Series 1-3: Engine Start-up and Interior Inspection

The “Engine Start-up and Interior Inspection” chapter of the Alberta school bus practice test emphasizes the importance of safety checks before driving.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 1-3: Engine Start-up and Interior Inspection

1 / 25

Which of the following describes proper housekeeping in the operator and passenger areas?

Seats and floors clean and free from damage and obstructions; aisle clear of tripping hazards

Cleaning is optional if the bus runs on time

Only the first row must be kept clear

Trash may be stored on the floor temporarily

2 / 25

Which of the following light indicators must be checked for proper operation?

Only interior dome lights

Only brake lights

Hazard lights, alternately flashing amber and red lights, brake lights, tail lights, clearance lights, and headlights (high and low beam)

Only hazard lights and headlights

3 / 25

For air brake systems, what happens if air pressure falls below approximately 310–345 kPa (45–50 psi)?

The parking brake will remain applied

The wipers will stop working

The fuel system will shut down

The headlights will turn off

4 / 25

How should the fuel gauge read for safe daily operation?

It can be allowed to run near empty every day

It should always be exactly at full

It does not matter for short routes

It should indicate a safe margin of fuel, preferably operating out of the top half of the tank

5 / 25

Before starting the engine, what should you do with the ignition key?

Turn it to the ON position and follow the manufacturer’s start-up procedures

Turn it to ACCESSORY and wait 10 minutes

Leave it in the OFF position and press the accelerator

Turn it directly to START and hold it

6 / 25

Which items of emergency/safety equipment must be accessible and in good condition?

Reflectors/approved warning devices, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit

Only the first aid kit

Only a flashlight

Only the fire extinguisher

7 / 25

What does the vacuum or air pressure gauge indicate?

The coolant level in the radiator

The fuel economy of the bus

The capacity to operate the brakes

The charge level of the battery

8 / 25

What does excessive loss of air pressure overnight indicate?

Normal system equalization

A low fuel situation

A possible leak in the air system

A worn windshield wiper motor

9 / 25

When first boarding the bus each morning, what is your primary task?

Perform an overview to make sure everything is in order

Turn on all interior lights and leave them on

Check only the fuel level

Immediately start the engine and drive forward

10 / 25

How should the fire extinguisher be maintained?

Stored empty to prevent leaks

Used monthly for practice

Loose and easy to grab

Charged, secured, and with the pin in place

11 / 25

What should you do if the alternator/generator warning light remains on after the engine is running?

Increase engine RPM to clear the fault

Turn off the headlights and keep driving

Do not operate the bus and report immediately

Reset the ignition and continue

12 / 25

Which vehicle documents must be on the bus?

Only the driver’s license

Registration form, operating authority, insurance certificate, and Commercial Vehicle Inspection Permit

Only the insurance certificate

Only the registration form

13 / 25

If the bus is equipped with glow plugs, what must you do before starting the engine?

Pump the accelerator three times

Open the driver’s window

Turn off all electrical accessories

Wait for the glow plug light to go out

14 / 25

For buses converted to propane with unreliable gauges, how should operators determine the next fill-up?

Estimate based on previous weeks only

Wait until the engine stalls

Rely solely on warning lights

Use kilometres traveled according to company procedures

15 / 25

After starting the engine, what must you confirm regarding engine lubrication?

The oil is at maximum temperature

The oil level is exactly at the full mark

Oil pressure is present and within normal range

The oil filter is new

16 / 25

If an ammeter (used instead of an alternator/generator warning light) continues to show a discharge after the engine is running, what must you do?

Drive until the battery is drained

Turn on more electrical loads

Do not operate the bus and report immediately

Ignore it if the engine sounds normal

17 / 25

Which interior emergency equipment must open easily and have a working alarm system?

Emergency door and emergency windows

The fuel door

The driver’s side window only

The glove compartment

18 / 25

How should the parking brake be tested under load?

Pump it repeatedly while parked in neutral

Apply it only while driving at speed

Place the bus in drive or appropriate gear, release your foot brake, and test at idle

Pull it quickly while moving in reverse

19 / 25

How should the first aid kit be maintained?

Stored off the bus at the depot

Full, secure, and accessible

Locked away and hard to access

Only partially stocked

20 / 25

If the oil pressure warning light stays on after the engine starts, what must you do?

Disconnect the battery

Drive slowly until it turns off

Turn the engine off immediately and report to the appropriate supervisor

Rev the engine to build pressure

21 / 25

With a dual brake system, what does it mean if the service brake warning light comes on during a hard brake application?

The headlights are failing

At least one of the brake systems may not be operating properly

The fuel filter is clogged

The parking brake is fully applied

22 / 25

What must you do if the water temperature gauge indicates “hot” or the temperature warning light comes on?

Open the radiator cap at once

Increase speed to cool the engine

Turn off the engine and report immediately to your appropriate supervisor

Turn the heater to maximum and keep driving

23 / 25

If an oil pressure gauge (instead of a warning light) does not show adequate pressure, what is required?

Continue driving until the next stop

Switch off all interior lights

Turn the engine off immediately and report to the appropriate supervisor

Add coolant to see if it stabilizes

24 / 25

What should you do if any gauge is not functioning or showing a normal reading?

Tap the gauge to see if it changes

Ignore it if warning lights are off

Do not operate the bus

Continue to drive and recheck at the end of the day

25 / 25

Which of the following must be checked for proper adjustment and condition to ensure visibility and control?

Side view mirrors, cross-over mirrors, rear view mirror, sun visor, and operator’s window

Only the sun visor

Only the rear view mirror

Only the operator’s window

Your score is

Drivers are trained to follow a systematic process for starting the engine, ensuring all warning lights function correctly, and monitoring gauges for normal readings. The interior inspection includes checking seat belts, emergency exits, mirrors, and ensuring that aisles are clear. Proper functioning of heaters, defrosters, and communication devices is also verified. These procedures help prevent potential hazards, ensure passenger safety, and maintain compliance with provincial regulations, making them a crucial part of a school bus driver’s daily routine.