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 the first step recommended for stopping on slippery surfaces?

Turn off the headlights

Shift to neutral (or declutch) before you brake

Turn the steering wheel fully

Apply the parking brake first

2 / 35

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

Spare alternator

Battery tester only

Booster cables

Extension cords for headlights

3 / 35

Which windows should you scrape before driving?

Windshield, rear and side windows

Only the rear window

Only the front windshield

Only the driver’s side window

4 / 35

What is the general rule for driving on slippery conditions?

Drive faster to get off slippery sections quickly

Drive slowly

Stop frequently in live traffic lanes

Maintain your normal summer speed

5 / 35

On slippery roads, when should you brake?

Brake only in the middle of the curve

Brake early and gently using the threshold technique

Brake late and hard

Avoid braking at all

6 / 35

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

Accelerate hard to break free

Rev the engine in neutral

Accelerate gently

Spin the wheels intentionally

7 / 35

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

Pumping the brakes rapidly at random

Threshold braking

Not using the brakes at all

Slamming the brakes and turning hard

8 / 35

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

Nourishing freezable food like raisins, nuts and candy

Food that spoils quickly

Hot soup in open containers

Fresh salads that must be refrigerated

9 / 35

How should you approach a curve on a slippery surface?

Brake hard in the middle of the curve

Reduce your speed and approach the corner or curve slowly

Maintain your speed and turn sharply

Speed up before entering the curve

10 / 35

Why is gentle acceleration and braking important on slippery roads?

It saves fuel in all seasons

Reduced traction makes the grip between tires and surface fragile

It prevents tire wear in summer

It keeps the engine cooler

11 / 35

Which of the following is recommended for winter vehicle preparedness?

Avoiding any engine warm-up

Turning off the defroster in winter

Block heater

Removing the heater to save energy

12 / 35

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

Chains only for city driving

No special tires are recommended

Summer-only performance tires

Snow tires

13 / 35

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

Ignore the exhaust pipe

Keep your exhaust pipe clear of ice and snow

Cover the exhaust pipe with cloth to reduce noise

Block the exhaust pipe to keep heat in

14 / 35

Which temptation should you resist on winter roads?

Slowing down on ice

Increasing following distance

Accelerating hard when you are passing

Using low-beam headlights in snow

15 / 35

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

Under the rear bumper

In front of the windshield

Under the driver’s seat

Inside the trunk

16 / 35

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

Keep it the same as dry summer conditions

Make it even longer than three seconds

Keep it at exactly one second

Shorten it to stay close

17 / 35

What is a “whiteout”?

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

A fog only at ground level

Heavy rain that reduces visibility

Night driving with oncoming headlights

18 / 35

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

19 / 35

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

The vehicle will turn more sharply

The ABS will always prevent any sliding

The vehicle will continue straight and not turn

The vehicle will stop immediately

20 / 35

Why is a pre-winter vehicle check considered necessary?

It is required for vehicle insurance

It is legally required every year

It improves summer fuel efficiency

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

21 / 35

Which communication tool is recommended for winter survival on trips?

Two-way radio only

Car radio only

Portable TV

Cellphone and charger cable

22 / 35

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

Sleeping bags

Pillow only

Air mattress only

Electric blanket only

23 / 35

How should you drive with your headlights in winter?

With headlights on at all times

Only in the city

Only when it is snowing heavily

Only at night

24 / 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

25 / 35

What is the main cause of collisions in winter months?

Failing to adjust to changing conditions

High summer temperatures

Excessive daylight

Poor vehicle design

26 / 35

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

Polished bare pavement

Snow rather than ice

Painted road markings

Ice rather than snow

27 / 35

What should you avoid using on icy or slippery roads?

The defroster

Cruise control

Low-beam headlights

The heater

28 / 35

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

Steering wheel cover

Extra hubcaps

Set of traction mats

Air freshener

29 / 35

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

Turning the engine off and on repeatedly

Spinning the tires as fast as possible

Rocking your vehicle forward and backward gently

Only pushing the vehicle by hand

30 / 35

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

The wheels are spinning fast

The wheels have stopped turning

The parking brake is on

The engine is revved high

31 / 35

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

Only the license plate

Only the rear-view mirror

Only the roof of the vehicle

Headlights, tail lights and signal lights

32 / 35

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

Snow brush and scraper

Leaf blower

Garden hose

Lawn rake

33 / 35

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

Leave your vehicle to look for help

Stay with your vehicle

Break a window for air

Turn the engine off permanently

34 / 35

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

March to May

June to August

September to November

November to March

35 / 35

Which is recommended for winter fuel system care?

Diesel fuel additive in all vehicles

Radiator stop-leak

Extra engine oil

Gas line antifreeze

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.