NL Class 5 study guide: key rules on all 18 topics

Free NL Class 5 study guide: 351 key points from the Newfoundland and Labrador Driver's Handbook (Road Users Guide) 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 Newfoundland and Labrador Class 5 Learner's Written Test on one page: 351 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 Newfoundland and Labrador Driver's Handbook (Road Users Guide) from the Motor Registration Division, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador; 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 regulatory signs

What each sign shape and colour means, the stop, yield, crossbuck and school signs, red-slash and green-circle signs, speed, turn, parking, one-way, keep-right and accessible parking signs.

Practise Sign shapes and regulatory signs questions Flashcards Official chapter

Traffic signs (shapes)

Eight-sided (octagon) = stop, always.
Horizontal rectangle = directions and distances.
Vertical rectangle or square = regulations.
Crossbuck (X shape) = railway crossing.
Upside-down (inverted) triangle = yield right-of-way, always.
Pentagon (five sides) = school children may be present; blue or fluorescent yellow.
Diamond = hazard ahead.

Stop, yield, crossbuck, school signs

Stop sign: red octagon, white letters. Come to a full stop; stop at the stop line or crosswalk; go only when clear. No other sign has the shape.
Yield sign: white triangle with wide red border (lettering may also be yellow/black). Slow down, be ready to stop, yield to oncoming traffic.
Crossbuck: white background, reflective red border. Be ready to stop. If a mechanical signal device or a flag person warns of a train, stop no less than 5 m from the nearest rail.
School ahead sign: blue pentagon with white student figures (may be fluorescent yellow); entering a school zone, slow down, watch for children; some show the school zone maximum speed.
Other blue signs shown: school zone/services ahead, school crossing, police station ahead.

Sign colours

Red circle with red diagonal stroke = whatever is shown is not permitted.
Green rectangle, white letters = information: distances/directions to cities, towns, communities, routes.
Brown rectangle, white letters = tourist information: rest areas, historic sites, parks, tourist chalets.
Regulatory signs: rectangular or square, white background, black or other colour lettering; speed limits, parking, turning, passing.
Green circle on a regulatory sign = what is shown is permitted or mandatory.

Common regulatory signs

Legal speed limit; pedestrians not permitted on highway; trucks may use highway; parking during certain times; do not enter; no U-turn; parking not permitted in direction of arrows; keep right of the island; centre lane is a shared left-turn lane; change in speed ahead.
Bicycles not permitted; keep right except to pass; one-way street; two-way left turns; no left turn; pedestrian crosswalk where drivers must yield.
Passing lane 2 km ahead. Use passing lane only if safe. Oncoming vehicles have the right to use that passing lane first; if several oncoming vehicles, yield to them.
Accessible (blue zone) parking: reserved for a permit holder or a person accompanying a permit holder; space painted blue in whole or part.

Warning signs

Yellow diamond warning signs for curves, hills, bumps, merges, lane endings, narrow bridges, divided highways, railway crossings, moose and falling rocks, plus the slow-moving vehicle sign and weather hazard signs.

Practise Warning signs questions Flashcards Official chapter

Warning signs

Diamond shape, yellow background, black letters/symbols; warn of dangerous or unusual conditions (slippery roads, sharp turns, trucks turning, dips). No other sign has this shape.
Pedestrians may be crossing; winding road; bump or rough road; right lane ending; steep hill (may need lower gear and engine braking); traffic lights ahead; clearance under a bridge/overpass; right turn followed by left turn; two lanes merge with traffic entering from the right; pavement ends, gravel road ahead.

Warning signs

Intersection ahead crossing at right angles; playground (watch for children); railway crossing ahead; falling rocks; sudden turn in direction of arrow (slow down); moose regularly cross this section (slow down, caution); narrow bridge or underpass; dead end (exit right or left); two-way traffic ahead (share the highway); sharp curve to the right; slippery when wet; stop sign ahead (be prepared to stop).

Warning signs

Two roads converge, merging not required (added lane).
Divided highway ahead (median/island): keep right; signal and change lanes only when safe.
T-intersection ahead: go right or left.
Road ahead is narrower than the road you are on.
Slight bend or curve ahead.
Divided highway ends: single roadway with two-way traffic ahead; keep right.
Roundabout ahead: slow down; may show recommended speed.
Sharp turn in direction of the symbol.
Slow-moving vehicle sign: required on the rear of the vehicle when driven on the highway.

Hazardous conditions signs (weather)

Advisory messages or road closures/detours for bad weather; black on yellow (with or without yellow flashing lights) or digital with yellow/orange lettering on black.
Obey them strictly. Examples: wind warnings in the Wreckhouse area; closure of the highway from Holyrood to St. John's in winter weather.

Construction zone signs

Orange road construction signs, flag persons, survey and maintenance crews, doubled fines, hazard markers, over-dimensional load signs and zipper merge signs.

