Saskatchewan Class 7 Learner's Driving Test Winter Driving Saskatchewan 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How does extreme cold affect your vehicle's tire pressure in Saskatchewan?
- Tire pressure increases in cold weather
- Tire pressure decreases, potentially reducing traction and handling (Correct answer)
- Cold has no effect on tire pressure
- Tires become harder and grip better
Correct answer: Tire pressure decreases, potentially reducing traction and handling
Tire pressure drops approximately 1 PSI for every 5-degree Celsius drop in temperature. Under-inflated tires reduce traction, handling, and fuel efficiency, so check tire pressure regularly in winter.
Question 2: What is the correct steering technique to recover from a rear-wheel skid on an icy Saskatchewan road?
- Steer in the opposite direction of the skid
- Steer gently in the direction the rear end is sliding and ease off the gas (Correct answer)
- Lock the steering wheel straight
- Turn the wheel as far as possible in either direction
Correct answer: Steer gently in the direction the rear end is sliding and ease off the gas
When the rear end slides out, gently steer in the same direction the rear is sliding (steer into the skid) while easing off the gas. This helps realign the vehicle and regain traction.
Question 3: When should you use engine braking (downshifting) in Saskatchewan winter conditions?
- Never, it damages the engine
- On slippery downhill slopes to maintain control and reduce reliance on brakes (Correct answer)
- Only in first gear
- Only with a manual transmission
Correct answer: On slippery downhill slopes to maintain control and reduce reliance on brakes
Engine braking by downshifting to a lower gear helps control speed on slippery downhill grades without relying solely on brakes, which can cause skidding on ice.
Question 4: What is a Saskatchewan winter driving hazard specific to flat, open prairie highways?
- Mountain avalanches
- Extreme crosswinds and ground blizzards that create sudden whiteout conditions (Correct answer)
- Falling rocks
- Flash floods
Correct answer: Extreme crosswinds and ground blizzards that create sudden whiteout conditions
Saskatchewan's flat, treeless prairie allows wind to blow unimpeded, creating sudden ground blizzards and extreme crosswinds that can push vehicles off the road or create instant whiteouts.
Question 5: What is the proper technique for starting on a slippery hill in winter?
- Gun the engine for maximum power
- Start in a higher gear (2nd gear) and apply gas gently to minimize wheel spin (Correct answer)
- Use the parking brake and gas simultaneously
- Turn the steering wheel back and forth
Correct answer: Start in a higher gear (2nd gear) and apply gas gently to minimize wheel spin
Starting in second gear reduces the torque applied to the wheels, minimizing wheel spin. Apply gas gently and gradually to gain traction without spinning the tires.
Question 6: How far in advance should you check road conditions before a long Saskatchewan winter drive?
- No need to check
- Check highway hotline or website before departure and monitor conditions throughout the trip (Correct answer)
- Check only if snow is falling at your location
- Check one week ahead
Correct answer: Check highway hotline or website before departure and monitor conditions throughout the trip
Saskatchewan Highway Hotline (511) and the Highway Hotline website provide current road conditions. Check before departure and monitor updates, as conditions can change rapidly.
Saskatchewan Class 7 Learner's Driving Test Winter Driving Saskatchewan 3
How does extreme cold affect your vehicle's tire pressure in Saskatchewan?