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

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

Other vehicles that may be stopped or waiting in line

Pedestrians only, not vehicles

Only the posted speed limit signs

Changes in radio reception

2 / 20

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

Freshly swept streets

Potholes, frost-heaves, and cracked pavement

Brightly painted crosswalks

Dry, smooth asphalt

3 / 20

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

Pedestrians crossing the ramp

Parked maintenance vehicles only

Vehicles stopped or slowing down unexpectedly

Only vehicles travelling at the speed limit

4 / 20

What is “black ice”?

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

Ice that appears only in daylight

Ice formed from oil and grease alone

Ice that is always covered in snow

5 / 20

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

Overhead power lines

Painted lane markings

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

Roadside mailboxes only

6 / 20

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

Rest areas with no traffic flow

Intersections

Private driveways only

Dead-end streets

7 / 20

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

Maintain the same speed to avoid traffic disruption

Drive in the centre of the road for better vision

Estimate a safe speed from the degree of curvature and banking

Speed up to clear the curve quickly

8 / 20

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

Four

Five

Two

Three

9 / 20

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

Prior to the beginning of the hill

At the bottom of the hill

Only if the brakes begin to fade

Halfway down the hill

10 / 20

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

Tiled roadways

Newly paved asphalt only

Fresh concrete

Gravel or dirt surfaces

11 / 20

Why are manoeuvring limitations more hazardous for a school bus?

A bus has less powerful brakes than cars

A large bus requires more space to manoeuvre

A bus is not allowed to change lanes

A bus always has right-of-way

12 / 20

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

Change lanes at the last moment suddenly and without warning

Always signal well in advance

Maintain a constant lane position

Stop only in designated areas

13 / 20

Why can wooden bridge surfaces be a traction hazard?

They are painted a different colour

They are always narrower than the road

They are only used in rural areas

They may contain cracks, holes, and protruding nails

14 / 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

15 / 20

Sight distance limitations are caused primarily by:

The colour of the pavement

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

The number of passengers on the bus

Streetlights at night

16 / 20

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

Only in heavy traffic

Wet or freezing conditions

Hot, dry summer conditions

Only at night

17 / 20

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

Straight, dry, divided highways

Wide, empty freeways

Narrow or narrowing lanes

Roads with no intersections

18 / 20

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

Recently mowed ditches

Freshly painted lines

Road construction

Clear, new pavement

19 / 20

Which of the following is a category of road hazard?

Sight distance limitations

Passenger loading issues

Engine performance limitations

Fuel economy concerns

20 / 20

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

Learning to ‘feel the road’ through the vehicle

Watching only the speedometer

Listening only to engine noise

Relying solely on road signs

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.