Practise Construction zone signs questions Flashcards Official chapter

Road construction signs

Diamond, square or rectangle; orange background, black letters/symbols, black border; warn of construction and maintenance.
A road construction zone = the stretch of street/highway between orange construction signs.
Speeds are generally reduced: protect workers near heavy equipment, give drivers time to react, reduce damage from loose gravel/uneven pavement.
Fines for not obeying posted speed limits in construction zones are doubled.
Obey signs and flag persons; vehicles ahead may stop unexpectedly near a zone.
Signs: construction ahead; crew working (maintenance ahead); survey crew ahead; construction ends (return to posted speed); trucks entering from the right; flag person ahead (be prepared to stop for instructions).
Orange and black hazard sign: on objects on/near the highway to guide you away, e.g. each end of a concrete bridge or near a washed-out section.

Road construction signs

'D' sign on commercial vehicles = over-dimensional load.
Zipper merge ahead; zipper merge use both lanes; begin zipper merge / merge point.

Zipper merge

Early merge: for low volume + high speed; leave the closed lane well before it ends.
Late (zipper) merge: for high volume + low speed/congestion; stay in your lane until the marked merge point, then take turns.
Late merge benefits: shorter travel times, more capacity, shorter queues. A variable message sign may announce it.

Construction zones

Workers are very close to traffic with little protection; noise can stop them hearing traffic.
Fines are double in construction zones.
Signs may stay up with no workers or equipment present because of road condition or nearby dangers; they still must be obeyed and are enforced.

Traffic lights and pedestrian signals

Solid and flashing lights, green arrows, right turns on red, police directions, walk and don't walk signals, and pedestrians who are blind or partially sighted.

Practise Traffic lights and pedestrian signals questions Flashcards Official chapter

Traffic light signals

Solid green: go straight or turn right; left turn only after yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
Solid amber: red is about to appear; stop if you can do so safely, otherwise go through with caution.
Solid red: stop and wait for green. Right turn on red allowed after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic, unless a sign prohibits it.
Green light with green arrow: go in the arrow direction, straight or right unless a sign prohibits; when the arrow goes off, follow solid green rules.
Red light with green arrow: go only in the arrow direction after yielding to pedestrians and other traffic; when the arrow goes off, wait for solid green.
Flashing amber: slow down, proceed with caution.
Flashing red: complete stop, go only when safe.
Some intersections have signs prohibiting right turns.
A police officer may wave you through a red light (collision, congestion) — always obey the officer.

Pedestrian light signals

Pedestrian facing walk signal may cross in direction of the signal.
No pedestrian signals installed: pedestrians may cross facing a solid green traffic light.
Red don't walk or orange hand: do not start crossing. Already in the intersection when it appears: finish as quickly as possible; still have right-of-way over vehicles.
Blind/partially sighted pedestrians may carry a white cane held diagonally in front, or use a guide dog with a rigid harness. Extended cane at a corner = intends to cross; give the right-of-way.
Hybrid vehicles are almost silent, especially when slowing/stopping — extra care around pedestrians.
Pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic; wear white/reflective clothing at night; cross directly, at an intersection or crosswalk if available.

Pavement markings

Stop lines and crosswalks, yellow and white lane lines, solid and broken lines for passing, lane arrows, painted islands and shared left-turn lanes.

Practise Pavement markings questions Flashcards Official chapter

Road markings at intersections

Stop line: come to a complete stop; go only after yielding to pedestrians and other traffic.
Crosswalk: where pedestrians can cross; stop before entering a crosswalk at an intersection and yield to pedestrians.
No stop line or crosswalk: stop as close to the corner of the intersection as possible, then yield.

Lane markings

Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions.
White lines separate lanes going the same direction.
Solid line on your left = unsafe to pass.
Broken yellow line on your left = may pass if the way is clear.

Arrows and painted islands

Lane arrows near an intersection show the direction that lane must go (left; left or straight; straight; right).
If the road beyond the intersection is blocked, stop before entering the intersection and wait.
Painted island: two solid yellow lines enclosing diagonal yellow lines; guides traffic away from fixed objects (bridge, island/median). Do not drive over it or use it to pass.

Shared left turn lane

Bordered on each side by double yellow lines (one solid, one broken).
For left turns from both directions and into/out of driveways, alleys, parking lots.
You may cross the solid yellow to enter it. Not a passing lane or driving lane. Do not drive in it more than 100 m.

Licensing and graduated licensing

Who can apply, the written test and 85% pass mark, Class 5I learner and Class 5II novice conditions, the novice driver sign, parental consent, road test timing, renewals and licence changes.

Practise Licensing and graduated licensing questions Flashcards Official chapter

Who can drive

Must hold a valid licence for the type of vehicle driven; new drivers must complete the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program.
Any resident 16 or older with valid ID, not refused for a medical reason, may apply. Resident = living in the province at least 90 days.
Visitors don't need a provincial licence if they drive the same class they are licensed for elsewhere.

New residents

From elsewhere in Canada: use your valid licence for the first 90 days; apply and surrender the old licence within those 90 days. Illegal to hold more than one licence.
Class 5 from another Canadian jurisdiction accepted without testing.
From the US: exchange without tests if 17, required ID, licence valid (not suspended etc.), and if expired, not more than 5 years.

