Alberta learners study guide: key rules on all 13 topics

Free Alberta Class 7 study guide: 324 key points from the Driver's Guide: Cars and light trucks in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.

By the Canada Exam Prep Editorial Team · Updated October 15, 2026

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13 topics
324 key points
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This study guide collects our notes on every topic of the Alberta Class 7 Learner's Knowledge Test on one page: 324 short points in our own words, grouped by topic and by handbook section. Read it from top to bottom before your first practice test, or jump to a topic from the list below.

Each topic ends with a link to its practice questions, so you can check what you just read straight away, and a link to the official chapter for the full wording. The notes summarise the Driver's Guide: Cars and light trucks from the Government of Alberta; they do not replace it, and where our notes and the official source differ, the official source wins.

Study these notes as flashcards →

Licensing and the GDL program

Class 7 learner rules, the knowledge test, Class 5-GDL probation, licence classes, new residents and documents you must carry.

Practise Licensing and the GDL program questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driver's Guide (Spring 2026), Ch. 1 Licensing Information, pp. 10–20

All new drivers, regardless of age, enter Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL).
Stage 1 = Class 7 learner's licence. Stage 2 = Class 5-GDL probationary. Stage 3 = full Class 5 (non-GDL).
Class 7 requirements: age 14+, vision screening, knowledge test, parental consent if under 18, valid ID.
Class 7 conditions: hold for at least 1 year; supervisor must be fully licensed (non-GDL), 18+, seated next to the learner; no driving midnight–5 a.m.; no more passengers than seat belts; suspended at 8+ demerit points; zero alcohol and drugs.
Class 7 learners may also learn on a motorcycle at 16+ with a Class 6 non-GDL supervisor, and may drive a moped.
Class 5-GDL: hold Class 7 for 1 year (extended by suspensions), age 16+, pass Class 5 road test.
Class 5-GDL conditions: minimum 2 years probationary; passengers ≤ seat belts; suspended at 8+ demerits; zero alcohol/drugs; cannot re-class to Class 1–4; cannot supervise a learner.
Exit GDL: age 18+, 2 years probationary, no suspensions or violations in the last 12 months of probation.
An approved driver training course (condition code U) can shorten probation by up to 6 months.
Leaving GDL: full Class 5, may re-class to 1–4, more demerits allowed, zero-tolerance condition removed, may supervise a learner.
Taken at most Alberta registry agent offices, on a computer, multiple choice, questions drawn from the Driver's Guide (safe driving, laws, road signs).
Available in 25 languages (incl. Punjabi, Chinese simplified/traditional, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Tagalog, French, Spanish, Cree).
A fee for each test; only one test per day.
After passing, take the knowledge test permit to a registry agent to update your licence.
(Alberta.ca, retrieved 2026-10-15: 30 questions, 25 correct to pass.)
Vision assessment required before getting a licence; bring glasses/contacts.
Class 5 road test about 45 minutes; automatic fail items: speeding or too fast for conditions; not stopping fully at a stop sign or before a right on red; failing to yield at intersections or lane changes; obstructing traffic by driving too slowly; climbing the curb or not parking legally in 3 attempts; not slowing/observing at uncontrolled intersections.
Road test permit is not a driver's licence.
Class 5 minimum age for non-GDL is 18; Class 5-GDL minimum age 16.
Class 5 may not drive: a motorcycle (except learning), a vehicle with seating capacity over 15 while carrying anyone other than the driver, a vehicle carrying passengers for hire, or an air-brake vehicle (unless learning with a supervisor who has the air brake endorsement).
Class 4 needed when paid to transport passengers (with listed exceptions such as mileage reimbursement or carrying family).
Air brake endorsement = Q.
You must carry your licence when driving; on request of a peace officer produce licence, insurance and registration.
Licences issued only to Alberta residents.
Minors' first licence: parent/guardian must attend and sign consent; consent can be revoked in writing until 18, which suspends the licence; not needed with proof of marriage or self-support.
Visitors may drive on a valid out-of-province licence for up to 1 year.
New residents from elsewhere in Canada: may use out-of-province licence for first 90 days; must apply and surrender it within 90 days; illegal to hold more than one licence.
Reciprocal agreements allow exchange to Class 5 (e.g. Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, UK, Switzerland).
Drivers 75+ must give a Driver Medical Intake Form when applying for or renewing Class 7, 6, 5 or 3.
Must disclose medical conditions that could affect safe driving.
Condition code A = adequate lenses (glasses/contacts required). Endorsement Q = air brakes; S = school bus.
Lost or stolen licence: replace immediately; stolen must be reported to police.
Alberta no longer mails renewal reminders (except for Albertans with disabilities); renewing on time is your responsibility.
You must keep the information on your licence current (e.g. address).
Vehicles and trailers must be registered; under 18 needs parent/guardian signature.
Licence plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle.
Register within 3 months of moving to Alberta.
All vehicles need public liability insurance; insurer issues a pink financial responsibility card, shown when registering and to a peace officer.

