Series 1-6: On the Road Checking Procedures

The “On the Road Checking Procedures” chapter of the Alberta school bus practice test covers essential safety checks drivers must perform when operating the bus.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 1-6: On the Road Checking Procedures

1 / 20

How should the clutch engage under normal conditions?

With loud grinding noises

With a strong jerk to confirm engagement

Easily and smoothly without jerking or excessive slipping

Only when the pedal is pumped repeatedly

2 / 20

What should you do if you notice unusual or substandard steering conditions?

Ask another driver instead of reporting

Report them immediately to the appropriate supervisor

Only report them at the end of the shift

Ignore them if the bus still moves

3 / 20

What is the correct foot position after completing a gear shift?

Hold the clutch halfway down

Keep your foot hovering above the clutch

Remove your foot from the clutch pedal and place it flat on the floor

Rest your foot lightly on the clutch pedal

4 / 20

What should happen when the transmission is engaged and the accelerator is depressed?

The bus should roll backward

The bus should start out smoothly

The bus should hesitate, then lurch

The bus should vibrate heavily

5 / 20

Which of the following is a sign of proper steering?

The power steering is loud and rough

The steering wheel has excessive play

The steering jerks over bumps

The bus goes precisely where you steer it

6 / 20

What should you do if you notice unusual engine noise, vibration, or lack of response?

Only report it if a warning light appears

Turn the radio up to ignore the noise

Report any concerns to the appropriate supervisor

Continue driving and check it tomorrow

7 / 20

What is a key behaviour of a professional school bus operator regarding vehicle condition?

Only checks the bus at the start of the year

Waits for scheduled maintenance to find problems

Always stays alert for unusual noises or abnormal handling and reports them

Ignores minor changes in vehicle performance

8 / 20

Which is a possible sign of suspension problems when turning corners?

Slight, normal body roll

Slight steering wheel vibration only

Smooth, level cornering

Excessive weaving or swaying

9 / 20

How should the bus stop when the brakes are working properly?

Pulling slightly to the right

In a straight line without pulling right or left

Gradually drifting to the left

Slightly skidding to a stop

10 / 20

When should you first test the brakes before going on the road?

Only if the warning light comes on

Only after the first stop sign

At low speeds before leaving the yard

At highway speed on-ramp

11 / 20

Which of the following brake conditions must be reported immediately?

Slight brake dust on wheels

Normal pedal movement

Smooth, quiet braking

Excessive pedal pressure or unusual braking behaviour

12 / 20

Why should you not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended road speed for each gear?

It improves brake performance

It makes the bus easier to steer

It could damage the transmission or reduce its service life

It will increase fuel economy

13 / 20

In colder weather, how long should the bus idle before starting the route?

No idling is needed

About 2 minutes

About 30 minutes

About 10 minutes

14 / 20

What should you do if you have difficulty shifting gears in a manual transmission?

Report it to the appropriate supervisor

Force the gear into place

Ignore it if the bus still moves

Only use one gear for the trip

15 / 20

How should you treat a cold engine when starting out?

Hold it at maximum RPM for 30 seconds

Never race it; increase speed slowly

Turn it off and restart repeatedly

Rev it high to warm it quickly

16 / 20

What might cause the bus to weave or sway excessively on curves?

Correctly adjusted mirrors

Properly inflated tires

Broken springs or faulty shock absorbers

Clean brake linings

17 / 20

What should you do if safe braking is not possible?

Continue driving and report at the end of the day

Avoid using the brakes

Drive only at very low speeds

Do not operate the bus

18 / 20

What is an important characteristic of a properly adjusted clutch?

It has no free play at all

It has some free play when the pedal is fully released

It engages only at the very top of the pedal travel

It engages only at the very bottom of the pedal travel

19 / 20

What is a sign of proper automatic transmission operation?

It should not “slip”

It should jerk when starting

It should require pumping the accelerator

It should make metallic noises

20 / 20

How can erratic or careless shifting affect the clutch?

It wears out the clutch and reduces its service life

It has no real effect on the clutch

It reduces brake wear

It improves clutch response time

Your score is

This section teaches drivers to remain alert to changes in vehicle performance, regularly monitor mirrors, and observe gauges for warning signs. Drivers are also instructed to listen for unusual noises and watch for leaks or smoke. These on-the-go checks help identify potential problems early, ensuring the safety of students and other road users. By mastering these procedures, drivers demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to maintaining high safety standards throughout each journey.