Graduated Driver Licensing Program

Applies to novice drivers regardless of age; privileges increase over the first two years. Two novice levels: Level I Learner, Level II Novice.
Approved driver education cuts the wait for the road test from 12 months to 8.
Offences/disqualification can delay the full licence; breaking rules may suspend the permit or licence.
Under 19 applying for first licence: parent/legal guardian must come to Motor Registration and sign consent. They may withdraw consent in writing any time until you turn 19; licence privileges are then suspended. Not needed if you can document you are married or self-supporting.

Novice driver sign and Learner (Class 05I)

'Novice driver' sign on the rear: letters at least 5 cm high, black on white. Acceptable spots: lower left corner of rear window (behind driver; recommended, least obstruction), trunk, rear bumper.
Display it only when a learner's-permit holder is driving.
Learner requirements: 16+ (parental consent under 19), pass written test, pass vision test.
Learner conditions: accompanied by a licensed driver with at least 4 years' experience as a full Class 5 driver; driver and accompanying driver zero BAC; no driving midnight to 5:00 a.m.; no passengers (parent/guardian may be present if learner is in driver education with a licensed instructor); display novice sign.

Novice (Class 05II) and Full

Novice requirements: 12 months at Level I (or 8 months with approved driver education) and pass a road test.
Novice conditions: accompanied by a licensed driver with 4 years as full Class 5 between midnight and 5:00 a.m. (employment exemption: carry employer-signed work schedule and show police on request); zero BAC for novice and accompanying driver; passengers limited to the number of seatbelts.
Full licence: after 12 months at Level II.

Written test

Multiple choice: rules of the road, safe driving practices, road sign recognition and more. Pass mark 85%.
Based on this guide and the Highway Traffic Act and Regulations.
Class 5 test can be taken online via MyGovNL; then visit a Motor Registration office or Government Service Centre for ID/results check, vision test and learner's permit fee. Permit not valid until then.
Passed written test results valid 6 months.
After passing: get a driver application form, take it to Motor Registration for photo and learner's permit card.
Class 5I permit valid 2 years; renew at Motor Registration. If it lapses more than 12 months, redo the written test.
Tests in other languages: interpreter must be approved by the Registrar; you pay the interpreter's costs.

Road test

After 12 months as learner (8 with approved training). Passing moves you from Class 5I to 5II.
About 30 minutes: instructions, vehicle inspection, parking and road components, results.
Bring: road test payment receipt, valid 5I permit, valid insurance, valid registration for the test vehicle, proof of driver training (if applicable).
Pay at least 24 hours before (online at MyGovNL or at an office).
Passed road test results valid 12 months.
Common fails: too many error points; speeding or too fast for conditions; not stopping fully at a stop sign or before right on red; failing to yield; obstructing traffic by driving too slowly; unsafe behaviour that makes the examiner stop the test.

Renewing, replacing, updating

All licences valid 5 years, expire on your birthday. Photo at Motor Registration required every 10 years.
Expired under 5 years: renew without tests. Over 5 years: written, vision and road tests (Registrar may credit experience). Expired 10 years or longer: must complete GDL.
Lost/stolen: replace immediately; report theft to police. Replacement fee $25 ($10 seniors).
Name change or move: tell Motor Registration within 10 days.

Restriction codes

Code 1 corrective lenses; 2 side mirrors; 3 automatic transmission; 6 daylight only; 7 hand controls.

Classes of licence (Class 5)

Class 5: vehicles with not more than 2 axles and towed vehicle not over 4,500 kg (not buses/taxis/ride-share/ambulances carrying passengers). Level I valid 2 years; Level II valid 5 years.
Minimum age Level II: 16 years 8 months with approved driver education, otherwise 17.
Medical required for Class 5 at 75, again at 80, then every 2 years (also p. 5, 43).

Registration, insurance and vehicle equipment

Registering, insuring and transferring a vehicle, penalties for driving uninsured, and the lights, tires, brakes, mirrors and windows the law requires.

Practise Registration, insurance and vehicle equipment questions Flashcards Official chapter

Registration and insurance

Vehicles must be registered and insured; valid plate attached, visible, unaltered.
Commercial vehicles incl. pick-up trucks need two plates (front and back).
Registration and insurance must be kept in the vehicle and shown to police on request.
Dealer purchase: dealer issues temporary registration valid 120 days.
New residents from another Canadian jurisdiction: register vehicle within 90 days.

Transfer of ownership

Private sale: notify Motor Registration within 10 days; buyer and seller complete back of the registration.
A motor vehicle inspection certificate is also required.
In-transit permit for unregistered vehicles being moved for registration/inspection (fee + proof of insurance).
Registered owner responsible; fines by someone driving with your consent may become your responsibility.

Registration renewal

Vehicles registered for 12 months. Online renewal confirmation valid 30 days from payment; keep printout with old permit.
Outstanding fines must be paid before renewal.