Traffic lights and signals

Solid, flashing and arrow lights, right and left turns on red, pedestrian signals and lane reversal signals.

Practise Traffic lights and signals questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driver's Guide (Spring 2026), Ch. 2 Traffic Control, pp. 22–25

Vertical signal order: red top, yellow centre, green bottom. Horizontal: red left, yellow centre, green right.
Solid red: stop before stop line; if none, before crosswalk; if none, before intersection. Stay stopped until green unless turning right after stopping.
Double red = same meaning as single red.
Right on red allowed unless a sign prohibits; full stop first, yield to traffic and pedestrians.
Left on red only from a one-way street onto a one-way street, after a full stop, unless prohibited.
Solid yellow: stop before the line/crosswalk unless you are too close to stop safely; if already in the intersection, clear it.
Solid green: proceed; yield to oncoming traffic when turning left and to pedestrians when turning.
Stale green = green for a while; check pedestrian signal — WALK means it will stay green, DON'T WALK means be ready to stop.
Green arrow + green light: go in arrow direction without yielding; other directions allowed when safe/legal.
Green arrow + red light: proceed only in arrow direction without stopping.
Flashing red: stop, then go when safe — treated like a stop sign. All directions flashing red = four-way stop.
Flashing yellow: proceed with caution, yielding to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection.
Flashing green (Alberta): you may go straight, turn left or turn right without stopping; opposing traffic faces red; still yield to pedestrians/vehicles lawfully in the intersection.
Pedestrian WALK: may enter crosswalk when safe. DON'T WALK: must not enter; those already crossing may finish. Some have countdown timers.
Yellow flashing lights on school, playground, school crossing or pedestrian crossing signs: slow to max 30 km/h and yield/stop for pedestrians.
Where no pedestrian signals: pedestrians follow the vehicle light they face (red don't enter; yellow clear/don't enter; green cross).
Lane reversal signals: red X = do not enter or stay in that lane (oncoming traffic uses it); downward green arrow = you may travel in that lane.
A peace officer's directions override signs and signals.
Warning sign with flashing yellow lights before signals: prepare to stop; the light is changing or red.

Road signs

Sign shapes and colours, regulatory, permissive and prohibitive signs, warning, guide and construction signs.

Practise Road signs questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driver's Guide (Spring 2026), Ch. 2 Traffic Control, pp. 25–37

Red circle with slash on white square: action not permitted (prohibitive).
Green circle on white square: action permitted (permissive).
White rectangle with black message: regulatory (e.g. speed limit).
Pentagon, fluorescent yellow-green: school zone/area.
White message on black square: lane control.
Orange diamond: construction information.
Yellow diamond: warning of a hazard.
Green rectangle with white message: guide info (destination, distance).
Blue square with white message: services (fuel, food, lodging, assistance).
Green square with pictures: transportation services (airport, ferry).
Octagon red STOP: full stop, proceed when safe.
Yield triangle: yield to traffic not facing the sign and to pedestrians waiting or in crosswalk.
Wrong way and Do not enter signs; railway crossing (crossbuck); do not stop on tracks.
Speed limit signs are in km/h and are maximums for ideal conditions; any unsafe speed is illegal.
Direction signs: proceed in direction of arrow only; two-way traffic; divider ahead keep right.
Designated lane signs show directions a lane must travel; reserved lane signs (buses, taxis, bicycles) may show hours/days.
Dual left/right turn signs allow more than one lane to turn; keep your lane during/after the turn.
Permissive examples: turn left only, turn right only, straight only, passing permitted, trucks, bicycles, dangerous goods, snow vehicles.
Prohibitive examples: no left turn, no right turn, no U-turn, do not pass, do not pass bicycles, no pedestrians, no trucks, no bicycles, no dangerous goods.
Parking/stopping signs: arrow shows where the restriction applies; may show days and times.
Parking for persons with disabilities: only vehicles with placard or plate may park or stop there.
Stop ahead, yield ahead, school bus stop ahead, traffic signals ahead.
Curve/turn signs, winding road; a tab under a curve sign shows recommended maximum speed in ideal conditions.
Crossings ahead: pedestrian, animal, moose, bicycle, school crosswalk, snow vehicles.
Intersections ahead: hidden road, Y, T, railway crossing, trucks entering, dead end, roundabout.
Merging traffic; free flow (added lane) = roads side by side that do not join.
Narrow road, lane ends, divided highway begins/ends.
Hill, bump, pavement ends, slippery when wet, rumble strips, falling rock, bridge ices, hazard markers, chevrons for sharp bend.
Shared-use signs: give cyclists space; single file lane too narrow for side-by-side.
Slow-moving vehicle sign on the back of vehicles that travel under 40 km/h such as farm tractors.
Oversized load sign: use caution when passing.
Construction zones: speed limit applies at all times even when no one is working; fines doubled when workers present; obey flag person.
Off-road services signs (hospital, fuel, EV charging, camping, police); route markers (Trans-Canada, Yellowhead, bicycle routes); destination signs.

