MTA Bus Operator Exam NYC Section 1 | Inspection &
Reports 2026 | Questions & Verified Answers | Latest
Update | Graded A+
1. Describe the procedure a bus operator follows to inspect hydraulic brakes
based on the provided information.
The bus operator only checks the brake fluid level.
The bus operator listens for unusual sounds while driving.
The bus operator inspects the brake pads visually without testing the
pedal.
The bus operator pumps the clutch a few times, presses it down for
five seconds, and checks that the pedal does not move.
2. What is the minimum tread depth required for bus tires that are not located at
the front?
3/32 of an inch
2/32 of an inch
1/32 of an inch
4/32 of an inch
3. What is the primary function of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) in buses?
It is not necessary for bus operation.
It is only effective at low speeds.
It prevents the brakes from locking up.
It increases the stopping distance.
,4. According to Federal Motor Carrier safety regulations, at what tread depth
should front axle steering tires be replaced
3/32"
when the wear indicators show
4/32"
2/32"
5. If a bus operator notices excessive movement between the frame and fifth
wheel assembly during a routine inspection, what immediate action should
they take?
Check the fuel levels.
Ignore the movement if it is minor.
Secure the fifth wheel properly.
Increase the bus speed.
6. Drivers should know that their brakes are fading when:
You need less pressure on the brake pedal for each stop
The brake pedal "fades away" when you press on it
You take your foot off of the brake pedal and speed increases
They need more brake pressure to keep the same speed on a
downgrade
7. Describe the importance of inspecting lug nuts on a bus and the potential
consequences of neglecting this inspection.
Lug nuts only need to be checked for tightness, not for rust or
distortion.
, Inspecting lug nuts is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of
the bus; failure to do so can lead to wheel detachment.
The inspection of lug nuts is less important than checking the
windshield.
Lug nuts are not critical to bus safety and can be ignored during
inspections.
8. How far must you stop by a railroad crossing?
between 25 and 50 feet
between 15 and 50 feet
between 15 and 65 feet
9. If a bus operator notices that the brake fluid level indicator shows a low fluid
level, what immediate action should they take to ensure safety?
Increase the bus's speed to test the brakes.
Ignore the indicator as it is not critical.
Inspect the hydraulic brake system for leaks.
Continue driving until the next scheduled maintenance.
10. If a bus operator notices that the supply pressure gauge is reading below
the normal range, what immediate action should they take?
Increase the bus speed to compensate for low pressure.
Ignore the reading if the bus seems to be operating normally.
Report the issue only after the next scheduled maintenance.
Check the air supply system for leaks or issues.
, 11. If a bus operator fails to downshift while descending a steep hill, what
potential issue could arise?
Improved acceleration
Increased fuel consumption
Overheating of the braking system
Loss of engine power
12. Which type of brakes are checked by pumping the clutch and ensuring the
pedal does not move?
Air brakes.
Drum brakes.
Hydraulic brakes.
Disc brakes.
13. What component is likely to cause wiggling movement between the frame
and fifth wheel assembly when not securely fastened?
Fifth wheel
Brake system
Emergency equipment
Bus frame
14. What should a bus operator do immediately upon receiving a low air
pressure warning?
Stop and safely park as soon as possible.
Notify the dispatcher.
Reports 2026 | Questions & Verified Answers | Latest
Update | Graded A+
1. Describe the procedure a bus operator follows to inspect hydraulic brakes
based on the provided information.
The bus operator only checks the brake fluid level.
The bus operator listens for unusual sounds while driving.
The bus operator inspects the brake pads visually without testing the
pedal.
The bus operator pumps the clutch a few times, presses it down for
five seconds, and checks that the pedal does not move.
2. What is the minimum tread depth required for bus tires that are not located at
the front?
3/32 of an inch
2/32 of an inch
1/32 of an inch
4/32 of an inch
3. What is the primary function of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) in buses?
It is not necessary for bus operation.
It is only effective at low speeds.
It prevents the brakes from locking up.
It increases the stopping distance.
,4. According to Federal Motor Carrier safety regulations, at what tread depth
should front axle steering tires be replaced
3/32"
when the wear indicators show
4/32"
2/32"
5. If a bus operator notices excessive movement between the frame and fifth
wheel assembly during a routine inspection, what immediate action should
they take?
Check the fuel levels.
Ignore the movement if it is minor.
Secure the fifth wheel properly.
Increase the bus speed.
6. Drivers should know that their brakes are fading when:
You need less pressure on the brake pedal for each stop
The brake pedal "fades away" when you press on it
You take your foot off of the brake pedal and speed increases
They need more brake pressure to keep the same speed on a
downgrade
7. Describe the importance of inspecting lug nuts on a bus and the potential
consequences of neglecting this inspection.
Lug nuts only need to be checked for tightness, not for rust or
distortion.
, Inspecting lug nuts is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of
the bus; failure to do so can lead to wheel detachment.
The inspection of lug nuts is less important than checking the
windshield.
Lug nuts are not critical to bus safety and can be ignored during
inspections.
8. How far must you stop by a railroad crossing?
between 25 and 50 feet
between 15 and 50 feet
between 15 and 65 feet
9. If a bus operator notices that the brake fluid level indicator shows a low fluid
level, what immediate action should they take to ensure safety?
Increase the bus's speed to test the brakes.
Ignore the indicator as it is not critical.
Inspect the hydraulic brake system for leaks.
Continue driving until the next scheduled maintenance.
10. If a bus operator notices that the supply pressure gauge is reading below
the normal range, what immediate action should they take?
Increase the bus speed to compensate for low pressure.
Ignore the reading if the bus seems to be operating normally.
Report the issue only after the next scheduled maintenance.
Check the air supply system for leaks or issues.
, 11. If a bus operator fails to downshift while descending a steep hill, what
potential issue could arise?
Improved acceleration
Increased fuel consumption
Overheating of the braking system
Loss of engine power
12. Which type of brakes are checked by pumping the clutch and ensuring the
pedal does not move?
Air brakes.
Drum brakes.
Hydraulic brakes.
Disc brakes.
13. What component is likely to cause wiggling movement between the frame
and fifth wheel assembly when not securely fastened?
Fifth wheel
Brake system
Emergency equipment
Bus frame
14. What should a bus operator do immediately upon receiving a low air
pressure warning?
Stop and safely park as soon as possible.
Notify the dispatcher.
