A fixed checklist for the daily pre-departure inspection: tyres, lights, brakes, emergency equipment, doors and documents — so the bus is safe before it rolls.
Introduction
A thorough pre-departure check (daily inspection) is the driver's responsibility before the bus is put into use. Use the same sequence every day so that nothing is forgotten. The checklist here is general — always follow the specific instructions of the operator/manufacturer.
Outside
- 01Tyres: tread depth, pressure, visible damage and that none have been run flat.
- 02Lamps and indicators: low and high beam, indicators, brake lights, tail lights and number-plate lights.
- 03Bodywork: windows intact, mirrors clean and adjusted, no leaks.
- 04Lift/ramp: works and is clean, if the bus has accessibility equipment.
Internal
- 01Brakes: working and the brake pressure builds up; handbrake holds.
- 02Emergency equipment: fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, emergency hammer and warning triangle in place.
- 03Doors and emergency exits: open and close, emergency handles clear and visible.
- 04Securing: wheelchair tie-downs and passenger belts in order, if relevant.
Documents & tachograph
- 01Driver card inserted in the tachograph; previous activity in order.
- 02Registration certificate, insurance, driving licence with code 95 and medical certificate all valid.
- 03Driving/rest time: check that you have a legal rest period behind you before departure.
Legal requirements behind the check
The departure check is not just good practice — behind each point stands a specific requirement in the Motor Vehicle Act, Technical Requirements for Vehicles or an EU regulation. If you drive with a fault that should have been discovered, the responsibility is yours. Here are the main requirements behind the points:
| Point | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre, tread depth | At least 1.6 mm around entire tread circumference | Road Traffic Act / Detailed regulations |
| Lights and reflectors | Must work and light/reflect as prescribed | Detailed rules for Vehicles |
| Brakes | Service, emergency and parking brake must work | ECE R13 (bindende via (EF) 661/2009 og (EU) 2019/2144) |
| Tachograph | Must work and be calibrated (every 2nd year) | Forordning (EU) 165/2014 |
| Syn/godkendelse | Valid inspection; no non-approved modifications | Vision Regulation |
Pneumatic brakes — the most important check
A bus brakes with compressed air, and this makes special demands on the departure check. The system must have built up full pressure before you drive, and it must be able to hold the pressure. Make it a fixed routine:
- 01Build up pressure: start the engine and let the compressor fill the tanks until the low-pressure warning switches off and the system is at operating pressure.
- 02Low pressure warning: check that the warning light and buzzer activate when pressure is low — it is your protection against driving with too little pressure.
- 03Pressure test: with the brake pedal fully depressed and the engine off, pressure must only drop slowly; a rapid pressure loss reveals a leak, and the bus must not operate.
- 04Parking brake: the spring brake (parking brake) must hold the bus in place — even on a slight slope.
- 05Emergency brake function: understand how the system brakes automatically if pressure drops completely (spring brakes engage).
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