Manitoba Class 5 Learner's Driving Test Winter Driving Manitoba 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most important thing to do before driving in a Manitoba winter storm?
- Warm up the engine for 30 minutes
- Check road conditions, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready, and consider whether the trip is necessary (Correct answer)
- Put on snow chains immediately
- Fill the gas tank to the brim
Correct answer: Check road conditions, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready, and consider whether the trip is necessary
Before driving in a Manitoba winter storm, check road conditions (via Manitoba 511 or online), ensure your vehicle has winter tires, full washer fluid, and an emergency kit. The safest option may be to postpone the trip entirely.
Question 2: What is the recommended following distance on icy Manitoba roads?
- The same as on dry roads (2 seconds)
- At least 6 to 8 seconds — three to four times the normal distance (Correct answer)
- 3 seconds
- 10 car lengths
Correct answer: At least 6 to 8 seconds — three to four times the normal distance
On icy roads, stopping distance can be 6 to 10 times longer than on dry pavement. A following distance of at least 6 to 8 seconds gives you adequate space to stop safely or take evasive action.
Question 3: What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid on a Manitoba winter road?
- Brake hard and turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction
- Ease off the brakes and accelerator, and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go (Correct answer)
- Accelerate out of the skid
- Turn off the engine immediately
Correct answer: Ease off the brakes and accelerator, and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go
In a skid, take your foot off the brake and accelerator. Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go (into the skid). This allows the tires to regain traction. Avoid sudden inputs.
Question 4: What items should be included in a Manitoba winter emergency kit for your vehicle?
- Only a cellphone and blanket
- A blanket, candle and matches, non-perishable food, shovel, sand or kitty litter, jumper cables, flashlight, and warm clothing (Correct answer)
- Just a spare tire and jack
- A first aid kit and nothing else
Correct answer: A blanket, candle and matches, non-perishable food, shovel, sand or kitty litter, jumper cables, flashlight, and warm clothing
Manitoba's extreme winters mean you could be stranded for hours. A comprehensive emergency kit should include warmth (blankets, candle), traction aids (sand/kitty litter, shovel), food, water, flashlight, and jumper cables.
Question 5: On a Manitoba highway in winter, what is black ice?
- Ice that is visibly black in colour
- A thin, transparent layer of ice on the road that is nearly invisible and extremely slippery (Correct answer)
- Dirty ice mixed with gravel
- Ice formed only at night
Correct answer: A thin, transparent layer of ice on the road that is nearly invisible and extremely slippery
Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on road surfaces and is nearly invisible because you see the dark pavement through it. It is most common on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, and is extremely dangerous.
Question 6: In Manitoba, when should you use winter tires?
- Only during snowstorms
- From October through April, or whenever temperatures consistently drop below 7°C (Correct answer)
- Only on highways
- Winter tires are not recommended in Manitoba
Correct answer: From October through April, or whenever temperatures consistently drop below 7°C
Winter tires provide superior traction below 7°C, not just in snow. Manitoba's long winters make them essential from approximately October through April. They use softer rubber compounds and tread patterns designed for cold, ice, and snow.
Manitoba Class 5 Learner's Driving Test Winter Driving Manitoba 1
What is the most important thing to do before driving in a Manitoba winter storm?