Insurance

Every vehicle on a public road must be insured (Automobile Insurance Act); proof kept in the vehicle.
Not required when licensing a trailer.
Insurance coverage monitored digitally by VIN (with Insurance Bureau of Canada).
Registered owner convicted of driving without insurance: suspended 3 months (90 days) from conviction, $200 reinstatement fee, pay outstanding fines; vehicle may be impounded at least 24 hours, owner pays impound fees.

Vehicle equipment and standards

Used vehicle purchase requires an inspection. Test vehicle is checked for plate, lights, horn, mirror, wipers, muffler, brakes, tires, windshield, glass, steering.
High beam must reveal a person/vehicle at 100 m; dash high-beam indicator required. Parking lights only for parking.
Tail lights red, visible 150 m; white plate light visible 15 m.
Fog lights may be used with low beams when fog is so thick headlights don't help.
Signal lights white/amber front, red/amber rear; visible 90 m front, 250 m rear.
Brakes: two separate and independent means.
Muffler required; muffler cut-out illegal.
Horn required; bells/gongs/sirens only for emergency vehicles.
Tires: at least 1.5 mm tread; no metal studs May 1 to October 31.
No signs/objects blocking view. No tint on windshield or front windows unless installed by the manufacturer.
Wipers and defroster required (except motorcycles).
At least one mirror for rear view; if rear view obstructed, two outside mirrors.
Odometer tampering illegal. Commercial vehicles over 2,500 kg carry flares, placed 30 m in front and behind a disabled vehicle.

Seatbelts, distraction and fatigue

Seatbelts and child car seats, trip planning, aggressive driving, cell phones and other distractions, driver fatigue, fitness to drive and fuel-efficient habits.

Practise Seatbelts, distraction and fatigue questions Flashcards Official chapter

Responsible driving / Aggressive driving

High-risk behaviours: speeding, negligent/aggressive driving, distracted driving, not adjusting to conditions, impaired/fatigued driving, unsafe equipment.
Aggressive driver: don't take it personally, avoid eye contact, no obscene gestures, don't tailgate, horn sparingly, don't block lanes, let them pass when safe.

Planning your trip

Rest well; start early; avoid driving after long flight or shift. Break every two hours. Avoid more than 8 to 10 hours of driving a day.
Check fuel, oil, water, tires (incl. spare) before leaving.

Seatbelts and child restraints

Not wearing a seatbelt is illegal; airbags work with seatbelts, not instead.
Rear-facing until the recommended weight; infants up to 9 kg (20 lb) in a rear-facing carrier. Never put a rear-facing seat in a seat with an airbag.
Forward-facing seat with tether: 9 to 18 kg (20–40 lb).
Booster seat: 18 to 37 kg (40–80 lb) and 145 cm (4'9") or less; back seat; middle if a shoulder strap is there. Backless booster only if the rear seat has a headrest.
Shoulder strap across shoulder not neck; lap belt on hip bones not stomach; never under arm or behind back.
Don't reuse a car seat after a collision or past expiry; buckle or remove an empty booster.

Seatbelts

Lap belt low on hips, tight; shoulder belt across shoulder, never under arm.
Passengers 16 and over responsible for their own belts; driver responsible for passengers under 16.

Distracted driving

Talking/texting on a phone has effects similar to impaired driving; serious offence with hefty fines and demerit points.
Secure pets. Stressed? Don't drive.
Tips: plan breaks for calls; pull over and park to call; phone out of reach/off/airplane mode.

Driver fatigue

The more tired you are, the less you can judge your fatigue. Signs: yawning, drifting, sore red eyes, delayed reactions, not remembering last few km, unsteady speed.
7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep before a trip. Worst time to start: after work. 15-minute breaks at least every two hours. Share driving. Avoid fatty foods.

Fitness to drive

Medical professionals must report concerns to the Registrar. Class 5/6/8: medical at 75, 80, then every 2 years.
Hearing loss: no medical restriction for non-commercial drivers.

Fuel efficiency

Rapid acceleration/speed changes can raise fuel use up to 40%. Parking more than 10 seconds: turn engine off. A/C in stop-and-go traffic +10–25%; highway 3–4%. 120 to 100 km/h saves up to 20%.

Impaired driving

Blood alcohol limits for learners, novices and full licence holders, what raises BAC, drugs and cannabis, roadside suspensions, Criminal Code penalties, ignition interlock and education programs.

Practise Impaired driving questions Flashcards Official chapter

Impaired driving

Alcohol, drugs, and even over-the-counter or prescription medications can impair driving.
Illegal: driving when ordered not to or while suspended; leaving the scene of a collision. Penalties: fines, up to 2 years in prison, driving prohibition up to 3 years.
Criminal Code maximums: impaired causing bodily harm up to 10 years prison + up to 10-year prohibition; impaired causing death up to 14 years prison + up to 10-year prohibition; criminal negligence causing bodily harm 10 years / 10 years; manslaughter or criminal negligence causing death up to life + lifetime prohibition.
BAC = grams of alcohol per 100 ml blood (0.05 = 0.05 g per 100 ml).
Zero BAC: learners, inexperienced drivers under 22, accompanying drivers.
Fully licensed Class 5: illegal at 0.05 or more. One drink can reach it.

