Chapter 6-3: Vehicle mechanical problems

The Alberta driver’s knowledge test includes a section on “Vehicle Mechanical Problems,” assessing a driver’s readiness to handle unexpected vehicle issues on the road.

Alberta Driving Test - Chapter 6-3: Vehicle mechanical problems

1 / 20

What should you do if your vehicle is left in a potentially dangerous location?

Turn on your hazard lights (four-way flashers)

Turn off all lights and stay inside the vehicle

Leave the vehicle and walk away

Immediately start roadside repairs

2 / 20

If you have power brakes and the engine stops while moving, what should you do?

Pump the brake pedal rapidly

Push the brake pedal harder and apply steady pressure

Release the brake pedal immediately

Turn off the hazard lights

3 / 20

What does a brake warning light on your instrument panel indicate?

The brakes are fully functional

The engine is overheating

There is a problem with the brake system

The parking brake is engaged

4 / 20

What can you use to slow your vehicle if the brakes fail and your wheels are not turned?

Shift to a higher gear

Accelerate to gain control

Carefully use your park brake

Turn off the engine immediately

5 / 20

What should you do if both headlights fail?

Use your interior lights only

Turn off all lights and continue driving

Speed up to reach your destination faster

Turn on your hazard lights

6 / 20

Where should you move your vehicle after a tire goes flat?

To the middle of the road

To the nearest gas station without slowing down

To the emergency stopping lane or edge of the road

To the nearest bridge or tunnel

7 / 20

What might you feel if a tire has an air leak?

A smooth and steady ride

Increased acceleration

The horn sounding automatically

The vehicle beginning to pull and a vibration in the steering wheel

8 / 20

What should you do if a power steering failure occurs?

Use extra effort to turn the steering wheel

Stop driving immediately

Pump the brakes

Turn off the engine

9 / 20

What is recommended to consult for more information about brake failure?

A friend who drives

Roadside assistance only

Traffic signs

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual

10 / 20

What safety item is recommended to carry in your vehicle in case of breakdowns?

Reflective triangles

A fire extinguisher

A flashlight only

A spare tire only

11 / 20

What should you do if your vehicle breaks down while driving?

Change lanes safely and park in a safe location if possible

Try to fix the vehicle on a busy highway

Stop immediately in the middle of the road

Continue driving until the vehicle stops completely

12 / 20

When should you ask a motorist who stops to offer help to call for assistance?

When you want to continue driving

When you do not want to do roadside repairs yourself

When you want to tow the vehicle yourself

When you have already fixed the vehicle

13 / 20

If headlights still do not come on after trying to reset them, what is the best course of action?

Reduce your speed, safely move to the emergency stopping lane or edge of the road, and park in a safe place

Continue driving as normal

Turn off the hazard lights and continue at night

Drive faster to reach a repair shop sooner

14 / 20

How should you react if a tire goes flat while driving?

Resist the urge to immediately apply the brakes

Steer sharply to the side of the road

Turn off the hazard lights

Apply the brakes hard right away

15 / 20

If your headlights fail, what should you try before stopping?

Turn the headlight control off and on

Honk the horn to warn other drivers

Turn on the radio to stay alert

Change lanes immediately

16 / 20

Where should you avoid stopping your vehicle if it breaks down?

In a parking lot

On the shoulder of the road

On a bridge or in a tunnel

In a rest area

17 / 20

How far apart should you place reflective triangles behind your vehicle on a highway?

1 metre apart

50 metres apart

About 10 to 20 metres (33 to 66 feet) apart

5 metres apart

18 / 20

What happens when a front tire is flat?

The vehicle starts to overheat

The vehicle stops immediately

The vehicle speeds up

The vehicle pulls strongly to the side with the flat tire

19 / 20

What should you check if the brake warning light comes on?

That the headlights are on

That the engine is running

That the park brake has been released

That the seatbelt is fastened

20 / 20

After reducing speed and controlling the vehicle during a flat tire, what is the next step?

Turn off the engine

Accelerate quickly

Apply the brake with gentle and steady pressure

Honk the horn continuously

Your score is

Mechanical problems, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine trouble, can happen suddenly and require quick, calm responses. Drivers should know how to safely steer to the roadside, turn on hazard lights, and avoid abrupt actions that could cause further danger. Recognizing warning signs—like strange noises, warning lights, or changes in handling—is also essential. This section of the Alberta knowledge test ensures drivers understand how to manage mechanical problems and keep themselves and others safe.