Nova Scotia Class 7 study guide: key rules on all 18 topics

Free 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.

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 Nova Scotia Class 7 Learner's Knowledge Test on one page: 500 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 Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook from the Service Nova Scotia, Registry 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 →

Regulatory signs

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.

Practise Regulatory signs questions Flashcards Official chapter

Signs, introduction (Ch. 3)

Three kinds of signs by function: regulatory (rules of the road), warning, and guidance (information and direction).
A green circle on a sign gives permission for what is shown; a red circle with a slash denies it.
Shape, colour and symbol let you recognise a sign from a distance.

Regulatory signs

Regulatory signs state laws for using the highway; obey them unless a peace officer directs you otherwise.
Stop sign: eight sides, red background, white STOP. The octagon shape is used only for stop signs.
At a stop sign: come to a complete stop and make sure the way is clear before going.
Where to stop: at the marked stop line, or at the nearest crosswalk line. With no stop line or painted crosswalk, stop far enough back to leave room for a pedestrian to cross safely (the unmarked crosswalk).
Yield sign: triangle, red and white. Slow down as you approach; give the right of way to traffic in or close to the intersection, stopping if necessary.
School zone sign: five sides, fluorescent yellow-green, two black schoolchildren. Standard design across Nova Scotia since June 1, 2001.
School zone limit when children are present, at any time of day: 30 km/h where the limit before the zone is 50 km/h; 50 km/h where the limit before the zone is higher than 50 km/h.
In a school zone also slow down, watch for children and use extreme caution; speed must suit conditions.

Other regulatory signs

Most common regulatory signs: rectangular or square, white background, black or red lettering, often with symbols.
Two cars in a green circle = passing permitted. Two cars in a red circle with a line = do not pass.
Accessible parking sign: space reserved for people with a mobility disability who have a special plate or permit; the permit hangs from the rear-view mirror.

Examples of signs and their meanings

No turns; no parking on either side of the sign; truck route (trucks go only in the arrow direction).
Pedestrian crosswalk sign marks a pedestrian crosswalk; school crosswalk sign marks a school crosswalk.
Playground sign: a playground is ahead; reduce speed and watch for children.
No right turn on red: wait for the green light before turning right. No left turn. No U-turn (do not turn to go the opposite way). Do not litter.
No stopping; passing permitted; do not pass; do not enter.
One-way sign: traffic may travel only in the arrow's direction.
Keep right: keep to the right of the traffic island or obstruction.
Lane signs: through or right turn only.
Change in maximum speed ahead: be ready to adjust speed.
Maximum speed sign: the most allowed under ideal conditions; slow down when conditions are poor or visibility is limited.

General

It is an offence to deface, destroy or remove traffic signs or signals.
Sign shapes to know: guide, stop, yield, school zone, warning, regulatory.

Warning and guide signs

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.

Practise Warning and guide signs questions Flashcards Official chapter

Warning signs

Most warning signs are diamond-shaped with black letters or symbols on yellow.
They warn of changing road conditions ahead.
Merge sign: two separate lanes ahead join into one. Drivers in both lanes share responsibility for a smooth, safe merge; be ready to yield.
Examples shown: stop sign ahead, truck entering, slippery when wet, traffic signal lights ahead.

Guidance signs

Rectangular, usually green with white letters; give directions, route numbers and distances.
Signs in other colours guide you to facilities, services and attractions.

Warning signs (examples)

Road narrows ahead; hazard markers are often posted with it (keep left, right, or between them), e.g. approaching a bridge.
Fire truck entrance ahead: fire trucks enter or leave the road here.
Hidden intersection ahead: drivers on the side road cannot clearly see approaching traffic; use caution, be ready to slow.
Steep decline ahead: you may need a lower gear.
Bump or rough road ahead: slow down.
Divided highway ends: two-way traffic beyond; often followed by a two-way traffic sign.
Divided highway ahead: road changes from undivided to divided.
Bridge opening: bridge ahead can open to let boats pass.
Right curve ahead with a speed tab: the tab shows the safe speed for the curve.
Narrow structure ahead: bridge, culvert, underpass, overpass etc. narrower than the approach road.
Right lane ends.
Checkerboard sign: sharp turn or bend; slow down; the arrow shows which way the road goes.

Warning signs and lane arrows

Chevron signs are posted in groups to guide you around sharp curves.
Low clearance: underpass ahead with the overhead clearance shown.
Merge: prepare to merge with other vehicles.
Right turn only lane: drivers in that lane must turn right (reversed arrow = left turn only).
Straight through or left turn only lane.
Two-way left turn lane sign: the lane is reserved for left-turning vehicles only.

Guide signs

Two-way traffic sign: this section of road is two-way; normal two-way rules apply.
Highway 102 marker: a provincial controlled-access highway, called a 100-series highway.

Animals on the road (Ch. 5)

Animal crossing signs mark places with a known danger of large animals such as moose, deer or cattle; animals can still appear anywhere.
At night use high beams when possible to spot animals.

Work zone signs

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.

Practise Work zone signs questions Flashcards Official chapter

Construction or work zones

Work zones: construction or maintenance on or near the road; they disrupt traffic flow and distract drivers.
Usually marked with orange warning signs with black letters; when you see them, go on high alert and follow them.
Barricades, cones and drums guide drivers through. Traffic control persons may use STOP/SLOW paddles.

