Why is a do not pass sign often posted before a work zone lane closure?
Nova Scotia Driving Test Practice 2026 – Free Nova Scotia Class 7 Questions
Original questions written from the official Nova Scotia handbook, with an explanation for every answer.
By the Canada Exam Prep Editorial Team ·
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- Every answer explained
- Independent · not a government site
- 317 questions
- 8 practice tests
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- Regulatory signsNot enough data
No answers yet
- Warning and guide signsNot enough data
No answers yet
- Work zone signsNot enough data
No answers yet
- Railway crossingsNot enough data
No answers yet
- Traffic signals and crossing guardsNot enough data
No answers yet
- Pavement markings and special lanesNot enough data
No answers yet
- Graduated licensing: Class 7, 5N and restricted stageNot enough data
No answers yet
- Demerit points and losing your licenceNot enough data
No answers yet
- Right of way, pedestrians and emergency vehiclesNot enough data
No answers yet
- Speed, stopping distance and followingNot enough data
No answers yet
- Signals, turning, lane changes and passingNot enough data
No answers yet
- Parking, roundabouts and drivewaysNot enough data
No answers yet
- Highways, school buses and sharing the roadNot enough data
No answers yet
- Not enough data
- Seat belts, child seats and safe driving habitsNot enough data
No answers yet
- Night driving and bad weatherNot enough data
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- Emergencies and collisionsNot enough data
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- Impaired driving and fitness to driveNot enough data
No answers yet
Colours summarize progress from your recent practice answers: red suggests more practice, yellow shows progress, and green shows stronger recent performance. Grey means fewer than 5 answers so far. These indicators do not predict official exam results.
Keep practising
All Nova Scotia Class 7 practice tests
- Nova Scotia road sign test60 practice questions for the Road Sign Recognition part of the Nova Scotia Class 7 test: regulatory, warning, work zone, railway, signal and marking questions.
- Nova Scotia practice test (printable PDF)100 Nova Scotia Class 7 practice questions from both parts of the test, with the answer key on separate pages. Print it or save it as a PDF. Free.
- Nova Scotia road signs chartAll the sign drawings from our Nova Scotia Class 7 questions on one page: regulatory, warning, guide, work zone and railway signs, each with its meaning.
- How to get a learner's licence in Nova ScotiaHow to get a Class 7 learner's licence in Nova Scotia: who can apply, the online or in-person knowledge test, the vision test and ID at Access Nova Scotia, learner rules, driver training, the road test and fees. Every fact links to novascotia.ca.
- Nova Scotia Class 7 study guideFree Nova Scotia Class 7 study guide: 500 key points from the Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.
- Nova Scotia Class 7 Mock Exam 1 – 40 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- Nova Scotia Class 7 Mock Exam 2 – 40 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- Nova Scotia Class 7 Mock Exam 3 – 40 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- Nova Scotia Class 7 Mock Exam 4 – 40 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- Nova Scotia Class 7 Mock Exam 5 – 40 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- Nova Scotia Class 7 exam simulator40 new random questions every time, full screen, no hints
- Nova Scotia Class 7 flashcards535 study cards: flip, self-check, review
- Nova Scotia Class 7 video lessons21 hand-picked YouTube videos, summarised
- Nova Scotia Class 7 study guides & books1 official guides and books, reviewed
Exam facts
Key facts: Nova Scotia Class 7 Learner's Knowledge Test
- 40 questionsNumber of questionsTwo parts of 20 multiple-choice questions: Road Sign Recognition and Rules of the RoadNova Scotia — Take a driver knowledge test: Learner's Licence (class 7)
- 16/20 per partPass markAt least 16 of 20 correct on each part; retake only the part you failNova Scotia — Take a driver knowledge test: Learner's Licence (class 7)
- 30 min/partTime limitEach part must be completed within 30 minutesNova Scotia — Take a driver knowledge test: Learner's Licence (class 7)
- $15.03FeeKnowledge Test (class 7) fee; the learner's licence fee is paid separatelyNova Scotia — Take a driver knowledge test: Learner's Licence (class 7)
- Age 16+Minimum ageAt least 16; written parent or guardian consent if 16 or 17Nova Scotia — Take a driver knowledge test: Learner's Licence (class 7)
- Online or in-personWhere and languagesOnline in English and French (desktop or laptop with webcam), or in person at Registry of Motor Vehicles / Access Nova ScotiaNova Scotia — Take a driver knowledge test: Learner's Licence (class 7)
- Failed part onlyRetake rulePay again and retake only the failed part; no wait online, next day in personNova Scotia — Take a driver knowledge test: Learner's Licence (class 7)
- Free handbookStudy materialNova Scotia Driver's Handbook, free PDF chapters on novascotia.ca (2017 revision with update pages)Registry of Motor Vehicles — Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook
Free Nova Scotia Class 7 practice tests written from the official Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook. Every question is original, explains why the right answer is right, and names the handbook page it comes from. There is no sign-up and no limit, and your progress stays on your device.
