Series 3-20: Road Hazard Clues

The “Road Hazard Clues” section of the Alberta School Bus knowledge test evaluates a driver’s ability to identify potential dangers on the road.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 3-20: Road Hazard Clues

1 / 20

When approaching a downgrade (hill), when should the driver downshift?

At the bottom of the hill

Prior to the beginning of the hill

Halfway down the hill

Only if the brakes begin to fade

2 / 20

What is “black ice”?

Ice formed from oil and grease alone

Ice caused by freezing temperatures that is hard to see on the road surface

Ice that is always covered in snow

Ice that appears only in daylight

3 / 20

Which of the following is an example of a traffic conflict point?

Intersections

Dead-end streets

Rest areas with no traffic flow

Private driveways only

4 / 20

Near the end of an off-ramp, what should a school bus driver watch for?

Only the posted speed limit signs

Pedestrians only, not vehicles

Other vehicles that may be stopped or waiting in line

Changes in radio reception

5 / 20

What skill does a defensive operator use to recognize traction limitations?

Learning to ‘feel the road’ through the vehicle

Relying solely on road signs

Listening only to engine noise

Watching only the speedometer

6 / 20

Which is an example of a traction-related surface irregularity?

Freshly swept streets

Brightly painted crosswalks

Potholes, frost-heaves, and cracked pavement

Dry, smooth asphalt

7 / 20

Road hazards related to the condition of the road itself fall into how many main categories?

Three

Five

Two

Four

8 / 20

Concrete or metal bridge decks are especially hazardous in which conditions?

Wet or freezing conditions

Hot, dry summer conditions

Only at night

Only in heavy traffic

9 / 20

On a long entrance ramp that continues as an off-ramp or deceleration lane, what can other drivers do that creates a hazard?

Maintain a constant lane position

Stop only in designated areas

Always signal well in advance

Change lanes at the last moment suddenly and without warning

10 / 20

Why are manoeuvring limitations more hazardous for a school bus?

A bus has less powerful brakes than cars

A bus is not allowed to change lanes

A large bus requires more space to manoeuvre

A bus always has right-of-way

11 / 20

Which of the following is a category of road hazard?

Sight distance limitations

Passenger loading issues

Fuel economy concerns

Engine performance limitations

12 / 20

Sight distance limitations are caused primarily by:

The colour of the pavement

The number of passengers on the bus

Curves, valleys, hills, buildings, trees, or large parked vehicles

Streetlights at night

13 / 20

On a freeway entrance ramp or merging lane, what must the driver be especially alert for?

Vehicles stopped or slowing down unexpectedly

Only vehicles travelling at the speed limit

Parked maintenance vehicles only

Pedestrians crossing the ramp

14 / 20

Why can wooden bridge surfaces be a traction hazard?

They are always narrower than the road

They are only used in rural areas

They are painted a different colour

They may contain cracks, holes, and protruding nails

15 / 20

When approaching a curve, what should a school bus operator do?

Speed up to clear the curve quickly

Maintain the same speed to avoid traffic disruption

Estimate a safe speed from the degree of curvature and banking

Drive in the centre of the road for better vision

16 / 20

What type of surface can be hazardous due to ruts made by other vehicles?

Gravel or dirt surfaces

Newly paved asphalt only

Tiled roadways

Fresh concrete

17 / 20

Which situation requires a school bus driver to compensate for manoeuvring limitations?

Narrow or narrowing lanes

Wide, empty freeways

Roads with no intersections

Straight, dry, divided highways

18 / 20

Which of the following can obscure other traffic or pedestrians and limit sight distance?

Dips, valleys, buildings, trees, or large parked vehicles

Roadside mailboxes only

Overhead power lines

Painted lane markings

19 / 20

Which road condition can create manoeuvring difficulties for a school bus?

Road construction

Clear, new pavement

Recently mowed ditches

Freshly painted lines

20 / 20

Traffic conflict points occur where vehicles must:

Park for long periods

Merge, intersect, or cross paths

Stop for railroad crossings only

Reduce speed for school zones

Your score is

School bus drivers must be skilled at spotting hazards, such as icy patches, construction zones, animals, or debris, that could affect safe driving. This section tests the driver’s knowledge of how to respond appropriately to these hazards to ensure student safety. By recognizing road hazard clues early, drivers can take preventive actions, such as slowing down or changing lanes. Proficiency in this area is essential for maintaining a safe environment for all school bus passengers.