Speed limits, school and playground zones

Default speed limits, school zone and playground zone times and speeds, and when you may not pass.

Practise Speed limits, school and playground zones questions Flashcards Official chapter

Speed limits p. 27; School zones pp. 30–31; Playground zones pp. 31–32

100 km/h: provincial highway outside an urban area.
80 km/h: provincial highway inside a city's corporate limits.
80 km/h: other roadway outside an urban area.
50 km/h: roadway within an urban area.
Municipal bylaws may set different limits; obey posted signs.
Provincial highways are marked by 1-, 2- or 3-digit route markers; local roads may be named (e.g. TWP RD, RGE RD).
School sign WITH a maximum speed tab = school zone.
In effect on school days only: 8:00–9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 3:00–4:30 p.m. (municipal bylaws can change; then times are posted under the sign).
Speed limit 30 km/h urban and rural unless otherwise posted.
No passing or attempting to pass a vehicle going the same direction while the zone is in effect.
Ends at a sign showing a higher speed or end of school zone.
School sign WITHOUT speed tab = school area: use caution, children may be crossing.
Playground sign WITH a speed tab = playground zone.
In effect every day from 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset (unless times posted).
30 km/h urban and rural unless otherwise posted.
No passing while in effect.
Ends at a higher speed sign or end-of-zone sign.
Playground sign WITHOUT speed tab = playground area: use caution.
Flashing yellow lights on school/playground/pedestrian signs: max 30 km/h and yield to pedestrians.
Passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks stopped with lights flashing, in the adjacent lane: 60 km/h or posted limit, whichever is lower; fines doubled.
Construction zone speed applies at all times; fines doubled when workers present.
Every 10 km/h above 90 km/h uses about 10% more fuel (Ch. 7).

Pavement markings and lanes

Yellow and white lines, passing zones, arrows, diamonds, painted islands, bicycle lanes and stop lines.

Practise Pavement markings and lanes questions Flashcards Official chapter

Pavement markings to Other roadway markings, pp. 38–41

Within an urban area, passing safely across a single solid yellow line is permitted. Elsewhere, single or double solid yellow lines mean no passing.
Broken yellow line: passing permitted when safe.
Solid + broken yellow together: the driver with the broken line on their side may pass; the driver with the solid line may not.
Solid lines: do not cross to pass or change lanes. Broken lines: crossing permitted.
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions; the yellow line should be on the driver's left.
White lines separate traffic moving the same direction; broken white = lane change allowed; solid white = lane change not allowed.
Arrows on pavement show permitted movements in a lane.
Two-way left turn lane: centre lane shared by left-turning traffic from both directions; you may cross the solid yellow line to enter it; enter close to where you will turn.
Diamond markings: lane reserved for specific vehicles (signs may show times).
X marking on a rural highway: approach to a railway crossing.
Painted island: not for travel; may be crossed only to enter/leave a driveway, alley or private drive; do not park or stop on it.
Bicycle lane: vehicles may not drive in it except to turn or enter/exit parking; line often dashed near corners where you may enter to turn right; watch for cyclists.
Bicycle with a pair of arrows (sharrow): cyclists share the travel lane; expect them.
Crosswalks exist at intersections even when unmarked, unless a sign prohibits crossing.
Stop line shows where to stop at intersections or railway crossings.
No stopping zone: often where large vehicles need room to turn.

Driving basics and parking

Pre-drive checks, seat and mirrors, steering, signalling, stopping distance, reversing, parallel and hill parking, where not to park.

Practise Driving basics and parking questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driver's Guide (Spring 2026), Ch. 3 The Basics of Driving, pp. 44–56

