Section 11b: Driving at night and in bad weather

The Ontario driving test evaluates your ability to drive safely under various conditions, including the section “Driving at night and in bad weather.”

Ontario Driving Test - Section 11b: Driving at night and in bad weather

1 / 25

Why are high-beam headlights not recommended in blowing snow?

They use too much battery power.

They reflect off the ice particles, making it harder to see.

They are not bright enough.

They can blind other drivers.

2 / 25

What is the first recommendation if blowing snow and a whiteout are forecast?

Delay your trip until conditions improve, if possible.

Follow a snowplow closely.

Use your high-beam headlights.

Drive very slowly.

3 / 25

What driving aid should NOT be used during snowy or other inclement weather?

Cruise control.

Windshield wipers.

Headlights.

Defroster.

4 / 25

If your vehicle begins to skid, what is the recommended first action?

Brake as hard as possible.

Ease off on the accelerator or brake.

Turn the steering wheel sharply in the opposite direction.

Accelerate quickly to regain traction.

5 / 25

When testing your brakes after driving through water, how should the vehicle behave?

It should pull slightly to the right.

It should make a loud squealing noise.

It should stop in a straight line.

The brake pedal should feel spongy.

6 / 25

To maintain maximum vision in snowy conditions, what should a driver do?

Slightly open the side windows.

Keep windows and mirrors clean using the defroster and wipers.

Keep the interior lights on.

Wear sunglasses to reduce glare.

7 / 25

What is the key to threshold braking?

Pumping the brakes rapidly.

Applying as much braking force as possible without inducing a skid.

Applying steady, light pressure to the brake pedal.

Using the emergency brake simultaneously.

8 / 25

What is a 'whiteout' in the context of driving?

A brightly lit tunnel.

When blowing snow completely blocks your view of the road.

Driving on a road made of white gravel.

When the sun's glare completely blocks your view.

9 / 25

What does a spongy brake pedal signify after your brakes should be dry?

A sign of trouble requiring immediate repair.

The anti-lock braking system is active.

The brake fluid is too cold.

The brakes are working optimally.

10 / 25

Besides low beams, what other lights can be used in whiteout conditions if your vehicle has them?

Hazard lights.

Fog lights.

High beams.

Interior dome lights.

11 / 25

In which direction should you steer during a skid?

In the direction you wish to go.

In the opposite direction of the skid.

Straight ahead, regardless of the vehicle's movement.

Alternating left and right quickly.

12 / 25

What is the primary function of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)?

To improve fuel efficiency during hard braking.

To prevent tire skid and the accompanying loss of steering control.

To automatically apply the brakes in an emergency.

To significantly shorten the vehicle's stopping distance.

13 / 25

Which headlights should you use in whiteout conditions?

No headlights to reduce glare.

Only your fog lights.

High-beam headlights only.

Low-beam headlights.

14 / 25

According to the text, what is the most common cause of skids?

A malfunctioning GPS.

Driving too fast for road conditions.

Under-inflated tires.

Using the wrong type of fuel.

15 / 25

In what type of vehicle is threshold braking generally practiced?

Heavy-duty trucks and buses.

Vehicles not equipped with ABS.

Vehicles with automatic transmissions.

All modern vehicles.

16 / 25

What is a key piece of advice for drivers caught in blowing snow regarding other vehicles?

Pass slower vehicles as quickly as possible.

Drive closely behind a large truck for visibility.

Avoid passing, changing lanes and crossing traffic.

Stay in the fast lane.

17 / 25

What should you NOT do when performing threshold braking?

Press the brake pedal hard.

Try to maintain control.

Pump the brakes.

Release pressure slightly if a wheel locks.

18 / 25

How should a driver operate a vehicle's controls on a slippery road to avoid a skid?

In a quick and aggressive manner.

In a smooth and constrained manner.

By alternating between accelerating and braking.

By making sharp and sudden turns.

19 / 25

What combination of actions is likely to cause a skid?

Driving slowly and steering gently.

Braking or accelerating while steering on a slippery surface.

Gradual acceleration on a dry road.

Using cruise control on the highway.

20 / 25

How does ABS affect the stopping distance of a vehicle?

It always lengthens the stopping distance.

It cuts the stopping distance in half on wet roads.

You should not expect the stopping distance to be shortened.

It always shortens the stopping distance.

21 / 25

What should you do with the brake pedal in an ABS-equipped vehicle during a controlled emergency stop?

Press the pedal hard and allow the system to work.

Tap the pedal repeatedly to test for pulsations.

Apply light, gentle pressure.

Pump the pedal quickly.

22 / 25

What sensation might a driver unfamiliar with ABS feel in the brake pedal during hard braking?

Pulsations.

A complete lack of resistance.

A smooth and gradual depression.

A loud clicking noise.

23 / 25

What should you do if visibility drops to near zero while driving?

Speed up to get out of the area faster.

Try to get off the road and pull into a safe parking area.

Turn on your high-beam headlights and continue.

Stop immediately in your lane.

24 / 25

What should you do immediately after driving through a flooded stretch of road?

Turn on your hazard lights for 10 minutes.

Increase your speed to air-dry the brakes.

Check your tire pressure.

Test your brakes when it is safe to do so.

25 / 25

How should you adjust your following distance when driving in blowing snow?

Following distance is not important in snow.

Maintain the standard two-second rule.

Increase your following distance.

Decrease your following distance to see the car ahead better.

Your score is

In this part, you are tested on strategies for maintaining visibility, controlling your vehicle, and responding to hazards like rain, fog, or snow. Essential skills include proper use of headlights, keeping a safe distance, and adjusting speed for slippery roads. Mastering these techniques is crucial for passing the test and ensuring your safety on Ontario’s roads. The test emphasizes real-world readiness, preparing drivers to confidently handle nighttime and adverse weather situations.