• 40 questions

ASE S3 School Bus Drive Train Practice Test

Forty unofficial drive train questions for school bus technicians, seven in ten on the automatic transmission, as ASE weights S3.

Shifts are harsh and abrupt. Which part is there to cushion the application of a clutch or band?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

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Exam mode: 40 questions, 60 minutes.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Bank checked October 13, 2026.

Next step More transmission questions: ASE A1 to A8Next school bus test: ASE S5 practice

All 40 questions

Automatic transmission 28

  • A band adjusting screw has been tightened to its specified value. What comes next, by the Navy manual? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 7, Linkage and Band Adjustment. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • A bus is parked overnight. Which valve keeps the torque converter from draining back to the sump while the engine is off? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 23-13. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • A cleanable transmission screen has been washed in solvent. How is it dried, by the Navy manual? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 7, Fluid Replacement. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • A clutch pack drags after its apply pressure is released. Which part is there to make it release quickly? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 23-5. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
Show all 40 questions (36 more)

Automatic transmission, continued

  • A driver reports that flooring the accelerator at highway speed gives no forced downshift. Why can that be normal on a hydraulically controlled transmission? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 23-14. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • A shift fault appears together with a data link fault. How does a modern transmission control unit receive much of its information from other controllers? Wikipedia, Transmission control unit, Inputs from other controllers. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • A shifting complaint comes in. Before the transmission is blamed, what does the Navy manual say to make sure of? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 7, Troubleshooting. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • A transmission cooler is badly restricted. Lubrication oil is fed after the cooler. Which parts does TM 9-8000 name as lubricated by that oil? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 23-13. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • A transmission pan has no drain plug. Which other ways of draining does the Navy manual give? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 7, Fluid Replacement. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • A welded, automotive-type torque converter proves to be the cause of a fault. What does the Navy manual say to do with it? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 7, Transmission Overhaul. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • An electronic shift selector display is replaced. Where must the shift position information be displayed, under FMVSS 102? 49 CFR 571.102, S3.1.4.4. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • An oil-to-air transmission cooler is refitted after a front end repair. Where does TM 9-8000 say it is usually located? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 23-13. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • How does a dual-clutch automatic (DCT) differ from a torque converter automatic? Wikipedia, Dual-clutch transmission, Design. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • How much can the dipstick level differ between a cold and a hot automatic transmission, by the Navy manual? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 7, Checking the Fluid. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • Line pressure is read with the selector in drive and again in reverse. How should the reverse reading compare, by TM 9-8000? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 23-12. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • The oil pan has been drained during a fluid change. Where is the rest of the old fluid? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 7, Fluid Replacement. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • On a hydraulically controlled transmission, what starts a forced downshift when the accelerator is pushed to the floor? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 23-14. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • The ratio between the turbine speed and wheel speed signals is wrong because one sensor has failed. Which symptoms does that cause? Wikipedia, Transmission control unit, Vehicle speed sensor. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • Shifts are harsh and abrupt. Which part is there to cushion the application of a clutch or band? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 23-14. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • The transmission is out and the flexplate is being inspected. Which two jobs does a flexplate do? Wikipedia, Flexplate, opening section and Design. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • Under FMVSS 102, in which selector positions must the engine starter be inoperative? 49 CFR 571.102, S3.1.3. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • What does a converter lockup clutch lock together when it applies? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 21-9. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • What does a transmission control module use the turbine (input) speed sensor signal for? Wikipedia, Transmission control unit, Turbine speed sensor. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • What has been the main use of the transmission fluid temperature sensor input? Wikipedia, Transmission control unit, Transmission fluid temperature sensor. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • Where is the provision for adjusting band-to-drum clearance usually found? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 23-6. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • Which outputs does a typical modern transmission control unit drive? Wikipedia, Transmission control unit, Output parameters. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • Why is a separate oil-to-air transmission cooler preferred in heavy-duty use, by TM 9-8000? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 23-13. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)
  • With the selector in manual low, a bus with a Simpson gear train freewheels downhill and gives no engine braking. Which holding member is suspect? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 23-10. ASE S3 content area A, Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Repair (28 of 40 questions)

