Alberta Motor Association Special Driving Conditions and Emergency Procedures

Question 1

What should you do if your vehicle's brakes suddenly fail while driving?

Accepted Answer

Pump the brakes, downshift to a lower gear, and use the parking brake gradually

Answer

Pumping the brakes may restore some pressure, downshifting uses engine braking, and the parking brake applied gradually can slow the vehicle safely.

Question 2

What is the correct response to a tire blowout while driving?

Accepted Answer

Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight

Answer

A firm grip maintains control, releasing the accelerator lets the vehicle slow gradually, and steering straight prevents a spin.

Question 3

What is black ice and when is it most likely to form?

Accepted Answer

A thin transparent layer of ice that often forms overnight or early morning near the freezing point

Answer

Black ice is nearly invisible because it is a thin transparent glaze that forms when temperatures dip near freezing, typically overnight or at dawn.

Question 4

What is hydroplaning and how do you respond to it?

Accepted Answer

When tires ride on a film of water and lose contact with the road — ease off the gas and steer gently straight

Answer

Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up faster than tires can displace it; easing off the gas allows tires to regain road contact.

Question 5

If your vehicle begins to skid, what is the correct steering response?

Accepted Answer

Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go (into the skid)

Answer

Steering into the skid — toward the direction the rear of the car is sliding — helps realign the vehicle and restore control.

Alberta Motor Association - AMA Learner's Practice Exam Practice Test