Nova Scotia Driving Test Practice: Ace your driving test

What should you do if you see an animal on the road?

1. Honk your horn to scare it away

2. Speed up to get past it quickly

3. Brake and steer to avoid hitting it if safe

4. Ignore it if it seems small

The correct answer is: Brake and steer to avoid hitting it if safe

When encountering an animal on the road, the safest and most responsible action is to brake and steer to avoid hitting it, provided it is safe to do so. This approach prioritizes the safety of both the driver and the animal. Many wild animals can unpredictably dart onto roads, and a collision can lead to serious injuries or fatalities for both the animal and the driver, as well as substantial damage to the vehicle. By choosing to brake and maneuver if it's safe, the driver demonstrates caution and awareness of their surroundings, which are essential skills for any good driver. This action also reflects the importance of being prepared for sudden obstacles on the road. Honk your horn to scare the animal or speed up to get past it quickly could exacerbate the situation. Loud noises can frighten animals, causing them to panic and potentially move unpredictably, increasing the risk of an accident. Similarly, speeding up not only creates a dangerous situation for the driver but can also heighten the risk of a collision with the animal or other vehicles on the road. Ignoring the situation entirely is also a poor choice, as even small animals can cause accidents and should be treated with appropriate caution.