MTA Bus Operator Exam – New York City, Section 1: Inspection &
Reports – Complete Exam Preparation
1. Which of the following is true about speed management and braking? - correct answer ✔✔
The stopping distance required for vehicles at 40 mph is four times greater than that required at
20 mph.
2. Which statement is true for the anti-lock braking system in buses? - correct answer ✔✔ It
prevents the brakes from locking up.
3. Heavy vehicles settle for the cheaper recapped or regrooved tires instead of buying new ones.
When is this applicable to buses? - correct answer ✔✔ Only on the rear wheels.
4. During the inspection of buses, it is essential to make sure that _____________________. -
correct answer ✔✔ Emergency exit handles are secure.
Rider signaling devices are working.
Every handhold and railing is secure.
5. Vehicles with automatic transmission uses fluid coupling to easily make gear changes without
the traditional friction clutch. When is the best time for the operator to downshift with an
automatic transmission? - correct answer ✔✔ While going down.
6. If a low air pressure warning comes on, which among the following must be done first? -
correct answer ✔✔ Stop and safely park as soon as possible.
7. Road accidents happen unexpectedly and unintentionally; hence certain types of equipments
are vital in keeping the passengers safe. Which is the most crucial set of emergency equipment?
- correct answer ✔✔ Reflectors, spare electric fuses, and fire extinguisher
, 8. A bus operator pumped the clutch a few times then pressed it down for five seconds and
ensured that the pedal does not move. Which of the following was being inspected above? -
correct answer ✔✔ Hydraulic brakes
9. When driving towards a railroad, the vehicle must be stopped within 50 feet but not less than
____ feet from the nearest rail of the track. Which of the following best completes the sentence
given above? - correct answer ✔✔ 15 feet
10. A bus operator must check the mirrors for a lane change ________________. Which of the
following best completes the sentence given above? - correct answer ✔✔ before and after
signaling the lane change
11. Which of the following is the most important to be free from dirt, illegal stickers,
obstructions or damages to it? - correct answer ✔✔ Windshield and mirrors
12. What is the function of a supply pressure gauge? - correct answer ✔✔ To tell you how much
air is in the tank
13. Which of the following is an indication that your brakes are fading? - correct answer ✔✔ You
have to press the brake pedal harder to control speed on a downgrade.
14. If a typical fully-charged air system flows out at 125 psi, what are the maximum leakage
rates per minute of single and combination vehicles after the initial drop? - correct answer ✔✔
Three psi for single vehicles and four psi for combination vehicles.
15. What is the purpose of draining out air tanks? - correct answer ✔✔ To drain moisture and
oil out of the tanks.
16. When it started the trip, the odometer of a bus had a reading of 78,012 miles. How much
distance in miles was covered by the whole trip if the odometer reading now indicates 81,316? -
correct answer ✔✔ 81,316 - 78,012 = 3,304
Reports – Complete Exam Preparation
1. Which of the following is true about speed management and braking? - correct answer ✔✔
The stopping distance required for vehicles at 40 mph is four times greater than that required at
20 mph.
2. Which statement is true for the anti-lock braking system in buses? - correct answer ✔✔ It
prevents the brakes from locking up.
3. Heavy vehicles settle for the cheaper recapped or regrooved tires instead of buying new ones.
When is this applicable to buses? - correct answer ✔✔ Only on the rear wheels.
4. During the inspection of buses, it is essential to make sure that _____________________. -
correct answer ✔✔ Emergency exit handles are secure.
Rider signaling devices are working.
Every handhold and railing is secure.
5. Vehicles with automatic transmission uses fluid coupling to easily make gear changes without
the traditional friction clutch. When is the best time for the operator to downshift with an
automatic transmission? - correct answer ✔✔ While going down.
6. If a low air pressure warning comes on, which among the following must be done first? -
correct answer ✔✔ Stop and safely park as soon as possible.
7. Road accidents happen unexpectedly and unintentionally; hence certain types of equipments
are vital in keeping the passengers safe. Which is the most crucial set of emergency equipment?
- correct answer ✔✔ Reflectors, spare electric fuses, and fire extinguisher
, 8. A bus operator pumped the clutch a few times then pressed it down for five seconds and
ensured that the pedal does not move. Which of the following was being inspected above? -
correct answer ✔✔ Hydraulic brakes
9. When driving towards a railroad, the vehicle must be stopped within 50 feet but not less than
____ feet from the nearest rail of the track. Which of the following best completes the sentence
given above? - correct answer ✔✔ 15 feet
10. A bus operator must check the mirrors for a lane change ________________. Which of the
following best completes the sentence given above? - correct answer ✔✔ before and after
signaling the lane change
11. Which of the following is the most important to be free from dirt, illegal stickers,
obstructions or damages to it? - correct answer ✔✔ Windshield and mirrors
12. What is the function of a supply pressure gauge? - correct answer ✔✔ To tell you how much
air is in the tank
13. Which of the following is an indication that your brakes are fading? - correct answer ✔✔ You
have to press the brake pedal harder to control speed on a downgrade.
14. If a typical fully-charged air system flows out at 125 psi, what are the maximum leakage
rates per minute of single and combination vehicles after the initial drop? - correct answer ✔✔
Three psi for single vehicles and four psi for combination vehicles.
15. What is the purpose of draining out air tanks? - correct answer ✔✔ To drain moisture and
oil out of the tanks.
16. When it started the trip, the odometer of a bus had a reading of 78,012 miles. How much
distance in miles was covered by the whole trip if the odometer reading now indicates 81,316? -
correct answer ✔✔ 81,316 - 78,012 = 3,304