Travelling safely through a work zone

Respect road workers and follow their directions; it is their workplace.
Greatest hazard: differences in speed between vehicles.
Hands on wheel, eyes on road, mind on task, cell phone off.
Travel no faster than the speed limit; travelling at a different speed from other vehicles causes the most work zone crashes.
Slow down safely when directed, watching vehicles ahead and behind.
Act promptly when signs direct a lane shift, as soon as safe.
Leave extra space ahead so a rear-end hit does not push you into the vehicle in front.

Lane closures and causes of collisions

Merge points on multi-lane roads are high-risk.
Adjust speed at a merge or lane closure sign; obey the Do Not Pass sign (it sets up an orderly merge).
Merge as soon as it is safe. Common mistake: racing to the merge point in the closing lane and pushing in at the last moment.
Biggest causes of work zone collisions: (1) vehicles travelling at different speeds, (2) driver inattention.

Work zone signs

General signs warn of unusual conditions without saying exactly what; they stay until the road is back to normal. An end sign means no more road work impact (often left out when the end is obvious).
Signs with arrows (advance temporary condition signs) give time to prepare.
Example: construction begins 1.5 km ahead — choose another route or expect delays.
Example: fresh tar sprayed ahead — surface may be slippery; spray can stick tar to your paint.
Right lane ending ahead: often used with Do Not Pass; if in the right lane, merge left as soon as safely possible. An equivalent sign exists for the left lane.
Specific signs: rutted or grooved surface (bicycles and motorcycles may become unstable); uneven lanes (a tire catching the edge can cause loss of control); road narrows but lane count stays the same.
Specific signs stay as long as the condition exists; act before you reach the hazard.

More work zone signs

Do Not Pass (regulatory) creates orderly flow before a merge; disobeying it is a ticketable offence.
Keep right sign in a work zone: drive to the right of it; regulatory, must be obeyed.
Construction traffic entering or leaving on the right (similar sign for left); may be slower than through traffic.
Blasting zone: usually with Shut Off Your Radio Transmitter and End Blasting Zone signs; you may need to stop; loud noise, flying debris.

Human activity signs

Signs with a person symbol are used only when workers are present.
Workers active; traffic control person with STOP/SLOW paddle; survey crew; overhead work on electrical or data cables.
Red/orange flags are added when these signs are placed close to the ground.
Driving mistakes can fatally injure road workers.
Report irresponsible driving in a work zone to the police (p. 97).

Flashing light units (arrow boards)

Two arrowheads shown: lane closed or obstruction; safe to pass on either side.
Single left or right arrow: pass only on the side the arrow shows.
Straight line or bar of lamps = caution mode: warns of a hazard (vehicle in a lane, workers setting signs); it does NOT mean it is safe to pass — judge conditions yourself.
Combination sign giving notice that traffic control persons may stop traffic: slow gradually to avoid rear-end collisions (p. 98).

Railway crossings

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.

Practise Railway crossings questions Flashcards Official chapter

Railway crossings

Crossings are marked with a crossbuck: white background, red reflective border. It replaced the older crossbuck lettered "Railway Crossing" in black.
A yellow-and-black warning sign comes before the crossing; it shows the direction or angle at which the tracks cross the road.
A smaller sign below the crossbuck shows when there is more than one set of tracks.
Approaching: look both ways and listen; you may have to stop. Trains can come at any time.
If there is a stop sign at the crossing, come to a full stop before crossing.
Many crossings have flashing red lights, or lights with gates. If the signal activates, stop before the gates come down on your side. Do not go through when gates are down.
Flashing red lights with a crossbuck: stop as for any flashing red signal; go only when safe.
Be patient waiting for a train. After it passes, do not move at once — check for a second train.
Be ready to stop behind vehicles that must stop at crossings: school buses, vehicles carrying passengers for hire, vehicles carrying explosives or hazardous materials (these have placards).

Railway crossings (continued)

If lights start flashing or gates start lowering while you are already crossing: keep moving, do not stop. Signals give enough time to clear before the train arrives; the far gate will not block you in. Stopping and backing up can stall the vehicle.
Gates will not trap you, but stopped traffic can: be sure traffic ahead will not leave you stopped on the tracks.
Slow down, stay alert and watch for the signal as you approach.
Stalled or blocked on the tracks: get everyone out and well away from tracks and vehicle at once; post a lookout in each direction; only if no train is in sight, try to push the vehicle clear or restart it.
Some trains need more than a kilometre to stop.

Related rules elsewhere in Ch. 2

p. 51: maximum 50 km/h when approaching within 30 metres of a railway crossing.
p. 59: passing at railway crossings is always unsafe and usually illegal.
p. 61: no stopping or parking within 15 metres of the nearest rail of a railway crossing.

Traffic signals and crossing guards

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.

Practise Traffic signals and crossing guards questions Flashcards Official chapter

Traffic control

Traffic is controlled by signal lights, signs and pavement markings. Local traffic authority: cities and towns; provincial authority: all other roads.

