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

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

Newly paved asphalt only

Gravel or dirt surfaces

Tiled roadways

Fresh concrete

2 / 20

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

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

Painted lane markings

Roadside mailboxes only

Overhead power lines

3 / 20

Why can wooden bridge surfaces be a traction hazard?

They may contain cracks, holes, and protruding nails

They are always narrower than the road

They are only used in rural areas

They are painted a different colour

4 / 20

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

Halfway down the hill

Only if the brakes begin to fade

Prior to the beginning of the hill

At the bottom of the hill

5 / 20

Why are manoeuvring limitations more hazardous for a school bus?

A bus has less powerful brakes than cars

A bus is not allowed to change lanes

A large bus requires more space to manoeuvre

A bus always has right-of-way

6 / 20

Sight distance limitations are caused primarily by:

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

Streetlights at night

The colour of the pavement

The number of passengers on the bus

7 / 20

What is “black ice”?

Ice that appears only in daylight

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

Ice formed from oil and grease alone

Ice that is always covered in snow

8 / 20

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

Narrow or narrowing lanes

Wide, empty freeways

Roads with no intersections

Straight, dry, divided highways

9 / 20

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

Listening only to engine noise

Relying solely on road signs

Watching only the speedometer

Learning to ‘feel the road’ through the vehicle

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

Only vehicles travelling at the speed limit

Vehicles stopped or slowing down unexpectedly

11 / 20

Which of the following is a category of road hazard?

Engine performance limitations

Fuel economy concerns

Passenger loading issues

Sight distance limitations

12 / 20

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

Two

Three

Four

Five

13 / 20

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

Road construction

Recently mowed ditches

Freshly painted lines

Clear, new pavement

14 / 20

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

Wet or freezing conditions

Only at night

Only in heavy traffic

Hot, dry summer conditions

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?

Stop only in designated areas

Maintain a constant lane position

Change lanes at the last moment suddenly and without warning

Always signal well in advance

16 / 20

Traffic conflict points occur where vehicles must:

Park for long periods

Merge, intersect, or cross paths

Stop for railroad crossings only

Reduce speed for school zones

17 / 20

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

Speed up to clear the curve quickly

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

18 / 20

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

Freshly swept streets

Brightly painted crosswalks

Potholes, frost-heaves, and cracked pavement

Dry, smooth asphalt

19 / 20

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

Dead-end streets

Rest areas with no traffic flow

Intersections

Private driveways only

20 / 20

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

Changes in radio reception

Pedestrians only, not vehicles

Only the posted speed limit signs

Other vehicles that may be stopped or waiting in line

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.