Chapter 5-8: Winter driving

The “Winter Driving” section of the Saskatchewan Driver Knowledge Test evaluates your understanding of safe driving practices during the province’s harsh winter conditions.

Saskatchewan Driving Test - Chapter 5-8: Winter driving

1 / 35

What is usually the best way to start moving on ice or packed snow?

Rev the engine in neutral

Accelerate gently

Spin the wheels intentionally

Accelerate hard to break free

2 / 35

What happens if you brake too hard and your wheels lock on a slippery surface?

The vehicle will stop immediately

The vehicle will continue straight and not turn

The vehicle will turn more sharply

The ABS will always prevent any sliding

3 / 35

What is the first step recommended for stopping on slippery surfaces?

Turn off the headlights

Turn the steering wheel fully

Apply the parking brake first

Shift to neutral (or declutch) before you brake

4 / 35

Which of the following is recommended for winter vehicle preparedness?

Block heater

Turning off the defroster in winter

Removing the heater to save energy

Avoiding any engine warm-up

5 / 35

On slippery roads, when should you brake?

Brake only in the middle of the curve

Brake late and hard

Avoid braking at all

Brake early and gently using the threshold technique

6 / 35

What should you avoid using on icy or slippery roads?

The defroster

The heater

Low-beam headlights

Cruise control

7 / 35

Which food is recommended as part of your winter survival equipment?

Hot soup in open containers

Fresh salads that must be refrigerated

Nourishing freezable food like raisins, nuts and candy

Food that spoils quickly

8 / 35

Which period of the year in Saskatchewan sees most collisions due to winter conditions?

March to May

June to August

September to November

November to March

9 / 35

What is the general rule for driving on slippery conditions?

Stop frequently in live traffic lanes

Maintain your normal summer speed

Drive slowly

Drive faster to get off slippery sections quickly

10 / 35

Why is a pre-winter vehicle check considered necessary?

It is legally required every year

Winter conditions and low temperatures demand a vehicle be in top condition

It is required for vehicle insurance

It improves summer fuel efficiency

11 / 35

What is the main cause of collisions in winter months?

High summer temperatures

Poor vehicle design

Excessive daylight

Failing to adjust to changing conditions

12 / 35

When stranded in a winter blizzard, what should you always do?

Leave your vehicle to look for help

Turn the engine off permanently

Break a window for air

Stay with your vehicle

13 / 35

What should you do regarding the exhaust pipe if stranded in snow?

Ignore the exhaust pipe

Cover the exhaust pipe with cloth to reduce noise

Keep your exhaust pipe clear of ice and snow

Block the exhaust pipe to keep heat in

14 / 35

How should you approach a curve on a slippery surface?

Reduce your speed and approach the corner or curve slowly

Brake hard in the middle of the curve

Speed up before entering the curve

Maintain your speed and turn sharply

15 / 35

Which electrical aid should you have, and know how to use, in winter?

Battery tester only

Extension cords for headlights

Booster cables

Spare alternator

16 / 35

Which is recommended for winter fuel system care?

Radiator stop-leak

Gas line antifreeze

Diesel fuel additive in all vehicles

Extra engine oil

17 / 35

For out-of-town winter trips, which clothing-related precaution is recommended?

Extra warm clothes, including footwear, mitts and hats

No extra clothes are needed

Just an extra pair of sunglasses

Only a light jacket is needed in a heated car

18 / 35

Which item should you carry for clearing your vehicle in winter?

Snow brush and scraper

Leaf blower

Garden hose

Lawn rake

19 / 35

What must you clean to ensure other road users can see you?

Only the rear-view mirror

Only the roof of the vehicle

Headlights, tail lights and signal lights

Only the license plate

20 / 35

If you are stuck in deep snow, what technique may help you get out?

Spinning the tires as fast as possible

Only pushing the vehicle by hand

Turning the engine off and on repeatedly

Rocking your vehicle forward and backward gently

21 / 35

What is a “whiteout”?

Night driving with oncoming headlights

A fog only at ground level

When the sky, horizon and ground blend so you can hardly tell where the road ends and the ditch begins

Heavy rain that reduces visibility

22 / 35

How should you drive with your headlights in winter?

Only when it is snowing heavily

Only in the city

With headlights on at all times

Only at night

23 / 35

Which sleeping-related item is advised for out-of-town winter travel survival?

Electric blanket only

Air mattress only

Sleeping bags

Pillow only

24 / 35

Which item is recommended to help you get traction if stuck?

Set of traction mats

Air freshener

Steering wheel cover

Extra hubcaps

25 / 35

Which windows should you scrape before driving?

Only the rear window

Windshield, rear and side windows

Only the driver’s side window

Only the front windshield

26 / 35

Which of the following is recommended for winter driving equipment on your vehicle?

Summer-only performance tires

Snow tires

Chains only for city driving

No special tires are recommended

27 / 35

On ice near the freezing point, what braking method is usually better than hard braking?

Slamming the brakes and turning hard

Not using the brakes at all

Pumping the brakes rapidly at random

Threshold braking

28 / 35

Where is the heater air intake usually located, which you should keep clear of snow?

In front of the windshield

Under the rear bumper

Under the driver’s seat

Inside the trunk

29 / 35

Before changing gears while rocking your vehicle in snow, what must you ensure?

The engine is revved high

The wheels have stopped turning

The wheels are spinning fast

The parking brake is on

30 / 35

Which communication tool is recommended for winter survival on trips?

Car radio only

Portable TV

Cellphone and charger cable

Two-way radio only

31 / 35

When searching for better traction, what surface is usually better?

Snow rather than ice

Painted road markings

Polished bare pavement

Ice rather than snow

32 / 35

Why is gentle acceleration and braking important on slippery roads?

It prevents tire wear in summer

Reduced traction makes the grip between tires and surface fragile

It keeps the engine cooler

It saves fuel in all seasons

33 / 35

Which temptation should you resist on winter roads?

Accelerating hard when you are passing

Slowing down on ice

Increasing following distance

Using low-beam headlights in snow

34 / 35

When conditions are wet or slippery, how should you adjust your following distance?

Keep it at exactly one second

Shorten it to stay close

Make it even longer than three seconds

Keep it the same as dry summer conditions

35 / 35

What should you do before driving to ensure you can see and be seen?

Warm the engine but leave snow on the car

Rely on other drivers to see you

Only clear a peephole on the windshield

Brush the snow off your car

Your score is

This section covers key topics such as reducing speed on icy or snow-covered roads, increasing following distances, and the importance of gentle steering and braking to avoid skidding. Drivers must also know how to prepare their vehicles for winter, including using winter tires and keeping emergency supplies. Recognizing black ice, proper use of headlights, and safe passing techniques in poor visibility are emphasized. Mastery of this section helps ensure drivers are prepared for Saskatchewan’s challenging winter weather.