New Brunswick Class 7 study guide: key rules on all 18 topics

Free New Brunswick Class 7 study guide: 326 key points from the New Brunswick Driver's Handbook 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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This study guide collects our notes on every topic of the New Brunswick Class 7 Knowledge Test on one page: 326 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 New Brunswick Driver's Handbook from the Service New Brunswick / Registrar of Motor Vehicles; they do not replace it, and where our notes and the official source differ, the official source wins.

Study these notes as flashcards →

Sign shapes and colours

The six basic sign shapes, what each sign colour means, the stop, yield and school zone signs you must get right on the sign test, guide signs and information signs.

Practise Sign shapes and colours questions Flashcards Official chapter

introduction and 7.1 Six basic sign shapes (pp. 86–87)

Signs are classed by function: regulatory, warning and information. Shapes and colours are the easiest way to identify them; obey signs without hesitation.
Stop: red octagon, white lettering — come to a full stop and make sure the way is clear before going.
Yield: triangle with a red border on a white background — slow down approaching the intersection, give the right of way, and stop if needed when other traffic is in or close to the intersection.
Regulatory: white rectangles or squares with black or other coloured lettering; they state the law (speed limits, parking, turning and passing).
Warning: diamond-shaped, yellow or orange, black letters or symbols; warn of curves, turns, dips, side roads and similar.
Railway crossing: the crossbuck; current signs have a red reflective border on a white reflective background, replacing the older sign with black "Railway Crossing" lettering.
School zone: fluorescent yellow five-sided (pentagon) sign. When children are present, slow down, watch for children, use extreme caution. Maximum 50 km/h unless otherwise posted; speed must still be reasonable for conditions.

7.2 Standard sign colours (p. 87)

Red: stop or prohibition. Blue: tourism/attraction information or motorist services. Green: permitted movements (such as turns) or directional guidance. Yellow: general warning. Fluorescent yellow: school zone and school crosswalk ahead signs. White: regulatory. Orange: construction and maintenance warning.

7.6 Guide signs and 7.7 Information signs (p. 95)

Guide signs lead motorists along established roads, show intersecting roads and give simple, direct route information (Trans Canada, arterial, collector and local highway markers; hospital; airport — the plane points toward the airport).
Information signs are square and show the location of facilities such as museums, accommodation, gasoline, food, picnic areas, tourist information and campgrounds.

Regulatory signs

Do not enter, no U-turn, one-way, keep right, passing and speed signs, green-circle and red-slash signs, parking and stopping signs, lane designation and turn control signs.

Practise Regulatory signs questions Flashcards Official chapter

7.3 Regulatory signs (pp. 88–89)

Regulatory signs tell drivers the laws for using the highway; disregarding them is an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Examples shown: one-way street; two-way traffic; maximum speed under ideal conditions; advance warning of a lower speed zone; truck inspection station and its exit.
A green circle gives permission as shown (passing permitted; heavy trucks should use this road; dangerous goods route).
A red circle with a diagonal slash denies permission as shown (passing not permitted; no heavy trucks; dangerous goods carriers prohibited).
Do not enter; no U-turn (do not turn around on the roadway to go the other way); keep to the right of a traffic island or obstruction; weight limit for a highway or bridge in tonnes.
Parking signs: parking prohibited as indicated; stopping prohibited as indicated.
Pedestrian signs mark pedestrian crossing at an intersection or mid-block; you must yield to pedestrians within the crosswalk.

Lane designation signs (p. 89)

Mounted above or beside the roadway; when overhead, each sign is centred over the lane it controls.
Meanings: lane must turn left; left or through; left or right; through only; must turn right; right or through; all movements; two-way left turn lane.

Turn control signs (p. 90)

No left turn, no right turn, turn left only, through or left, turn right or left, turn right only, through or right, no turns, no right turn on red, wait for green light before turning right.
A tab under the sign may limit it to certain hours of the day.

Warning signs and hazard markers

Yellow diamond warning signs for curves, hills, bumps, narrowing roads, merges, lane endings, intersections, animals and crossings, plus chevrons, hazard markers and the slow moving vehicle sign.

Practise Warning signs and hazard markers questions Flashcards Official chapter

7.4 Warning signs (pp. 90–92)

Yellow, diamond-shaped, mostly symbols instead of words; warn of a road condition ahead that needs special care.
Two-way traffic ahead; obstruction (pass to either side); stop sign ahead; divided highway begins (keep to the right); divided highway ends.
Road surface slippery when wet; traffic signals ahead (be prepared to stop); bump or rough road; steep hill (shift to a lower gear or slow down going down a very steep hill).
Concealed or unusual intersection ahead, road from right and/or left; road narrows (road ahead not as wide as the one you are on).
Section regularly crossed by the animal shown; underpass with overhead clearance; narrow bridge (pavement narrower than the approach).
Reverse curve: two turns in opposite directions separated by a tangent of less than 120 m, first turn right. Winding road (first curve right). Sharp curve with maximum advised speed tab.
Lane ends (right lane ends); curve right ahead; checkerboard — road ends, you may go left or right.
Added lane: two roads converge and merging is not required. Two lanes merge ahead / traffic entering from right.
"T" intersection warning; road turns sharply right and left.
Surface subject to icing: bridge or road may be slippery at zero degrees Celsius — slow down.
Railway ahead (road crosses tracks at the angle shown); school bus stop ahead (stop for bus with flashing lights); pavement ends (gravel continues); snowmobile crossing; pedestrian crosswalk ahead; cattle crossing; playground ahead; school crosswalk ahead.

Hazard markers (p. 92)

Chevron alignment signs guide drivers around sharp curves.
Hazard close to the edge of the road: the downward-sloping lines point to the side on which you may safely pass.
A warning sign is used on over-dimension loads or their escort vehicles.
Slow moving vehicle sign: on the rear of vehicles that travel at less than 40 km/h; warns drivers behind to slow down.

Construction zones and railway crossings

Orange construction signs, construction zone speed limits and doubled fines, railway crossing signs, flashing lights and gates, the 5-metre stopping rule and vehicles that must stop at every crossing.

