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

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 directly to Start without waiting

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

Pump the accelerator and crank continuously for 30 seconds

2 / 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

Drive without inspecting because it was already inspected in the morning

Only check the interior of the bus

Inspect the bus again and complete the log book

3 / 30

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

Listening for unusual engine noise and monitoring key gauges

Running the engine at maximum RPM whenever possible

Shutting the engine off periodically to cool it

Ignoring minor changes in engine sound

4 / 30

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

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

That they have cleaned the bus interior

That they have completed their route

That they have collected all fares

5 / 30

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

Normal operation

Dirt accumulation only

Leakage

Overfilled coolant system

6 / 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 the gauge registers in the charged area

That it is at least half full

7 / 30

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

Once a month

Only when a problem is suspected

Once a week

Once every 24-hour period

8 / 30

What braking technique helps extend brake life?

Riding the brakes lightly on long downgrades

Making quick, harsh brake applications to minimize stopping distance

Pumping the brakes rapidly at every stop

Using gentle brake applications and reducing pedal pressure as speed drops

9 / 30

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

Because gauges never show the same reading twice

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

Because gauges are optional and rarely used

Because gauges have no standard units

10 / 30

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

Bus sagging at one end or corner

Steering wheel centered when driving straight

Smooth ride over bumps

Slight vibration only at highway speeds

11 / 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

12 / 30

What should you look for when visually inspecting drive belts?

Only whether the belt is brand new

Only oil stains on the belt

Only the colour of the belt

Cracking, looseness, or breakage

13 / 30

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

Turn the steering wheel fully left and right

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

Turn on all interior lights

Rev the engine in neutral

14 / 30

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

The students’ names

The price of bus parts

The normal running condition of the vehicle

The bus wash schedule

15 / 30

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

The service technician who completed the repairs

The school principal

A student witness

The bus driver

16 / 30

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

Extra air filter

Triangular reflectors

Tire chains

Spare alternator

17 / 30

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

Continue driving and check it at the end of the day

Ignore it if the bus seems to run normally

Rev the engine to turn the light off

Shut off the engine and report the problem immediately

18 / 30

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

Perform the pre-trip and constantly monitor vehicle performance

Leave all inspections to the mechanic

Only monitor the vehicle while driving

Only perform pre-trip inspections

19 / 30

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

Press the accelerator while in Reverse with the engine off

Put the bus in Park and roll it forward

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

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

20 / 30

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

By relying solely on the temperature gauge

By viewing the level in an overflow tank or sight glass

By removing the radiator cap each time

By checking a dipstick in the coolant tank

21 / 30

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

The need to press the accelerator slightly harder than normal

Slipping or harsh, jerky shifts in an automatic transmission

Slight hesitation only when starting from a stop

Smooth and quiet shifting at all speeds

22 / 30

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

Increase engine speed to cool it down faster

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

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

Add cold water immediately with the engine running

23 / 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

Cleaning the bus interior after each trip

Immediately and accurately reporting any malfunctions

24 / 30

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

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

It should immediately read “Hot”

It should fluctuate rapidly between hot and cold

It should remain at “Cold” at all times

25 / 30

What is required regarding the first aid kit seal?

It may remain unsealed for easy access

It needs replacement only once a year

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

It is optional if a fire extinguisher is present

26 / 30

How can belt tension be checked with the engine off?

Spin the pulley and listen for noise

Pull the belt as hard as possible at any point

Apply light finger pressure midway between pulleys

Start the engine and listen for vibration

27 / 30

Who is authorized to reseal school bus first aid kits?

Any bus driver

Any school staff member

Shop personnel or emergency equipment suppliers

Students trained in first aid

28 / 30

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

No more than two inches

It should not move at all

At least one inch

Approximately one-half inch

29 / 30

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

Sight and taste only

Taste and smell only

Hearing and taste only

Sight, hearing, smell, and feel

30 / 30

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

Only check fuel level

Rely on the previous driver’s inspection

Perform a pre-trip inspection and complete the log book

Call the mechanic for permission to drive

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.