Saskatchewan Class 7 Learner's Driving Test Winter Driving Saskatchewan 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should you include in a winter emergency kit for your vehicle in Saskatchewan?
- Only a snow scraper
- Blankets, candle and matches, non-perishable food, water, extra warm clothing, booster cables, flashlight, small shovel, and sand or kitty litter (Correct answer)
- Just a cellphone charger
- Only jumper cables
Correct answer: Blankets, candle and matches, non-perishable food, water, extra warm clothing, booster cables, flashlight, small shovel, and sand or kitty litter
A comprehensive winter emergency kit can save your life if stranded. Saskatchewan winters can be life-threatening, with temperatures dropping below -40 degrees and wind chills making conditions even more dangerous.
Question 2: How should you brake on icy roads in Saskatchewan?
- Pump the brakes rapidly
- Apply gentle, steady pressure if your vehicle has ABS; pump gently if it does not (Correct answer)
- Brake as hard as possible
- Use the parking brake
Correct answer: Apply gentle, steady pressure if your vehicle has ABS; pump gently if it does not
With ABS, apply firm steady pressure and let the system pulse the brakes. Without ABS, apply gentle pressure and pump the brakes to maintain steering control.
Question 3: What causes whiteout conditions on Saskatchewan highways?
- Heavy fog
- Blowing and drifting snow that reduces visibility to near zero (Correct answer)
- Heavy rain
- Dust storms
Correct answer: Blowing and drifting snow that reduces visibility to near zero
Whiteout conditions occur when strong winds blow snow across open prairie roads, reducing visibility to near zero. Saskatchewan's flat terrain and open fields make it particularly susceptible.
Question 4: What should you do if caught in a whiteout while driving in Saskatchewan?
- Keep driving slowly
- Pull off the road completely if safe, turn on hazard lights, and stay in the vehicle (Correct answer)
- Speed up to get through it
- Turn around and drive back
Correct answer: Pull off the road completely if safe, turn on hazard lights, and stay in the vehicle
In a whiteout, pull completely off the road if you can do so safely, activate hazard lights, and stay in your vehicle. Run the engine periodically for heat but ensure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow.
Question 5: Why are winter tires important for Saskatchewan driving?
- They look better in winter
- They are made of softer rubber that grips better in cold temperatures and have tread designed for snow and ice (Correct answer)
- They are required by law
- They improve fuel efficiency
Correct answer: They are made of softer rubber that grips better in cold temperatures and have tread designed for snow and ice
Winter tires use a softer rubber compound that remains flexible below 7 degrees Celsius, and their tread pattern is designed to grip snow and channel slush, providing significantly better traction.
Question 6: What is the danger of leaving your vehicle running in a snowstorm for warmth?
- Battery drain
- Carbon monoxide poisoning if the exhaust pipe becomes blocked by snow (Correct answer)
- Engine overheating
- Fuel line freezing
Correct answer: Carbon monoxide poisoning if the exhaust pipe becomes blocked by snow
If snow blocks the exhaust pipe, carbon monoxide can back up into the vehicle cabin, which is odourless and can be fatal. Check and clear the exhaust pipe regularly if running the engine for warmth.
What should you include in a winter emergency kit for your vehicle in Saskatchewan?