Chapter 4-9: Low speed skills

The “Low speed skills” section of the Saskatchewan Driving Practice Test focuses on a driver’s ability to control a vehicle precisely at slow speeds.

Saskatchewan Driving Test - Chapter 4-9: Low speed skills

1 / 30

If a manual-transmission vehicle is on a slope and moving faster than you want, what should you do?

Shift to a higher gear and accelerate

Declutch and brake gently

Apply the parking brake only

Turn off the engine

2 / 30

After straightening the front wheels while backing, what does it mean when your hand is at 12 o’clock?

Your front wheels are straight

Your vehicle is in neutral

The brakes are fully applied

The steering is locked

3 / 30

What is “front end swing”?

The motion caused by sudden braking

The increased turning of the vehicle front while backing because the front wheels pivot around the rear wheels

A steering defect at high speed

A type of suspension system

4 / 30

How should your palm move on the steering wheel when using the palming technique?

Your hand lifts off and re-grips repeatedly

Your palm slides quickly around the rim

Your palm stays on the same place on the wheel rim while the wheel turns

Your palm remains stationary and the wheel does not move

5 / 30

How should you move the vehicle while backing?

Without looking behind, using mirrors only

In short bursts with frequent stops

Slowly, looking and steering where you want to go

Quickly, to spend less time in reverse

6 / 30

What is a disadvantage of using hand over hand steering while backing?

It makes the steering wheel harder to turn

It disables the power steering

It can damage the steering column

It limits how well you can see out the back window

7 / 30

What is one recommended steering method for backing that provides good control?

Knee steering

Hand over hand

One-finger steering

Elbow steering

8 / 30

When you begin backing slowly in a straight line, what should you check within the first foot or so of movement?

Whether the engine warning light is on

Whether the front of the vehicle is moving straight back

The outside temperature

Your fuel level

9 / 30

What is the main limitation of driver-assistance technologies when backing?

They only work above 30 km/h

They replace the need to turn your head

They are only aids; you must still visually confirm surroundings

They are illegal to use in parking lots

10 / 30

Why are collisions while backing so common?

Laws do not regulate backing maneuvers

Many drivers underestimate the risks because backing is low-speed

Most vehicles are unable to steer properly in reverse

Backup cameras are unreliable

11 / 30

What is one reason you must check behind your vehicle before backing?

Children, pets, and objects may not be visible from inside the vehicle

Traffic laws require you to leave the driver’s seat

The rear window is always dirty

Head restraints block all rearward vision

12 / 30

When moving a manual-transmission vehicle at very low speed, how should you use the engine speed?

Constantly pump the gas pedal

Hold engine speed constant and control motion with the clutch

Rapidly alternate between gas and brake

Use no throttle at all

13 / 30

If the front of the vehicle swings to the left while backing, how should you correct it?

Turn the steering wheel to the right to straighten

Turn the steering wheel to the left to straighten

Do nothing and continue backing

Stop and pull forward only

14 / 30

How should all backing manoeuvres begin?

With the vehicle angled to the curb

With the transmission in neutral

With the vehicle and front wheels straight

With the steering wheel fully turned

15 / 30

What is the recommended body position when preparing to back up?

Sit in the center of the front seat

Turn fully around and kneel on the seat

Lean forward onto the steering wheel

Rest on your right hip and support yourself with your right arm

16 / 30

Where should you focus your eyes when backing?

On the dashboard

Straight down at the rear bumper

Well back along the path you want to go, through the rear window

Only on the backup camera screen

17 / 30

What should you do with your mirrors and backup camera before backing?

Point them downward at your tires

Fold the mirrors in and turn the camera off

Ignore them and only look over your shoulder

Ensure mirrors are adjusted and the camera is clean and operational

18 / 30

What is a key advantage of the palming technique?

It eliminates the need to look out the rear window

It prevents tire wear while turning

It allows sharp turns while ensuring the front wheels are straight when your hand is at 12 o’clock

It automatically recenters the steering wheel

19 / 30

When using the palming technique, how should you place your left hand at the start?

At the 12 o’clock position, with your palm pushing against the wheel rim

At the 3 o’clock position, with fingers only

At the 6 o’clock position, gripping tightly

At the 9 o’clock position, with a loose grip

20 / 30

How should backup cameras be used?

Only at night

Along with head and mirror checks, not as the only source of information

As the only tool needed when backing

Only in parking garages

21 / 30

Palming is best described as what type of technique?

A braking method for emergencies

A way to shift gears without the clutch

An advanced steering technique used only when backing

A basic steering method for highway driving

22 / 30

What is the benefit of a 360-degree camera system when backing?

It replaces the need for mirrors

It provides a better overall perspective of your surroundings

It automatically steers the vehicle

It eliminates blind spots completely

23 / 30

In a manual-transmission vehicle at very low speeds, which control is used almost entirely to manage speed?

The steering wheel

The parking brake

The clutch

The accelerator

24 / 30

Why is front end swing important to understand?

It increases braking effectiveness

It is the cause of many backing collisions

It reduces tire wear

It improves fuel economy

25 / 30

Where should your left hand be on the steering wheel when backing using the basic technique?

At the 3 o’clock position

At the bottom (6 o’clock position)

At the top center (12 o’clock position)

At the 9 o’clock position

26 / 30

Before backing up, what should you always do?

Honk the horn continuously

Turn on your hazard lights

Check behind your vehicle to be sure the path is clear

Open your door and look out

27 / 30

How should blind spot monitoring systems be used when backing?

As an aid to help detect vehicles or objects you might not see

As the only method of checking behind you

Only in good weather conditions

Only when driving forward on highways

28 / 30

In an automatic-transmission vehicle, how should you typically drive at very low speeds?

Use the parking brake instead of the foot brake

Shift to neutral and coast

Press the accelerator lightly and avoid using the brake

Keep your foot resting on the brake and let engine idling move the vehicle

29 / 30

In what situation is the palming technique particularly useful?

When driving at high speeds on the highway

When driving on gravel roads

When both straight line backing and sharp turning are required

When parking facing downhill

30 / 30

How should you treat alerts from backup sensors?

Use them instead of looking around

Pay attention to them but don’t rely on them alone

Ignore them because they’re inaccurate

Turn them off when backing

Your score is

This section assesses essential maneuvers such as parking, reversing, three-point turns, and navigating tight spaces. Drivers are expected to demonstrate smooth steering, effective use of mirrors, and accurate judgment of distances. Mastering low speed skills is vital for safely performing everyday tasks like parallel parking and maneuvering in crowded areas. These skills help prevent minor collisions and property damage. Practicing low-speed control builds confidence and ensures drivers can handle challenging situations on Saskatchewan’s roads.