Traffic signal lights

Green: go when safe, unless a sign or peace officer directs otherwise. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk (including people in wheelchairs) and to vehicles in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard.
Turning left on green: yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians in your path.
Yellow (amber): stop before entering the intersection if you can stop safely.
Red: all facing traffic stops at the marked place or the near side of the crosswalk.
Signals not working: treat the intersection as a multi-stop — full stop, then go when you have the right of way and it is safe.

Tips, arrow and flashing signals

Stop for yellow unless too close to stop safely; then go through cautiously. Never speed up to beat the red.
Right turn on red allowed after stopping and checking it is safe, unless a "no turn on red" sign is posted.
Left turn on red is illegal, except from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
Green light plus green arrow: turning traffic follows the arrow, through traffic follows the green light.
Green arrow: you may turn in the arrow's direction and proceed.
Yellow arrow: stop unless too close to stop safely.
Flashing red = stop sign: stop, go only when you will not interfere with approaching traffic.
Flashing yellow/amber = warning: slow down, proceed with caution.

Flashing green, lane control signals

Flashing green: facing traffic may turn left, go straight or turn right.
Lane control signals hang over the lane they control, on commuter routes where the heavy direction changes during the day.
Never drive in a lane under a red X, whatever other signs say. You may drive under a green signal but must obey all other signs and signals.

Crosswalk guards

Crosswalk guards direct children crossing to and from school; they hold up a STOP paddle facing the vehicle.
Drivers must obey them; failing to do so can mean demerit points (6 points, p. 28).

Pedestrians at signals

At signals, pedestrians obey the same signals as drivers going the same direction; they should not start crossing on red or yellow.
Pedestrians crossing on green have the right of way over all vehicles, including turning vehicles.
If the light turns yellow or red while a pedestrian is still crossing, let them finish safely.
Where Walk / Don't Walk signals operate, pedestrians obey those instead of the regular lights; crossing on Walk gives them the right of way just like green.

Pavement markings and special lanes

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.

Practise Pavement markings and special lanes questions Flashcards Official chapter

Pavement markings

Markings work with signs and signals: they divide lanes, show turn lanes, mark pedestrian crossings, show obstacles and tell you where passing is unsafe.
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.
Broken (dotted) yellow centre line on a two-lane two-way road: passing with care allowed in both directions.
Continuous double solid yellow centre lines: no crossing to pass in either direction.
Solid line with a broken line: you may pass with care if the broken line is on your side.

Edge lines and exceptions

Single solid white line: right-edge line, and guidance between lanes going the same way.
Single solid yellow line: left-edge line on divided highways. If you see white on your left and yellow on your right, you are going the wrong way.
A single solid yellow centre line permits passing in either direction when traffic, sight distance and conditions are ideal.
The solid/broken line rules do not apply when: entering or leaving the highway somewhere other than an intersection; completing a pass begun legally; the lines are not clearly visible; it is reasonable to drive left of the lines because of weather or other conditions.

Climbing lanes and continuity lines

Climbing lanes let faster traffic pass slower traffic on two-lane highways. All traffic keeps right unless passing.
Vehicles going under 70 km/h must use four-way flashers where a posted sign on the right says so.
Pass using the left lane, then return right. Do not try to pass once you reach the solid line at the end of the climbing lane; the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
Continuity lines: at entry and exit ramps; separate the through lane from the ramp; wider than normal lane lines.

Two-way-left-turn lanes

Centre lane on some multi-lane roads reserved for left turns by traffic from both directions. Never use it to pass or overtake.
Where the centre lane is designated this way, drive to the right of the double lines except when preparing to turn left.
Using it: signal left, check front and rear, shoulder-check left; move in gradually as close to your turning point as possible; do not drive in it for a long distance; stop near the turning point; yield to oncoming vehicles; vehicles approaching in the lane from the other direction must also yield.

Graduated licensing: Class 7, 5N and restricted stage

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.

Practise Graduated licensing: Class 7, 5N and restricted stage questions Flashcards Official chapter

Important Graduated Driver Licence changes (update pages at the front of the handbook)

Since April 1, 2015 GDL has three stages: learner (Class 7), newly licensed (Class 5N), restricted individual (Class 5R or 6R with condition 47).
Restricted individual stage lasts 2 full years after leaving the newly licensed stage.
Restricted individual rules: zero alcohol or drugs in your body while driving; you cannot be a supervising driver (cannot teach someone or supervise a newly licensed driver during midnight–5 a.m. curfew).
No upgrade to Classes 1–4 while a learner or newly licensed driver; upgrading IS allowed in the restricted individual stage.
To exit GDL: hold 5N (or 6N) at least 2 years; complete an approved driver training program and give a copy to RMV/Access Nova Scotia; complete the 2-year restricted individual period.
If you don't complete these, you stay in GDL indefinitely.
Learner's licence is valid for a maximum of 2 years (previously 1). If you don't pass the road test before it expires you must rewrite the learner's test before renewing.
No fee to exchange your licence on graduating if you keep the same photo.
(The Ch. 1 text still says the learner licence lasts one year and the 5N stage leads straight to Class 5; the update pages replace this.)

The Nova Scotia licensing system

You need a valid licence of the right type for the vehicle. Passenger vehicle licence = Class 5.
GDL applies to all new drivers of passenger vehicles, whatever their age; a similar program applies to new motorcycle riders.

