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 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

2 / 20

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

Correctly adjusted mirrors

Clean brake linings

Properly inflated tires

Broken springs or faulty shock absorbers

3 / 20

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

Smooth, level cornering

Slight, normal body roll

Slight steering wheel vibration only

Excessive weaving or swaying

4 / 20

What is a sign of proper automatic transmission operation?

It should not “slip”

It should make metallic noises

It should jerk when starting

It should require pumping the accelerator

5 / 20

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

It will increase fuel economy

It makes the bus easier to steer

It improves brake performance

It could damage the transmission or reduce its service life

6 / 20

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

Only if the warning light comes on

At low speeds before leaving the yard

Only after the first stop sign

At highway speed on-ramp

7 / 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

Ignore them if the bus still moves

Only report them at the end of the shift

8 / 20

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

Slightly skidding to a stop

Pulling slightly to the right

In a straight line without pulling right or left

Gradually drifting to the left

9 / 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

10 / 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

11 / 20

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

Continue driving and check it tomorrow

Report any concerns to the appropriate supervisor

Turn the radio up to ignore the noise

Only report it if a warning light appears

12 / 20

How should the clutch engage under normal conditions?

Easily and smoothly without jerking or excessive slipping

With loud grinding noises

With a strong jerk to confirm engagement

Only when the pedal is pumped repeatedly

13 / 20

What should you do if safe braking is not possible?

Do not operate the bus

Avoid using the brakes

Drive only at very low speeds

Continue driving and report at the end of the day

14 / 20

Which of the following is a sign of proper steering?

The steering wheel has excessive play

The bus goes precisely where you steer it

The steering jerks over bumps

The power steering is loud and rough

15 / 20

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

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

Ignores minor changes in vehicle performance

Waits for scheduled maintenance to find problems

Only checks the bus at the start of the year

16 / 20

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

The bus should roll backward

The bus should hesitate, then lurch

The bus should vibrate heavily

The bus should start out smoothly

17 / 20

Which of the following brake conditions must be reported immediately?

Normal pedal movement

Excessive pedal pressure or unusual braking behaviour

Slight brake dust on wheels

Smooth, quiet braking

18 / 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

19 / 20

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

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

Hold the clutch halfway down

Rest your foot lightly on the clutch pedal

Keep your foot hovering above the clutch

20 / 20

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

Force the gear into place

Ignore it if the bus still moves

Only use one gear for the trip

Report it to the appropriate supervisor

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.