Unit C-1: Preventive Maintenance

The “Preventive Maintenance” section of the Manitoba School Bus Knowledge Test emphasizes the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of school buses.

Manitoba School Bus Test - Unit C-1: Preventive Maintenance

1 / 30

When must defects that interfere with safe operation be repaired?

Before the vehicle is used to transport students

Only if the driver insists

At the end of the school year

Only during scheduled annual inspections

2 / 30

From a safety standpoint, why should the outside of the bus (including decals) be kept clean?

It keeps the engine cooler

A clean yellow bus is more visible to other motorists

It lowers maintenance costs

It reduces tire wear

3 / 30

As of 2008, what piece of equipment must be within reach of the driver when seated and secured?

A portable radio

A seat belt cutter

A fire hose

A spare tire

4 / 30

Who is responsible for ensuring every school bus has an inspection log book and that it is completed?

The individual driver alone

Every school division

The local police department

The students’ parents

5 / 30

What should a driver report when describing a defect?

Only what they hear

What they see, hear, smell, and feel

Only what they smell

Only what they see

6 / 30

What should you carry with you during the walk-around inspection to help with visibility-related checks?

A broom

A cloth

A flashlight

A screwdriver

7 / 30

When should the engine oil level be checked for a school bus?

Only once a week, regardless of vehicle position

Daily, with the vehicle parked level and engine cool

Only when the oil warning light comes on

Only during scheduled mechanic inspections

8 / 30

How often should tire pressure be checked with a gauge?

Weekly

Every two weeks

Daily

Monthly

9 / 30

What should you check the windshield and side windows for in the driver’s compartment?

Obstructions and cleanliness

Tint color and decorations

Cracks only

The presence of stickers

10 / 30

What might rust streaks or shiny/blackened areas around wheel lugs indicate?

Suspension misalignment

Tire under-inflation

Brake failure

Lug nut looseness

11 / 30

School buses manufactured after March 1998 are equipped with which mirror systems?

System “C” mirrors only

Roof-mounted mirror systems

Rear-only mirror systems

System “A” and System “B” mirrors

12 / 30

Which daily task is required to maintain bus cleanliness and student health?

Clean the bus once a week

Clean the bus only when it looks dirty

Clean the inside of the bus every day

Clean the bus only after field trips

13 / 30

When positioning yourself in the driver’s seat, what is the primary goal?

To sit as high as possible above the steering wheel

To reach and operate all controls comfortably and see all areas around the bus

To sit low to avoid glare

To be as far away from the windshield as possible

14 / 30

Who is in the best position to evaluate the condition of a school bus and report defects?

The school principal

The parents of students

The mechanic only

The driver of the school bus

15 / 30

What is the correct practice regarding the driver’s lap and shoulder belt?

It is used only in emergency situations

It is required only when students are on board

It must be worn at all times while driving

It is optional on dry roads

16 / 30

What is the primary purpose of the school bus inspection log book?

To track student attendance on the bus

To monitor fuel consumption

To ensure communication of inspections, defects, and repairs between the driver and service technician

To record bus routes and times

17 / 30

What should the fender-mounted crossover (convex) mirrors allow you to see?

Only the oncoming traffic lane

Only the roof of the bus

The area in front of the bus immediately ahead of the bumper, both sides of the front wheels, and the service door area

Only the rear wheels and bumper

18 / 30

What should the outside rear-view mirrors provide?

A view only of the service door side

A view beyond the right and left rear of the bus

A view primarily of the sky and roofline

A view only of the rear wheels

19 / 30

When should the driver check seat condition for damage or vandalism?

Each time the bus is unloaded

Only if a student reports damage

Only during annual inspections

Only at the end of the school year

20 / 30

Where should the engine oil level be maintained on the dipstick?

Only at the very top of the dipstick

Anywhere on the dipstick as long as oil is visible

Above the “Full” mark to ensure enough oil

Within the crosshatch marks or between “Add” and “Full”

21 / 30

Why must school bus drivers learn the “safe” cold oil level for their bus?

To allow operation with a lower-than-normal oil level

To prevent over-filling the engine crankcase

To avoid having to check the oil when the engine is warm

So they can skip checking oil after shutdown

22 / 30

How should the driver’s seat height be adjusted?

To align your eyes with the top of the windshield

To keep your feet flat on the floor at all times

To allow easy reach of the accelerator and brake pedal

To ensure your knees are locked straight

23 / 30

Why is it especially important to sweep the bus immediately after the route in winter months?

To improve fuel efficiency

To keep the driver warm

To prevent the doors from freezing shut

To remove melted snow and moisture

24 / 30

Why must all windows and mirrors be kept clean?

To provide maximum visibility

To improve fuel economy

To reduce interior noise

To make the bus look newer

25 / 30

What is the purpose of properly adjusted interior rear-view mirrors?

To provide a good view of passengers and the area directly behind the driver

To eliminate blind spots on the sides of the bus

To show only the rear emergency exit door

To monitor traffic two lanes over

26 / 30

How do engine manufacturers recommend getting the most accurate oil level reading?

Check at operating temperature after a 15-minute shutdown

Check immediately after shutting off the hot engine

Check while the engine is idling

Check only when the engine is completely cold

27 / 30

What is the main safety reason for the driver to always wear the seat belt?

To save fuel

To comply with student expectations

To prevent being thrown from the seat and maintain control of the vehicle in a skid or swerve

To keep the warning buzzer from sounding

28 / 30

How can you quickly check for under-inflation during the walk-around?

By bumping the tire with a hammer or tool provided

By spinning the wheel by hand

By pouring water over the tire

By measuring tread depth only

29 / 30

What is a key safety rule when checking coolant in the radiator?

Loosen the cap slightly while the engine is hot to release pressure

Check coolant level while the engine is at full operating temperature

Always remove the radiator cap immediately after shutdown

Only check or add coolant when the engine is cool

30 / 30

Where should you begin the outside-the-bus (walk-around) inspection?

At the right front corner of the bus

At the rear of the bus

At the driver’s door

At the left front corner of the bus

Your score is

Drivers are expected to understand and perform daily pre-trip checks, including inspection of brakes, tires, lights, and emergency equipment. The section highlights how identifying and addressing potential mechanical issues before they develop into serious problems can reduce the risk of breakdowns and accidents. Knowledge of proper maintenance schedules, report procedures, and the ability to recognize warning signs are crucial for all school bus operators, ensuring both student safety and vehicle longevity on Manitoba roads.