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?

Only the posted speed limit signs

Pedestrians only, not vehicles

Changes in radio reception

Other vehicles that may be stopped or waiting in line

2 / 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

3 / 20

Why are manoeuvring limitations more hazardous for a school bus?

A bus always has right-of-way

A bus has less powerful brakes than cars

A large bus requires more space to manoeuvre

A bus is not allowed to change lanes

4 / 20

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

Estimate a safe speed from the degree of curvature and banking

Drive in the centre of the road for better vision

Speed up to clear the curve quickly

Maintain the same speed to avoid traffic disruption

5 / 20

Why can wooden bridge surfaces be a traction hazard?

They are only used in rural areas

They are always narrower than the road

They are painted a different colour

They may contain cracks, holes, and protruding nails

6 / 20

Which of the following is a category of road hazard?

Engine performance limitations

Passenger loading issues

Fuel economy concerns

Sight distance limitations

7 / 20

What is “black ice”?

Ice formed from oil and grease alone

Ice that appears only in daylight

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

Ice that is always covered in snow

8 / 20

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

Wide, empty freeways

Straight, dry, divided highways

Roads with no intersections

Narrow or narrowing lanes

9 / 20

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

Wet or freezing conditions

Hot, dry summer conditions

Only at night

Only in heavy traffic

10 / 20

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

Roadside mailboxes only

Overhead power lines

Painted lane markings

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

11 / 20

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

Dead-end streets

Private driveways only

Rest areas with no traffic flow

Intersections

12 / 20

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

Gravel or dirt surfaces

Newly paved asphalt only

Tiled roadways

Fresh concrete

13 / 20

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

Dry, smooth asphalt

Freshly swept streets

Potholes, frost-heaves, and cracked pavement

Brightly painted crosswalks

14 / 20

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

Road construction

Freshly painted lines

Clear, new pavement

Recently mowed ditches

15 / 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

Stop only in designated areas

Maintain a constant lane position

16 / 20

Traffic conflict points occur where vehicles must:

Park for long periods

Stop for railroad crossings only

Merge, intersect, or cross paths

Reduce speed for school zones

17 / 20

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

Pedestrians crossing the ramp

Only vehicles travelling at the speed limit

Parked maintenance vehicles only

Vehicles stopped or slowing down unexpectedly

18 / 20

Sight distance limitations are caused primarily by:

The colour of the pavement

The number of passengers on the bus

Streetlights at night

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

19 / 20

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

At the bottom of the hill

Prior to the beginning of the hill

Halfway down the hill

Only if the brakes begin to fade

20 / 20

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

Two

Four

Five

Three

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.