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

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

2 / 20

What is “black ice”?

Ice formed from oil and grease alone

Ice that appears only in daylight

Ice that is always covered in snow

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

3 / 20

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

Four

Three

Five

Two

4 / 20

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

Only the posted speed limit signs

Other vehicles that may be stopped or waiting in line

Pedestrians only, not vehicles

Changes in radio reception

5 / 20

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

At the bottom of the hill

Halfway down the hill

Prior to the beginning of the hill

Only if the brakes begin to fade

6 / 20

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

Potholes, frost-heaves, and cracked pavement

Brightly painted crosswalks

Dry, smooth asphalt

Freshly swept streets

7 / 20

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

Freshly painted lines

Road construction

Recently mowed ditches

Clear, new pavement

8 / 20

Why are manoeuvring limitations more hazardous for a school bus?

A bus always has right-of-way

A large bus requires more space to manoeuvre

A bus has less powerful brakes than cars

A bus is not allowed to change lanes

9 / 20

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

Rest areas with no traffic flow

Dead-end streets

Intersections

Private driveways only

10 / 20

Why can wooden bridge surfaces be a traction hazard?

They are only used in rural areas

They are always narrower than the road

They are painted a different colour

They may contain cracks, holes, and protruding nails

11 / 20

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

Stop only in designated areas

Change lanes at the last moment suddenly and without warning

Always signal well in advance

Maintain a constant lane position

12 / 20

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

Overhead power lines

Painted lane markings

Roadside mailboxes only

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

13 / 20

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

Maintain the same speed to avoid traffic disruption

Speed up to clear the curve quickly

Estimate a safe speed from the degree of curvature and banking

Drive in the centre of the road for better vision

14 / 20

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

Learning to ‘feel the road’ through the vehicle

Watching only the speedometer

Listening only to engine noise

Relying solely on road signs

15 / 20

Which of the following is a category of road hazard?

Sight distance limitations

Passenger loading issues

Engine performance limitations

Fuel economy concerns

16 / 20

Sight distance limitations are caused primarily by:

Streetlights at night

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

The colour of the pavement

The number of passengers on the bus

17 / 20

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

Fresh concrete

Tiled roadways

Newly paved asphalt only

Gravel or dirt surfaces

18 / 20

Traffic conflict points occur where vehicles must:

Stop for railroad crossings only

Reduce speed for school zones

Park for long periods

Merge, intersect, or cross paths

19 / 20

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

Wide, empty freeways

Narrow or narrowing lanes

Roads with no intersections

Straight, dry, divided highways

20 / 20

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

Pedestrians crossing the ramp

Parked maintenance vehicles only

Vehicles stopped or slowing down unexpectedly

Only vehicles travelling at the speed limit

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.