Visitors, former and new residents

Visitors and new residents may drive up to 90 days on a valid licence from elsewhere if at least 16; after 90 days a Nova Scotia licence is needed.
Vehicle plates: a visitor can use out-of-province plates for 90 days; someone who has actually moved here, only 30 days.
Nova Scotia licence expired less than 3 years ago: renew without written or road tests.
Expired more than 3 years: if you never held a valid licence for 2 full years you are a brand new driver (full GDL); if you did, you still take the written and road tests.
Other Canadian provinces/territories: usually exchange without tests if 16+, licence valid, passenger vehicles only, expired less than 3 years. School bus endorsement requires a road test.
USA: same, but a road test is needed if the licence has conditions that might affect safe driving.
Other countries: vision test, written rules test, written signs test and road test.

Getting a learner's licence (Class 7)

Any Nova Scotia resident at least 16. Under 18 needs written consent: a parent or guardian with custody; if both parents have died and there is no guardian, an employer; if married to a spouse over 18, the spouse.
Two written tests (oral in some cases): road sign test and rules test, each 20 multiple-choice questions; pass = 16 correct on each.
Bring proof of age (e.g. birth certificate, passport, NS ID card, citizenship card, PR card) plus two other pieces of ID with name and signature; name-change documents if needed; consent form if 16 or 17.
Vision test includes colour, field of vision (minimum 120 degrees), visual acuity (minimum 6/12, i.e. 20/40) and distance judgement. If you pass only with corrective lenses, the licence is valid only while wearing them.
Keep your road test receipt; losing it means buying another.
Always carry your learner's licence while driving.

Learner restrictions

An experienced driver must be in the front seat and there may be no other passengers. Experienced = held a valid licence 2 years and no longer in GDL.
Blood alcohol must be zero.
A learner with 4 or more demerit points is suspended for 6 months, which delays the road test.

Driver training

Before leaving GDL you must take a Service Nova Scotia–approved driver training program: long course (at least 25 hours classroom + at least 10 hours driving) or short course (6 hours classroom).
Long course lets a learner take the road test after 3 months instead of 6; may also save on insurance.

Road test

Normal wait before the road test: at least 6 months (3 with an approved long course).
Road test is cancelled if road or weather conditions are hazardous.
Bring: receipt, a vehicle in good mechanical condition with a valid inspection sticker, your licence, the vehicle permit, and a valid insurance liability card.
If you fail, wait at least one week before retesting and pay again.
After passing, upgrade your licence within 6 months or you must take the road test again.

Newly licensed drivers (Class 5N)

Stay at least 2 full years.
Zero blood alcohol.
One front-seat passenger only; rear passengers no more than the number of seat belts. Trucks: one front passenger.
Curfew: no driving midnight to 5 a.m. unless accompanied in the front seat by a driver who has held Class 5 for at least 2 years and is not in GDL, or you have an RMV exemption (e.g. for work; there is a fee).
No highway restriction: 100-series highways are allowed.
6 demerit points = 6-month suspension; after a suspension you restart the 2-year newly licensed period from reinstatement.
Speeding conviction under GDL: may lose driving privileges for one week and get 4 demerit points, plus a required interview with a driver enhancement officer; not attending can mean an indefinite suspension.
BAC over zero conviction: 6 demerit points and 6-month loss of privileges.

Other learner rules

Exemptions: more than one Driver Enhancement Officer may ride with a learner; with a dual-brake vehicle and an approved instructor, up to three students may sit in the back.
A learner may not drive a motorcycle or farm tractor on a public road except during an exam.
Class 8 (farm tractor) from age 14 with parental approval; from 16 also valid as a Class 7 learner's licence.

Renewing your licence

Renew every 5 years; a notice is mailed about 2 months before your birthday — keep your address up to date.
Report health changes that could affect driving, and any suspension or revocation, when renewing.

Unpaid fines

With unpaid fines the Registrar refuses further services until paid; a $30 fee reinstates services.

Demerit points and losing your licence

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.

Practise Demerit points and losing your licence questions Flashcards Official chapter

Losing your licence: mandatory revocation

A licence is a privilege that can be withdrawn for just cause.
Automatic revocation on conviction for, among others: failing to stop at a collision (Criminal Code); causing death or bodily harm by negligent driving; manslaughter with a vehicle; criminal negligence; stealing a vehicle or taking one without consent; impaired driving; failing or refusing a breath sample; driving with over 80 mg alcohol per 100 ml blood; dangerous driving; flight from a peace officer; driving while disqualified; false affidavit; refusing a blood sample; impaired driving causing death or injury.
Revocation happens whether or not you get a notice from the Registrar.

Restoring after revocation

Revoked licence stays revoked until you apply to restore it; you may apply 30 days before eligibility (not for alcohol-related revocations). Fees may be higher for alcohol-related offences.
Alcohol-related suspension or revocation: must attend an Alcohol Assessment Program before getting driving privileges back.
A Criminal Code conviction brings a court prohibition from driving anywhere in Canada, which may differ in length from the provincial revocation.

Suspension without conviction

The Registrar may suspend without a conviction if, for example, you caused a serious collision by reckless driving, are unfit to drive, are a habitual reckless driver or violator.
Also suspendable: lending your licence, using someone else's, breaking licence restrictions, taking a test for another person.
Registrar may suspend or revoke if you fail to take or complete a required driver training program, refuse an exam, or fail to send a required medical report.

