Series 3-20: Road Hazard Clues

The “Road Hazard Clues” section of the Alberta School Bus knowledge test evaluates a driver’s ability to identify potential dangers on the road.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 3-20: Road Hazard Clues

1 / 20

Concrete or metal bridge decks are especially hazardous in which conditions?

Only in heavy traffic

Only at night

Hot, dry summer conditions

Wet or freezing conditions

2 / 20

What is “black ice”?

Ice caused by freezing temperatures that is hard to see on the road surface

Ice that is always covered in snow

Ice formed from oil and grease alone

Ice that appears only in daylight

3 / 20

What skill does a defensive operator use to recognize traction limitations?

Watching only the speedometer

Listening only to engine noise

Relying solely on road signs

Learning to ‘feel the road’ through the vehicle

4 / 20

Why can wooden bridge surfaces be a traction hazard?

They are painted a different colour

They are only used in rural areas

They may contain cracks, holes, and protruding nails

They are always narrower than the road

5 / 20

On a long entrance ramp that continues as an off-ramp or deceleration lane, what can other drivers do that creates a hazard?

Always signal well in advance

Stop only in designated areas

Maintain a constant lane position

Change lanes at the last moment suddenly and without warning

6 / 20

Which is an example of a traction-related surface irregularity?

Freshly swept streets

Brightly painted crosswalks

Dry, smooth asphalt

Potholes, frost-heaves, and cracked pavement

7 / 20

What type of surface can be hazardous due to ruts made by other vehicles?

Newly paved asphalt only

Fresh concrete

Tiled roadways

Gravel or dirt surfaces

8 / 20

Which of the following is a category of road hazard?

Sight distance limitations

Engine performance limitations

Fuel economy concerns

Passenger loading issues

9 / 20

When approaching a downgrade (hill), when should the driver downshift?

Only if the brakes begin to fade

Prior to the beginning of the hill

Halfway down the hill

At the bottom of the hill

10 / 20

On a freeway entrance ramp or merging lane, what must the driver be especially alert for?

Parked maintenance vehicles only

Pedestrians crossing the ramp

Vehicles stopped or slowing down unexpectedly

Only vehicles travelling at the speed limit

11 / 20

Which of the following can obscure other traffic or pedestrians and limit sight distance?

Dips, valleys, buildings, trees, or large parked vehicles

Overhead power lines

Painted lane markings

Roadside mailboxes only

12 / 20

Which road condition can create manoeuvring difficulties for a school bus?

Road construction

Recently mowed ditches

Freshly painted lines

Clear, new pavement

13 / 20

Near the end of an off-ramp, what should a school bus driver watch for?

Only the posted speed limit signs

Other vehicles that may be stopped or waiting in line

Pedestrians only, not vehicles

Changes in radio reception

14 / 20

Which situation requires a school bus driver to compensate for manoeuvring limitations?

Narrow or narrowing lanes

Wide, empty freeways

Straight, dry, divided highways

Roads with no intersections

15 / 20

When approaching a curve, what should a school bus operator do?

Speed up to clear the curve quickly

Drive in the centre of the road for better vision

Maintain the same speed to avoid traffic disruption

Estimate a safe speed from the degree of curvature and banking

16 / 20

Sight distance limitations are caused primarily by:

The colour of the pavement

The number of passengers on the bus

Curves, valleys, hills, buildings, trees, or large parked vehicles

Streetlights at night

17 / 20

Road hazards related to the condition of the road itself fall into how many main categories?

Two

Five

Four

Three

18 / 20

Which of the following is an example of a traffic conflict point?

Intersections

Rest areas with no traffic flow

Dead-end streets

Private driveways only

19 / 20

Traffic conflict points occur where vehicles must:

Reduce speed for school zones

Stop for railroad crossings only

Merge, intersect, or cross paths

Park for long periods

20 / 20

Why are manoeuvring limitations more hazardous for a school bus?

A bus is not allowed to change lanes

A large bus requires more space to manoeuvre

A bus always has right-of-way

A bus has less powerful brakes than cars

Your score is

School bus drivers must be skilled at spotting hazards, such as icy patches, construction zones, animals, or debris, that could affect safe driving. This section tests the driver’s knowledge of how to respond appropriately to these hazards to ensure student safety. By recognizing road hazard clues early, drivers can take preventive actions, such as slowing down or changing lanes. Proficiency in this area is essential for maintaining a safe environment for all school bus passengers.