If a driver is unable to perform a pretrip inspection, who is allowed to perform it?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of conducting a pre-trip inspection as an essential safety measure that must be performed by the driver who is responsible for the vehicle. Each driver is trained and qualified to understand the specific safety checks that need to be carried out prior to operating a school pupil activity bus. Allowing anyone other than the assigned driver to perform this critical task could lead to potential oversights and safety risks, as they may not be familiar with the specific requirements or the state of the bus.

In this context, it is crucial for the driver to personally ensure that everything is in proper working order — this includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components of the bus. Therefore, if the driver is unable to perform the pre-trip inspection, no other individual is authorized to take their place in this responsibility, as it could jeopardize the safety of the passengers and the overall operation of the bus.

While other roles such as fellow drivers, dispatchers, or maintenance staff have their own responsibilities, they are not substitutes for the driver's duty to complete a pre-trip inspection. This reinforces the accountability of the driver for the vehicle they are operating.