Practise Construction zones and railway crossings questions Flashcards Official chapter

Construction signs (p. 93)

Construction signs: black letters or symbols on an orange background.
Construction ahead: you are entering a construction zone; extra caution, be ready for speed limit changes.
Traffic control person ahead: be prepared to stop for instructions.
Road work ahead: workers and maintenance activity present; obey posted speed limits.
Detour ahead; survey crew ahead (slow down); truck entrance left/right (where trucks enter, leave or cross).
Pavement drop-off: the adjacent lane and/or shoulder is lower or higher than your lane.

4.5 Construction zones (p. 36)

Obey the speed limit on construction zone signs; it is 50 km/h in an urban district unless otherwise posted; where no limit is posted in the zone, the limit is 80 km/h. Signs mark the start and end of the zone.
Speeding fines in school and construction zones are doubled.

7.5 Railway crossings (p. 94)

Train–vehicle collisions are the deadliest highway collisions.
Advance warning signs: look, listen, slow down, you may have to stop; an advisory speed tab may show a safe speed lower than posted.
Pavement markings: an "X" and/or stop line may be painted on the approach.
Railway Crossing sign (crossbuck) at all public crossings: yield to all trains; a sign below shows the number of tracks if more than one.
With a stop sign: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail; go only when safe.
With flashing lights and bell: stop when activated (train approaching) at the stop line or, if none, no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail; wait until lights and bells stop, the train has passed, or it is safe. With more than one track, make sure all tracks are clear — a second train may come from the other direction.

4.12 Railway crossings (pp. 41–42)

If lights are flashing, a flagman signals, or a train is dangerously close: stop not less than 5 m (16 ft) from the nearest rail.
Never drive around a gate or barrier.
In slow, heavy traffic, do not start across unless there is room for your whole vehicle on the other side.
Buses, vehicles carrying passengers for hire, and vehicles carrying explosives or flammable liquids must stop, listen and look both ways before crossing; be ready to stop if following one. School buses must also stop at crossings unless otherwise indicated (Part 6).
Parking: not within 15 m of the nearest rail of a railway crossing (Part 4.20).

Traffic lights and signals

Red, yellow and green lights, right turns on red, flashing red, yellow and green lights, green arrows, pedestrian signals, peace officers and crosswalk guards.

Practise Traffic lights and signals questions Flashcards Official chapter

introduction (p. 33)

It is an offence to disobey an order, signal or direction of a peace officer, or the instructions of an official traffic sign or signal, unless a peace officer directs otherwise.

4.15 Traffic control signals (pp. 43–44)

Red light: stop at the marked stop line; if none, before the nearest crosswalk; if none, before entering the intersection. Unless a sign says otherwise, you may turn right on red after a full stop, giving way to pedestrians and other traffic.
Flashing red: same as a stop sign — full stop, go only when the way is clear.
Green: motorists and pedestrians may proceed unless a specific pedestrian light is operating.
Yellow/amber: caution, red is coming. If too close to stop safely or already in the intersection, proceed with caution.
Flashing yellow/amber: slow down and take extra care with intersecting traffic, whether or not you have the right of way.
Red light with green arrow: you may turn cautiously in the arrow's direction after yielding to pedestrians and other traffic.
Red or amber pedestrian light: all vehicles stop until the light turns green, then proceed cautiously after pedestrians clear the crosswalk.
Right on red: allowed after signalling and stopping, if pedestrians and traffic permit, unless a sign prohibits it.
Flashing green: an advance green light — you may turn left if it is safe.

4.16 Peace officer, 4.17 Crosswalk guard (p. 44)

A peace officer's clear direction overrides signs and signals; follow it with caution.
Crosswalk guards may stop traffic for pedestrians crossing at crosswalks only.

4.23 Pedestrian signals (pp. 51–52)

Walk: pedestrians facing it may proceed in the crosswalk only; all other traffic must yield to them.
Don't walk: pedestrians facing it must not start across.
At signalled intersections it is an offence for a pedestrian to disobey the signal unless a peace officer directs otherwise.

Pavement markings and lanes

Yellow and white lines, solid and broken centre lines, lane use, two-way left-turn lanes, stop lines and crosswalks, and railway crossing markings.

Practise Pavement markings and lanes questions Flashcards Official chapter

4.6 Drive on right half of highway (p. 37)

On roads wide enough, drive on the right half; slow traffic keeps close to the right edge or curb. Keep well over on your side; do not hug the centre line.

4.7 Laned traffic and pavement markings (p. 37)

On a road divided into lanes, drive within a single lane.
Drive in the lane nearest the right-hand edge except when preparing to turn left or when passing.
White lines divide lanes moving in the same direction; white lines may also mark the right shoulder.
Yellow lines divide traffic moving in opposite directions.
Double yellow centre line with the solid line on your side: passing prohibited. Broken line on your side: passing permitted if traffic and conditions allow. Two solid lines: neither direction may pass.
Single broken yellow line: passing permitted when traffic, sight distance and conditions are ideal. Single solid yellow line: passing not permitted.
(Part 5.10) Do not ride the line.

4.18 Two-way left-turn lane (p. 46)

Lets traffic from either direction leave the main road to turn left (also used to turn left out of a driveway).
Signal left, slow, check all directions including the left blind spot, move into the lane as near as possible to the turn point, wait for a gap, then turn.
Vehicles from the other direction may use it too; it is NOT a passing lane.

Railway crossing pavement markings (p. 94)

An "X" and/or a stop line may be painted on the approach to a railway crossing.

5.18 Continuity lines (p. 76)

Wider than normal lane lines; separate the through lane from entry/exit ramps.

4.14 Stop line and crosswalks (p. 42)

At a stop sign stop at the marked stop line; if none, before the nearest crosswalk (marked or unmarked); if neither, at the edge of the through road where you can see approaching traffic, leaving room for pedestrians.

Class 7 graduated licence and testing

Class 7 Level 1 and Level 2 conditions, age, consent and vision rules, the road sign and rules tests, passenger limits, night-time restrictions, road test timing and licence admin.