Factors

Smaller person → higher BAC; females usually higher than similar-size male; fatigue raises BAC faster; food slows absorption (empty stomach → higher); illness; stronger drinks; faster drinking.
Effects: worse multitasking, slower reactions, poor speed judgment, impaired eye muscles/vision, false confidence.
Drugs: sleeping tablets, sedatives, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, some cold/flu medicines, painkillers can impair. New medication: avoid driving until you know its effects.

Cannabis, saliva testing, refusal

Cannabis causes drowsiness, poor concentration, slower reactions, paranoia, distorted perception. Using it while driving = impaired driving.
Saliva test strip on tongue detects THC, methamphetamine, MDMA; positive may lead to physical evaluation, divided attention tests, blood/urine.
Alcohol + drugs combined = greater effect.
Refusing a breath/blood sample: convicted under federal and provincial law.

Charges and penalties

Charges under HTA and Criminal Code; HTA charges can't be appealed.
Conviction: ignition interlock mandatory for one year; reinstatement fees/fines; approved alcohol education course.
HTA: suspension from 24 hours up to 90 days. Conviction: 12 months first offence, up to 60 months subsequent.
Seven-day suspensions within 24 months: 1st = 7 days (reinstatement fee); 2nd = 14 days (+ alcohol education); 3rd = two months (+ assessment/rehabilitation).

Ninety-day suspension

BAC 80 mg or more: vehicle impounded and licence suspended 7 days immediately, then another 90 days, starting 14 days after the 7-day suspension ends.
Criminal Code conviction after that: 12 months (1st), 36 months (2nd), 60 months (3rd), life (4th+).
Criminal Code fines start at $1,000.
Novice drivers above zero BAC are suspended.

Ignition interlock

In-car breath device; vehicle won't start above the pre-set limit; random retests while driving; failure triggers warning, record, alarm (lights, horn) until ignition off.
Mandatory program for convicted impaired drivers (drug, alcohol or both): minimum 12 months after suspension; restricted licence.
Interlock period: 12 months (1st), 36 months (2nd), 60 months (3rd+). Driver pays installation, maintenance, removal.
Once installed, anyone who drives that vehicle must use it.

Courses

"Think First" (SHIP): mandatory 4-hour program after a 7-day then 90-day administrative suspension related to drugs/alcohol.
ADT (Alcohol and Drug Treatment) mandatory for drivers convicted of a Criminal Code impaired offence before the interlock program.

Demerit points and suspensions

How demerit points work, the 12-point and 6-point limits, high-risk speeding and stunting suspensions, the driving record, and courses that remove points or are needed for reinstatement.

Practise Demerit points and suspensions questions Flashcards Official chapter

Losing your licence

Suspension = disqualified from driving or holding/obtaining a licence for a time. Reinstatement may require fines, reinstatement fees, courses, medical info or an ignition interlock.

High-risk driving behaviours

Exceeding the posted limit by 51 km/h or more: licence suspended 7 days; reinstatement fee, any training required, pay outstanding fines.
Racing or stunting charge: 7-day suspension; same reinstatement steps.

Demerit point system

Points recorded on conviction. Convictions and suspensions stay on your driving record for 10 years and show on your abstract.
Mainly for moving violations, not equipment, parking or Criminal Code offences such as impaired driving.
Convictions in NL or any other Canadian jurisdiction add points automatically.
12 points within two years = suspension. Novice drivers: 6 points within one year = suspension.

Point values stated in the handbook

One-metre rule violation: 2 demerit points. Passing a school bus with lights on or speeding in a school zone: 6 points. Failing to slow down and move over: 4 points.

Courses

Defensive driving: 6 hours. Demerit point reduction: 6-hour course, removes up to 4 points (conditions apply). Responsible driver workshop: mandatory 8-hour course after a demerit suspension.
Written notice at 6 and 9 points (full licence); novice notified after 3 points. Reduction course once every five years. Points removed 2 years after conviction. Suspension lengths listed there.

Speed limits and following distance

Default speed limits when no sign is posted, school zone speeds, stopping, reaction and braking distance, the danger zone and the three-second rule.

Practise Speed limits and following distance questions Flashcards Official chapter

Speeding / stopping distance

Speeding is a form of aggressive driving; crash risk rises with every km/h over the limit.
Stopping distance = reaction distance + braking distance.
Alert driver at 60 km/h, good conditions: reaction about 3/4 second (about 12 m) + about 20 m braking.
Double the speed: reaction distance doubles; braking distance quadruples. Triple speed: braking distance x9.

Speed limits

Speed limit = maximum legal limit under ideal conditions; limits typically 30 to 100 km/h.
No posted sign: 100 km/h paved Trans-Canada Highway; 80 km/h other paved highways; 60 km/h gravel roads; 50 km/h through communities; 50 km/h in unmarked school zones.
School zone limits 30 to 50 km/h depending on location; often apply 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on school days.
Digital school-zone speed signs: show your speed and a slow-down message; a second flashing message if more than 10 km/h over.
Slow down for weather, ice, heavy traffic, pedestrian areas.

