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

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

Approximately 6.0 volts

Approximately 12.5 volts

Approximately 9.0 volts

Approximately 15.0 volts

2 / 30

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

Manually operating (moving) the wiper arm

Turning on the ignition

Using washer fluid

Cleaning the blades with a cloth

3 / 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

Steering box, linkage, and left front spring

Only the wheel hub cap

Only the shock absorber

4 / 30

What should automatic transmissions NOT do during normal operation?

Change gears smoothly

Downshift on grades

Remain in gear while driving

Slip or produce harsh, jerky shifts

5 / 30

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

Ignore it if the bus drives normally

Tighten them fully by yourself and continue

Check with the wheel wrench and report to maintenance

Mark them and check again next week

6 / 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?

Fuel system

Heating system

Steering mechanism

Door mechanism

7 / 30

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

Disable any automatic shifting features

Adjust the transmission fluid level without guidance

Test the transmission by rapid shifting on the road

Consult the owner’s manual for recommended procedures

8 / 30

What is a normal voltmeter reading with the engine running?

8 to 9 volts

13 to 14 volts

5 to 6 volts

18 to 20 volts

9 / 30

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

It must be painted yellow

It must be washed daily

It must be less than five years old

It must have been found to be in safe operating condition

10 / 30

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

The driver may ignore it until it becomes serious

The students must be informed directly

The defect is recorded and reported according to local policy

The bus must be immediately removed from service

11 / 30

What may a loose alternator belt cause?

Improved fuel efficiency

Better alternator performance

Cooler engine operation

Battery to lose power and lights not to operate properly

12 / 30

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

Only whether it squeals when starting

Only tension, not surface condition

Only its colour and manufacturer brand

Looseness, fraying, cracks, alignment, and foreign material

13 / 30

What is recommended for extended rear axle differential life?

Use the parking brake to assist in stopping

Frequently downshift at high speeds

Avoid spinning the rear wheels on slippery surfaces

Always accelerate as hard as possible

14 / 30

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

Increased fuel economy

Improved brake responsiveness

Cooler brake temperatures

Brake fade

15 / 30

Which of the following may indicate suspension problems?

Quiet engine operation

Low fuel consumption

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

Clean windows and mirrors

16 / 30

What does the ammeter gauge indicate?

The amount of fuel remaining

Whether the alternator is charging

The coolant mixture ratio

The engine oil level

17 / 30

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

It will permanently damage the radiator cap

Steam and hot coolant could injure you

It will cause the temperature gauge to fail

It will void the bus warranty

18 / 30

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

Any licensed driver in the school division

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

Any person approved by the principal

Any adult employee of the school

19 / 30

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

Cables are clean and tight, and batteries are secure

Cables are greased heavily and left slightly loose

Batteries are loose to allow vibration movement

Batteries are disconnected when not driving

20 / 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

21 / 30

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

Determine the safe condition of the school bus by daily inspection

Wash the bus every day

Only drive during daylight hours

Keep students quiet at all times

22 / 30

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

Only when they look low

Only before long trips

Every six months

Weekly

23 / 30

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

A problem in the charging system that must be reported

Normal operation

That the engine is still cold

That the fuel tank is nearly empty

24 / 30

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

Remove all seat belts from the seats

Turn all seats to the folded position

Disconnect the interior lighting system

Check for sleeping students and damage needing repair

25 / 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

Add fuel only if the tank is almost empty

Leave the fuel level below reserve to reduce weight

Completely empty the fuel tank

26 / 30

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

A special permit from parents

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

A first-aid certificate only

A teaching certificate

27 / 30

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

Ignore gauges if the bus seems to run normally

Check gauges periodically and listen for unusual engine noise

Shut the engine off at every red light

Only check the fuel gauge

28 / 30

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

Simply look at it from a distance

Take hold of it to ensure it is securely anchored

Tap it lightly with a hammer

Check it only from inside the bus

29 / 30

What is the required level for power steering fluid?

It should be kept slightly below “add”

It is not critical as long as some fluid is present

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

It must be maintained at the “full” level

30 / 30

How should service brakes be checked before reaching the roadway?

Only by listening for squeals while parked

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

Only by checking the brake fluid level

At highway speed, brake hard to test stopping distance

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.