Practise Class 7 graduated licence and testing questions Flashcards Official chapter

1.1 Types of licences, Class 7 Graduated Licence (pp. 9–10)

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles issues, renews and suspends licences under the Motor Vehicle Act.
You must carry your licence whenever you drive, show it to a peace officer on request, and show it to another driver involved in a collision with you.
Class 7 is the graduated (instructional) licence, Level I and Level II; it lasts a minimum of 24 months before you become fully licensed.
Graduated licence holders must keep a 0% blood alcohol content and use no impairing drugs while driving. A breach = one-year suspension, then restart at the beginning of the graduated period with no credit for past tests or driver training.
Losing all points as a graduated driver = suspension of at least three months, then restart at the beginning with no credit.
Entry: at least 16 years old; under 18 needs a parental consent form witnessed by a non-relative; vision screening 20/40 in the best eye; must pass the written, basic and signs tests.
Every driver under 21 must keep a 0% blood alcohol level while driving.

Level 1 (p. 10)

Only one passenger allowed: a Class 5 (or higher) licence holder with at least three years of driving experience, seated in the front passenger seat.
No driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
Eligible for the Level 2 road test after 8 months if graduated from a licensed driver training school, otherwise after 12 months.

Level 2 (p. 10)

If under 21: no driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m., except for education or work, or when accompanied by a Class 5 (or higher) driver with at least three years' experience. An exemption for other reasons can be requested from the Registrar.
No more than three passengers, and no more than one passenger in the front seat.
It is the driver's own responsibility to apply for the Class 5 licence after finishing Level 2.

Class 5 and other classes (pp. 10–14)

Class 5: at least 18; vision 20/40 best eye; road test in a fit vehicle the applicant supplies. Covers two-axle vehicles (not taxis, ambulances or buses), three-axle motor homes, and towing up to and including 4,500 kg gross vehicle mass.
Class 4 (ambulance, taxi, bus under 25 passengers), 3, 2, 1: at least 18; medical standards; vision 20/30 best eye and 20/50 weakest eye.
School bus: needs a B or C endorsement and the driver must be at least 21.
Air brakes: any driver operating or towing a vehicle with air brakes needs an air brake (E) endorsement.
Class 8 (farm tractor) and Class 9 (motor-driven cycle 50 cc or under plus farm tractor): minimum age 14, parental consent under 18.

1.4 Examination for learner's licence (pp. 15–16)

To get a learner's licence you must meet vision standards and show acceptable knowledge of road signs, rules of the road and safe driving practices.
Under 18: written consent of a parent or guardian, form at the back of the handbook, properly witnessed. The parent can withdraw consent before you turn 18 by writing to the Registrar, who may then cancel the licence.
Separate fees for the written test and road test, plus a fee for issuing the licence; amounts from Service New Brunswick / SNB.ca.
Vision: if you need correction, no further testing until you get it; licence then carries the restriction to wear proper visual correction.
Road sign recognition test: written or oral; 20 signs; you must correctly identify the stop, yield and school zone signs and make no more than four errors on the remaining signs.
Rules test: written or oral; 20 multiple-choice questions; 16 correct to pass. The test uses metric units only.

1.5 Examination for driver's licence (pp. 16–19)

Handbook (2022): test appointments booked only through SNB Teleservices (1-888-762-8600).
Road test vehicle must be in good mechanical condition; bring valid registration and insurance card; the examiner checks the vehicle and the test does not go ahead if it is unfit.
A person with an instructional licence must be accompanied to the examining station by a licensed driver.
Road test course is at least 3 km, in fairly dense traffic when possible; examiner will not ask you to break the law.
All test results are valid for only six months; expired tests must be redone.
Restriction codes include: 1 corrective lenses, 6 daylight driving only, 12 valid in NB only, 16 ignition interlock, 23 zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs until age 21.
A licence expires on the holder's birthday in the year of expiry; tracking the date is the driver's responsibility.
Change of address or name must be reported to the Motor Vehicle Branch within 10 days.
At renewal you must report physical or mental conditions that may affect driving, and any revocation or suspension.

Demerit points and suspensions

Newly licensed driver points, the 10-point suspension, point values for common offences, suspension lengths for Criminal Code and Motor Vehicle Act convictions, appeals and reinstatement.

Practise Demerit points and suspensions questions Flashcards Official chapter

1.6 How you may lose your driving privilege (p. 20)

The Registrar must suspend when: a driver (other than a newly licensed driver) reaches 10 points; a newly licensed driver loses all credited points; a person is convicted of operating, or allowing operation of, an uninsured vehicle; any points are assessed against an unlicensed or non-resident unlicensed driver; a person is convicted of altering a licence.
Newly licensed driver = licensed for less than four years. Credited with 4 points when the licence is issued, plus 2 more each following year, to a maximum of 10. Losing all points = suspension.
Other drivers: notice sent each time points are assessed; points come back 2 years after the conviction date; losing all 10 points within 2 years = automatic suspension.

Appeals (pp. 20–21)

A suspension for loss of points under the Motor Vehicle Act can be appealed to the Registrar if it is the first such suspension in three years.
A suspension from a Criminal Code conviction can be appealed to a Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench if it is the first in three years.
Appeals can be based on the need to drive to avoid losing your livelihood; filing does not guarantee reinstatement; no court appeal while a prohibition order is in force.

Suspension of driving privilege (pp. 21–22)

Loss of demerit points (Motor Vehicle Act offences): 3-month suspension.
Criminal negligence, dangerous operation, driving while disqualified: 12 months first conviction; 24 months for a second or later within three years.
Alcohol- or drug-related convictions: 12 months first; 3 years for a second within 10 years; 5 years for a third or later within 10 years.
Any other Criminal Code conviction involving a motor vehicle: 6 months first; 12 months for a second or later within three years.
Failing to stop for a peace officer, or continuing to evade one: court can suspend for up to three years.
Driving while suspended (Motor Vehicle Act): 12 months first conviction; 24 months for a second or later within three years.
Reinstatement after the period ends may require: a reinstatement fee, an impaired driver education course, enrolment in the Ignition Interlock Program, or other listed conditions.

