Chapter 5-8: Winter driving

The “Winter Driving” section of the Saskatchewan Driver Knowledge Test evaluates your understanding of safe driving practices during the province’s harsh winter conditions.

Saskatchewan Driving Test - Chapter 5-8: Winter driving

1 / 35

What is a “whiteout”?

A fog only at ground level

When the sky, horizon and ground blend so you can hardly tell where the road ends and the ditch begins

Heavy rain that reduces visibility

Night driving with oncoming headlights

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What should you do regarding the exhaust pipe if stranded in snow?

Cover the exhaust pipe with cloth to reduce noise

Ignore the exhaust pipe

Block the exhaust pipe to keep heat in

Keep your exhaust pipe clear of ice and snow

3 / 35

What should you do before driving to ensure you can see and be seen?

Warm the engine but leave snow on the car

Brush the snow off your car

Rely on other drivers to see you

Only clear a peephole on the windshield

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Which item should you carry for clearing your vehicle in winter?

Snow brush and scraper

Garden hose

Leaf blower

Lawn rake

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On slippery roads, when should you brake?

Brake early and gently using the threshold technique

Brake only in the middle of the curve

Brake late and hard

Avoid braking at all

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How should you approach a curve on a slippery surface?

Brake hard in the middle of the curve

Speed up before entering the curve

Maintain your speed and turn sharply

Reduce your speed and approach the corner or curve slowly

7 / 35

What is the first step recommended for stopping on slippery surfaces?

Apply the parking brake first

Turn the steering wheel fully

Turn off the headlights

Shift to neutral (or declutch) before you brake

8 / 35

Which of the following is recommended for winter vehicle preparedness?

Removing the heater to save energy

Block heater

Turning off the defroster in winter

Avoiding any engine warm-up

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When conditions are wet or slippery, how should you adjust your following distance?

Make it even longer than three seconds

Keep it at exactly one second

Keep it the same as dry summer conditions

Shorten it to stay close

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What should you avoid using on icy or slippery roads?

Low-beam headlights

The defroster

The heater

Cruise control

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Which of the following is recommended for winter driving equipment on your vehicle?

Snow tires

Summer-only performance tires

No special tires are recommended

Chains only for city driving

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Which is recommended for winter fuel system care?

Gas line antifreeze

Diesel fuel additive in all vehicles

Extra engine oil

Radiator stop-leak

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Which item is recommended to help you get traction if stuck?

Steering wheel cover

Set of traction mats

Air freshener

Extra hubcaps

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What is the main cause of collisions in winter months?

Poor vehicle design

Failing to adjust to changing conditions

Excessive daylight

High summer temperatures

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What is the general rule for driving on slippery conditions?

Stop frequently in live traffic lanes

Maintain your normal summer speed

Drive faster to get off slippery sections quickly

Drive slowly

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What must you clean to ensure other road users can see you?

Only the rear-view mirror

Only the roof of the vehicle

Only the license plate

Headlights, tail lights and signal lights

17 / 35

Before changing gears while rocking your vehicle in snow, what must you ensure?

The wheels have stopped turning

The parking brake is on

The engine is revved high

The wheels are spinning fast

18 / 35

When searching for better traction, what surface is usually better?

Ice rather than snow

Polished bare pavement

Painted road markings

Snow rather than ice

19 / 35

Which electrical aid should you have, and know how to use, in winter?

Booster cables

Spare alternator

Extension cords for headlights

Battery tester only

20 / 35

Which sleeping-related item is advised for out-of-town winter travel survival?

Electric blanket only

Sleeping bags

Air mattress only

Pillow only

21 / 35

What is usually the best way to start moving on ice or packed snow?

Rev the engine in neutral

Accelerate hard to break free

Accelerate gently

Spin the wheels intentionally

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Which food is recommended as part of your winter survival equipment?

Nourishing freezable food like raisins, nuts and candy

Fresh salads that must be refrigerated

Hot soup in open containers

Food that spoils quickly

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Which period of the year in Saskatchewan sees most collisions due to winter conditions?

November to March

September to November

March to May

June to August

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When stranded in a winter blizzard, what should you always do?

Leave your vehicle to look for help

Turn the engine off permanently

Break a window for air

Stay with your vehicle

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Why is gentle acceleration and braking important on slippery roads?

It keeps the engine cooler

Reduced traction makes the grip between tires and surface fragile

It prevents tire wear in summer

It saves fuel in all seasons

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Where is the heater air intake usually located, which you should keep clear of snow?

In front of the windshield

Under the rear bumper

Under the driver’s seat

Inside the trunk

27 / 35

Which communication tool is recommended for winter survival on trips?

Car radio only

Portable TV

Cellphone and charger cable

Two-way radio only

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If you are stuck in deep snow, what technique may help you get out?

Turning the engine off and on repeatedly

Rocking your vehicle forward and backward gently

Only pushing the vehicle by hand

Spinning the tires as fast as possible

29 / 35

Why is a pre-winter vehicle check considered necessary?

It is required for vehicle insurance

It improves summer fuel efficiency

It is legally required every year

Winter conditions and low temperatures demand a vehicle be in top condition

30 / 35

Which temptation should you resist on winter roads?

Using low-beam headlights in snow

Accelerating hard when you are passing

Increasing following distance

Slowing down on ice

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Which windows should you scrape before driving?

Only the driver’s side window

Windshield, rear and side windows

Only the rear window

Only the front windshield

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How should you drive with your headlights in winter?

With headlights on at all times

Only when it is snowing heavily

Only at night

Only in the city

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For out-of-town winter trips, which clothing-related precaution is recommended?

Just an extra pair of sunglasses

Extra warm clothes, including footwear, mitts and hats

No extra clothes are needed

Only a light jacket is needed in a heated car

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On ice near the freezing point, what braking method is usually better than hard braking?

Slamming the brakes and turning hard

Not using the brakes at all

Threshold braking

Pumping the brakes rapidly at random

35 / 35

What happens if you brake too hard and your wheels lock on a slippery surface?

The vehicle will continue straight and not turn

The vehicle will stop immediately

The vehicle will turn more sharply

The ABS will always prevent any sliding

Your score is

This section covers key topics such as reducing speed on icy or snow-covered roads, increasing following distances, and the importance of gentle steering and braking to avoid skidding. Drivers must also know how to prepare their vehicles for winter, including using winter tires and keeping emergency supplies. Recognizing black ice, proper use of headlights, and safe passing techniques in poor visibility are emphasized. Mastery of this section helps ensure drivers are prepared for Saskatchewan’s challenging winter weather.