Following distance

Nearly two-thirds of rear-end collisions happen in ideal conditions; the following driver is usually held responsible.
Minimum for passenger vehicles: at least one vehicle length per 15 km/h; double it on slippery roads.
Commercial vehicles outside the city: at least 150 m.
Three-second rule: count from when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point; under 3 s = too close. 3 s is for ideal conditions; increase otherwise. At highway speed 3 s lets you react, not stop.
Don't assume the vehicle ahead will go through an amber light.

Speed

Driving too slowly is also a hazard (frustration, tailgating, unsafe passing).
In fog or at night drive at a speed that lets you stop within your headlights/vision.

Danger zone, reaction, braking

Danger zone = road travelled before you can stop; grows with speed and poor conditions.
Cover the brake when you see a potential hazard.
Average alert driver reaction time about 3/4 second; at about 50 km/h you travel 10 m (about two car lengths) before braking.
At about 30 km/h braking distance about 10 m; total stopping about 20 m (five car lengths).
Braking distance depends on speed, brakes, tires, road surface, slope.

Right-of-way and intersections

Uncontrolled intersections, left turns, side roads and driveways, four-way stops, traffic lights that are out, passing-lane merges and yielding to emergency vehicles.

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

Right-of-way

Intersection with no lights, stop/yield signs or police officer: yield to traffic on your right.
Turning left at an intersection: yield to oncoming vehicles first.

Entering a highway

From a side road or driveway onto a main highway: always yield to traffic and pedestrians.
Highway with a passing lane: traffic in the through lane has the right-of-way when the lanes merge.

Four-way stop

First vehicle to come to a full stop goes first.
Two arrive at the same time: vehicle on the right goes first.
Behind a vehicle at a stop sign: you must also stop completely after it moves on.
Unsure: yield; better to avoid a collision than insist.
Never pass a vehicle stopped at a stop sign, traffic light or crosswalk.
Emergency vehicles with lights flashing and sirens: pull as far right as possible, stop, remain stopped until it passes.
Traffic lights not working: treat as a four-way stop.

Turns and roundabouts

Lane choice for right and left turns on one-way and two-way streets, double left-turn lanes, two-point, three-point and U-turns, and how to enter, drive and exit a roundabout.

Practise Turns and roundabouts questions Flashcards Official chapter

Right turns

Signal before the intersection, move into the lane closest to the right side; yield to pedestrians and traffic; turn into the right lane. Check blind spot for pedestrians and cyclists.

Left turns

One-way to one-way: from the left lane into the left lane.
One-way to two-way: from the left lane of the one-way; enter right of the centre line, in the lane closest to the centre line.
Two-way to one-way: from the lane closest to the centre line into the left lane of the one-way.
Two-way to two-way: from the lane just right of the centre line into the lane just right of the centre line.
Double left-turn lanes: use one, complete the turn in the corresponding lane.
Multi-lane: left turn ends in the lane closest to the centre line; right turn ends in the lane closest to the curb. Change lanes only after the turn is complete.

2-point and 3-point turns

2-point on a narrow road: drive past side road, right signal, stop at extreme right, back slowly onto side road, then left signal and turn left onto the highway.
3-point: right signal, pull to extreme right; wheel sharp left, cross, stop at edge; reverse with wheel sharp right; finish forward.

U-turns

Only if road wide enough for one swing and you can see far enough front and rear.
Stop at extreme right, signal left, check front, rear and left blind spot, turn sharply left.
Not permitted: at an intersection; near the top of a hill; on a curve; where you'd interfere with traffic; where signs prohibit.

Roundabouts

Traffic goes counterclockwise around the centre island. Entering traffic yields to traffic already in the roundabout (both lanes); outside lane yields to inside lane.
Slow down approaching; wait for a gap; right signal before exiting.
Travelling at least halfway around (second exit or beyond): approach in the left lane, exit using the left lane; signal left on approach to show you aren't taking the first exit.
Right lane: stay in it, exit from it. First exit: right lane, right signal.
In the roundabout: driver on the right yields to driver on the left; do not change lanes; left-lane driver signals right before exiting.
Left-lane exit: right signal after passing the exit before yours; check right lane traffic. If you can't exit safely, go around again.
Large vehicles may use more than one lane — give room. Pedestrians never cross to the centre island; use splitter islands. Inexperienced cyclists walk bikes.
Emergency vehicle: not yet entered — pull right; inside — take your exit, go past the splitter island, then pull right. Never stop inside a roundabout.

Passing, lane changes and highways

Safe passing and where it is not allowed, signalling, lane changes and blind spots, entering and leaving divided highways, cloverleafs, weave lanes, zipper merges, added lanes and shared left-turn lanes.