Some examples of point loss offences (p. 22)

Criminal Code offence involving a motor vehicle: 10 points.
Failure to report a collision: 5. Driving without due care: 5. Speeding more than 25 km/h over: 5. Distracted driving: 5.
Speeding 25 km/h or less over: 3.
Failing to stop for school bus flashing lights: 6.
Illegal parking in prohibited places: 2. Equipment offence: 2. Driver not properly wearing a seat belt: 2.

1.7 When a re-examination is required (p. 23)

The Registrar may order any driver re-examined if there is a question about physical or mental condition or driving ability; poor-record re-exams are done by a Driver Examiner.
Medical reports go to the Medical Advisory Board, which advises the Registrar.
Doctors, optometrists and nurse practitioners are required by law to report conditions that would affect a patient's driving.

Speed limits, school zones and school buses

Default 50 and 80 km/h limits, school zone speed and hours, doubled fines, stopping for school buses, slow drivers and radar detectors.

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

4.2 Speed restrictions (pp. 34–35)

Unless posted otherwise: 50 km/h in any urban district; 80 km/h elsewhere.
Breaking posted limits = fine and point loss. Never drive at a speed that endangers life, limb or property, including your own.

4.3 Slow drivers (p. 35)

Offence to drive so slowly you block normal traffic, except when needed for safety. A slow driver must keep right and pull off occasionally to let traffic pass.

4.5 School zones and school buses (p. 36)

School bus stopped with flashing red lights (from front or rear): stop not less than 5 m (16 ft) away and do not go until the bus starts moving or the bus driver signals you.
School zone: take extra care and reduce speed; limit 50 km/h in an urban district unless posted otherwise, in effect 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on school days.
Speeding fines in school and construction zones are doubled.

6.6 School buses (p. 81)

Alternating flashing amber lights start 150 m before the bus stops to pick up children.
Alternating flashing red lights while stopped loading/unloading.
Except on a road divided by a median, all drivers meeting or following a stopped bus must stop at least 5 m away until the red lights stop flashing.
Failing to stop for school bus flashing lights = 6 demerit points (Part 1).

School zone sign (p. 87)

Fluorescent yellow pentagon; maximum 50 km/h when children present unless otherwise posted.

Radar detectors (p. 33)

Possessing and using radar detectors is illegal in New Brunswick.

Right of way, intersections and roundabouts

Four-way stops, left turns, entering a highway, driveways and sidewalks, roundabouts, yield and stop signs, turning at intersections and yielding to pedestrians.

Practise Right of way, intersections and roundabouts questions Flashcards Official chapter

4.11 Right of way (pp. 40–41)

Believing you had the right of way does not necessarily clear you of responsibility for a collision.
Before entering a highway, yield to all vehicles approaching on it.
Coming out of an alley, driveway or building in a business or residential district: stop just before the sidewalk or sidewalk area. Entering one: yield to pedestrians crossing the entrance or on the sidewalk.
Yield to a vehicle that has already entered the intersection.
Two vehicles arrive at about the same time at a three- or four-way stop: yield to the driver on your right. Where signals control, the lights decide.
Left turn: yield to oncoming vehicles in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard; keep wheels straight until ready to turn.
Roundabouts (rotaries, traffic circles): travel counter-clockwise; yield to traffic already in the roundabout; obey the posted speed. Steps: slow and choose your lane early from signs and markings; yield to pedestrians and cyclists; yield to traffic in the roundabout (both lanes if multi-lane); enter at a safe gap; do not change lanes inside; do not stop inside; signal right as you approach your exit. Give large trucks room; do not pass or drive beside a truck in a roundabout.

4.13 Yield sign, 4.14 Stop sign (p. 42)

Yield sign: placed where some control is needed; yield to traffic in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard.
Stop sign: complete stop at the stop line; or before the nearest crosswalk (marked or unmarked); or at the edge of the through road where you can see approaching traffic.

4.18 Turning at intersections (pp. 44–45)

Decide early; never make last-minute turns; get into the correct lane as soon as possible (sooner in fast or heavy traffic); check behind and both sides; signal.
Slow before the crosswalk and complete the turn at the same speed you entered; no brake or clutch pressed while turning; do not shift gears in the intersection.
Finish the turn in the nearest proper lane.
Waiting to turn left: do not turn the wheels left until you can complete the turn — if hit from behind you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.

4.22 Intersections and crosswalks (p. 51)

Except when preparing to turn, do not enter an intersection or marked crosswalk unless there is room to clear it completely.

4.23 Pedestrians (p. 51)

Yield to pedestrians (including people in wheelchairs) in a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at the end of a block, except where a peace officer or traffic control signs regulate pedestrians.
Offence to pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk or intersection to let a pedestrian cross.
Pedestrians crossing elsewhere than a crosswalk must yield to vehicles.

Passing, lane changes and signalling

When you may pass and pass on the right, no-passing distances near hills, intersections and bridges, the ten passing steps, blind spots, being passed and when and how to signal.

Practise Passing, lane changes and signalling questions Flashcards Official chapter

4.4 Passing a vehicle (pp. 35–36)

When being overtaken (except where passing on the right is allowed), move to the right on hearing the passing driver's signal and do not speed up until fully passed.
Passing on the right is an offence except: overtaking a vehicle turning or signalling a left turn; on a one-way street; on roads marked with multiple lanes in the same direction. Never drive onto the shoulder to pass.
Unlawful to drive on the left side of the road: approaching the crest of a hill or on a curve where view is obstructed; within 30 m (100 ft) of or crossing an intersection or railway crossing; within 30 m of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel when the view is obstructed.

4.8 Blind spots (p. 38)

Blind spots at the right and left rear corners; the mirror won't show a car beside you once its front bumper is even with or ahead of your rear bumper. Always shoulder check before changing lanes.

4.9 Passing (pp. 38–39)

Ten steps: stay back; check ahead; check mirror; signal left; check left blind spot over shoulder; move left gradually; accelerate (never above the posted limit); signal right and look over right shoulder; move back when you can see the passed vehicle's headlights in your rear-view mirror; resume speed and cancel signal.
At night, keep low beams until you have started to pass.
Illegal to pass or drive left of centre on a curve or approaching a hill crest where your view is obstructed within 150 m (500 ft), or where markings prohibit; or without enough distance to complete the pass safely.
Changing lanes: check clearance beside, ahead and behind, and signal first.