Demerit points

Points are added on conviction for certain Motor Vehicle Act offences and stay on your record for 2 years from the conviction date.
Points are recorded even if you had no licence or an out-of-province licence at the time. Convictions in other provinces reported to Nova Scotia are added as if they happened here.

Point values

6 points: careless and imprudent driving; speeding or dangerous driving (s. 101); failing to stop at an accident or do required duties; racing; BAC over zero (GDL); failing to comply with a breath demand; passing a school bus; failing to obey a crossing guard.
4 points: improper passing; speeding over the limit (s. 102); speeding over the posted limit in a school area; speeding 31 km/h or more over; failing to yield to a pedestrian; failing to obey a traffic control person.
3 points: speeding 16–30 km/h over the posted limit.
2 points: speeding 1–15 km/h over; failing to obey signs or signals or yield the right of way; driving left of centre; driving without adequate brakes; various other moving offences.

Point thresholds (warning letter / interview / 6-month suspension)

Learner: warning letter at 2 points; 6-month suspension at 4 points (also p. 10).
Newly licensed: warning 2, interview 4, suspension 6.
All other drivers: warning 4, interview 6, suspension 10.
An interview with a driver enhancement officer means you will be fully retested, including a road test.

Probationary and conditional licences, removing points

After a points suspension you get a probationary licence lasting 1 year from application; 3 new points during it = another 6-month suspension.
Experienced drivers (Classes 1–5) can have up to 4 points removed in a 5-year period by passing a recognized defensive driving course taken within the last year. Not allowed if suspended, on a probationary licence, or owing fines. Class 5N, 7 and 8 holders are not eligible.
Conditional licence (drive at certain times/places) may be requested after a points suspension; not available to learners or probationary licence holders; any new points or breaking the conditions cancels it.

Restoring after suspension

Submit a Notice of Application for Restoration with fees; you may apply 30 days before the suspension ends.
The Registrar may order a re-examination of your health or driving at any time (usually after collisions or convictions).

Right of way, pedestrians and emergency vehicles

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.

Practise Right of way, pedestrians and emergency vehicles questions Flashcards Official chapter

Right of way, unmarked crosswalks

An intersection is any place two or more roads meet or cross, marked or unmarked. More than half of all traffic collisions happen at intersections.
Drive defensively and be prepared to yield.
Every intersection has a crosswalk, many unmarked. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all intersections, marked or unmarked crosswalks.

Pedestrians

At intersections without signals, pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks and in unmarked crosswalks (imaginary lines extending across the street).
At signals, pedestrians follow the same signals as drivers going the same way; crossing on green they have the right of way over all vehicles, including turning ones.
Moving through on green, look in all directions to be sure pedestrians have finished crossing.

Intersection right of way

A vehicle already in the intersection has the right of way over one that has not entered.
Two facing vehicles arriving together: both may go straight or turn right; a driver turning left yields to the one going straight.
Two or more vehicles arriving at the same time: the car on the left yields (i.e. yield to the vehicle on your right).
Whatever right of way you think you have, be 100 per cent ready to yield if it avoids a collision.
Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross.
Change lanes before the intersection, never while moving through it.
Waiting to turn left: keep wheels straight until you can complete the turn.

Emergency vehicles

Leaving a private driveway or parking lot: stop and yield to all vehicles and pedestrians.
Police, ambulance and fire vehicles with flashing lights and sirens have the right of way.
When one approaches from ahead or behind: move to the right edge or curb and stop completely; stay stopped until it passes or a peace officer tells you to move.
Never follow a fire vehicle within 150 metres.
Never drive or park within 150 metres of an emergency vehicle stopped at a collision or giving help.
Never drive over a fire hose unless a police officer or firefighter tells you to.

Slow down and move over (update page)

Passing an emergency vehicle pulled over with lights flashing: slow to 60 km/h, or the posted limit if lower than 60.
On a road with 2 or more lanes in your direction, also move into a lane farther away if safe.
Not required if the stopped vehicle is on the other side of a median on a divided highway.
Applies to: ambulances, police, fire department vehicles, Department of Lands and Forestry fire vehicles, fire chiefs' and deputy chiefs' vehicles, conservation officers, motor vehicle and carrier inspectors, public safety vehicles (e.g. sheriffs, bridge patrol), tow trucks stopped at a fire or collision or helping a vehicle.

Yield to transit buses (update page; also on the handbook web page)

A stopped transit bus signalling to re-enter traffic: if approaching from behind, yield so it can pull back in.
Required whenever the posted limit is 60 km/h or less and it is safe.
Does not apply to school buses.

Entering and leaving driveways

Yield to pedestrians crossing in front of you and to all vehicles approaching on the street.
Coming out of an alley, driveway or building in a business or residential district: stop immediately before driving onto the sidewalk or sidewalk area.

Speed, stopping distance and following

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.

Practise Speed, stopping distance and following questions Flashcards Official chapter

Driving on the right

Drive on the right except when passing, turning left or avoiding an obstruction. Slow traffic stays as close as practical to the right edge or curb.
Don't hug the centre line (head-on risk). Stay within one lane; leave it only when safe.
Multi-lane highways: slower vehicles use the right lane. Driving at the limit does not entitle you to "camp" in the left lane; it is for passing. Staying there invites passing on the right, which is less safe.

