Unit C-3: Preventive Maintenance

The free Manitoba School Bus Driver Practice Test features a crucial section on “Preventive Maintenance.” This part helps aspiring drivers understand the importance of regular inspections and proactive care for school buses.

Manitoba School Bus Test - Unit C-3: Preventive Maintenance

1 / 30

When inspecting the left front wheel area, which components should be visually checked in addition to rim, lugs, and tire?

Only the brake drums

Only the wheel hub cap

Steering box, linkage, and left front spring

Only the shock absorber

2 / 30

How should service brakes be checked before reaching the roadway?

Only by listening for squeals while parked

At highway speed, brake hard to test stopping distance

Only by checking the brake fluid level

At low speed, bring the bus to a smooth, straight, complete stop

3 / 30

When a non–safety-related defect is identified, what should occur?

The bus must be immediately removed from service

The students must be informed directly

The defect is recorded and reported according to local policy

The driver may ignore it until it becomes serious

4 / 30

What does an ammeter showing discharge after the engine is running indicate?

That the fuel tank is nearly empty

A problem in the charging system that must be reported

Normal operation

That the engine is still cold

5 / 30

Which of the following is required of a school bus driver under Section 15?

Keep students quiet at all times

Wash the bus every day

Determine the safe condition of the school bus by daily inspection

Only drive during daylight hours

6 / 30

What should you do if you suspect loose lug nuts on a wheel?

Mark them and check again next week

Tighten them fully by yourself and continue

Check with the wheel wrench and report to maintenance

Ignore it if the bus drives normally

7 / 30

What can occur if brakes are used excessively on a long downgrade?

Increased fuel economy

Cooler brake temperatures

Improved brake responsiveness

Brake fade

8 / 30

What conditions should a serpentine (wide flat) belt be checked for?

Only tension, not surface condition

Only its colour and manufacturer brand

Only whether it squeals when starting

Looseness, fraying, cracks, alignment, and foreign material

9 / 30

According to the requirements, who must be the person driving the bus?

The same person who inspected the bus and signed the log book

Any licensed driver in the school division

Any person approved by the principal

Any adult employee of the school

10 / 30

What is a normal voltmeter reading with the engine running?

18 to 20 volts

8 to 9 volts

13 to 14 volts

5 to 6 volts

11 / 30

What interior check must be done before securing the bus after a trip?

Check for sleeping students and damage needing repair

Remove all seat belts from the seats

Turn all seats to the folded position

Disconnect the interior lighting system

12 / 30

What should be ensured when inspecting the bus batteries in the battery compartment?

Cables are greased heavily and left slightly loose

Batteries are loose to allow vibration movement

Batteries are disconnected when not driving

Cables are clean and tight, and batteries are secure

13 / 30

What does the ammeter gauge indicate?

The amount of fuel remaining

The coolant mixture ratio

Whether the alternator is charging

The engine oil level

14 / 30

What must you avoid doing to the windshield wiper arms during cleaning?

Using washer fluid

Manually operating (moving) the wiper arm

Cleaning the blades with a cloth

Turning on the ignition

15 / 30

After arriving at the parking area, what is one of the driver’s responsibilities related to fuel?

Ensure the vehicle has adequate fuel for the next trip

Completely empty the fuel tank

Add fuel only if the tank is almost empty

Leave the fuel level below reserve to reduce weight

16 / 30

What should automatic transmissions NOT do during normal operation?

Downshift on grades

Change gears smoothly

Remain in gear while driving

Slip or produce harsh, jerky shifts

17 / 30

Why should you not remove the radiator cap of an overheated engine?

Steam and hot coolant could injure you

It will cause the temperature gauge to fail

It will void the bus warranty

It will permanently damage the radiator cap

18 / 30

What must a school bus driver have to operate a school bus vehicle?

A valid driver’s licence to operate a school bus vehicle

A teaching certificate

A first-aid certificate only

A special permit from parents

19 / 30

How should you check the crossover mirror bracket at the front corners of the bus?

Tap it lightly with a hammer

Check it only from inside the bus

Simply look at it from a distance

Take hold of it to ensure it is securely anchored

20 / 30

Before driving a bus with an automatic transmission for the first time, what should the driver do?

Consult the owner’s manual for recommended procedures

Disable any automatic shifting features

Test the transmission by rapid shifting on the road

Adjust the transmission fluid level without guidance

21 / 30

While the bus is moving straight ahead, which system is being checked when the driver notes any unusual conditions or noises while turning the wheel?

Steering mechanism

Fuel system

Heating system

Door mechanism

22 / 30

What is the required level for power steering fluid?

It must be maintained at the “full” level

It is not critical as long as some fluid is present

It should be kept slightly below “add”

It can be anywhere between “add” and “full”

23 / 30

When monitoring the engine while driving, what should the driver do?

Check gauges periodically and listen for unusual engine noise

Shut the engine off at every red light

Ignore gauges if the bus seems to run normally

Only check the fuel gauge

24 / 30

To comply with the law, what condition must every regulated vehicle meet before being driven or towed on a highway?

It must be less than five years old

It must be washed daily

It must be painted yellow

It must have been found to be in safe operating condition

25 / 30

What is a normal battery voltage reading with the key in the “On” position (engine off)?

Approximately 12.5 volts

Approximately 9.0 volts

Approximately 6.0 volts

Approximately 15.0 volts

26 / 30

What may a loose alternator belt cause?

Better alternator performance

Cooler engine operation

Improved fuel efficiency

Battery to lose power and lights not to operate properly

27 / 30

How often should you check tire pressure on dual rear wheels with a gauge?

Only when they look low

Only before long trips

Weekly

Every six months

28 / 30

What is recommended for extended rear axle differential life?

Frequently downshift at high speeds

Always accelerate as hard as possible

Avoid spinning the rear wheels on slippery surfaces

Use the parking brake to assist in stopping

29 / 30

Which of the following may indicate suspension problems?

Clean windows and mirrors

Quiet engine operation

Low fuel consumption

Bus sagging at one end or corner, excessive bouncing, bottoming out

30 / 30

When checking steering lash on a non-tilt hood vehicle, how can front wheel movement be observed?

By guessing based on feel alone

By extending your head through the driver’s side window to view the left front wheel

By opening the hood and watching while driving slowly

By relying only on the steering wheel’s position marks

Your score is

The practice questions cover daily pre-trip inspections, checking crucial systems like brakes, tires, lights, and emergency exits, and recognizing early warning signs of mechanical issues. Emphasis is placed on adhering to maintenance schedules and proper reporting procedures to ensure that any problems are addressed promptly. By mastering this section, drivers increase safety for themselves and their passengers, extend the lifespan of the bus, and make Manitoba roads safer for everyone.