4.10 Signalling (p. 39)

You must signal to stop or slow down, turn left or right, change lanes, leave the roadway, or move away from a parked position.
Use signal lights, brake lights, or hand and arm signals if the devices don't work; give signals well in advance and plainly visible.
All signals must be given at least 30 m (100 ft) before turning.

4.19 Passing on multi-lane streets (p. 47)

Keep well right except to pass or to turn left.

5.10 (p. 68)

Sound your horn for the driver you are passing; do not follow another car that is passing; if being passed, give way.

Parking, backing and other road users

No-parking distances, parking on hills and rural highways, parallel parking, backing, passengers, walking on the highway, hitchhiking and horseback riders.

Practise Parking, backing and other road users questions Flashcards Official chapter

4.20 Parking (pp. 47–48)

On a rural highway, a stopped vehicle must be moved off the paved or main travelled part unless too disabled to move. Offence to park on the pavement if it can reasonably be parked elsewhere, or to disregard a parking sign.
Never park on a highway unless 5 m (16 ft) of clear roadway is left for traffic and the vehicle can be seen from 60 m (200 ft) in each direction.
Broken down: take precautions to avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles.
Unattended vehicle: front wheels turned to the curb or side of the road; parking brake set.
Parked on a rural highway at night (or whenever lights are required): at least one white or amber light to the front and one red light to the rear on the roadway side.
Parking on a hill: uphill or downhill without curb — steering wheel turned right; uphill with curb — turned left; downhill with curb — turned right; set the parking brake.
No stopping, standing or parking: on a sidewalk; in front of a driveway; within an intersection; within 5 m of a fire hydrant; on a crosswalk; within 5 m of a crosswalk at an intersection; within 10 m of the approach to a flashing beacon, stop sign or traffic signal at the roadside; between a safety zone and the curb or within 10 m of its ends; within 15 m of the nearest rail of a railway crossing; within 10 m of a fire station driveway entrance (and within 25 m on the opposite side); beside a street excavation that would block traffic; double parking; on a bridge, elevated structure or in a tunnel; where signs prohibit stopping; more than 50 cm from the curb; on a provincial highway where it interferes with snow ploughing.

Parallel parking (p. 49)

Signal; stop even with the car ahead of the space, about half a metre beside it; back slowly turning sharply right; straighten; when your front passes the rear of the car ahead, turn left sharply then gradually; straighten and pull up to within 60 cm of the car ahead, no more than 50 cm from the curb.

4.21 Backing (p. 50)

No faster than a person walking quickly. Foot on brake, select reverse, full safety scan including over the shoulder and blind spot, aim into your path, control the wheel with one hand at 12 o'clock, keep scanning.

4.22 Miscellaneous (pp. 50–51)

Never carry more passengers than is safe or seat them where they block the driver's view. Coasting in neutral is prohibited. No dumping glass, nails or rubbish on the highway.
Load/unload goods or passengers only at the curb or shoulder; never let anyone board a moving vehicle.
No riding in parts of a vehicle not designed for passengers, except in an approved parade, workers working while transported, or transport to/from a worksite (also applies to trailers).

4.24 Walking on the highway, 4.25 Horseback riding (pp. 52–53)

Where sidewalks exist, pedestrians must not walk on the road. With no sidewalk, walk on the left side facing traffic when practical.
At night on unlit roads carry a light or wear light-coloured clothing; retro-reflective material can be seen several hundred metres away.
Offence to stand in the roadway to hitchhike.
Horses: riders and horse-drawn vehicles may use roads unless signs restrict; travel with traffic, far right; no riding on sidewalks; drivers should slow down and give plenty of room.

Collisions and emergency vehicles

Duties after a collision, the $1,000 reporting rule, proof of insurance, pulling over for emergency vehicles, slowing to half the limit and moving over, fire trucks and first aid at a crash.

Practise Collisions and emergency vehicles questions Flashcards Official chapter

4.1 Collisions (pp. 33–34)

A driver in a collision causing death, injury or property damage must stop at the scene and give their name, address, plate number, driver's licence and liability insurance card to the other parties.
First at the scene: avoid handling the injured unless there is added danger of being struck by traffic.
Report immediately to the nearest RCMP office or local police any collision causing death or injury, or apparent total property damage of $1,000 or more. The Registrar can suspend anyone who fails to report.
Financial responsibility: after a collision with injury/death or $1,000+ damage, the driver must be able to prove financial responsibility; accepted proof is a New Brunswick Liability Insurance Card. If the report shows none, the Registrar must suspend the owner and operator and cancel their registrations and licences; proof must then be filed and kept for at least one year from the collision.

Emergency vehicles (p. 34)

When an emergency vehicle approaches from either direction with siren/bell and flashing red lights: immediately drive to the right-hand curb, stop, and stay stopped until it passes, unless a peace officer directs otherwise.
Emergency or service vehicle stopped with flashing lights: slow to one half of the posted speed limit and proceed with caution; when safe, move over to the left away from it; with two or more lanes, move into another lane if safe. Fine and points for not slowing and moving over.
Authorized emergency vehicle = police/designated peace officer, fire department or firefighting vehicle, ambulance. Service vehicle = tow truck, public or private utility vehicle, road safety or maintenance vehicle under provincial contract.
Offence to follow within 150 m (500 ft) of fire apparatus responding to an emergency, or to drive or park within 150 m of fire apparatus stopped at an alarm. Do not drive over a fire hose unless a fire official tells you to.

6.7 Emergency vehicles (pp. 81–82)

Pull over to the right and stop completely; yield to emergency vehicles at intersections; offence to follow an emergency vehicle within 150 m.

