Series 1-4: General Inspection of the Exterior

The “General Inspection of the Exterior” chapter in the Alberta school bus practice test teaches drivers the importance of thoroughly examining the outside of the bus before every trip.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 1-4: General Inspection of the Exterior

1 / 20

What is a good indication that a wheel lug nut is secure?

Visible gaps around the lug nut

A shiny, silvered area around the nut

The nut spins easily by hand

A solid seal of dust between the nut and the wheel

2 / 20

What should you do if you see wear (silvering) or gaps around a lug nut?

Do not drive with a loose or damaged lug nut

Tighten it slightly and continue driving

Only report it if a vibration is felt

Ignore it if the bus seems to drive normally

3 / 20

In winter, what is the driver advised to do in a safe location?

Drive faster to blow off snow

Recheck the rear of the bus and remove any snow or mud obscuring windows, lights, or signals

Avoid using the rear emergency door

Leave the bus running unattended

4 / 20

For the exterior propane tank, which condition must be confirmed?

Mounting brackets are tight and not cracked, dust cap is secure, and liquid service shut off valve is not seized

The shut off valve is always fully open and immovable

The dust cap is removed for ventilation

The tank is loosely mounted for flexibility

5 / 20

What should you do if you find an under‑inflated, flat, or damaged tire?

Add air if convenient, otherwise ignore it

Drive slowly and report it at the end of the day

Do not drive until repaired or corrected

Only avoid high‑speed roads

6 / 20

When looking under the bus, what are you checking for?

Paint condition of the undercarriage

Extra spare parts

Indications of fluid leaks or damage

Trash that has blown underneath

7 / 20

Why must exhaust system leaks be reported immediately?

Because they make the bus slower

Because of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning

Because they make the bus harder to clean

Because they reduce fuel mileage slightly

8 / 20

Which items are specifically mentioned in the exterior identification check?

Seat fabric pattern

Driver’s license in the windshield

Radio antenna type

Licence plate, licence plate light, and licence plate validation sticker

9 / 20

For a battery located on the outside of the bus, what is required?

It should be stored inside the passenger area

It should hang loosely for ventilation

It must be securely mounted, free of corrosion, with a secured tray and door

It must be disconnected after every trip

10 / 20

When inspecting school bus windows, what is most important?

They are opened fully

They are tinted as dark as possible

They have decorative stickers

They are clean so as not to impair the operator’s vision

11 / 20

Why must road film, dirt, snow, and ice be removed from windows?

They keep the bus warmer

They protect the glass from cracking

They can cause a dangerous glare making it difficult to see properly

They reduce fuel consumption

12 / 20

If you spot a fluid leak under the bus, what should you do?

Only check it again the next day

Wipe it up and forget it

Notify the appropriate supervisor

Cover it with sand and continue the route

13 / 20

What should be true of the mirrors during inspection?

They should be folded in while driving

They should be used only at stops

They should be clean and properly adjusted

They should be painted a dark color

14 / 20

What must be checked between dual tires?

Tire brand labels

Presence of decorative covers

Any foreign objects

Color of the sidewalls

15 / 20

What must be checked regarding the rear emergency door?

That it is never opened during inspections

That it is painted red

That it is locked at all times

Ease of opening from the outside and that the alarm system is working

16 / 20

Which exterior lights and signals must be checked at some point during inspection?

Only brake lights and turn signals

Hazards, turn signals, clearance lights, brake lights, tail lights, and alternately flashing red lights

Only roof‑mounted lights

Only headlights and interior lights

17 / 20

What is included in the general outside appearance check?

Check only the front of the bus

Visually inspect for damage and vandalism and report it

Confirm all windows are closed permanently

Ensure the bus color matches the route

18 / 20

On a propane powered bus, what should be checked under the hood regarding hoses?

That they are tied together with string

That they are all metal instead of rubber

That they are painted bright colors

That none are rubbing on anything or resting on something hot

19 / 20

When tapping each tire with a tire iron, what should the blow sound like?

High‑pitched and sharp

Completely silent

Different on each tire

Deep and hollow on both tires

20 / 20

When must the exterior lights and signals be checked?

Only if a student reports a problem

At some point during either the interior or exterior inspection

Only once per month

Only during nighttime operations

Your score is

This inspection covers checking the condition of tires, wheels, lights, mirrors, and windows for any damage or obstructions. Drivers must also verify that all reflectors, license plates, and safety equipment are clean and securely attached. Ensuring the bus is free from leaks and visible hazards helps prevent accidents and breakdowns. By mastering exterior inspection procedures, drivers enhance overall safety, comply with regulations, and contribute to the reliable transport of students across Alberta.