Before you drive

By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated November 13, 2026 · How we check our content

Short answer: A few checks before moving prevent many problems.

Key points

• Walk around the vehicle: look for children, objects and leaks.
• Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights and the roof.
• Check tire condition and pressure (when cold).
• Adjust seat, head restraint and mirrors before moving.
• Wear the lap belt low on the hips and the shoulder belt across the chest.
• Know what dashboard warning lights mean.

Law or advice?

Seat belts and a clear view are legal requirements. The walk-around is good practice.

Example

After a snowfall you clear the whole windshield, every window, the lights and the roof before leaving.

Checked against the Government of Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), used under the Open Government Licence – Alberta. Laws change, so check alberta.ca for the current rules before you rely on a number. Sources: Alberta Driver’s Guide, page 44: Vehicle preparation.

Check yourself

Try these 5 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.

1. Question 1 · Vehicle Preparation

   Before getting into your car, why should you walk around it?

   1. A. To admire the car's paint
   2. B. It is required by law
   3. C. To check for people, objects or damage
   4. D. To warm up first

   Show answer

   Answer: C. To check for people, objects or damage

   A walk-around helps spot hazards.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 44: Vehicle inspection before movingReviewed October 2026Report an error

2. Question 2 · Vehicle Preparation

   What should you clear before driving after a snowfall?

   1. A. All windows, mirrors, lights and the roof
   2. B. Only the front windshield and wipers
   3. C. Only the driver's window
   4. D. Nothing, it will melt

   Show answer

   Answer: A. All windows, mirrors, lights and the roof

   Clear everything so you can see and be seen.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 44: Clear windows and lightsReviewed October 2026Report an error

3. Question 3 · Vehicle Preparation

   Why should you check your tires before driving?

   1. A. Worn or underinflated tires reduce grip
   2. B. To check that they are the right colour
   3. C. So you can save time later in the day
   4. D. Because it is required daily by law

   Show answer

   Answer: A. Worn or underinflated tires reduce grip

   Good tires help you steer and stop.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 44: Tire condition checkReviewed October 2026Report an error

4. Question 4 · Vehicle Preparation

   A red warning light comes on while you are driving. What should you do?

   1. A. Check what it means and stop if needed
   2. B. Turn off the engine immediately
   3. C. Speed up to get home sooner
   4. D. Ignore it until your next service

   Show answer

   Answer: A. Check what it means and stop if needed

   Red warning lights can mean serious problems.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 80: Dashboard warning responseReviewed October 2026Report an error

5. Question 5 · Vehicle Preparation

   Before a winter trip, what should you check?

   1. A. Road conditions and weather
   2. B. Only the fuel prices along the route
   3. C. Nothing in particular
   4. D. Only the radio stations

   Show answer

   Answer: A. Road conditions and weather

   Planning helps you avoid hazards.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 88: Route and weather planningReviewed October 2026Report an error

Next: Reading the diagrams. Diagram questions show a simple road layout with lettered vehicles. Read the question text first: it states every control and condition that matters.