Chapter 8-5: Snowplows

The “Snowplows” section of the Alberta Class 7 Practice Exam educates new drivers on the safe and legal ways to interact with snowplows during winter conditions.

Alberta Driving Test - Chapter 8-5: Snowplows

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Before passing a snowplow on a two-lane highway (one lane in each direction), you must:

Honk your horn continuously to warn the snowplow.

Turn on your hazard lights to indicate you are passing.

Wait until the snowplow comes to a complete stop.

Be sure you can see far enough ahead and that passing is permitted by road markings or signs.

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Passing a snowplow is strictly prohibited when:

You are driving in daylight hours.

Your view along the side of the snowplow is obstructe

The road is dry and visibility is goo

You are in a hurry and traffic behind you is building up.

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When driving behind a snowplow, why should you maintain the minimum safe following distance indicated on its rear sign?

It allows you to pass more quickly when neede

It gives you more time to react and reduces the risk of rock damage from the sanding unit.

It helps the snowplow driver see you better in their mirrors.

It reduces fuel consumption for both vehicles.

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Even when passing a snowplow is legally permitted, what is the safer practice?

Stay well back until the snowplow operator can safely move over to let you pass.

Drive closely behind to encourage the snowplow to speed up.

Use your high beams to signal the snowplow to move over.

Pass as soon as there is any opening, regardless of the snowplow’s position.

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Snowplows are equipped with flashing amber and red lights primarily to:

Make them more visible and warn drivers that a snowplow is ahea

Indicate that the road is completely close

Signal that drivers must stop immediately.

Show that the snowplow is low on fuel.

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Why can it be dangerous to pass or drive too close to a snowplow when it is clearing snow?

Snowplows cannot use turn signals while clearing snow.

The snow cloud it creates can make it difficult to see the snowplow and oncoming traffi

Snowplows are always speeding when clearing snow.

Snowplows have weaker lights than other vehicles.

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Snowplow operators will normally move to the side of the road to let vehicles pass about every:

Ten to twelve kilometres.

One to two kilometres.

Twenty kilometres.

Five to eight kilometres.

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When a snowplow is approaching from the opposite direction, what should you watch for in your lane?

Pedestrians crossing in front of the snowplow.

An oncoming vehicle that may be using your lane to pass the snowplow.

Potholes created by the snowplow.

Ice buildup in the center of the lane.

Your score is

This section highlights the dangers of following too closely, passing snowplows, and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Learners are tested on proper following distances, warning lights, and the importance of patience when stuck behind a snowplow. Understanding these points helps prevent collisions and ensures road safety during Alberta’s harsh winters. Mastering this section prepares drivers not just for the exam, but also for the challenges of navigating snowy roads alongside essential maintenance vehicles.