Stopping distances

Stopping distance depends on speed and reaction time; at higher speeds you cover more ground while reacting and need more braking distance.
Ideal conditions, total stopping distance (reaction + braking): 50 km/h = 63 m (35 + 28); 80 km/h = 140 m (56 + 84), i.e. more than 140 m (460 ft); 100 km/h = 205 m (69 + 136); 110 km/h = 246 m (76 + 170).
Every extra km/h reduces control and raises the chance a crash causes serious injury or death.
Driving considerably below the posted limit in ideal conditions also raises crash risk.

Driving too slowly, safety scan, blind spots

Slow driving is especially dangerous just past the crest of a hill or around a curve.
Don't block the normal flow; a slow driver must stop where safe to let blocked traffic pass, then carry on.
Safety scan: frequently move head and eyes; check rear-view and side mirrors; shoulder-check blind spots, especially before turning or changing lanes.
Blind spots: usually back left and back right; mirrors don't show them.

Two-second rule

Pick a landmark; when the vehicle ahead passes it count "one thousand and one, one thousand and two"; reaching it before you finish = too close.
Allow more than two seconds on slippery roads, in fog, rain, snow or sun glare, behind large commercial vehicles that block your view, when carrying a heavy load, and behind smaller vehicles like motorcycles that stop more quickly.

Choosing a safe speed

Never exceed the posted limit or a speed unreasonable for conditions (visibility, weather, traffic, wet roads).
The faster you go, the farther ahead you must be able to see.
Slow down when workers are present in construction zones.
Unless otherwise posted, the maximum on any Nova Scotia highway is 80 km/h. Business and residential districts: 50 km/h.
Maximum 50 km/h: passing a school or grounds during recess, when children are arriving or leaving, or any time children are present where the limit before the zone is over 50; passing a church while people are entering or leaving; within 15 m of an intersection where your view is under 60 m either way (not on through streets or at signal-controlled intersections); public parks in cities/towns unless posted; within 30 m of a railway crossing; residential districts; business districts; danger zones.
School zone with children present, any time of day: 30 km/h where the approaching limit is 50; 50 km/h where it is higher.

Curves

Momentum becomes centrifugal force in a curve, pushing the vehicle outward; too much speed or poor traction can cause a skid.
Reduce speed before the curve so you don't need to brake in it; gently accelerate from the midpoint.
For right curves keep as far right as you can; for left curves keep to the middle of your lane.
Never stop, park or make a U-turn in a curve; don't pass or back up in a curve.

Following

Following too closely is a leading cause of collisions. On the open road, leave enough room that a passing vehicle can move into the space ahead of you.

Signals, turning, lane changes and passing

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.

Practise Signals, turning, lane changes and passing questions Flashcards Official chapter

Using your signal lights and horn

Vehicle must have working signal lights and horn. Check it is safe before starting, stopping or turning; signal your intentions.
Sound your horn when a pedestrian or another vehicle may be affected; it must be clearly audible.
Hand-and-arm signals are allowed but are seen less easily; use signal lights if the vehicle or its load blocks hand signals.
Signal lights are required if any part of the vehicle or load extends more than 60 cm to the left of the centre of the steering wheel.
Signalling does not give you the right of way.

Turning

Slow before turning, shoulder-check, yield, then accelerate slightly.
Right turns: wait for pedestrians in your path; stay close to the right edge so no one can slip between you and the curb.
Left turns: yield to oncoming vehicles; wait for pedestrians; while waiting keep wheels straight — if hit from behind with wheels turned left you may be pushed into oncoming traffic.
Motorcycles and bicycles are hard to see during turns.
Decide early; no last-minute turns. Don't brake or use the clutch while turning; don't shift gears after entering the intersection.
With two turning lanes, stay in your lane from start to finish (right turning lane into the right receiving lane).
Large commercial vehicles may need wide right turns.
One-way to two-way: from the left curb lane into the lane just right of the centre line, then move to the right curb lane. Two-way to one-way: from the lane closest to the centre line into the left curb lane. Two-way to two-way: from the lane closest to the centre line into the lane right of the centre line.

Changing lanes

On multi-lane roads check your blind spots, the lane you want and the lane beyond it.
Steps: mirrors; shoulder check toward the new lane and signal; check again for fast traffic behind; steer gradually, keeping or gently increasing speed (don't slow down).

Overtaking and passing

Signal and sound your horn before passing; the horn places the other driver under a legal duty to help you pass.
The vehicle being passed must give way and not speed up until the pass is complete.
On two-way roads, be sure of enough clear distance; pass on the left; return right when safe.
On two-lane roads never follow another vehicle that has already started to pass; wait until it finishes.
At night use low beams until the pass is complete.
Over 100 km, aggressive driving saves less than two minutes while greatly raising risk.
Passing steps: stay back, scan, signal, left shoulder check (chin to shoulder), move left gradually, accelerate without exceeding the limit, sound horn on reaching the rear of the vehicle, right signal on after passing, right shoulder check, move back when the passed vehicle's headlights show in your rear-view mirror, resume speed, cancel signal.
If the passed vehicle must slow down to let you back in, you did not pass safely.