5.8 Crash (pp. 62–63)

Prevent a second crash: pull completely off the road away from the scene; use four-way flashers.
Call 9-1-1, stay calm, give the location, follow the operator's directions, stay on the line until told to hang up.
Do not move the injured unless they are in a burning car or other immediate danger; do not twist or turn them. A driver pinned by the steering wheel: release the seat catch and slide the seat back.
Untrained helpers: keep injured warm with blankets or coats, loosen collars, ties and belts, reassure them.
Reduce fire hazard: turn off ignitions, keep smokers away; use an extinguisher, dirt or a heavy fire-retardant blanket.
First attend to anyone not breathing or bleeding severely: put the cleanest pad on the wound and press; if blood soaks through, leave it and add another on top; keep pressure.
Artificial respiration: rescue breath every five seconds for an adult, every three seconds for an infant.

Seat belts, distraction and safe driving habits

Seat belt and child seat rules, seat belt penalties, hand-held device rules, speed and impact, reaction time, following distance, driving posture, defensive driving and wildlife.

Practise Seat belts, distraction and safe driving habits questions Flashcards Official chapter

5.1 The vehicle, 5.2 Check your vehicle (pp. 54–55)

Keep the vehicle in good mechanical condition; key parts checked regularly by qualified mechanics.
Diagram checks: brakes keep 1/3 of pedal travel remaining at all times, hand brake works, no leaks; tires with no exposed ply cords, bulges or tread cuts; horn audible for 60 m; lights working and properly aimed; glass clear, no unauthorized or expired stickers.

5.3 Seat belts save lives, 5.4 Penalties (pp. 55–57)

Every occupant of a seat with a seat belt must wear one; number of passengers is limited to the number of working seat belts (fine if exceeded).
The driver must make sure passengers under 16 are belted; passengers 16 and older are responsible for themselves.
Children must ride in a proper child safety seat fastened to the vehicle until they reach one of: age 9, weight 36 kg (79 lb), or height 145 cm (57 in). Taxis, emergency vehicles and buses are exempt.
Use caution with a child seat in a front seat with an air bag; most manufacturers advise using the rear seats. Transport Canada recommends children 12 and under ride in the back seat.
Never wear a shoulder belt without the lap belt; seat belts must be used with air bags.
Driver convicted of not wearing a seat belt: fine and 2 points. Drivers are charged (not assessed points for others) for unbelted passengers under 16. Passengers over 16 are charged themselves, with no points.

5.5 Preparing your vehicle for winter (pp. 57–58)

A leaking muffler/exhaust can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, especially when stalled in traffic or a blizzard; never start the car in a closed garage. Yawning, headache, dizziness, weariness or nausea: turn off the engine, get out, get fresh air.
Studded tires may skid more in an emergency stop than rubber tires; studded tires allowed October 15 to April 30.
Mount snow tires on all four wheels; do not mix radials with non-radial snow tires.

5.6 The driver (pp. 58–61)

Most common crash causes in NB: inattention/distraction, too fast for conditions, failure to grant right of way, impaired driving, obstructed view, following too closely, improper use of lanes.
Hand-held electronic devices are prohibited while driving (phones for calls or texts, portable GPS, video game and mp3 players); manually programming or adjusting a GPS while driving is prohibited; TV-style screens may not be in the driver's view unless part of a GPS or showing vehicle systems.
Speed limits are the maximum under ideal conditions. Doubling speed makes impact four times as great (30 km/h ≈ falling from one storey; 60 km/h ≈ four storeys).
Stopping has two stages: seeing the reason, then reacting. Average reaction time about 3/4 of a second; at 50 km/h the car travels 10 m (about two car lengths) before braking starts.
Driving posture: seat adjusted to reach pedals; mirrors to cover blind spots; headrest adjusted; right foot for accelerator and brake, heel resting at the base of the accelerator; left foot for clutch; hands at about 10 and 2 o'clock.
Following: two-second interval (count "one thousand and one, one thousand and two" from a fixed point), valid at any speed in good conditions; longer in bad conditions. Alternative: at least one car length per 20 km/h.
Defensive driving: anticipate others' mistakes; a bouncing ball may mean a child; exhaust smoke may mean a car about to pull out; flashing brake lights ahead mean be ready to stop.
Animals: watch for moose and deer especially at dawn and dusk; scan both sides of the road.

5.7 White cane (p. 62)

White canes are restricted by law to people with visual impairment; use extreme caution — they cannot see you.

5.10 Some rules for safe driving (pp. 67–68)

Never assume you will be given the right of way. Slow vehicles keep to the extreme right. Never park on the left side of the road facing traffic.
Except with two or more marked lanes in the same direction, never pass approaching an intersection, bridge or railway crossing.
When passing on a two-lane highway, pass only one car at a time; do not follow another car that is passing; signal and sound the horn for the driver being passed.
Stop driving when drowsy; do not drive with animals loose in the car.

Impaired driving

Zero tolerance for new and young drivers, the 0.05 warning range and 0.08 limit, vehicle impoundment periods, ignition interlock, drug-impaired driving, 24-hour suspensions and refusing a demand.

Practise Impaired driving questions Flashcards Official chapter

5.9 Impaired driving (pp. 64–67)

All drivers under 21 must keep a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Zero tolerance for drug-impaired driving applies to novice drivers and those under 21. (Part 1 adds: graduated licence holders must keep 0% BAC and no impairing drugs.)
Besides losing driving privileges, an impaired conviction can mean higher insurance rates, difficulty getting insurance, or job loss.
Main factors in alcohol impairment: amount absorbed into the blood and time allowed for elimination; also body weight, food in the stomach and type of drink.
"Wearing off" feeling is a delusion: you compare peak impairment with declining impairment, but you are not sober.
Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs (for colds or flu) cause drowsiness; avoid driving and never mix with alcohol.
Plan a safe ride: designated driver, cab or public transit.
Drug impairment (including cannabis): police can seize vehicles and suspend licences on the spot; consequences include immediate short-term roadside suspension, administrative licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, re-education course, reinstatement fees.
Criminal Code: driving with BAC of 80 mg per 100 mL of blood (0.08%) or more is prohibited.
Warning range 0.05–0.08%: penalties under NB's Motor Vehicle Act. Vehicle impoundment: 1st offence within 5 years 3 days (discretionary); 2nd within 5 years 7 days (discretionary); 3rd or more within 5 years 7 days (mandatory).
BAC 0.08 or over, or failing/refusing a breath sample (listed under the Vehicle Impoundment Program): first within 10 years = 30-day mandatory impoundment; with a previous one within 10 years = 60-day mandatory impoundment.
Novice drivers who break the zero tolerance rule: mandatory seven-day vehicle impoundment.
Ignition interlock: mandatory for everyone convicted of alcohol-impaired driving or of failing/refusing a Criminal Code demand; prevents starting the vehicle after drinking; restricted licence for interlock-equipped vehicles only; the participant pays. Voluntary program for drivers on a 30-day short-term suspension or a three-month Administrative Licence Suspension for alcohol. The Registrar can extend time in the program or grant exemptions.
Police may suspend a licence for 24 hours if they believe a driver is unfit to drive safely for a medical or other reason.
Police with reasonable grounds may demand a standard field sobriety test, a breath or bodily substance sample, or a Drug Recognition Expert evaluation. Conviction for failing or refusing = same penalties as impaired driving.