Walk around the vehicle first: children, pedestrians, objects, tire inflation, leaks. If parked on a roadway, walk facing oncoming traffic in the next lane.
Order of habits: 1 lock doors, 2 adjust seat and seat back, 3 head restraint, 4 mirrors, 5 fasten seat belt.
Sit at least 25 cm (10 in) from the steering wheel (Transport Canada recommendation); elbows slightly bent.
Head restraint centre level with the top of your ears; gap to head ideally under 10 cm (4 in).
Inside mirror frames the whole rear window; outside mirrors show a small part of your own vehicle.
Lap belt low and snug over hips; shoulder belt across chest and shoulder; never behind back or under arm; still required with air bags; required by law.
Before moving off: check path, mirrors, shoulder check; signal left when leaving the right side of the road.
Automatic: Park locks the transmission; engine starts only in Park or Neutral; Reverse turns on white/clear reverse lights; Neutral used for towing; lower gears (1, 2, 3) give more power, less speed (hills, slush, gravel, snow, ice).
Manual: clutch disconnects engine from wheels; start engine in neutral with clutch fully down; friction point; "riding the clutch" = leaving foot on pedal, causes wear; don't coast to a stop with clutch pressed.
Hands at about 9 and 3 o'clock (10 and 2 if wheel design requires). Hand-over-hand for turns.
Signal when moving away from the curb, turning, and changing lanes. Don't signal too early or too late; cancel the signal.
Hand signals exist for left, right, and slowing/stopping.
Accelerate smoothly, drive with the flow; driving too slowly can be a hazard; never exceed the limit.
Stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance.
Average perception time about 3/4 second; average reaction time about 3/4 second. New drivers often take longer to perceive danger.
Factors you control: scanning, decisions, alertness/fatigue, alcohol/drugs, speed, brake and tire condition.
Threshold braking = firm braking just short of locking the wheels; if wheels lock, ease off slightly.
Always at a crawl/slow walking speed; check behind first; walk around before backing out of a driveway.
Straight back: left hand top of wheel, look over right shoulder through rear window; correct with no more than a quarter turn in the direction you want the rear to go.
Front of vehicle swings opposite to the rear.
Back out of a driveway into the nearest lane only; illegal to reverse into an intersection or crosswalk.
Parallel parking: wheels no more than 50 cm from the curb (law). Start about 1 m beside the car ahead, rear bumpers aligned.
Exiting a parked car on a two-way street: check mirrors and left blind spot; open door only as needed; walk to the rear facing traffic. Enter from the front.
Angle parking: about 45°; front wheel within 50 cm of curb. Back out slowly, yielding.
Perpendicular: 90°; keep about 2 m from parked vehicles when approaching; easier to enter on the left (only in parking lots).
Hill parking (right side of road): uphill with curb – wheels LEFT (toward centre) and roll back to touch curb; uphill no curb – wheels RIGHT; downhill (curb or not) – wheels RIGHT. Set park brake and Park/low gear. Reverse directions when parking on the left side.
Do not park: on sidewalk/boulevard; on or in a crosswalk; within an intersection; within 1.5 m of a driveway, garage or private road; where it obstructs traffic at construction; on a bridge, underpass or their approaches; double-parked; within 5 m of a stop or yield sign; within 5 m of a marked crosswalk; within 5 m of a fire hydrant; within 5 m of an intersecting roadway edge unless permitted; near a fire, crash or incident.
Outside urban areas: don't park on a primary highway roadway/shoulder unless broken down or emergency; must leave clear passage and be visible for 60 m both directions.

Right-of-way and intersections

Stop and yield signs, four-way stops, uncontrolled and T intersections, keeping intersections clear, roundabouts.

Practise Right-of-way and intersections questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driver's Guide (Spring 2026), Ch. 4 Intersections and Turns, pp. 58–63

Even with the right-of-way, you must do everything you can to prevent a collision.
Directions from a peace/police officer override signs and signals.
Stop sign: full stop. Where: before the stop line; if none, before the marked crosswalk; if neither, within 3 m (10 ft) of the intersecting roadway, without interfering with pedestrians.
Three- and four-way stops ("courtesy corners"): first to arrive goes first; if two arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first.
Yield sign: slow, be ready to stop; yield to traffic not facing a yield sign and to pedestrians; if none, you may proceed without stopping.
Uncontrolled intersection (no signs or signals): yield to the vehicle on your right; slow enough to stop easily; view may be blocked.
T intersection with no signs: the driver on the right has the right-of-way, even if the other driver is going straight through.
Don't enter an intersection unless you can clear it and the crosswalk beyond.
Exiting alleys, parking lots, driveways: stop before the sidewalk, stop before entering the street, yield to pedestrians.
Left-turning driver must wait until it is safe to cross approaching traffic.
Parking lots have intersections; right-of-way rules apply.
Every intersection has crosswalks (marked or unmarked); never pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian.
Traffic circulates counter-clockwise around a centre island.
Entering vehicles yield to traffic already in the circle.
Roundabouts have smaller islands/tighter curves than traffic circles and may have a sloped curb for large vehicles; pedestrian crossings set back from the circle.
Signal right when preparing to exit; turn on right signal after passing the exit before yours. For the first exit, signal right as you approach and keep it on.
Two-lane: right lane enters and exits right; left lane enters and exits left; drivers going past the first exit use the left lane. Signal left on approach if not taking the first exit.
In the circle, drivers on the right yield to drivers on the left. Don't change lanes in the circle.
If you can't exit safely, go around again.

