How can a driver identify if their school bus is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)?

A school bus driver can identify if their bus is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) by checking for a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel. This specific warning light is a key indicator integrated into most vehicles with ABS. When the ignition is turned on, the lamp illuminates momentarily to confirm functionality; if it stays illuminated after starting, it indicates a malfunction or an issue with the ABS.

The other methods suggested do not directly point to the presence of an ABS. Inspecting the brake pads may provide insight into the brakes' condition but does not confirm if the bus is equipped with ABS. Reading the bus manual could provide the necessary information, but this method relies on having access to the manual and may not be as immediate as checking the instrument panel. Asking a mechanic may yield an answer, but it is not a practical or immediate method for a driver who needs to verify the system swiftly during a pre-trip inspection. The presence of the light is the most efficient and reliable way to confirm if ABS is installed.