Practise Passing, lane changes and highways questions Flashcards Official chapter

Safe passing

Passing parked vehicles: watch for doors opening, cars pulling out, pedestrians.
Steps: pass only where centre line permits (broken yellow on your left); check ahead, behind and left blind spot; left signal well behind; speed up but not over the limit; right signal, return when you see both headlights of the passed vehicle in the rear-view mirror.

Passing on the right, passing lanes, being passed

May pass on the right: vehicle ahead turning left; two or more lanes each direction; one-way streets. Never by driving off the roadway.
Passing lane: use only if you can complete before it ends.
Being passed: never speed up; you may need to slow down; give way.
No passing: weather hinders view; on a curve; at an intersection or railway crossing; within 30 m of a crosswalk; blind hill/near top of hill; narrow bridge; solid line on your left; sign prohibits.

Signals

Signal to: stop or suddenly slow, turn, change lanes, pass, leave the roadway, start from parked.
Use directional lights/brake lights; if not working, hand and arm signals (left turn, right turn, slow/stop). Hand signals help pulling out of parked line.
Shoulder check in the direction you turn.

Lane changing and blind spot

Minimum 2-second following distance in good conditions; identify a 4-second planned path (2 s ahead, 2 s behind) in the target lane.
Check mirrors; signal; shoulder check; steer and accelerate slightly; cancel signal. Don't wait too long between shoulder check and moving.
Blind spots at right and left rear corners. Don't change lanes at an intersection.

Divided highways

Enter: ramp, acceleration lane, signal left, speed up to merge. Drivers on the highway may move left as a courtesy; merging safely is your responsibility.
Exit: signal right, enter deceleration lane, slow to the ramp limit. Missed exit: don't stop or back up; take the next one.
Cloverleaf: all turns are right turns; to turn right onto the crossing highway, turn right after passing the bridge.
Weave lanes: exiting vehicles have right-of-way over entering vehicles.

Added lane, merge

Added lane sign: a new lane is added; entering traffic doesn't merge. Highway drivers avoid moving into the new lane.
Merge sign: two roadways become one lane; entering traffic must merge; highway drivers allow it.

Parking and backing up

Backing safely, where you may not park and the distances from stop signs, crosswalks, hydrants, bus stops and railway crossings, parking on hills, parallel and angle parking.

Practise Parking and backing up questions Flashcards Official chapter

Backing

Check behind the vehicle from outside first (children, bikes). Check both sides once seated.
Shift weight to right hip, turn to look out the rear window, right arm along the top of the passenger seat; left hand at 12 o'clock on the wheel. Back slowly.
Crossing a crosswalk or sidewalk before the street: stop and check both ways again.
Back into the nearest lane going the direction you want.

Parking

Don't block sidewalk, intersection, lane, crosswalk, driveway, emergency exit; not in front of a loading door, on a bridge or in a tunnel; no double-parking.
Do not park within: 10 m of a stop sign or traffic control signal; 6 m of a crosswalk; 1 m of the curb point opposite a fire hydrant (as printed); 20 m of a bus stop; 15 m of a railway crossing; 7 m of a fire station entrance; 6 m of a public building entrance.
Parking on a highway: right shoulder, parallel, visible from 60 m in both directions; lock ignition, remove key, set brake.
Raised hood = widely recognised distress signal.
Leaving a parked position: check traffic, signal, pull out when safe.

Parking on a hill

Uphill with curb: wheels toward the centre of the street. Uphill without curb: wheels toward the edge. Downhill: always toward the edge.

Parallel parking

Space about 1.5 times your vehicle length. Align rear bumpers; reverse turning sharply right to about 45 degrees; when front clears, turn sharply left. Wheels within 30 cm of the curb.

Angle parking, practice

90-degree spaces: back in, drive out. 60-degree spaces: drive in, back out. Practise from left and right. Signal during all parking procedures.

Night driving and bad weather

When headlights are required, dimming high beams, glare, overdriving your headlights, rain and hydroplaning, fog, ice, black ice, snow, winter skids and slow driving.

Practise Night driving and bad weather questions Flashcards Official chapter

When headlights are required

From one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise.
Any time visibility prevents clearly seeing people and vehicles at 150 m or less.
No daytime running lights: use low beams at all times.

High and low beam

Dim within 150 m when meeting oncoming traffic; dim within 150 m when following, overtaking or passing.
High beams only in open country with no other cars near. Low beams in streetlit areas, in fog, when following.
Don't wait for the other driver to dim first.
Next to speed, improper lighting is the most common cause of night collisions. Overdriving headlights = can't stop within lit distance.
Glare: pupil takes about 7 seconds to recover; at 90 km/h you travel 125 m. Look to the right edge of the road; adjust mirror or use day-night mirror for glare from behind.
Low beams should reveal objects at least 30 m away; aim below oncoming drivers' eyes.

Night driving

More dangerous; main rule: slow down.

Rain and fog

Roads slippery a few minutes after rain starts or light drizzle. Hydroplaning: tires ride on water; steering pulls; slow down.
Avoid puddles (may be deep potholes; spray may drown engine or reduce brakes).
Fog: slow, low beams, more following distance, use lane markings. Dense fog/zero visibility: pull far off the road and stop; hazards and dome light on, headlights off; wait for improvement.