Turning, turn lanes and U-turns

Right and left turns, turning onto one-way streets, dual turn lanes, two-way left turn lanes and where U-turns are illegal.

Practise Turning, turn lanes and U-turns questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driver's Guide (Spring 2026), Ch. 4 Intersections and Turns, pp. 63–67

Be in the proper turning lane at least 15 m (50 ft) before the intersection.
The curb lane (even with parking meters) is a travel lane used for turning.
Right turn two-way onto two-way: stay within 1 m (3 ft) of the curb or road edge before, during and after the turn; yield to pedestrians; shoulder check right for cyclists.
Turn into the first available lane on the right; if a parked car is near the corner, turn into the first available lane left of it; yield to traffic from your left in that lane.
Don't turn wide or occupy two lanes.
Right on red allowed after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits.
Left turn two-way onto two-way: from the lane right of the yellow line into the lane right of the yellow line; yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
If you must wait in the intersection to turn left: stay right of the yellow line with front wheels straight (so a rear-end hit doesn't push you into oncoming traffic). Stay behind the crosswalk if only one vehicle can wait in the intersection.
Before turning left off a two-lane highway, shoulder check left for passing vehicles.
Two-way onto one-way (left): from lane nearest the yellow line into the first available lane on the left.
One-way onto two-way (left): from the leftmost lane into the lane nearest/right of the yellow line.
One-way onto one-way (left): from leftmost lane into leftmost lane; allowed on red after a full stop if no sign prohibits.
Dual turn lanes: turn only where marked; enter from a marked lane into the corresponding lane; never swing wide or change lanes during the turn. Right on red allowed at dual right turns after stopping.
Two-way left turn lane: shared by both directions; you may cross the solid yellow line to enter; enter close to the turn.
U-turns not permitted: at intersections with traffic lights (unless permitted by a device); where a sign prohibits.
Urban: no U-turn between intersections (mid-block), at an alley intersection, or at an intersection with an access to a public parking lot.
Rural: no U-turn on a curve, or near the crest of a hill where another driver within 150 m can't see you.

Highways, passing and merging

Lane position, blind spots, lane changes, passing rules, emergency stopping lanes, merging, weave zones, curves and hills.

Practise Highways, passing and merging questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driver's Guide (Spring 2026), Ch. 5 Highways and Freeways, pp. 70–76

Drive in the centre of your lane; plan lane changes early.
Blind spots: areas beside and slightly behind not shown in mirrors; check with a shoulder check.
Outside mirrors should show the horizon in the middle and a little of your own vehicle.
Lane change steps: be sure it's permitted; check inside and outside mirrors; shoulder check; signal; change lanes maintaining speed; cancel signal.
Multi-lane highway: slower traffic keeps right; left lane is for passing (or turning left).
Passing lanes (often in mountains): slower vehicles move right; at the end, right lane merges left and left-lane drivers cooperate.
Two-lane highway passing: only where permitted; keep safe distance; check oncoming; mirrors; shoulder check left; signal; it is illegal to exceed the speed limit when passing; return when the passed vehicle is visible in your inside mirror after a right shoulder check; signal; cancel.
When being passed: stay in your lane and move to the right side of it.
Do not pass: oncoming too close; solid yellow on your side; no-passing sign; school/playground zone in effect; a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk; school bus with flashing red lights and stop arm. Passing a bus with flashing amber is not the safest choice; if you do, use caution.
Emergency stopping lane (shoulder of a primary highway): only for urgent stops/breakdowns; never drive or pass in it.
Merging: neither merging nor highway vehicles have the right-of-way; shared responsibility. Don't slow abruptly or stop in the merge lane; signal; match speed in the acceleration lane; keep shoulder checking.
Exiting: move into the deceleration lane, then slow down; don't slow on the highway. If you miss an exit, go to the next — never stop or reverse on a highway, shoulder or emergency lane.
Weave zone: entrance and exit share a lane; control speed and timing; cooperate.
Curves: slow before entering; look well ahead; steady speed; don't pass on curves on two-lane highways (unsafe and illegal). If you skid in a curve, stay off brake and accelerator, look and steer where you want to go.
Hills: move right in your lane near a crest; don't pass near the top on two-lane highways; going down, adjust speed; in a manual, lower gear reduces brake overheating.

Emergencies and difficult conditions

Emergency braking with and without ABS, skids, breakdowns, night driving, fog, black ice, collisions and emergency vehicles.