The real knowledge test has two parts: a Road Sign Recognition Test and a Rules of the Road Test, each with 20 multiple-choice questions, and you need 16 correct on each part. This site keeps signs and rules apart the same way, so you can drill each part on its own and then take a full 40-question mock exam scored part by part.
What the test covers
Topics and question bank
- Regulatory signs22 questions
Stop, yield and school zone signs, green-circle and red-slash signs, turn, passing, parking and stopping restrictions, one-way, keep-right, speed limit and accessible parking signs.
- Warning and guide signs22 questions
Yellow diamond warning signs for curves, narrowing roads, merges, lane endings, divided highways, bumps and hidden hazards, chevrons and checkerboards, lane-use arrows and green guide signs.
- Work zone signs16 questions
Orange work zone signs, general, arrow, specific and human activity signs, traffic control persons, flashing arrow boards, lane closures and the main causes of work zone collisions.
- Railway crossings13 questions
The crossbuck and advance railway warning sign, flashing lights and gates, vehicles that must stop at crossings, what to do if you are stuck on the tracks, and parking near a crossing.
- Traffic signals and crossing guards15 questions
Green, yellow and red lights, right and left turns on red, arrow signals, flashing red, yellow and green signals, lane-control signals, dark signals, pedestrian Walk signals and crossing guards.
- Pavement markings and special lanes13 questions
Yellow and white lines, broken, solid and double solid centre lines, edge lines on divided highways, climbing lanes, continuity lines and two-way-left-turn lanes.
- Graduated licensing: Class 7, 5N and restricted stage25 questions
Applying for a Class 7 learner's licence, the knowledge and vision tests, learner and newly licensed restrictions, curfew, waiting periods, driver training, the restricted individual stage, visitors and new residents, and licence classes.
- Demerit points and losing your licence17 questions
Demerit point values for common offences, warning, interview and suspension thresholds for learners, newly licensed and other drivers, probationary and conditional licences, revocation and suspension.
- Right of way, pedestrians and emergency vehicles17 questions
Intersection right-of-way rules, marked and unmarked crosswalks, pedestrians at signals, driveways, emergency vehicles, the slow down and move over rule and yielding to transit buses.
- Speed, stopping distance and following19 questions
Default speed limits, 50 km/h situations, school zone limits, stopping distances, driving too slowly, keeping right, the two-second rule, safety scans, blind spots and curves.
- Signals, turning, lane changes and passing19 questions
Signal lights, hand signals and the horn, right and left turns, turning lanes, lane changes, overtaking and passing, places where passing is unsafe, being passed and backing up.
- Parking, roundabouts and driveways17 questions
Where you may not stop or park and the distances involved, parallel and angle parking, parking on a hill, roundabouts and rotaries, and entering or leaving driveways.
- Highways, school buses and sharing the road17 questions
100-series controlled-access highways and interchanges, large commercial vehicles and truck blind spots, school bus lights, motorcycles and bicycles.
- Your vehicle: inspection, equipment, registration and insurance18 questions
Annual safety inspection, tires and studded tire dates, maintenance checks, lighting and horn rules, special flashing lights, loads and trailers, vehicle permits and plates, and mandatory liability insurance.
- Seat belts, child seats and safe driving habits18 questions
Seat belt law, child restraints and booster seats, airbags, carrying passengers, driving position, steering, braking and ABS, defensive driving and highway hypnosis.
- Night driving and bad weather16 questions
Headlight timing and dimming distances, glare, rain, fog and snow, hydroplaning, wet brakes, ice and black ice stopping distances, gravel roads, four-wheel drive and winter driving.