Winter driving

Shaded areas, bridges and overpasses freeze first.
Black ice: ice you may not see because the pavement shows through; reduce speed.
ABS: don't pump; full firm steady pressure.
Starting on ice: accelerate gently; maybe start in low gear.
Identical winter tires on all four wheels. Tires near tread wear indicators should not be used.
Rear skid in a rear-wheel-drive: foot off accelerator and brake, steer in direction of skid. Front-wheel-drive: accelerate slightly to pull out. Expect a skid the other way.

Slow driving

Offence to drive so slowly you impede normal traffic. If you must: move right, pull off to let traffic pass, use flashers.

Emergencies, collisions and moose

Emergency braking with and without ABS, skids, leaving the pavement, collisions and when to report them, avoiding head-on crashes, vehicles in water, breakdowns, equipment failures and moose on the road.

Practise Emergencies, collisions and moose questions Flashcards Official chapter

Emergency supplies / braking

Carry: first-aid kit, reflective triangles, booster cables, food, jack and spare, flashlight, tow rope, bulbs, blankets, sand/salt, shovel, candle and can, scraper/brush, tire chains, fire extinguisher.
ABS: steady firm pressure; don't pump or release; look and steer where you want to go. ABS pulses = vibration in pedal.

Skids and off-road recovery

Without ABS, hard braking can lock wheels and you lose steering.
Skid causes: too fast for conditions, steering too sharply, braking too hard, accelerating too quickly. Keep foot off the brake in a skid; look and steer where you want the front to go; small corrections.
Braking skid (non-ABS): release brake; reapply firmly but not enough to lock.
Power skid: off the gas; steer; don't over-correct; gentle acceleration.
Cornering skid: off the gas, don't brake; steer where you want to go.
Off the pavement: firm grip; don't steer back immediately; off the gas; avoid braking (gentle if needed); check traffic; return gradually.

Collisions

First at scene: stop away from the collision safely, help if possible, protect scene with hazards and triangles; give police/EMS accurate info.
Exchange names, contact, insurance; record witnesses; don't discuss fault; record time, place, weather; notify insurer.
Report to police if anyone injured or killed, or total damage over $2,000.
If police are called, all drivers must remain. Damage to traffic control device, parking meter or public property: report to police immediately.
Rear-end collisions are the most common type; main cause following too close; brake early and gradually.

Single vehicle, water

Single-vehicle crashes: more likely for inexperienced/distracted drivers at high speed.
Vehicle floats 2 to 5 minutes with windows and doors closed. Best escape route: windows; open power windows immediately. Front-engine vehicle sinks front first; air trapped at rear near roof.

Rollover, head-on

SUVs higher rollover risk (higher centre of gravity).
Head-on threat: 1 brake hard; 2 head for the right shoulder and blow horn, never swerve left; 3 ditch/open ground if needed; 4 aim for something that absorbs energy (bush, shrub, snowbank); glancing blow better than head-on.

Mechanical problems

Pass a car with flashing amber hazard lights slowly and carefully.
Breakdown: assess, move to safe spot, emergency lights on, don't stop on a bridge or in a tunnel, raise hood; reflective triangles behind the vehicle about 10 to 20 m (33–66 ft) apart. If staying inside keep seatbelt on; if dangerous, everyone out to a safe place behind and away.

Equipment failures

Brake warning light: check park brake released, move off the road when safe. Power brake failure: press harder, steady. Brake failure: use park brake carefully; lower gear.
Power steering failure: still steer with extra effort; move to shoulder, brake gradually.
Tire blowout/flat: don't brake right away; off the gas; firm grip, steer straight; then gentle braking; hazards on. Under-inflation common cause; check pressure at least once a month. Front flat pulls toward the flat side.
Stuck accelerator: shift to neutral (automatic) or de-clutch; stop when safe; ignition off.
Hood flies up: brake smoothly, signal, pull off; look out left window or under the hood gap.
Vehicle fire: usually electrical short; disconnect battery with insulated tools; smother with dirt, sand or clothing; ABC extinguisher; everyone out and away.
Both headlights fail: hazards on, toggle headlight switch; slow down, pull off safely.

Animals and moose

Animal ahead: brake slowly, sound horn, flash headlights, don't swerve, pass behind it. Many animals active at night and dawn.
About 110,000 moose in NL; attracted by road salt, early green growth, relief from flies.
Over 50% of moose collisions occur between dusk and dawn in summer and fall.
Reduce speed, scan road and shoulders, clean/aimed headlights, high beams when safe, watch for other drivers flashing high beams. Moose suddenly in front: brake hard and choose an escape route away from oncoming traffic.

Written in our own words from: Newfoundland and Labrador Driver's Handbook (Road Users Guide)

FAQ

NL Class 5 study guide: common questions

What is the best way to use this NL Class 5 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 NL Class 5 handbook?

No. It is our own summary of the Newfoundland and Labrador Driver's Handbook (Road Users Guide). 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.