Practise Emergencies and difficult conditions questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driver's Guide (Spring 2026), Ch. 6 Emergency Situations and Challenging Conditions, pp. 78–86

ABS: apply steady firm pressure, do not pump, feel vibration, steer where you want to go.
No ABS: threshold braking just before lock; if wheels lock, release slightly, reapply.
Skid = loss of control; most skids are driver error (too fast for conditions, steering too sharply, braking too hard, accelerating too fast).
To regain control: don't touch brake or accelerator; look and steer where you want the front to go; small corrections.
Braking skid (non-ABS): take foot off brake; steering returns when wheels roll.
Power skid: ease off gas; steer; don't over-correct; gentle acceleration.
Cornering skid: off gas, no brakes, look and steer.
Off-road recovery: firm grip; don't steer back immediately; ease off gas; avoid braking (gradual if needed); check traffic; return gradually.
Stop in a safe place; not on a bridge or in a tunnel; hazard lights; raise hood; reflective triangles behind the vehicle about 10–20 m apart; no repairs on busy fast roads; occupants wait away from and behind the vehicle in danger.
Brake warning light on (park brake off): pull over when safe. Power brake failure: press harder steadily. Brake failure: carefully use park brake if wheels straight; shift to lower gear.
Power steering failure: you can still steer with extra effort.
Flat tire: don't brake hard immediately; ease off gas; firm grip; steer straight; brake gently once slowed; pull over; hazards. Front flat pulls to that side; rear flat may weave.
Both headlights fail: hazards on; toggle switch; if still out, slow, pull over, park.
Headlights required at night or any time you can't see clearly 150 m (500 ft) ahead. Daytime running lights aren't enough at night (tail lights off).
Low beams within 300 m of oncoming vehicles and when following within 150 m; use low beams with oncoming traffic even on divided highways.
Don't stare at oncoming lights: look down and to the right edge of your lane. Don't overdrive your headlights.
Smoke and fog, rain: low beams (high beams glare back). If visibility too poor, pull well off the road, hazards on.
Black ice: asphalt looks shiny black; slow down without braking. Shaded areas, bridge decks and overpasses ice first. Intersections get icy faster.
Hydroplaning: don't brake; ease off accelerator; steer where you want to go.
Don't use cruise control on poor roads.
Stranded in winter in a safe place: usually stay with the vehicle; run engine just enough to stay warm; open a window slightly (carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, tasteless).
Winter kit: blankets, sand/salt, shovel, candle/matches/can, scraper/brush, tire chains. General kit: first aid, reflective triangles, booster cables, food, jack and spare, flashlight, tow rope, headlight bulbs.
Animals: most active at dusk and dawn; eye reflections at night; often in groups; if one appears, brake hard and choose an escape route away from oncoming traffic.
First at a scene: stop safely away, help, protect scene with hazards and triangles, call police/EMS with accurate details.
Involved: help, exchange names/contacts/insurance, get witnesses, don't discuss fault, record details, notify insurer.
Report to police if anyone injured or killed, damage over $5,000, or damage to traffic devices, meters or public property. If police attend, all drivers must remain.
Passing stopped emergency vehicles or tow trucks with lights flashing: 60 km/h or posted limit, whichever is lower, in adjacent lanes; fines doubled.
Emergency vehicle approaching with siren from any direction: yield, move as close as possible to the right curb (two-way) or nearest curb (one-way), stop until it passes.
Flashing green lights may be volunteer firefighters — treat as emergency vehicles.
Follow emergency vehicles no closer than 150 m (500 ft).
Construction/maintenance: obey devices and flag persons; posted speed; fines doubled when workers present.
Stopped by police: pull over safely (right edge on two-way, nearest edge on one-way), Park/neutral, park brake, stay in the vehicle, have licence/registration/insurance ready, don't move until told.

Responsible and proactive driving

Scanning, following distance, space cushion, distracted driving, seat belts and child seats, fuel efficiency and general traffic laws.

Practise Responsible and proactive driving questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driver's Guide (Spring 2026), Ch. 7 Responsible Driving, pp. 89–95