Bad weather, night driving and highways

Rain, hydroplaning, skids, ice and ABS, winter stopping distances, blow-outs, curves, night driving, fog, climbing lanes, ramps, continuity lines and zipper merges.

Practise Bad weather, night driving and highways questions Flashcards Official chapter

5.11 Highway, weather and visibility conditions (pp. 69–72)

Tire contact with the road is about the length of the palm of your hand; friction drops sharply on wet or slippery roads. Avoid cruise control in wet or slippery conditions.
Stopping on ice: with ABS, apply steady pressure and do not pump; without ABS, pump the brake gradually without locking the wheels. Studded tires shorten stopping on ice but can lengthen it in extreme cold.
Rain: roads are especially slick just after it starts to rain or drizzle (grease and dirt form a slippery film).
Hydroplaning: partial from about 55 km/h, rising to about 85 km/h where tires may be fully on the water (in a severe rainstorm, all contact lost at 85 km/h). Response: take your foot off the accelerator and let the car slow; if fully hydroplaning, steer to keep the original direction, do not oversteer. Good deep tread helps prevent it; when water is deeper than the tread, complete hydroplaning is expected.
Skids caused by excessive speed, excessive acceleration, sudden or excessive braking, abrupt steering. Rear-wheel skid: feet off the pedals, steer in the direction of the skid. Four-wheel skid: release the brake, reapply gently. Front-wheel skid: foot off the accelerator; if it continues, clutch in or neutral. Freely rolling wheels regain traction better.
Winter: watch for ice in shaded areas, on bridges and overpasses (they freeze before the rest of the road); test brakes gently away from traffic; avoid sudden moves; downshift to slow.
Without chains, stopping on snow and ice can take up to 12 times the distance needed on dry concrete.

5.12 Intersections (p. 72)

Slow before entering; check for traffic and pedestrians first left, then right.

5.13 Tire blow-out, 5.14 Running off the pavement, 5.15 Curves (p. 73)

Blow-out: do not brake; ease off the accelerator, grip the wheel firmly with both hands, slow gradually to a stop.
Wheel off the pavement: foot off the accelerator, steer straight; when clear behind, turn left and drive slowly back on. Jerking back can cause loss of control or a rollover.
Curves: slow down before the curve, then gradually accelerate after entering; slow to any posted advisory speed; never stop, park or make a U-turn on a curve; do not pass or back up on curves or hills.

5.16 Driving at night, 5.17 Driving in fog (p. 74)

Do not overdrive your headlights (drive so fast you cannot stop within the distance they light up).
Fog: reduce speed gradually and avoid sudden stops; in dense fog, creep; use low beams, not parking lights; if you stop, get as far off the road as possible; leaving the highway to wait for the fog to lift is safest. Same practices for dense falling or blowing snow.

5.18 Limited access highway (pp. 75–76)

Climbing lane / slow traffic lane: at the end, the driver in the right lane must yield to the driver in the left lane.
Entering: use the acceleration lane to reach traffic speed; drivers on the highway should move left if safe or slow to let traffic in. Exiting: use the deceleration lane.
Never stop on the travelled roadway even if you miss your exit; drive to the next exit; never back up on a highway.
Continuity lines mark the separation between the through lane and entry/exit ramps; they are wider than regular lane lines.
Diamond interchange: all exits from the main road are to the right.
Zipper merge: when a lane ends, keep using it up to the merge point, then merge in turn with the other lane.

Large trucks and their blind spots and stopping distances, motorcycles, cyclists and the one-metre rule, pedestrians and farm vehicles.

Practise Sharing the road questions Flashcards Official chapter

6.1 Drivers helping other drivers (p. 77)

Keep a safe following distance, avoid tailgating and crowding, avoid riding in another vehicle's blind spot, avoid sudden moves.
Never drive faster than conditions allow regardless of the posted limit; roads are most slippery at or near the freezing point.

6.2 Drivers and large commercial vehicles (p. 78)

A large vehicle turning right may swing left first; never move into that open space. Turning left it may swing wide.
Heavy vehicles need longer stopping distances and accelerate slowly; avoid passing them going downhill — wait for level ground.
If you cannot see the truck driver, the driver cannot see you.

6.3 Drivers and motorcycles (pp. 78–79)

A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane; never crowd into its lane.
Motorcycles can stop quicker than other vehicles, so allow extra following distance.
Motorcyclists: as a rule ride in the left wheel position; do not zig-zag between cars.

6.4 Drivers and bicycles (pp. 79–80)

Do not pass a bicycle going the same way unless there is enough space; when passing, leave at least one metre (three feet) of open space. Cross the yellow line if it is safe and there is no oncoming traffic.
Ellen's Law: failing to give a cyclist one metre is a Motor Vehicle Act offence (fine and demerit points).
Avoid driving or parking in bike lanes; look before opening car doors; check blind spot when turning.
Cyclists must follow the same rules of the road, ride in the same direction as traffic as close to the right as possible, not ride on sidewalks; riding without a helmet is against the law; bikes should have a headlight, reflectors and a horn or bell.

6.5 Drivers and pedestrians (p. 80)

Give pedestrians the right of way in a crosswalk unless a sign or signal says otherwise; never pass a vehicle that is yielding to a pedestrian at a crosswalk.
Give people with disabilities enough time to cross.
Pedestrians can be hidden behind the rear-view mirror, beside door pillars, at the sides, and in front of or behind the vehicle; do a circle check before starting.

