Unit C-4: Preventive Maintenance

The free Manitoba School Bus Licence Practice Test includes a vital section on “Preventive Maintenance.” This section is designed to help future school bus drivers understand the importance of regular inspections and ongoing care.

Manitoba School Bus Test - Unit C-4: Preventive Maintenance

1 / 30

Before operating a bus with an automatic transmission for the first time, what is a good practice?

Test the bus at top speed

Ask students how to operate it

Consult the owner’s manual for recommended procedures

Skip any reading and just drive

2 / 30

After turning off the headlights and activating the hazard warning lamps, what should be checked at the front of the bus?

Daytime running lights and front hazard warning lamps

Only the school bus sign

Only clearance lights

Only high beam headlights

3 / 30

Under the regulations, what must be prepared and submitted according to prescribed times and manner?

Student grade reports

Fuel tax returns

Reports related to inspections and vehicle condition

Attendance records

4 / 30

What can help reduce vehicle speed and brake use on a long downgrade?

Driving in neutral

Engine or exhaust brakes

Turning off the headlights

Opening the windows

5 / 30

When performing the second circle tour with the brake pedal applied, what should you check at the rear of the bus?

Only the rear window

Brake lights and right turn signal

Only the exhaust pipe

Only the license plate

6 / 30

What is the main purpose of good driving habits in terms of maintenance?

To avoid cleaning the bus

To extend the life of the vehicle and its components

To reduce driver training time

To increase the bus speed

7 / 30

What should a driver avoid to prevent excessive brake heating on downgrades?

Using any engine or exhaust braking

Downshifting when slowing

Applying brakes harshly or for extended periods

Checking mirrors while descending

8 / 30

What is the rule regarding driving with one dual tire flat?

It is acceptable at low speed

Never drive the bus with one dual tire flat

It is acceptable for short distances

It is acceptable if the other tire is new

9 / 30

In the hydraulic brake test, how much should the brake pedal move toward the floor when moderate pressure is held?

No more than 65%

No more than 90%

It must not move at all

Any movement is acceptable

10 / 30

What does the law require regarding pre-trip inspections?

That inspections are done only when the bus breaks down

That only mechanics inspect buses

That inspections be optional on short routes

That a pre-trip inspection be performed before transporting passengers

11 / 30

If a defect could violate The Highway Traffic Act, what is the correct action?

Ignore it if the route is short

Do not operate the vehicle to transport students until repairs are completed

Drive at a reduced speed until the end of the week

Only operate the bus when it is not carrying students

12 / 30

How is the park brake tested during the pre-trip inspection?

Pull it on and off quickly several times

With engine idling and transmission engaged, apply the park brake and attempt to move; the park brake must hold

Inspect only the handle visually

Apply it only when the engine is off

13 / 30

What should be checked in the passenger area regarding the seats during the inside-the-bus inspection?

Only the color of the upholstery

Seat cushions for security and damage

Only the seat frame paint condition

Only the seat leg bolts for rust

14 / 30

What documents must be present in the school bus in addition to the inspection logbook?

Driver’s personal insurance card only

Vehicle registration and School Bus Inspection Certificate

A copy of the driver’s employment contract

Student attendance list only

15 / 30

Why must the rear emergency exit door be regularly checked from the outside?

To verify the hinges are painted

To confirm the door alarm is silent

To ensure the interior lights work

Ice buildup in winter could freeze it shut

16 / 30

How should the rear door retainer device function when the door is fully opened?

It should lock the door permanently open

It should allow the door to swing freely

It should hold the door at a 90-degree angle to the bus body

It should close the door automatically

17 / 30

What type of brake assistance is used on large school buses?

Air-over-hydraulic foot pump system

Vacuum-only brake system

Pure mechanical brake system with no assist

Hydraulic power brake system with a hydraulic booster at the master cylinder

18 / 30

What is the single most important preventive maintenance responsibility of the driver when a malfunction is noticed?

Attempt to repair the bus personally

Immediately and accurately report any malfunctions

Ignore it if the bus is still moving

Wait until the end of the school year to report

19 / 30

Which braking technique helps extend brake life?

Use gentle brake application and reduce pressure as speed drops

Brake as hard as possible at the last moment

Ride the brakes constantly

Pump the brakes rapidly at all times

20 / 30

What must the service technician do after completing repairs on non–safety-related defects?

Sign and date the log book on the day repairs were completed

Erase previous entries in the log book

File a report with the police

Call each student’s parent

21 / 30

What is a key reason not to drive with a flat dual tire?

The flat tire will heat up, destroy itself, and create a hazardous situation

It makes the steering wheel vibrate only

It reduces fuel economy slightly

It affects the radio reception

22 / 30

During the hydraulic brake system check, how long should moderate foot force be maintained on the brake pedal to test pedal reserve (on vehicles with power brakes)?

Ten minutes

Five seconds

Thirty seconds

One minute

23 / 30

Which three items are checked to ensure the hydraulic power brake system and back-up system are functioning?

Parking brake handle, horn, and wiper switch

Air tank, air lines, and tire treads

Brake pedal color, floor mat, and steering wheel

Brake pressure warning light, buzzer, and electric hydraulic pump motor

24 / 30

What should be audible when checking brake assist on vehicles with electric motors and the engine stopped?

A chime from the dashboard

A continuous alarm buzzer

A click from the light switch

Operation of the electric motor when moderate pressure is applied to the brake pedal

25 / 30

What should you check under the bus along the right side as you move forward?

The transmission fluid dipstick

The battery connections

Telltale signs of an exhaust leak

The horn operation

26 / 30

To extend the life of the rear axle differential, what should a driver avoid?

Turning the steering wheel fully

Driving on dry pavement

Using the heater in winter

Spinning the rear wheels on slippery surfaces

27 / 30

What should you inspect on the fuel tank during the walk-around?

Paint colour only

Fuel brand label

Date of manufacture

Leaks, security, and filler cap

28 / 30

What tool is used inside the bus to keep the brake pedal applied for checking brake lights?

A wooden block

A pre-manufactured rod

A piece of rope

A seat belt

29 / 30

Which of the following items is useful for performing a pre-trip inspection?

A toolkit for engine overhauls

A first-aid dummy

Cloth or paper wipers, artificial light, and glass cleaning fluid

A radio and music player

30 / 30

How should the automatic entrance door operate when using the “open door” switch?

It should remain slightly open at all times for ventilation

It should be loose and rattle during operation

It should open completely without binding or jerking, and close so the seals mate properly

It should open halfway and then require manual force

Your score is

Practice questions focus on daily pre-trip checks, such as inspecting tires, brakes, lights, and emergency exits, and on monitoring fluid levels and ensuring all safety equipment is operational. Candidates also learn how to identify early signs of mechanical problems and follow proper reporting procedures. Mastery of preventive maintenance is essential for ensuring passenger safety, minimizing breakdowns, and keeping Manitoba school buses running smoothly and reliably.