- Emergencies and collisions16 questions
Breakdowns, brake failure, blowouts, power and headlight failure, a stuck gas pedal, fires, skids, wheels off the pavement, animals, water, downed wires, snow plows and collision reporting duties.
- Impaired driving and fitness to drive17 questions
Blood alcohol limits, standard drinks, roadside screening results and suspensions, the administrative licence suspension, penalties by offence, drug impairment, emotions, vision standards and fatigue.
Try a few
Sample Nova Scotia Class 7 questions
1Why is a do not pass sign often posted before a work zone lane closure?
- A. To slow traffic to a full stop
- B. To reserve the lane for workers
- C. To set up an orderly merge
- D. To let trucks use both lanes
Obeying the do not pass sign prepares traffic for an orderly merge, and ignoring it is an offence that can get you a ticket.
2Why does the handbook say you must sound your horn before passing another vehicle?
- A. It legally obliges that driver to help you pass
- B. It is only a courtesy and is optional
- C. It warns oncoming drivers to slow down
- D. It tells the driver to speed up
You must signal and sound your horn before overtaking. The horn signal places the driver being passed under a legal obligation to help you pass.
3At speeds above 40 km/h, why is steering around an object usually better than braking?
- A. Steering keeps your speed legal
- B. Steering needs less distance than stopping
- C. Braking above 40 km/h is illegal
- D. Hard braking above 40 km/h can damage the ABS
Above 40 km/h you need less distance to steer around an object than to stop. You can also combine threshold braking with steering.
4You and an oncoming car arrive at an intersection at the same time. You want to turn left; the other driver is going straight. What do you do?
- A. Wave the other driver to turn
- B. Go first, since you are turning
- C. Turn first, since you signalled
- D. Yield and turn when it is safe
When facing vehicles arrive together, the driver turning left must yield to the one going straight and wait until the turn can be made safely.
5Within what time must a reportable collision be reported to police or the Registry of Motor Vehicles?
- A. Within 24 hours
- B. Within 72 hours
- C. Within 1 hour
- D. Within 7 days
Collisions with injury, death or significant property damage must be reported within 24 hours to the local police, the RCMP or the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
6Is hitchhiking legal in Nova Scotia?
- A. No, it is illegal
- B. Yes, except on 100-series highways
- C. Only during daylight
- D. Yes, on any road
The handbook states plainly that it is illegal to hitchhike.
7Why must you never try to beat a train to a crossing?
- A. Trains always have a whistle
- B. Some trains need over a kilometre to stop
- C. Trains are required to slow down at crossings
- D. The gate will trap your car
Trains cannot stop quickly; some need more than a kilometre. Your vehicle can stop, so you are the one who must wait.
8You see this sign in a work zone. What does it mean?
- A. Two lanes join from both sides
- B. A detour leaves the highway at the next exit
- C. Traffic must stop for workers
- D. A lane is closed; move into the open lane
Specific signs warn that a manoeuvre will be needed. Act promptly and change lanes before you reach the closure.
9What does this sign tell you?
- A. A railway crossing is ahead
- B. A parade route is ahead
- C. A school crossing is ahead
- D. A traffic control person is ahead
This sign means a traffic control person is managing traffic past the work site with a STOP/SLOW paddle. Follow their directions.
10A peace officer directing traffic waves you through an intersection that has a stop sign. What do you do?
- A. Obey whichever you saw first
- B. Stop at the sign first, then go
- C. Wait until the officer leaves
- D. Follow the officer's direction
Regulatory signs must be obeyed unless a peace officer directs you otherwise, so the officer's direction takes priority.
About the test
About the Nova Scotia Class 7 Learner's Knowledge Test
The Class 7 knowledge test is the written test you pass before you can get a learner's licence, the first stage of Nova Scotia's Graduated Driver Licensing program. You must be at least 16, and if you are 16 or 17 you need written consent from a parent or guardian. You also need to have no outstanding fines or reinstatement fees and no suspension on your record.
The test is in two parts. The Rules of the Road Test checks your knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving, and the Road Sign Recognition Test checks that you can recognise and understand highway signs. Each part has 20 multiple-choice questions and you must answer at least 16 correctly, so a strong score on one part cannot make up for a weak score on the other. You have 30 minutes for each part. If you fail one part you pay again and retake only that part.