Where passing is unsafe; passing on the right; being passed

Always unsafe and usually illegal: intersections in cities and towns; railway crossings; marked rural intersections; curves or hills where you can't see at least 150 m ahead; where a solid yellow line is in your lane (with broken in the other); double solid yellow lines; where a car has stopped for pedestrians at an intersection or crosswalk; wherever you can't see far enough.
On roads with two or more continuous lanes each way you may pass on the right or left. You may also pass on the right a vehicle making a left turn. Passing on the right puts you in the other driver's blind side.
Being passed: help the other driver; if they sound the horn, move to the right edge of the pavement; never speed up.

Backing

Back only when safe; watch for hidden children and objects.
Shift to reverse with foot on brake; one hand at 12 o'clock on the wheel; turn body and head right and look over your right shoulder, whether backing straight, right or left.
Back slowly; check the front end in the first few feet; keep scanning.
You may unfasten the seat belt to turn properly while backing; refasten before moving forward.

Parking, roundabouts and driveways

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.

Practise Parking, roundabouts and driveways questions Flashcards Official chapter

Parking and stopping

Obey signs restricting stopping, standing or parking; not every parking by-law is posted.
If you must stop, get clear of the travelled part of the highway.
Do not park on a street or highway for more than 24 hours.
Unattended vehicle: apply the parking brake and turn off the engine.
Curbside wheels within 15 cm of the curb or road edge.
A vehicle counts as stopped or parked if it is not moving, occupied or not.
No stopping or parking: on a hill crest or curve where approaching drivers' view is blocked; where you block a parked vehicle, sidewalk, pedestrian crossing, road entrance or private driveway; within 5 m of a crosswalk; within 5 m of a fire hydrant or a fire station driveway entrance; within 7.5 m of an intersection; within 10 m of the approach to a flashing beacon, stop sign, yield sign or traffic signal at the roadside; within 15 m of the nearest rail of a railway crossing; beside or opposite an excavation or obstruction if it would block traffic; double parking (roadway side of a stopped vehicle); in a space for persons with mobility disability without a permit or special plate.

Parallel parking

Signal and slow; you may need to stop early so traffic behind stays back.
Pull alongside the front parked car about 1 metre away until rear bumpers line up.
Scan, back slowly turning sharply right to about a 40° angle (or until the rear window centre lines up with the point between curb and car behind); straighten and back until your front bumper clears the car ahead; turn sharply the other way and ease in parallel; centre the car.
Curbside wheels within 15 cm. Set parking brake, put in park, engine off; manual transmission: reverse if facing downhill, first gear if facing uphill. Remove key, check traffic before opening the door, lock the car.
If a car ahead is pulling out of a parallel space, slow down and be ready to stop.

Angle parking

Signal, slow, stay parallel at least 1.5 m out from parked cars; turn in when your front is even with the rear of the space; centre; stop when lined up with other cars or front wheels barely touch the curb.
Leaving: scan, shoulder checks, back out straight until your front end clears the neighbouring cars.

Parking on a hill

Turn front wheels so the car would roll into the curb (or off the road, away from traffic, if there is no curb). Apply parking brake, then shift to park.
Facing downhill (curb or no curb): wheels to the right. Facing uphill with a curb: wheels to the left. Uphill without a curb: wheels to the right.
Curbside wheels within 15 cm.

Roundabouts and rotaries

Entering vehicles must yield to traffic already in the circle; drivers in the circle have the right of way.
Always yield to pedestrians legally crossing; be courteous to cyclists.
Designed for 30–50 km/h; slow as you approach. Follow signs and markings about lanes. Enter when there is a gap; others may not be signalling correctly.
Travel to the right around the central island — counterclockwise — until your exit. Signal and exit to the right.
Multi-lane: move into the correct lane before your exit; never exit from an inside lane.
These rules apply unless signs or signals control the roundabout.

100-series controlled-access highways and interchanges, large commercial vehicles and truck blind spots, school bus lights, motorcycles and bicycles.

Practise Highways, school buses and sharing the road questions Flashcards Official chapter

Using controlled-access highways

100-series highways: divided multi-lane, limited access through interchanges.
Interchanges need full attention: some drivers slowing to exit while others speed up to enter. Signs tell you to merge, yield or stop; yield to through traffic until a safe gap.
Plan the trip; check water, oil, tires and gas; decide entry and exit points in advance.
Entering: use the acceleration lane until your speed matches traffic, then merge.
Keep right; left lanes for passing only. Minimum two-second following distance; rear-end crashes are among the most frequent on major highways.
Stop at rest areas often, preferably at least every 150–200 km. Never stop in a traffic lane.
Breakdown: get well off the road; tie a white cloth on the radio aerial or left door handle; at night use emergency flashers or parking lights. If you see a vehicle in distress, contact police.
Exiting: signal well ahead, enter the deceleration lane without slowing, then slow to the posted ramp speed. Most exits are on the right.

Large commercial vehicles

Give extra room when passing; keep an appropriate speed on hills; loaded trucks use downhill momentum to climb the next hill.
A commercial vehicle driver may not follow within 60 m of another vehicle on a highway outside business or residential districts (does not apply while overtaking).

