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

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

It must be disconnected after every trip

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

2 / 20

Which items are specifically mentioned in the exterior identification check?

Radio antenna type

Driver’s license in the windshield

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

Seat fabric pattern

3 / 20

What should be true of the mirrors during inspection?

They should be painted a dark color

They should be used only at stops

They should be clean and properly adjusted

They should be folded in while driving

4 / 20

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

High‑pitched and sharp

Completely silent

Deep and hollow on both tires

Different on each tire

5 / 20

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

The dust cap is removed for ventilation

The tank is loosely mounted for flexibility

The shut off valve is always fully open and immovable

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

6 / 20

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

Do not drive until repaired or corrected

Add air if convenient, otherwise ignore it

Only avoid high‑speed roads

Drive slowly and report it at the end of the day

7 / 20

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

They keep the bus warmer

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

They protect the glass from cracking

They reduce fuel consumption

8 / 20

What must be checked regarding the rear emergency door?

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

That it is never opened during inspections

9 / 20

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

Wipe it up and forget it

Only check it again the next day

Cover it with sand and continue the route

Notify the appropriate supervisor

10 / 20

When must the exterior lights and signals be checked?

Only if a student reports a problem

Only during nighttime operations

At some point during either the interior or exterior inspection

Only once per month

11 / 20

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

Ignore it if the bus seems to drive normally

Only report it if a vibration is felt

Do not drive with a loose or damaged lug nut

Tighten it slightly and continue driving

12 / 20

Why must exhaust system leaks be reported immediately?

Because of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning

Because they make the bus slower

Because they make the bus harder to clean

Because they reduce fuel mileage slightly

13 / 20

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

Avoid using the rear emergency door

Drive faster to blow off snow

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

Leave the bus running unattended

14 / 20

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

That they are painted bright colors

That none are rubbing on anything or resting on something hot

That they are all metal instead of rubber

That they are tied together with string

15 / 20

What must be checked between dual tires?

Presence of decorative covers

Color of the sidewalls

Any foreign objects

Tire brand labels

16 / 20

What is included in the general outside appearance check?

Visually inspect for damage and vandalism and report it

Confirm all windows are closed permanently

Ensure the bus color matches the route

Check only the front of the bus

17 / 20

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

Only brake lights and turn signals

Only roof‑mounted lights

Only headlights and interior lights

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

18 / 20

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

Extra spare parts

Trash that has blown underneath

Indications of fluid leaks or damage

Paint condition of the undercarriage

19 / 20

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

A solid seal of dust between the nut and the wheel

The nut spins easily by hand

Visible gaps around the lug nut

A shiny, silvered area around the nut

20 / 20

When inspecting school bus windows, what is most important?

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

They have decorative stickers

They are opened fully

They are tinted as dark as possible

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.