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 happens when a front tire is flat?

The vehicle stops immediately

The vehicle speeds up

The vehicle pulls strongly to the side with the flat tire

The vehicle starts to overheat

2 / 20

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

When you want to continue driving

When you want to tow the vehicle yourself

When you have already fixed the vehicle

When you do not want to do roadside repairs yourself

3 / 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

Turn off the hazard lights and continue at night

Continue driving as normal

Drive faster to reach a repair shop sooner

4 / 20

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

Try to fix the vehicle on a busy highway

Change lanes safely and park in a safe location if possible

Continue driving until the vehicle stops completely

Stop immediately in the middle of the road

5 / 20

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

To the nearest gas station without slowing down

To the emergency stopping lane or edge of the road

To the nearest bridge or tunnel

To the middle of the road

6 / 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

7 / 20

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

Immediately start roadside repairs

Leave the vehicle and walk away

Turn off all lights and stay inside the vehicle

Turn on your hazard lights (four-way flashers)

8 / 20

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

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

50 metres apart

5 metres apart

1 metre apart

9 / 20

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

Increased acceleration

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

A smooth and steady ride

The horn sounding automatically

10 / 20

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

Roadside assistance only

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual

A friend who drives

Traffic signs

11 / 20

What should you do if both headlights fail?

Turn on your hazard lights

Turn off all lights and continue driving

Speed up to reach your destination faster

Use your interior lights only

12 / 20

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

Turn off the hazard lights

Release the brake pedal immediately

Pump the brake pedal rapidly

Push the brake pedal harder and apply steady pressure

13 / 20

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

In a rest area

In a parking lot

On the shoulder of the road

On a bridge or in a tunnel

14 / 20

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

Turn on the radio to stay alert

Honk the horn to warn other drivers

Change lanes immediately

Turn the headlight control off and on

15 / 20

What should you do if a power steering failure occurs?

Turn off the engine

Use extra effort to turn the steering wheel

Stop driving immediately

Pump the brakes

16 / 20

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

Resist the urge to immediately apply the brakes

Turn off the hazard lights

Steer sharply to the side of the road

Apply the brakes hard right away

17 / 20

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

The parking brake is engaged

The engine is overheating

There is a problem with the brake system

The brakes are fully functional

18 / 20

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

Turn off the engine immediately

Accelerate to gain control

Shift to a higher gear

Carefully use your park brake

19 / 20

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

A spare tire only

Reflective triangles

A fire extinguisher

A flashlight only

20 / 20

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

That the headlights are on

That the engine is running

That the seatbelt is fastened

That the park brake has been released

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.