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 vehicle documents must be on the bus?

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

Only the driver’s license

Only the insurance certificate

Only the registration form

2 / 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

3 / 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 rear view mirror

Only the sun visor

Only the operator’s window

4 / 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 fuel system will shut down

The headlights will turn off

The wipers will stop working

5 / 25

How should the parking brake be tested under load?

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

Apply it only while driving at speed

Pump it repeatedly while parked in neutral

Pull it quickly while moving in reverse

6 / 25

How should the first aid kit be maintained?

Full, secure, and accessible

Locked away and hard to access

Only partially stocked

Stored off the bus at the depot

7 / 25

How should the fire extinguisher be maintained?

Charged, secured, and with the pin in place

Loose and easy to grab

Stored empty to prevent leaks

Used monthly for practice

8 / 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 fire extinguisher

Only the first aid kit

Only a flashlight

9 / 25

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

Emergency door and emergency windows

The driver’s side window only

The fuel door

The glove compartment

10 / 25

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

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

Only interior dome lights

Only brake lights

11 / 25

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

Use kilometres traveled according to company procedures

Wait until the engine stalls

Estimate based on previous weeks only

Rely solely on warning lights

12 / 25

How should the fuel gauge read for safe daily operation?

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

It can be allowed to run near empty every day

It should always be exactly at full

It does not matter for short routes

13 / 25

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

Turn off the engine and report immediately to your appropriate supervisor

Turn the heater to maximum and keep driving

Open the radiator cap at once

Increase speed to cool the engine

14 / 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?

Do not operate the bus and report immediately

Turn on more electrical loads

Drive until the battery is drained

Ignore it if the engine sounds normal

15 / 25

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

Do not operate the bus and report immediately

Turn off the headlights and keep driving

Increase engine RPM to clear the fault

Reset the ignition and continue

16 / 25

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

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

The headlights are failing

The fuel filter is clogged

The parking brake is fully applied

17 / 25

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

Turn the engine off immediately and report to the appropriate supervisor

Continue driving until the next stop

Add coolant to see if it stabilizes

Switch off all interior lights

18 / 25

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

Turn the engine off immediately and report to the appropriate supervisor

Rev the engine to build pressure

Drive slowly until it turns off

Disconnect the battery

19 / 25

What does excessive loss of air pressure overnight indicate?

A possible leak in the air system

Normal system equalization

A low fuel situation

A worn windshield wiper motor

20 / 25

What does the vacuum or air pressure gauge indicate?

The capacity to operate the brakes

The fuel economy of the bus

The charge level of the battery

The coolant level in the radiator

21 / 25

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

Do not operate the bus

Continue to drive and recheck at the end of the day

Tap the gauge to see if it changes

Ignore it if warning lights are off

22 / 25

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

Oil pressure is present and within normal range

The oil level is exactly at the full mark

The oil filter is new

The oil is at maximum temperature

23 / 25

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

Wait for the glow plug light to go out

Pump the accelerator three times

Turn off all electrical accessories

Open the driver’s window

24 / 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 directly to START and hold it

Leave it in the OFF position and press the accelerator

Turn it to ACCESSORY and wait 10 minutes

25 / 25

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

Perform an overview to make sure everything is in order

Immediately start the engine and drive forward

Turn on all interior lights and leave them on

Check only the fuel level

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.