Class 7 Highway Driving 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving on an Alberta highway at night, when should you switch from high beams to low beams?
- When an oncoming vehicle is within 300 metres or when following a vehicle within 150 metres (Correct answer)
- Only when flashed by another driver
- Never — high beams should always be used on highways at night
- When entering a town, but not before
Correct answer: When an oncoming vehicle is within 300 metres or when following a vehicle within 150 metres
In Alberta, you must switch to low beams when within 300 metres of an oncoming vehicle and within 150 metres of a vehicle you are following, to avoid blinding other drivers.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the 'SHARE THE ROAD' sign sometimes seen on Alberta highways?
- All vehicles must drive side by side
- Drivers should be aware of and accommodate other road users such as cyclists or farm equipment (Correct answer)
- The road is toll-free
- The road is temporarily one lane
Correct answer: Drivers should be aware of and accommodate other road users such as cyclists or farm equipment
The 'Share the Road' sign reminds drivers to watch for and accommodate other road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, farm equipment, or horse-drawn vehicles that may be using the same road.
Question 3: On a steep downhill grade on an Alberta highway, what is the safest way to control your speed?
- Ride the brakes continuously
- Use a lower gear to let the engine help slow the vehicle, and apply brakes intermittently (Correct answer)
- Put the vehicle in neutral and coast
- Use only the parking brake
Correct answer: Use a lower gear to let the engine help slow the vehicle, and apply brakes intermittently
On steep downgrades, shift to a lower gear to use engine braking. Apply your brakes intermittently rather than riding them continuously, which can cause brake fade and loss of stopping power.
Question 4: In Alberta, what is the safest way to check for vehicles in your blind spot before changing lanes on the highway?
- Rely entirely on your mirrors
- Do a shoulder check by quickly glancing over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change (Correct answer)
- Ask your passenger to check for you
- Honk your horn before changing lanes
Correct answer: Do a shoulder check by quickly glancing over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change
A shoulder check (quickly glancing over your shoulder) is essential before any lane change. Mirrors have blind spots that cannot show vehicles beside you. Always shoulder check in the direction you intend to move.
Question 5: What should you do if you encounter an animal on an Alberta highway?
- Swerve sharply to avoid it at all costs
- Brake firmly while maintaining control, and avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or off the road (Correct answer)
- Speed up to pass the animal quickly
- Flash your lights and honk to scare it away
Correct answer: Brake firmly while maintaining control, and avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or off the road
If you see an animal on the highway, slow down by braking firmly while keeping control of your vehicle. Avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or off the road, as this can cause a more serious collision.
Question 6: In Alberta, why should you avoid driving in a large truck's 'wind shadow' on the highway?
- It is illegal to draft behind trucks
- When you pass the truck, the sudden side wind can push your vehicle, especially in strong crosswinds (Correct answer)
- It creates too much noise in your vehicle
- It reduces your fuel efficiency
Correct answer: When you pass the truck, the sudden side wind can push your vehicle, especially in strong crosswinds
Large trucks create a wind shadow that blocks crosswinds. When you pass beyond the truck, the sudden exposure to crosswind can push your vehicle sideways. Be prepared with a firm grip on the steering wheel.
Class 7 Highway Driving 4
When driving on an Alberta highway at night, when should you switch from high beams to low beams?