Alberta Class 7 Practice

Rain and hydroplaning: When it is raining, use low beam headlights, as high beams reflect the light back to you, creating glare. Your vehicle can also be sprayed with water and mud, interfering with your view through the windshield and windows. Be careful not to splash other vehicles and pedestrians. On wet roads your tires may lose contact with the road surface. This is called hydroplaning. The loss of contact between the road surface and your tires can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If this happens, do not brake. Release pressure on the accelerator to allow the vehicle to slow. Look and steer where you want the front of the vehicle to go. Ice and snow: During the winter you can experience poor weather conditions that can make driving more dangerous. Winter conditions include freezing rain, very low temperatures, blowing snow, high wind chill, blizzards, and heavy snowfalls. Maintain your vehicle. Have it serviced before winter arrives. Be sure that your vehicle’s battery, tires, exhaust system, windshield wipers, and heating system are in good working condition. Intersection areas may become icy more quickly because of vehicle exhaust, engine heat, and vehicles spinning their wheels or skidding. Allow more time and distance for stopping and starting. The most important thing is to reduce your speed. When the temperature rises to the point where the snow begins to melt, roads can become very slippery. When the frost begins to come out of the ground, a thin layer of water is formed on the road surface. Note: Do not use cruise control when the weather and road conditions are poor. When your tires contact ice, the cruise control will continue to apply the accelerator and you could lose control. Ensure your vehicle’s windows and windshield are not obstructed by snow, frost, steam, mud, or anything else that may make driving dangerous. If you find yourself stranded off the highway and your vehicle is in a safe place, it is usually safer to stay with your vehicle. Run the engine just enough to stay warm. Keep the vehicle ventilated while the engine is running. Open a window a small amount to assist air circulation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide can get into your vehicle from a leaky exhaust system. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is especially dangerous as it is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. Be sure your exhaust system is checked whenever you take your vehicle in for servicing. Winter emergency supplies to carry in your vehicle: • blankets and extra clothing • sand or road salt • shovel • heat source, candle, matches, and a deep can to hold the candle • ice scraper and snow brush • tire chains.

Text extracted from the PDF for reference and may contain layout artefacts. The official PDF is authoritative.

Source: Driver's Guide: cars and light trucks, Spring 2026. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Alberta.