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

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

Inside the trunk

Under the rear bumper

In front of the windshield

Under the driver’s seat

2 / 35

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

Brush the snow off your car

Only clear a peephole on the windshield

Warm the engine but leave snow on the car

Rely on other drivers to see you

3 / 35

What is a “whiteout”?

A fog only at ground level

Night driving with oncoming headlights

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

4 / 35

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

Keep it the same as dry summer conditions

Make it even longer than three seconds

Keep it at exactly one second

Shorten it to stay close

5 / 35

On slippery roads, when should you brake?

Brake only in the middle of the curve

Avoid braking at all

Brake late and hard

Brake early and gently using the threshold technique

6 / 35

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

Steering wheel cover

Extra hubcaps

Set of traction mats

Air freshener

7 / 35

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

Not using the brakes at all

Slamming the brakes and turning hard

Threshold braking

Pumping the brakes rapidly at random

8 / 35

How should you drive with your headlights in winter?

With headlights on at all times

Only when it is snowing heavily

Only in the city

Only at night

9 / 35

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

Only pushing the vehicle by hand

Turning the engine off and on repeatedly

Spinning the tires as fast as possible

Rocking your vehicle forward and backward gently

10 / 35

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

Shift to neutral (or declutch) before you brake

Apply the parking brake first

Turn off the headlights

Turn the steering wheel fully

11 / 35

How should you approach a curve on a slippery surface?

Maintain your speed and turn sharply

Reduce your speed and approach the corner or curve slowly

Speed up before entering the curve

Brake hard in the middle of the curve

12 / 35

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

Painted road markings

Snow rather than ice

Ice rather than snow

Polished bare pavement

13 / 35

Which of the following is recommended for winter vehicle preparedness?

Avoiding any engine warm-up

Turning off the defroster in winter

Block heater

Removing the heater to save energy

14 / 35

What is the main cause of collisions in winter months?

Failing to adjust to changing conditions

Poor vehicle design

High summer temperatures

Excessive daylight

15 / 35

Which is recommended for winter fuel system care?

Extra engine oil

Radiator stop-leak

Gas line antifreeze

Diesel fuel additive in all vehicles

16 / 35

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

The parking brake is on

The engine is revved high

The wheels are spinning fast

The wheels have stopped turning

17 / 35

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

Block the exhaust pipe to keep heat in

Cover the exhaust pipe with cloth to reduce noise

Keep your exhaust pipe clear of ice and snow

Ignore the exhaust pipe

18 / 35

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

The vehicle will continue straight and not turn

The vehicle will turn more sharply

The ABS will always prevent any sliding

The vehicle will stop immediately

19 / 35

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

Fresh salads that must be refrigerated

Nourishing freezable food like raisins, nuts and candy

Food that spoils quickly

Hot soup in open containers

20 / 35

What should you avoid using on icy or slippery roads?

The heater

The defroster

Cruise control

Low-beam headlights

21 / 35

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

Battery tester only

Booster cables

Extension cords for headlights

Spare alternator

22 / 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

23 / 35

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

Accelerate gently

Rev the engine in neutral

Accelerate hard to break free

Spin the wheels intentionally

24 / 35

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

Chains only for city driving

Summer-only performance tires

Snow tires

No special tires are recommended

25 / 35

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

Stay with your vehicle

Break a window for air

Leave your vehicle to look for help

Turn the engine off permanently

26 / 35

Which temptation should you resist on winter roads?

Increasing following distance

Accelerating hard when you are passing

Slowing down on ice

Using low-beam headlights in snow

27 / 35

Why is gentle acceleration and braking important on slippery roads?

It saves fuel in all seasons

It keeps the engine cooler

It prevents tire wear in summer

Reduced traction makes the grip between tires and surface fragile

28 / 35

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

March to May

June to August

November to March

September to November

29 / 35

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

Only the roof of the vehicle

Only the license plate

Headlights, tail lights and signal lights

Only the rear-view mirror

30 / 35

Why is a pre-winter vehicle check considered necessary?

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

It improves summer fuel efficiency

It is legally required every year

It is required for vehicle insurance

31 / 35

Which communication tool is recommended for winter survival on trips?

Cellphone and charger cable

Car radio only

Portable TV

Two-way radio only

32 / 35

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

Snow brush and scraper

Leaf blower

Lawn rake

Garden hose

33 / 35

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

No extra clothes are needed

Just an extra pair of sunglasses

Only a light jacket is needed in a heated car

Extra warm clothes, including footwear, mitts and hats

34 / 35

What is the general rule for driving on slippery conditions?

Stop frequently in live traffic lanes

Drive faster to get off slippery sections quickly

Maintain your normal summer speed

Drive slowly

35 / 35

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

Air mattress only

Sleeping bags

Electric blanket only

Pillow only

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.