDF physical page 54; Under Hood Inspection > Engine Oil Level. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
You find a fresh oily puddle beneath the bus during its pre-trip inspection. Which follow-up best matches a proper leak check?
Correct answer: Look for dripping fluid at the engine or transmission and check hoses and connections for leaks or damage.
The leak inspection includes the ground beneath the bus, dripping engine or transmission components, and the condition and security of hoses. The source of fresh fluid needs attention, not just removal of the puddle.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 12, PDF physical page 55; Under Hood Inspection > Leaks and Hoses. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
A bus tire looks properly inflated from the side. What does the inspection guidance require to verify its air pressure?
Correct answer: Check it with a tire-pressure gauge rather than relying on appearance.
A visual check alone cannot establish tire pressure. The inspection guidance calls for using a gauge.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 12, PDF physical page 55; Tires > Tire Inflation. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
A tire has normal pressure, but you see a sidewall bulge and a cut exposing its internal material. How should you assess it?
Correct answer: These are tire-condition defects; normal pressure does not make the tire ready for service.
The condition check looks for bulges, cuts and exposed fabric or cord as well as inflation. One acceptable characteristic cannot cancel visible structural damage.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 13, PDF physical page 56; Tires > Condition. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
All the lug nuts are present, but you notice rust trails and shiny threads around one wheel fastener. What do those signs call for?
Correct answer: Further attention to possible looseness rather than accepting the wheel based only on nut count.
The lug-nut check includes signs of looseness, such as rust trails, halos or shiny threads. Presence alone is not evidence that a fastener is secure.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 13, PDF physical page 56; Wheels > Lug Nuts. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
During an accessible brake inspection, you see oil or grease on a brake lining. Why must that condition not be dismissed?
Correct answer: Oil or grease contamination can interfere with braking even when the parts are still attached.
The inspection calls for checking brake linings and drums for oil or grease contamination because it affects braking. This item is a defect-recognition decision, not a substitute for a complete brake-system test.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 14, PDF physical page 57; Brakes > Brake Linings and Drums. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
The stop arm looks undamaged while folded against the bus. What else should the inspection verify?
Correct answer: That it is securely mounted, extends fully and has working lights and sound lenses.
A complete stop-arm check goes beyond its folded appearance. It includes secure mounting, full extension, working lights and intact lenses, with air leaks checked when the mechanism uses air.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 15, PDF physical page 58; School Bus Stop Arm. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
Before starting a parked bus, you find signs that someone may have tampered with its fuel system. What should you do?
Correct answer: Do not start the bus; contact the transportation department immediately.
The fuel-tank inspection guidance explicitly directs the driver not to start a bus when fuel-system tampering is suspected and to contact the transportation department immediately.
Source: New Mexico PED, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual / Pre-Service Training Curriculum; section 1-C, printed section page 15, PDF physical page 58; Fuel Tank; instruction concerning evidence of tampering. Section revised August 2023. Mixed-date technical curriculum, not verified as the current MVD manual or current law. ↗
