Truck and Transport Mechanic - Exam Information

Table of Contents

Self-Assessment

This tool can be used to reflect on your own experience and knowledge in the trade compared with what is on the exam.

Exam Breakdown

Each Red Seal exam's questions are developed to assess the activities laid out in the Red Seal Occupational Standard. This trade's Red Seal exam has 135 questions Footnote *, which are distributed as follows:

Block A - Common Occupational Skills - 8 questions
Task 1 Performs safety-related functions.
2 questions
Task 2 Uses and maintains tools and equipment.
3 questions
Task 3 Performs routine trade activities.
2 questions
Task 4 Uses communication and mentoring techniques.
1 question
Block B - Services, diagnoses and repairs engines and supporting systems - 21 questions
Task 5 Services, diagnoses and repairs base engines.
3 questions
Task 6 Services, diagnoses and repairs lubrication systems.
2 questions
Task 7 Services, diagnoses and repairs intake systems.
2 questions
Task 8 Services, diagnoses and repairs exhaust systems.
3 questions
Task 9 Services, diagnoses and repairs engine management systems.
4 questions
Task 10 Services, diagnoses and repairs fuel delivery systems.
3 questions
Task 11 Services, diagnoses and repairs engine retarder systems.
2 questions
Task 12 Services, diagnoses and repairs cooling systems.
2 questions
Block C - Services, diagnoses and repairs air systems and brake systems - 17 questions
Task 13 Services, diagnoses and repairs air systems.
9 questions
Task 14 Services, diagnoses and repairs brake systems.
8 questions
Block D - Services, diagnoses and repairs electrical and electronic systems - 22 questions
Task 15 Services, diagnoses and repairs batteries systems.
3 questions
Task 16 Services, diagnoses and repairs charging systems.
4 questions
Task 17 Services, diagnoses and repairs spark ignition systems.
2 questions
Task 18 Services, diagnoses and repairs starting systems.
4 questions
Task 19 Services, diagnoses and repairs electrical components and accessories.
5 questions
Task 20 Services, diagnoses and repairs vehicle management systems and electronic components.
4 questions
Block E - Services, diagnoses and repairs drive trains - 17 questions
Task 21 Services, diagnoses and repairs clutches.
2 questions
Task 22 Services, diagnoses and repairs manual transmission and transfer cases.
3 questions
Task 23 Services, diagnoses and repairs automatic transmissions.
2 questions
Task 24 Services, diagnoses and repairs automated transmissions.
4 questions
Task 25 Services, diagnoses and repairs driveline systems.
2 questions
Task 26 Services, diagnoses and repairs drive axle assemblies.
3 questions
Task 27 Services, diagnoses and repairs drive train retarders.
1 question
Block F - Services, diagnoses and repairs steering, chassis/frames, suspensions, tires, wheels and hubs - 18 questions
Task 28 Services, diagnoses and repairs steering systems.
5 questions
Task 29 Services, diagnoses and repairs chassis/frames.
2 questions
Task 30 Services, diagnoses and repairs suspension.
4 questions
Task 31 Services, diagnoses and repairs hitches and couplers.
3 questions
Task 32 Services, diagnoses and repairs tires, wheels and hubs.
4 questions
Block G - Services, diagnoses and repairs cabs - 5 questions
Task 33 Services, diagnoses and repairs interior cab components.
3 questions
Task 34 Services, diagnoses and repairs exterior cab components.
2 questions
Block H - Services, diagnoses and repairs trailers - 8 questions
Task 35 Services, diagnoses and repairs trailer components and accessories.
5 questions
Task 36 Services, diagnoses and repairs heating and refrigeration systems.
3 questions
Block I - Services, diagnoses and repairs climate control systems - 7 questions
Task 37 Services, diagnoses and repairs heating and ventilation systems.
3 questions
Task 38 Services, diagnoses and repairs air conditioning systems.
4 questions
Block J - Services, diagnoses and repairs hydraulic systems - 8 questions
Task 39 Services, diagnoses and repairs hydraulic components
8 questions
Block K - Services, diagnoses and repairs hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) - 4 questions
Task 40 Services, diagnoses and repairs hybrid vehicles
2 questions
Task 41 Services, diagnoses and repairs electric vehicles (EV)
2 questions

Types of Exam Questions

All Red Seal exam questions are written in multiple-choice format. A multiple-choice question consists of question followed by four possible responses (A, B, C, D). Every question has exactly one correct answer and three incorrect options. They are not misleading or trick questions, but the incorrect options are not always obvious.

