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 braking technique helps extend brake life?

Pumping the brakes rapidly at every stop

Riding the brakes lightly on long downgrades

Making quick, harsh brake applications to minimize stopping distance

Using gentle brake applications and reducing pedal pressure as speed drops

2 / 30

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

It should fluctuate rapidly between hot and cold

It should remain at “Cold” at all times

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

It should immediately read “Hot”

3 / 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 gauges have no standard units

Because gauges are optional and rarely used

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

4 / 30

What is the correct starting procedure for a diesel engine with glow plugs or air intake heater under normal conditions?

Turn the key directly to Start without waiting

Pump the accelerator and crank continuously for 30 seconds

Turn on ignition, wait for “Wait-To-Start” light to go off, then engage the starter and release when engine starts

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

5 / 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 completed their route

That they have collected all fares

That they have cleaned the bus interior

6 / 30

What should you look for when visually inspecting drive belts?

Only the colour of the belt

Cracking, looseness, or breakage

Only oil stains on the belt

Only whether the belt is brand new

7 / 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

Shut off the engine and report the problem immediately

Rev the engine to turn the light off

8 / 30

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

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

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

Put the bus in Park and roll it forward

Press the accelerator while in Reverse with the engine off

9 / 30

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

Listening for unusual engine noise and monitoring key gauges

Ignoring minor changes in engine sound

Running the engine at maximum RPM whenever possible

Shutting the engine off periodically to cool it

10 / 30

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

Leave all inspections to the mechanic

Perform the pre-trip and constantly monitor vehicle performance

Only perform pre-trip inspections

Only monitor the vehicle while driving

11 / 30

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

The bus driver

The school principal

The service technician who completed the repairs

A student witness

12 / 30

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

Triangular reflectors

Extra air filter

Tire chains

Spare alternator

13 / 30

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

Dirt accumulation only

Leakage

Normal operation

Overfilled coolant system

14 / 30

What should you check on the fire extinguisher during the pre-trip?

That it is at least half full

That it matches the color of the bus interior

That the gauge registers in the charged area

That it is stored under a passenger seat

15 / 30

Which is described as the driver’s single most important preventive maintenance responsibility while on the road?

Immediately and accurately reporting any malfunctions

Washing the exterior of the bus weekly

Cleaning the bus interior after each trip

Refueling the bus after every route

16 / 30

What does it indicate if the bus moves during the park brake test?

The steering system is faulty

The engine is too powerful

The transmission fluid is low

The park brake is malfunctioning and must be reported

17 / 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

Perform a pre-trip inspection and complete the log book

Call the mechanic for permission to drive

Rely on the previous driver’s inspection

18 / 30

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

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

Increase engine speed to cool it down faster

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

Add cold water immediately with the engine running

19 / 30

Who is authorized to reseal school bus first aid kits?

Any bus driver

Any school staff member

Students trained in first aid

Shop personnel or emergency equipment suppliers

20 / 30

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

No more than two inches

Approximately one-half inch

At least one inch

It should not move at all

21 / 30

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

By removing the radiator cap each time

By checking a dipstick in the coolant tank

By relying solely on the temperature gauge

By viewing the level in an overflow tank or sight glass

22 / 30

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

The students’ names

The bus wash schedule

The normal running condition of the vehicle

The price of bus parts

23 / 30

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

Slipping or harsh, jerky shifts in an automatic transmission

The need to press the accelerator slightly harder than normal

Smooth and quiet shifting at all speeds

Slight hesitation only when starting from a stop

24 / 30

When the regular driver resumes driving the afternoon route with the same bus, what must they do?

Only check the interior of the bus

Inspect the bus again and complete the log book

Only read the previous driver’s notes

Drive without inspecting because it was already inspected in the morning

25 / 30

How can belt tension be checked with the engine off?

Start the engine and listen for vibration

Apply light finger pressure midway between pulleys

Spin the pulley and listen for noise

Pull the belt as hard as possible at any point

26 / 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

Slight vibration only at highway speeds

Smooth ride over bumps

27 / 30

What is required regarding the first aid kit seal?

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

It is optional if a fire extinguisher is present

It needs replacement only once a year

It may remain unsealed for easy access

28 / 30

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

Taste and smell only

Sight and taste only

Sight, hearing, smell, and feel

Hearing and taste only

29 / 30

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

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

Rev the engine in neutral

Turn the steering wheel fully left and right

Turn on all interior lights

30 / 30

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

Once every 24-hour period

Once a week

Only when a problem is suspected

Once a month

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.