What should you ensure is functioning properly before driving a school bus?

Before driving a school bus, it is crucial to ensure that all safety and operational features are functioning properly, which includes the headlights, windshield wipers, and emergency exits. Each of these components plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of both the driver and passengers.

Headlights are essential for visibility, especially during early morning hours, late afternoon, or in adverse weather conditions. Confirming that headlights are working allows for better visibility on the road and helps other drivers see the bus.

Windshield wipers are critical for maintaining clear visibility during rain or adverse weather. If the windshield wipers are not functioning correctly, it can severely impair a driver's ability to see the road and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.

Emergency exits are vital for passenger safety. Ensuring they are operational means that in case of an emergency, all individuals on the bus can exit safely and efficiently.

Since all these components contribute to the overall safety and functionality of the bus, thorough checks are necessary before operation. Therefore, verifying that each of these systems is in working order is integral to safe school bus operation, which is why the correct answer encompasses all of them.