Chapter 2-2: Inspections

Performing a school bus inspection is critical to ensuring student safety. The process begins with a thorough walkaround to check for visible damage, fluid leaks, and tire condition.

Ontario School Bus Test - Chapter 2-2: Inspections

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What can broken springs, ruptured air bags and faulty shock absorbers cause?

Faster fuel consumption but no handling changes

Louder engine noise but no ride issues

Sag, bouncing, bottoming and excessive sway when under way

Only cosmetic damage with no effect on handling

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How should free play in the steering be checked?

With the engine on, wheels straight ahead, turning the wheel in both directions with fingers until tire resistance is felt

By spinning the steering wheel rapidly while parked

With the engine off and wheels turned fully to one side

By checking steering only while at highway speed

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How should the service brakes be tested?

Test only when descending steep hills

Test at low speeds, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop, checking for straight-line stopping, no pulling, no excessive noise and proper pedal feel

Test by pressing the pedal once before starting the engine

Test only during emergency stops at highway speed

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As part of the pre-trip inspection, what must be checked on wheels?

That they are securely attached

That they match the body colour

That they are freshly painted

That they have decorative covers installed

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What is noted as the most frequent cause of parking brake failure?

Applying the brake too firmly when parked

Engaging the brake only on level surfaces

Driving with the parking brake on

Not using the parking brake at all

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Excessive free play in the steering wheel indicates what?

That the steering system is perfectly normal

Excessive free play or lash in the steering system that may need attention

That the tires are overinflated

That the suspension is too stiff

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What should the driver do with the gauges during the final check before highway driving?

Check only the fuel gauge

Perform an additional check of all gauges such as heat, oil and vacuum

Check gauges only at the end of the trip

Ignore gauges if the bus was inspected earlier in the week

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When is a good time to perform the road check?

On the way to pick up the first passengers of the day

Only when leaving the depot at night

Only after all passengers are already onboard

Only when returning to the garage

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After having new tires or wheels installed, what is a good safety practice?

Avoid inspecting them to prevent loosening

Wait a year before inspecting

Only check the tires if a noise is heard

Inspect the wheels, wheel fasteners and tires after installation

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When must drivers perform a road check of the vehicle’s condition?

While driving during the day or trip

Only when passengers complain

Only before the first trip of the week

Only at the end of the day

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What should drivers be able to quickly sense regarding tire condition while driving?

Only visual damage to sidewalls

Only the age of the tire

The “thump-thumping” of a flat or underinflated tire

Only a change in tire temperature

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What does “free play” or “lash” in the steering system refer to?

The distance between the driver’s seat and the wheel

The distance the steering wheel moves before the tires begin turning

The clearance between brake pads and rotors

The time delay between acceleration and movement

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How should a properly functioning clutch behave when engaging?

It should always slip slightly under load

It should engage easily and smoothly without jerking, slipping excessively or chattering

It should jerk the bus strongly when released

It should make loud grinding noises

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How should power steering behave during normal operation?

It should be stiff when going over bumps

It should be quiet and allow the vehicle to steer easily in turns or over bumps

It should make a loud humming noise at all times

It should only assist at high speeds

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During an engine check while driving, what should the driver be alert for?

Only the position of the accelerator pedal

Only the fuel gauge reading

Any unusual engine noises, vibrations or lack of normal responses

Only changes in engine colour

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How should the parking brake be tested?

Put the vehicle in gear with the parking brake on; it should hold the bus stationary with the engine at idle speed

Test it only when the engine is off and the bus is on a steep hill

Apply it only while coasting at high speed

Pull it on and off repeatedly while driving

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After tire or wheel installation, when do wheel manufacturers recommend rechecking fasteners?

Between 80 km and 160 km of driving

Only after 10,000 km

Only if a vibration occurs

Immediately every 5 km

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What is a key safety rule for using the clutch?

Pump the clutch continuously while driving

Never “ride” the clutch pedal

Always keep your foot resting lightly on the clutch pedal

Depress the clutch pedal halfway at all times

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Who must install wheels and tires on the vehicle?

A certified tire installer or a mechanic

Only the bus driver

Any person with a standard driver’s licence

Any passenger willing to help

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How should a manual transmission operate during gear changes?

It should require forceful, jerky shifts

It should slip out of gear frequently

It should allow for smooth, easy gear changes

It should grind in every gear change

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During the final check before driving onto the highway, what must the driver ensure about their own safety equipment?

The driver’s window is open

The driver’s seatbelt is fastened

The driver’s seat is reclined

The driver’s mirror is folded in

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The air pressure in the spare tire should match which tire on the vehicle?

Any randomly chosen tire

Only the front left tire

The tire on the vehicle carrying the highest pressure

The smallest tire on the vehicle

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What is a consequence of erratic or careless gear shifting?

It wears out the clutch

It improves fuel economy

It has no effect on vehicle components

It only affects passenger comfort, not the vehicle

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What should a driver do if the brakes require extra pedal pressure, feel spongy, or the vehicle pulls to one side?

Only reduce speed but keep operating

Ignore the issue if the bus is not full

Do not operate the vehicle until such conditions have been repaired

Continue driving until the end of the shift

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As part of the final check before driving onto the highway, what brake-related action must the driver perform?

Drive forward and brake to a stop to test the service brake

Only check the parking brake on a hill

Apply the emergency brake while driving at highway speed

Pump the brakes three times with the engine off

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What is the purpose of the daily road check while driving?

To evaluate steering, suspension, clutch, transmission, driveline, engine performance and brake stopping power

To verify passenger counts

To measure fuel consumption for the day

To test the radio and climate control

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How should tire air pressure be managed to prevent premature tire wear, failure and breakdown?

Always overinflate tires beyond specification

Keep the right air pressure in the tires

Change pressure daily without checking specifications

Always run tires at the lowest possible pressure

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As part of the pre-trip inspection, what must be checked on tires?

Only the air valve caps

Appropriate tread depth

Only the brand name

Only the colour of the rubber

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What administrative task must be completed as part of the final check?

Update the vehicle ownership document

Complete the log-book entry

Renew the driver’s licence

File a weekly summary report

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What is “free play” in a properly adjusted clutch pedal?

The time delay between pedal release and engine start

Some free movement of the pedal when it is fully released

The distance the pedal moves when fully depressed

No movement at all when released

Your score is

Inside, the driver inspects emergency exits, seat belts, mirrors, and the interior cleanliness. Essential systems such as lights, brakes, horn, and windshield wipers are tested to ensure proper operation. The driver also verifies that safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits, is present and in good condition. Any issues found must be reported immediately and repaired before transporting students. Regular inspections help prevent breakdowns and ensure reliable, safe travel.