Drive shaft and universal joints 5

  • A drive shaft has a universal joint at each end. For the second joint to cancel the speed fluctuation of the first, what must be true of the two driveline angles? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 28-4. ASE S3 content area B, Drive Shaft and Universal Joint Diagnosis and Repair (5 of 40 questions)
  • A spring hanger at the rear axle is found loose during a drive line inspection. What does the Navy manual say that does? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 11, Service and Maintenance. ASE S3 content area B, Drive Shaft and Universal Joint Diagnosis and Repair (5 of 40 questions)
  • A vibration is felt through the floor as road speed rises. Which drive line fault does the Navy manual tell the inspector to look for? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 11, Service and Maintenance. ASE S3 content area B, Drive Shaft and Universal Joint Diagnosis and Repair (5 of 40 questions)
  • Universal joints with grease fittings are lubricated at a preventive maintenance inspection. Which grease gun does the Navy manual call for? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 11, Troubleshooting the Propeller Shaft Assembly. ASE S3 content area B, Drive Shaft and Universal Joint Diagnosis and Repair (5 of 40 questions)
  • Why should a booted slip joint not be packed until grease is forced out of the boot? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 11, Service and Maintenance. ASE S3 content area B, Drive Shaft and Universal Joint Diagnosis and Repair (5 of 40 questions)

Drive axle 7

  • A bus has just come in from a run and the axle lubricant level is to be checked. What does the Navy manual say to do first? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 11, Service and Maintenance. ASE S3 content area C, Drive Axle Diagnosis and Repair (7 of 40 questions)
  • A noise is reported from the rear axle. Which faults does the Navy manual say are often wrongly diagnosed as differential trouble? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 11, Troubleshooting the Differential. ASE S3 content area C, Drive Axle Diagnosis and Repair (7 of 40 questions)
  • A rear wheel speed sensor is described in the parts list as active. How does an active sensor differ from a passive one? Wikipedia, Wheel speed sensor, Construction. ASE S3 content area C, Drive Axle Diagnosis and Repair (7 of 40 questions)
  • Axle seals keep leaking soon after they are replaced. Which part does the Navy manual say to clean? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 11, Service and Maintenance. ASE S3 content area C, Drive Axle Diagnosis and Repair (7 of 40 questions)
  • The fill plug of a drive axle is to be removed for a level check. Which tools does the Navy manual rule out? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 11, Service and Maintenance. ASE S3 content area C, Drive Axle Diagnosis and Repair (7 of 40 questions)
  • In a turn, the ring gear of a drive axle turns at 300 rpm and the inside wheel at 250 rpm. How fast does the outside wheel turn? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 11, Troubleshooting the Differential. ASE S3 content area C, Drive Axle Diagnosis and Repair (7 of 40 questions)
  • Why does a hypoid drive axle need a special lubricant? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 29-9. ASE S3 content area C, Drive Axle Diagnosis and Repair (7 of 40 questions)

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the test specifications and task list for Drive Train (Test S3) in the ASE School Bus Study Guide (https://ase.com/wp-content/uploads/ASE_SchoolBus_Study_Guide.pdf, copyright 2026, read 2026-10-13): A automatic transmission diagnosis and repair 28 questions, B drive shaft and universal joint diagnosis and repair 5, C drive axle diagnosis and repair 7; total 40. The bank holds the same 28, 5 and 7. Each fact was read on 2026-10-13 in the public text named under its question: US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraphs 21-9, 23-5 to 23-14, 28-4 and 29-9; US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapters 7 and 11; 49 CFR 571.102 (FMVSS 102) at ecfr.gov; and Wikipedia for the transmission control unit, the dual-clutch transmission, the flexplate and the wheel speed sensor. The sample questions printed in the study guide were not used. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This free ASE S3 school bus drive train practice test asks 40 questions of our own, the number ASE scores. It is unofficial and not affiliated with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Read the full guide

Twenty-eight of 40 on the transmission

ASE's School Bus study guide scores 40 questions: automatic transmission diagnosis and repair 28, drive shafts and universal joints 5, and drive axles 7. This bank holds the same numbers.

Where the answers come from

Hydraulic controls, converters, drive shafts and axles rest on a 1985 Army manual and a 1992 Navy manual. Electronic controls and the dual-clutch type rest on Wikipedia, and the starter interlock on FMVSS No. 102.

What the old manuals cannot give

Neither manual knows a current electronic transmission. Fault codes, adaptive resets and fluid specifications belong to the transmission maker's service information, and no question guesses at them.

  • Start with the transmission: fluid service, converter lockup and line pressure.
  • For drive shaft questions, think angles: two universal joints cancel each other only when their working angles are equal.

Questions and answers

How many questions are on the ASE S3 test?

Fifty in 60 minutes, by ASE's 2026 School Bus study guide. Forty are scored and ten are not, and the ten are not marked. The recertification test has 20 questions and a 30 minute limit.

What does the ASE S3 Drive Train test cover?

Automatic transmissions, including electronic controls and the dual-clutch type, then drive shafts and universal joints, then drive axles with their hubs, bearings and wheel speed sensors. ASE's S3 task list has no section on manual transmissions or clutches.

Is S3 required for Master School Bus Technician?

Yes. ASE's study guide stars S2 through S6 as the tests required to be recognized as an ASE Certified Master School Bus Technician. S1 and S7 are not starred.

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