There are three types of questions that you will see on Red Seal Exams:

  • Knowledge and Recall
  • Procedural and Application
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge and Recall

This type of question tests your ability to recall and understand definitions, facts and principles.

For this trade, less than 10% of questions that are this type.

Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:

What is the recommended ratio when mixing antifreeze concentrate with water to use as an engine coolant?

  1. 30% water, 70% antifreeze.
  2. 50% water, 50% antifreeze.
  3. 70% water, 30% antifreeze.
  4. 75% water, 25% antifreeze.

Answer: B

Procedural and Application

This type of question tests your ability to apply your knowledge of procedures to a situation.

For this trade, between 50 and 60% of questions are this type.

Example of a Procedural and Application Question:

An engine is losing coolant, but there is no external leakage. What is done?

  1. Pressurize the oil system, then check for oil in the cooling system.
  2. Pressurize the fuel system, then check for signs of fuel in the coolant.
  3. Run engine to operating temperature, then check exhaust manifold for poor cylinder performance with a thermometer.
  4. Drain the oil, pressurize the cooling system, then check for coolant leaks at the drain plug.

Answer: D

Critical Thinking

This type of question tests  your ability to interpret data, solve problems and arrive at valid conclusions.

For this trade, between 35 and 45% of questions are this type.

Example of a Critical Thinking Question:

An engine is running at 1 000 RPM. The alternator output reads 12 V and 0 A. What is the cause?

  1. Battery is defective.
  2. One positive diode is open.
  3. One negative diode is open.
  4. Voltage regulator is defective.

Answer: D

Try more sample questions for this trade and check out the Exam Preparation Guide. It will give you practical insights on what goes into Red Seal exams, and how you can best prepare yourself to do well.

Mathematical Formulas

Formulas [PDF, 54 KB]

The following formulas used in this trade may be needed to answer some questions on its Red Seal exam. They will also be provided with the exam sitting.

Constants

π = 3.14

Formulas

Formulas
Description Full Abbreviated
Area of a circle π × radius 2 π r 2
Force area × pressure A × P
Volt current × resistance I × R
Watt voltage × current V × I

Acronyms

Acronyms [PDF, 101 KB]

The following acronyms used in this trade may be on its Red Seal exam. They will also be provided with the exam sitting.

Ω
ohm
°C
degree Celsius
°F
degree Fahrenheit
A
ampere
A/C
air conditioner
ABS
anti-lock braking system
AC
alternating current
ACTG
alternating current traction generator
ACTM
alternating current traction motor
API
American Petroleum Institute
ATF
automatic transmission fluid
BDC
bottom dead centre
BMS
battery monitoring system
CAC
charge air cooler
CAN
controller area network
CAT
category
CCA
cold cranking amperage
CCOT
cycling clutch orifice tube
CSA
Canadian Standards Association
DC
direct current
DDU
driver display unit
DEF
diesel exhaust fluid
DMM
digital multimeter
DOC
diesel oxidation catalyst
DPF
diesel particulate filter
ECM
electronic control module
ECU
electronic control unit
EGR
exhaust gas recirculation
EGT
exhaust gas temperature
ESS
energy storage system
EV
electric vehicle
ft.-lb.
foot-pound
ft.
foot
g/cm3
grams per cubic centimetre
Ga
gauge
GND
ground
gpm
gallons per minute
HEUI
hydraulic electronic unit injector
HEV
hybrid electric vehicle
HLA
hydraulic launch assist
HV
high voltage
ID
identification
lb.
pound
LED
light-emitting diode
NC
normally closed
NO
normally opened
NOx
nitrogen oxides (include nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide)
NPT
National Pipe Thread
NTC
negative temperature coefficient
TXV
thermal expansion valve
OEM
original equipment manufacturer
PCS
propulsion control system
PPE
personal protective equipment
psi
pounds per square inch
PTO
power take-off
rpm
revolutions per minute
SAE
Society of Automotive Engineers
SCA
supplemental coolant additive
SCR
selective catalytic reduction
SDS
safety data sheet
SRS
supplemental restraint system
SW
switched power
TCM
transmission control module
TDC
top dead centre
TDG
transportation of dangerous goods
TPS
throttle position sensor
TXV
thermostatic expansion valve
V
volt
VAC
volt alternating current
VCU
vehicle control unit
VDC
volt direct current
VGT
variable geometry turbocharger
VIN
vehicle identification number
W
watt
WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

For more information about exam preparation materials contact your provincial/territorial apprenticeship office.