Proactive driving: anticipate hazards; never assume others will drive carefully.
Look ahead 12–15 seconds in urban areas (about 1–1.5 blocks), 20–25 seconds in rural areas.
Check mirrors every 8–12 seconds (about every block in town) and when slowing or stopping.
Fixed hazards: curves, hills, hidden driveways, intersections, merging roads. Variable hazards: children/pedestrians, left-turning vehicles, ice, stale green lights, emergency vehicles.
Space cushion all around; if tailgated, slow slightly to encourage passing, else increase space ahead.
When stopped behind a vehicle, leave room to pull out without reversing.
Missed a turn or exit: continue to the next; never reverse on a roadway.
Following distance: minimum 2 seconds in normal conditions (count from a fixed object); more in poor conditions; at least 4 seconds for large vehicles such as motor homes.
Do not use a cell phone while driving, including hands-free; stop in a safe legal place. Certain distractions carry fines and 3 demerits: hand-held phone, texting/email, electronic devices, programming audio players or GPS, reading, writing, personal grooming.
Everyone must be secured with a seat belt or approved child seat. Passengers 16+ can be fined themselves; the driver is responsible for passengers under 16.
Child under 6 years AND not more than 18 kg (40 lb) must be in a child safety seat; must show CMVSS 213 label; don't use foreign seats.
Rear-facing from birth until the manufacturer's weight to switch; forward-facing 10–18 kg (22–40 lb) with tether; booster seat for children over 18 kg before using the seat belt alone.
Fuel: each 10 km/h over 90 km/h uses about 10% more fuel; rapid acceleration up to 40% more; idle more than 10 seconds → turn off engine; 10 minutes idling ≈ 1/3 L; one minute of winter warm-up idling is enough (NRCan); block heater on a timer 2 hours before driving; poorly tuned engine up to 50% more fuel; clogged air filter −10%; under-inflated tires about 5% more fuel; A/C in city traffic 10–25% more.
Fuelling: no smoking or cell phone; engine off; turn off RV pilot lights; stay at the nozzle (static); don't prop nozzle; don't overfill; put gas cans on the ground to fill.
Traffic laws: don't tow people (skis, toboggans, bikes); no riders in a towed trailer; under 14 can't drive farm equipment on a highway; if the inside mirror view is blocked, mirrors needed on both sides; loads extending 1.5 m or more beyond the rear need a red flag (at least 30 cm square) by day and a red light at night; don't disturb residents 10 p.m.–7 a.m.; careless driving offence; don't use two lanes; no riders on the outside of a vehicle (including an open pickup box).

Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, large trucks, school buses, snowplows, railway crossings, LRT and funeral processions.

Practise Sharing the road questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driver's Guide (Spring 2026), Ch. 8 Sharing the Road, pp. 97–105

Yellow flashing pedestrian-activated light: slow to 30 km/h and yield.
In urban areas pedestrians may signal intent to cross by raising an arm and pointing across; you must stop before the crosswalk.
Yield to pedestrians who have entered a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Stop about two to three car lengths back so other lanes can see the pedestrian.
Never pass a vehicle when approaching a crosswalk.
White cane or guide dog = visually impaired pedestrian.
Look under parked cars for children's feet, toys, bike wheels.
Riders and passengers under 18 must wear an approved helmet.
A cyclist walking a bike is a pedestrian; a ridden bike is a vehicle with the same rules.
Cyclists ride as close as practicable to the right curb, but may move out to avoid grates, potholes, debris, wet surfaces.
Pass a cyclist by changing lanes as you would for a vehicle. Shoulder check right before turning right. Check before opening your door — the driver's responsibility.
Don't follow cyclists closely; they have no brake lights.
Night cycling: 1–2 headlamps, one red tail lamp, red rear reflector; bell or horn required.
Often ride in the left part of the lane to be visible — not a sign of turning left.
Never share a lane with a motorcycle; leave extra following space (they stop quickly).
When turning left, watch for oncoming motorcycles; speed is hard to judge.
If you can't see both side mirrors of a truck ahead, you're too close; if you can see the driver in the mirror, they can see you.
Don't cut in front of a large vehicle approaching a light; leave room on hills (may roll back); stay back when it is right-turning — don't fill the space on its right.
Turning trucks may cross the centre line or use part of your lane; stop back from the intersection.
Oversized loads may travel in convoys with pilot vehicles; pass only with room and sightline.
Log trucks: never pass one turning left or right off a highway; logs may extend up to 9 m (30 ft).
Alternating amber lights: be ready to stop (red is coming); pass with caution if you pass.
Alternating red lights and stop arm: stop about 20 m (4–5 car lengths) away; remain stopped until lights off and arm retracted.
Undivided highway (2 or 4 lanes): traffic in all lanes, both directions, must stop.
Highway divided by a median: only vehicles behind the bus must stop; oncoming may proceed with caution.
Applies whenever and wherever bus lights are activated.
Failing to stop for a school bus = 6 demerits.
Flashing amber and red lights mean snowplow ahead.
Keep the posted following distance; passing is prohibited when the view is obstructed, passing impedes the plow, or it can't be done safely.
Plows pull over every 5–8 km to let traffic pass; watch for oncoming drivers passing a plow in your lane.
Never race a train; trains may need a kilometre or more to stop.
Advance warning sign: look, listen, slow; speed tab = recommended speed.
Crossing sign shows number of tracks; stop when a train is visible or signalling within 500 m (about five city blocks).
Stop sign at a crossing: stop 5–15 m from the nearest rail.
Flashing lights/bells: stop at least 5 m from the nearest rail until lights/bells stop and the train has passed.
Gates: stay stopped until gates are up, lights off, bells stopped; never drive around gates.
Watch for a second train; don't shift gears on the tracks (manual); if stalled, get everyone out and move away toward the direction the train is coming from.
Buses and dangerous-goods vehicles may be required to stop at all crossings.
LRT (Calgary, Edmonton): very quiet; may need up to 100 m to stop; never drive around gates.
Funeral procession: participants with headlights on may continue through stop signs and red lights when closely following and safe; don't cut through a procession.
Watch for off-highway vehicles (ATVs, snowmobiles) crossing.

