Series 3-20: Road Hazard Clues

The “Road Hazard Clues” section of the Alberta School Bus knowledge test evaluates a driver’s ability to identify potential dangers on the road.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 3-20: Road Hazard Clues

1 / 20

Why are manoeuvring limitations more hazardous for a school bus?

A bus is not allowed to change lanes

A bus has less powerful brakes than cars

A large bus requires more space to manoeuvre

A bus always has right-of-way

2 / 20

Near the end of an off-ramp, what should a school bus driver watch for?

Pedestrians only, not vehicles

Other vehicles that may be stopped or waiting in line

Changes in radio reception

Only the posted speed limit signs

3 / 20

Traffic conflict points occur where vehicles must:

Reduce speed for school zones

Park for long periods

Merge, intersect, or cross paths

Stop for railroad crossings only

4 / 20

What skill does a defensive operator use to recognize traction limitations?

Learning to ‘feel the road’ through the vehicle

Relying solely on road signs

Watching only the speedometer

Listening only to engine noise

5 / 20

Which situation requires a school bus driver to compensate for manoeuvring limitations?

Wide, empty freeways

Straight, dry, divided highways

Narrow or narrowing lanes

Roads with no intersections

6 / 20

What is “black ice”?

Ice caused by freezing temperatures that is hard to see on the road surface

Ice formed from oil and grease alone

Ice that appears only in daylight

Ice that is always covered in snow

7 / 20

What type of surface can be hazardous due to ruts made by other vehicles?

Gravel or dirt surfaces

Newly paved asphalt only

Tiled roadways

Fresh concrete

8 / 20

Why can wooden bridge surfaces be a traction hazard?

They are only used in rural areas

They may contain cracks, holes, and protruding nails

They are painted a different colour

They are always narrower than the road

9 / 20

Road hazards related to the condition of the road itself fall into how many main categories?

Five

Four

Two

Three

10 / 20

Which is an example of a traction-related surface irregularity?

Dry, smooth asphalt

Freshly swept streets

Potholes, frost-heaves, and cracked pavement

Brightly painted crosswalks

11 / 20

Sight distance limitations are caused primarily by:

Streetlights at night

The number of passengers on the bus

The colour of the pavement

Curves, valleys, hills, buildings, trees, or large parked vehicles

12 / 20

On a long entrance ramp that continues as an off-ramp or deceleration lane, what can other drivers do that creates a hazard?

Always signal well in advance

Maintain a constant lane position

Change lanes at the last moment suddenly and without warning

Stop only in designated areas

13 / 20

Which of the following is an example of a traffic conflict point?

Dead-end streets

Intersections

Rest areas with no traffic flow

Private driveways only

14 / 20

Which of the following can obscure other traffic or pedestrians and limit sight distance?

Roadside mailboxes only

Painted lane markings

Dips, valleys, buildings, trees, or large parked vehicles

Overhead power lines

15 / 20

Concrete or metal bridge decks are especially hazardous in which conditions?

Hot, dry summer conditions

Only at night

Only in heavy traffic

Wet or freezing conditions

16 / 20

When approaching a curve, what should a school bus operator do?

Speed up to clear the curve quickly

Drive in the centre of the road for better vision

Maintain the same speed to avoid traffic disruption

Estimate a safe speed from the degree of curvature and banking

17 / 20

When approaching a downgrade (hill), when should the driver downshift?

Only if the brakes begin to fade

Prior to the beginning of the hill

Halfway down the hill

At the bottom of the hill

18 / 20

On a freeway entrance ramp or merging lane, what must the driver be especially alert for?

Only vehicles travelling at the speed limit

Parked maintenance vehicles only

Pedestrians crossing the ramp

Vehicles stopped or slowing down unexpectedly

19 / 20

Which of the following is a category of road hazard?

Engine performance limitations

Passenger loading issues

Fuel economy concerns

Sight distance limitations

20 / 20

Which road condition can create manoeuvring difficulties for a school bus?

Recently mowed ditches

Freshly painted lines

Road construction

Clear, new pavement

Your score is

School bus drivers must be skilled at spotting hazards, such as icy patches, construction zones, animals, or debris, that could affect safe driving. This section tests the driver’s knowledge of how to respond appropriately to these hazards to ensure student safety. By recognizing road hazard clues early, drivers can take preventive actions, such as slowing down or changing lanes. Proficiency in this area is essential for maintaining a safe environment for all school bus passengers.