You can take the test online in English or French on a desktop or laptop with a webcam, or in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles or Access Nova Scotia office. Online, you can retake a failed part right away; in person, you wait until the next day. Passing the test does not let you drive yet: you still visit an office for a vision test, identification, the consent form if you are under 18, the learner's licence fee and your photo.
The handbook is the only study material named by the province, and it is a printed book from 2000 that has been revised several times, most recently in 2017. The update pages at the front of the Introduction PDF matter a lot: they add the restricted individual stage of GDL, extend the learner's licence to two years, and add the slow down and move over rule. Our questions follow those update pages wherever they differ from the older chapter text.
Once you hold a learner's licence you must drive with an experienced driver in the front seat and no other passengers, and your blood alcohol must be zero. You normally wait at least six months before the road test, or three months if you complete an approved long driver training course. After the road test you move to the newly licensed (Class 5N) stage for at least two years, then the restricted individual stage for two more.
Study plan
How to prepare
- 1Download the handbook chapters from novascotia.ca and read the Introduction first. The four update pages at the front change several rules that the older chapters still describe the old way.
- 2Start the sign part with Chapter 3. Learn shapes and colours before individual signs: red octagon stop, red-and-white triangle yield, five-sided yellow-green school zone, yellow diamond warning, orange work zone, green guide signs.
- 3Take one practice test per topic, then reread the handbook page cited under each question you miss. The explanation names the exact condition, such as which GDL stage a rule applies to, and that condition is usually what the real question turns on.
- 4Make a list of every number: 80 km/h default highway limit, 30 and 50 km/h school zone limits, 150 metres behind a fire truck, 60 km/h when passing a stopped emergency vehicle, parking distances of 5, 7.5, 10 and 15 metres, and the demerit thresholds for learners (4) and newly licensed drivers (6).
- 5Study the rules part as hard as the signs part. The rules test covers licensing, demerit points, impaired driving, right of way, parking, night driving and emergencies, and many people fail it by one or two questions.
- 6When you score 36 or more out of 40 on two different mock exams in a row, with at least 18 in each part, you are ready to book.
- 7If you take the test online, set up a desktop or laptop with a working webcam before you start, and try the sample test the service offers so the format is familiar.
- 8If you fail, look at which part you missed. You only retake that part, so spend your next study session on that part alone.
FAQ
Nova Scotia Class 7 test questions people ask
How many questions are on the Nova Scotia learner's test?
There are 40 questions in two parts: a Road Sign Recognition Test with 20 multiple-choice questions and a Rules of the Road Test with 20 multiple-choice questions. Each part is scored on its own.
What is the passing score for the Nova Scotia Class 7 knowledge test?
You need at least 16 correct out of 20 on each part, which is 80 percent per part. Passing one part does not cover the other, which is why our mock exams score signs and rules separately.
How much does the Nova Scotia knowledge test cost?
The Class 7 knowledge test fee was $15.03 when we checked the official page in October 2026. The learner's licence fee is paid separately after you pass. If you fail a part, you pay the test fee again to retake it.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's licence in Nova Scotia?
You must be at least 16. If you are 16 or 17, you need written consent from a parent or guardian, and the handbook lists who else may sign in special cases, such as an employer or a spouse over 18.
Can I take the Nova Scotia knowledge test online or in French?
Yes. The test is available online in English and French. You need an email address, a desktop or laptop computer and a webcam; phones and tablets are not allowed. You can also take it in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles or Access Nova Scotia office, and the province can arrange an interpreter or a verbal test.
What happens if I fail one part of the test?
You pay for another test and retake only the part you failed. If you take the test online there is no waiting period, but in person you must wait until the next day.
How long is a Nova Scotia learner's licence valid?
The handbook's update pages say a learner's licence is valid for up to two years. If you have not passed the road test before it expires, you must rewrite the learner's test before renewing it.
What is on the Nova Scotia learner's test?
The sign part covers regulatory, warning, guide and work zone signs. The rules part covers traffic laws and safe driving: right of way, speed limits, school buses, parking, the GDL rules, demerit points, impaired driving, night and winter driving and emergencies. Everything you need is in the Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook.
When can I take the road test after getting my learner's licence?
Normally after at least six months. If you complete an approved driver training long course, with at least 25 hours of classroom time and 10 hours of driving, you can take it after three months.
Are these the real Nova Scotia test questions?
No. Real test questions are not public. Every question here is original, written by us from the official Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook, and cites the handbook page it comes from.
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