Demerits, suspensions and impaired driving

Demerit point thresholds and offences, suspensions, fatigue and medication, and Alberta's Immediate Roadside Sanctions.

Practise Demerits, suspensions and impaired driving questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driver's Guide (Spring 2026), Ch. 9 Driving within the Law, pp. 107–118

Fatigue causes: lack of sleep, stress, boredom, long driving, physical activity, illness, eye strain; worsened by overeating, alcohol, warm car. Rest before trips; stop when tired.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines impair driving (drowsiness, dizziness); ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Impairment begins with the first drink or drug use.
Convicted when you pay the ticket, are found guilty, or are convicted in absence.
Convictions and suspensions stay on your record 10 years (driver's abstract).
Fully licensed: 8–14 points in 2 years → warning letter; 15+ → automatic suspension; reinstated with 7 points remaining.
GDL: 4–7 points in 2 years → letter; 8+ → automatic suspension; reinstated with 3 points remaining.
Points removed 2 years after the conviction date.
Approved defensive driving course before reaching 15 points → 3-point credit for 2 years.
Demerit suspensions: first 1 month; second within 1 year 3 months; third within 2 years 6 months (may require Registrar review).
Must surrender licence at a registry on or before the suspension date; demerit suspensions can't be appealed, but you may request a review for errors.
7: failing to remain at a collision scene.
6: careless driving; failing to stop for a school bus; racing; speeding 51+ km/h over.
5: failing to stop at a railway crossing (school bus or vehicle carrying explosives/gas/flammable liquids); failing to stop for a peace officer.
4: failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk; following too closely; speeding 31–50 over.
3: driving left of the yellow line; wrong way on a one-way; failing to report a collision; failing to stop at a stop sign; running a red light; impeding a passing vehicle; improper passing; stunting; speeding 16–30 over; certain distracted driving offences.
2: disobeying a traffic control device; improper backing (into intersection/crosswalk or unsafely onto highway); improper turns; illegal U-turn; lane violation; speeding up to 15 over.
GDL-specific 2 points: Class 7 curfew (midnight–5 a.m.); more passengers than seat belts; supervisor not fully qualified.
Criminal Code offences: impaired regardless of level; over the legal limit; refusing a sample; impaired causing bodily harm or death; driving while suspended or disqualified.
Criminal conviction: 1-year licence suspension (first); 3 years with one prior in 10 years; 5 years with two or more priors; minimum 5 years if death or injury, even a first offence.
Alberta Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS):
IRS 24-hour: impaired by physical/medical condition, drugs or alcohol → 24-hour disqualification.
IRS ZERO: Novice (Class 7 / Class 5-GDL, any alcohol or drugs) → immediate 30-day suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure, $200 fine + 20% victim surcharge.
IRS ZERO: Commercial: 3 days/$300; 15 days/$600; 30 days/$1,200.
IRS WARN (BAC ≥ 50 mg/100 mL, i.e. 0.05): 1st 3-day suspension, 3-day seizure, $300; 2nd 15 days, 7-day seizure, course, $600; 3rd 30 days, 7-day seizure, IMPACT program, $1,200.
IRS FAIL (impaired, BAC ≥ 80 mg/100 mL (0.08) within 2 hours, drug limits, or refusing a demand): 1st — 90 days no driving then 12-month suspension (interlock option), IMPACT program, 30-day vehicle seizure; later occurrences escalate (the guide shows a $2,000 fine for a later occurrence). First-occurrence fine amount not captured — do not generate a question about it.
Driving while suspended or disqualified: jail and/or fines, another suspension, vehicle seized 30 days regardless of owner.
SafeRoads Alberta reviews IRS penalties and vehicle seizures (decisions within 30 days).
Ignition interlock locks the ignition if breath alcohol is above the threshold; mandatory after Criminal Code impaired conviction.

Written in our own words from: Driver's Guide: Cars and light trucks

FAQ

Alberta Class 7 study guide: common questions

What is the best way to use this Alberta Class 7 study guide?

Read one topic, then answer that topic's practice questions while the rules are fresh. Note the questions you miss, re-read those notes, and finish with a full practice test across all 13 topics.

Is this the official Alberta Class 7 handbook?

No. It is our own summary of the Driver's Guide: Cars and light trucks. Use it to review, and use the official handbook when you need the exact wording of a rule.

Can I print the study guide?

Yes, with your browser's print command. For practice questions on paper with an answer key, use our printable questions and answers page instead.