Unit C-2: Preventive Maintenance

The “Preventive Maintenance” section in the Manitoba School Bus practice test assesses a driver’s understanding of routine bus upkeep.

Manitoba School Bus Test - Unit C-2: Preventive Maintenance

1 / 30

When the regular driver resumes driving the afternoon route with the same bus, what must they do?

Only read the previous driver’s notes

Inspect the bus again and complete the log book

Drive without inspecting because it was already inspected in the morning

Only check the interior of the bus

2 / 30

What does it indicate if the bus moves during the park brake test?

The engine is too powerful

The transmission fluid is low

The park brake is malfunctioning and must be reported

The steering system is faulty

3 / 30

Which is described as the driver’s single most important preventive maintenance responsibility while on the road?

Refueling the bus after every route

Washing the exterior of the bus weekly

Immediately and accurately reporting any malfunctions

Cleaning the bus interior after each trip

4 / 30

What is required regarding the first aid kit seal?

It needs replacement only once a year

It is optional if a fire extinguisher is present

It may remain unsealed for easy access

It must be sealed; if broken, contents must be counted and brought up to standard

5 / 30

Before a driver can recognize abnormal behavior, what must they first become familiar with?

The students’ names

The bus wash schedule

The normal running condition of the vehicle

The price of bus parts

6 / 30

What is the correct starting procedure for a diesel engine with glow plugs or air intake heater under normal conditions?

Turn on ignition, wait for “Wait-To-Start” light to go off, then engage the starter and release when engine starts

Turn the key off and on repeatedly until the engine starts by itself

Pump the accelerator and crank continuously for 30 seconds

Turn the key directly to Start without waiting

7 / 30

On newer radiators, how is the coolant level commonly checked?

By checking a dipstick in the coolant tank

By removing the radiator cap each time

By viewing the level in an overflow tank or sight glass

By relying solely on the temperature gauge

8 / 30

What should you do if the temperature gauge reads “Hot” or the temperature warning light comes on?

Turn on all heaters to drain heat from the engine and continue driving

Increase engine speed to cool it down faster

Add cold water immediately with the engine running

Shut off the engine and report the problem; let the engine cool before operating it

9 / 30

How can belt tension be checked with the engine off?

Spin the pulley and listen for noise

Start the engine and listen for vibration

Apply light finger pressure midway between pulleys

Pull the belt as hard as possible at any point

10 / 30

After starting a cold engine, how should the temperature gauge behave as the engine warms up?

It should immediately read “Hot”

It should remain at “Cold” at all times

It should fluctuate rapidly between hot and cold

It should read “Cold” initially and move slowly toward mid-dial

11 / 30

What should you check on the fire extinguisher during the pre-trip?

That it is stored under a passenger seat

That it matches the color of the bus interior

That it is at least half full

That the gauge registers in the charged area

12 / 30

How often is a school bus pre-trip inspection required by law as a minimum?

Only when a problem is suspected

Once a week

Once every 24-hour period

Once a month

13 / 30

Which of the following is an indication of a suspension malfunction?

Bus sagging at one end or corner

Smooth ride over bumps

Steering wheel centered when driving straight

Slight vibration only at highway speeds

14 / 30

When checking the transmission during operation, what condition indicates a possible problem that must be reported?

Slipping or harsh, jerky shifts in an automatic transmission

Smooth and quiet shifting at all speeds

Slight hesitation only when starting from a stop

The need to press the accelerator slightly harder than normal

15 / 30

What should you do if the oil pressure warning light remains on after the engine starts?

Ignore it if the bus seems to run normally

Shut off the engine and report the problem immediately

Continue driving and check it at the end of the day

Rev the engine to turn the light off

16 / 30

Why is it important for each driver to know their own bus’s normal gauge readings?

Because different buses and gauges vary, so the driver must recognize what is normal for that vehicle

Because gauges have no standard units

Because gauges never show the same reading twice

Because gauges are optional and rarely used

17 / 30

How should a driver test the park brake before starting the route?

Rev the engine in neutral

Turn on all interior lights

Turn the steering wheel fully left and right

Apply park brake, engage transmission at idle, and attempt to move

18 / 30

How do you test the neutral safety switch on an automatic transmission bus?

Attempt to start the engine in Drive or Reverse (nothing should happen), then start in Neutral (engine should start)

Put the bus in Park and roll it forward

Start the engine in any gear (it should start in all positions)

Press the accelerator while in Reverse with the engine off

19 / 30

What is the driver’s responsibility regarding the pre-trip inspection and monitoring while driving?

Only perform pre-trip inspections

Only monitor the vehicle while driving

Leave all inspections to the mechanic

Perform the pre-trip and constantly monitor vehicle performance

20 / 30

What does seepage staining around the radiator and hose connections usually indicate?

Overfilled coolant system

Leakage

Normal operation

Dirt accumulation only

21 / 30

Who must sign and date the log book after completing safety‑related repairs?

The bus driver

The service technician who completed the repairs

A student witness

The school principal

22 / 30

Which item is specifically listed as emergency equipment that must be in place?

Triangular reflectors

Extra air filter

Tire chains

Spare alternator

23 / 30

What does the driver document by signing the school bus inspection log book?

That they have cleaned the bus interior

That they have collected all fares

That they have inspected the vehicle and found it safe or otherwise

That they have completed their route

24 / 30

If a different driver operates the same bus later in the day, what must that new driver do before transporting passengers?

Rely on the previous driver’s inspection

Call the mechanic for permission to drive

Perform a pre-trip inspection and complete the log book

Only check fuel level

25 / 30

What braking technique helps extend brake life?

Using gentle brake applications and reducing pedal pressure as speed drops

Making quick, harsh brake applications to minimize stopping distance

Riding the brakes lightly on long downgrades

Pumping the brakes rapidly at every stop

26 / 30

As a general rule, how much should a drive belt deflect under light finger pressure?

It should not move at all

No more than two inches

Approximately one-half inch

At least one inch

27 / 30

What should you look for when visually inspecting drive belts?

Cracking, looseness, or breakage

Only the colour of the belt

Only oil stains on the belt

Only whether the belt is brand new

28 / 30

Detecting abnormal vehicle behavior primarily requires the use of which senses?

Sight and taste only

Sight, hearing, smell, and feel

Taste and smell only

Hearing and taste only

29 / 30

Who is authorized to reseal school bus first aid kits?

Any bus driver

Shop personnel or emergency equipment suppliers

Any school staff member

Students trained in first aid

30 / 30

While driving, which engine-related check is specifically recommended?

Ignoring minor changes in engine sound

Running the engine at maximum RPM whenever possible

Listening for unusual engine noise and monitoring key gauges

Shutting the engine off periodically to cool it

Your score is

This section covers essential topics such as daily pre-trip inspections, monitoring fluid levels, checking tire pressure, and ensuring that lights, signals, and emergency exits function properly. Drivers are tested on their ability to spot potential mechanical issues early and follow proper reporting procedures. The goal is to reinforce the importance of maintaining buses in safe, roadworthy condition to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Mastery of this section ensures that school bus drivers can provide safe, reliable transportation for students throughout Manitoba’s diverse weather and road conditions.