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

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

Stay with your vehicle

Break a window for air

Turn the engine off permanently

Leave your vehicle to look for help

2 / 35

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

Slamming the brakes and turning hard

Threshold braking

Not using the brakes at all

Pumping the brakes rapidly at random

3 / 35

Which of the following is recommended for winter vehicle preparedness?

Turning off the defroster in winter

Avoiding any engine warm-up

Block heater

Removing the heater to save energy

4 / 35

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

Ice rather than snow

Snow rather than ice

Polished bare pavement

Painted road markings

5 / 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

6 / 35

What should you avoid using on icy or slippery roads?

The heater

Cruise control

Low-beam headlights

The defroster

7 / 35

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

Battery tester only

Spare alternator

Booster cables

Extension cords for headlights

8 / 35

Which communication tool is recommended for winter survival on trips?

Cellphone and charger cable

Portable TV

Car radio only

Two-way radio only

9 / 35

How should you approach a curve on a slippery surface?

Speed up before entering the curve

Brake hard in the middle of the curve

Maintain your speed and turn sharply

Reduce your speed and approach the corner or curve slowly

10 / 35

On slippery roads, when should you brake?

Brake only in the middle of the curve

Avoid braking at all

Brake early and gently using the threshold technique

Brake late and hard

11 / 35

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

Turn the steering wheel fully

Apply the parking brake first

Turn off the headlights

Shift to neutral (or declutch) before you brake

12 / 35

Which temptation should you resist on winter roads?

Using low-beam headlights in snow

Slowing down on ice

Increasing following distance

Accelerating hard when you are passing

13 / 35

Which is recommended for winter fuel system care?

Extra engine oil

Radiator stop-leak

Gas line antifreeze

Diesel fuel additive in all vehicles

14 / 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

15 / 35

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

Only clear a peephole on the windshield

Rely on other drivers to see you

Brush the snow off your car

Warm the engine but leave snow on the car

16 / 35

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

Under the rear bumper

In front of the windshield

Under the driver’s seat

Inside the trunk

17 / 35

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

Accelerate hard to break free

Rev the engine in neutral

Spin the wheels intentionally

Accelerate gently

18 / 35

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

Only the rear-view mirror

Headlights, tail lights and signal lights

Only the license plate

Only the roof of the vehicle

19 / 35

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

The parking brake is on

The wheels are spinning fast

The wheels have stopped turning

The engine is revved high

20 / 35

What is the general rule for driving on slippery conditions?

Drive slowly

Drive faster to get off slippery sections quickly

Maintain your normal summer speed

Stop frequently in live traffic lanes

21 / 35

How should you drive with your headlights in winter?

Only when it is snowing heavily

Only in the city

Only at night

With headlights on at all times

22 / 35

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

Only a light jacket is needed in a heated car

Extra warm clothes, including footwear, mitts and hats

No extra clothes are needed

Just an extra pair of sunglasses

23 / 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

24 / 35

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

March to May

November to March

June to August

September to November

25 / 35

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

Pillow only

Air mattress only

Sleeping bags

Electric blanket only

26 / 35

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

Rocking your vehicle forward and backward gently

Spinning the tires as fast as possible

Turning the engine off and on repeatedly

Only pushing the vehicle by hand

27 / 35

Which windows should you scrape before driving?

Only the front windshield

Only the driver’s side window

Only the rear window

Windshield, rear and side windows

28 / 35

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

Cover the exhaust pipe with cloth to reduce noise

Block the exhaust pipe to keep heat in

Keep your exhaust pipe clear of ice and snow

Ignore the exhaust pipe

29 / 35

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

Air freshener

Steering wheel cover

Set of traction mats

Extra hubcaps

30 / 35

What is the main cause of collisions in winter months?

Poor vehicle design

High summer temperatures

Failing to adjust to changing conditions

Excessive daylight

31 / 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

32 / 35

What is a “whiteout”?

Night driving with oncoming headlights

Heavy rain that reduces visibility

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

33 / 35

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

Snow tires

No special tires are recommended

Summer-only performance tires

Chains only for city driving

34 / 35

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

Nourishing freezable food like raisins, nuts and candy

Food that spoils quickly

Hot soup in open containers

Fresh salads that must be refrigerated

35 / 35

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

Snow brush and scraper

Leaf blower

Garden hose

Lawn rake

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.