6.6 Drivers and school buses (p. 81)

Alternating flashing amber lights come on 150 m (500 ft) before the bus stops for children.
Alternating flashing red lights are used while the bus is stopped loading or unloading.
Except on a road divided by a median, drivers meeting or following a stopped school bus must stop at least 5 metres away and wait until the red lights stop flashing. Passing a bus with flashing red lights is illegal.
School bus drivers need a B or C endorsement; school buses must stop at railway crossings unless otherwise indicated.

6.7 Drivers and emergency vehicles (pp. 81–82)

When an emergency vehicle approaches with siren and lights: pull over to the right and stop completely; yield at intersections.
It is an offence to follow an emergency vehicle within 150 metres (500 feet).
Stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights: slow down, proceed with caution, move over to the left away from it when safe; with two or more lanes, move into the other lane if safe. Failing to move over can mean a fine and demerit points.

6.8 Drivers and farm vehicles (pp. 82–83)

Three main farm-equipment crash types: rear-end collisions, intersection collisions where direction was hard to read, and overtaking a farm vehicle that is turning left.
Make sure the operator knows you intend to pass and the way is clear; be patient — equipment may not be able to move over.
Farm tractors and self-propelled implements on the highway must show a slow-moving vehicle sign on the rear (except when directly crossing).

6.9 Sharing the road with large trucks (pp. 83–85)

Tractor-trailer up to 49,500 kg; length may exceed 23 m; B-trains up to 25 m and 62,500 kg.
At 90 km/h a car stops in about 56 m; a loaded sleeper-cab tractor-trailer needs at least 60 m; a bobtail (no trailer) needs 56 m.
Average reaction time is three-quarters of a second; at 90 km/h a truck travels 18 m before braking begins.
A fully loaded combination at 90 km/h under ideal conditions travels 102 m in total before stopping; more with hot brakes.
Semi-trailers often swing left before turning right ("right turn squeeze"); watch the truck's signals before passing on the right.
Truck blind spots: directly in front, both sides of the cab, and up to 60 m behind. A long-hood tractor may not see the first 6 m in front; cab-overs up to 3 m.

Vehicle registration, inspection and equipment

Registration, plates, visitors and new residents, transit markers, disability placards, safety inspections, required lights and distances, horn, mirror, studded tire dates and safety chains.

Practise Vehicle registration, inspection and equipment questions Flashcards Official chapter

Part 2 Registration of vehicles (pp. 24–27)

Every motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer driven on NB highways must be registered through Service New Brunswick; the driver must carry the registration certificate or a photocopy.
Licence plates belong to the Crown and must be surrendered on demand; plates must be securely fastened and clearly legible; the rear plate must be lit at night.
Plates stay with the vehicle and cannot be transferred, except personalized, conservation and specialty plates.
Altering or defacing a vehicle identification number is an offence.
A visitor's passenger vehicle may be used for personal (non-business) purposes for six months without NB registration, counted from first use in NB in the registration year. A new resident must register immediately.
Transfer of ownership: seller signs the registration certificate; the vehicle cannot be driven until the registration is recorded in the buyer's name.
Transit marker: temporary permit, valid 24 hours, to move an unregistered vehicle or take a vehicle with an expired inspection sticker to an inspection station; proof of insurance needed.
Expiry: passenger and light commercial = staggered dates; all-terrain vehicles = December 31; all other registrations = March 31.
Disability placard: hang on the rear-view mirror when parked in a designated space and remove before driving; the placard holder must be getting in or out at that stop; valid up to five years; parking in a designated space without a valid placard can bring a fine and loss of points.
Motor vehicle safety inspection: at an official inspection station by an authorized mechanic; police or a government inspector can inspect any time; an out-of-province vehicle being registered in NB has 14 days to be inspected; NS and PEI inspections are honoured until their expiry; a rejected vehicle has 14 days to be fixed and re-inspected (but it still may not be driven if unsafe).

Part 3 Equipment (pp. 28–32)

Lights required at night or whenever you cannot see a person or vehicle 150 m (500 ft) away.
Daytime running lights: required on new vehicles from model year 1990; all vehicles on NB roads must show DRLs, or headlights on at all times if DRLs are missing or broken (fine and points possible).
Headlights: at least two white; mounted 60–140 cm from the ground; high beam shows 100 m ahead, low beam 30 m.
Dim high beams within 150 m (500 ft) of an oncoming vehicle; use low beams when following within 60 m (200 ft), except while passing.
Tail lights: two red, visible 150 m to the rear; white licence plate light legible at 15 m.
Brake lights visible from 30 m; turn signals visible front and rear from 30 m.
Flashing/revolving red lights only on ambulances, police and fire vehicles, and school buses while loading/unloading. Flashing amber allowed on school buses, vehicles carrying explosives, or towing a wide trailer.
Four-way flashers: when parked on the highway because of an emergency or circumstances beyond the driver's control.
Spot lamp: no more than one; may not be aimed at or within 30 m in front of an oncoming vehicle. Fog lamps: no more than two, used only with low beams.
Foot brake and emergency brake required. Horn audible at least 60 m (200 ft); sirens, whistles or bells only on authorized emergency vehicles.
Mirror showing at least 60 m (200 ft) to the rear; portable door/fender mirrors illegal unless towing.
Windows clear of signs/posters that block view; no ornaments that block vision or distract; working wipers, muffler (no cut-outs), speedometer.
Size without permit: width 260 cm, height 415 cm; combination length 23 m.
Studded tires (approved type) permitted October 15 to April 30.
Trailers need a safety chain attached to the frame or bumper, not the hitch.

Written in our own words from: New Brunswick Driver's Handbook

FAQ

New Brunswick Class 7 study guide: common questions

What is the best way to use this New Brunswick 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 18 topics.

Is this the official New Brunswick Class 7 handbook?

No. It is our own summary of the New Brunswick Driver's Handbook. Use it to review, and use the official handbook when you need the exact wording of a rule.

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