A trucker's blind spots (Ch. 5)

Trucks have serious blind spots right in front of the cab, on both sides, and up to 200 feet behind. Some drivers can't see the first 20 feet in front of the bumper; even sloped hoods can leave up to 10 feet.
Be visible: headlights on, signal lane changes, sound horn when passing, leave more space. If you can't see the driver in the truck's side mirror, the driver can't see you.

School buses

School buses mostly run about 7–9 a.m. and 2–4 p.m.; children may dart out.
Amber flashing lights: bus is about to stop; passing allowed with extra caution; watch for red lights.
Red flashing lights plus mechanical STOP arm: bus is loading/unloading; all drivers from behind or in front must stop. Do not pass from either direction at any time or place, including on a divided boulevard.
Over 50 km/h in a school zone when children are present is illegal at any time or day (see school zone rules for 30 km/h where the approach limit is 50). Children may play there after hours and on weekends. Obey crossing guards.

Motorcycles

A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane. Give extra space.
Most fatal motorcycle crashes involve cars, usually because the driver didn't see the rider; more than half happen in good conditions.

Bicycles

Under the Motor Vehicle Act cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Take extra care around children on bikes.
Most car-bike collisions happen at intersections (pulling out without yielding, turning across a cyclist).
Right hook: passing a cyclist then turning right in front of them; experienced cyclists ride 25–35 km/h on the flat, up to 50 km/h downhill. If you can't pass safely before the turn, slow and turn behind them.
Left cross: turning left in front of an oncoming cyclist; stop and wait for oncoming traffic including bikes.
Dooring: look behind for cyclists before opening your door.

Cycling rules (for cyclists)

Ride on the right with traffic; ride a straight course; stay at least 1 m from parked cars.
At night: white front light and red rear reflector (rear flashing red light OK). Helmet required by law; wear it about two finger-widths above the eyebrows; one finger between strap and chin.

Your vehicle: inspection, equipment, registration and insurance

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.

Practise Your vehicle: inspection, equipment, registration and insurance questions Flashcards Official chapter

Maintaining your vehicle (Ch. 4)

All registered vehicles and trailers must be inspected every year at an official inspection station by an authorized mechanic.
Parts inspected include windshield and glass, horn, brakes, wipers, steering, suspension, exhaust, fuel system, lights, tires and wheels, mirrors, body, coupling devices.
Police or a Minister-appointed inspector may inspect your vehicle at any time and order an unsafe vehicle off the road.

Maintenance checks

Check tire pressure (including the spare) when tires are cold or have sat for more than four hours.
Tires need tread depth of at least 1.5 mm; check for bulges, cuts, exposed cords.
Winter: snow or all-season tires on all four wheels. Studded tires are legal only from October 15 to April 30.
Shocks: push down hard on a corner; more than one bounce means the shock likely needs replacing.
Brakes need checking if the pedal goes down too far, metal grinds, the car pulls to one side or stops slowly.
Exhaust holes can leak poisonous gases into the car — especially dangerous in winter with windows closed.
Secure loose objects so they cannot jam the pedals.

Lighting equipment

Headlights required from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, and whenever you cannot see a person 300 m ahead (fog, rain, snow etc.). Parking lights or daytime running lights may not be used instead of headlights then.
Headlight beam's bright part must not rise above 1 m at 20 m from the vehicle.
Brake lights must be visible in normal sunlight from 100 m.
Plate must be readable from 15 m (white plate light; not required on mopeds).
Signal lights: white or amber to the front, amber or red to the rear; visible 150 m for vehicles 2.05 m or wider, 100 m for narrower vehicles.
Parked vehicles: white or amber light/reflector on the front roadway side; red to the rear when lights are required.
Emergency flashers: when stalled in a roadway, or when climbing a hill below a posted minimum such as "Use 4-way flashers below 70 km/h".

Special lights, other equipment

Flashing red to the front only on ambulances, police or fire vehicles, school buses while loading/unloading, and volunteer fire chief/deputy chief vehicles.
Flashing amber required on school buses; may be used on vehicles carrying explosives, towing wide trailers, or service vehicles (road, communication or power work).
Flashing blue only on police vehicles or conservation officers' vehicles.
No ornaments that block the driver's view or distract.
Horn must be audible at 60 m; don't use it unnecessarily.

Winter maintenance

Have the battery checked and terminals cleaned at least twice each winter.
Winter kit: shovel, sand or kitty litter, booster cables, candles and matches, flares or warning lights, blankets, tow chain, extra washer fluid, tire chains, phone.

Alerting others, loads, towing

Slow-moving vehicle sign required on farm tractors and any vehicle that cannot keep above 40 km/h normally; slow down when you see one.
Load extending more than 1 m beyond the rear: red flag at least 300 mm by 300 mm in daylight; after dark an amber or red light visible 60 m.
Drawbar or towing connection no longer than 5 m (8 m for poles). A chain/rope/cable connection needs a red flag or cloth on it.
Only commercial vehicles may tow more than one trailer. Never carry people in a towed trailer.
Towing a disabled vehicle: someone must sit in it and brake to keep the cable tight; don't tow vehicles with power brakes/steering if the engine can't run.
Oversize permit needed beyond: 12.5 m single vehicle, 25 m combination, 14.65 m trailer, 2.6 m wide, 4.15 m high.

Vehicle registration and insurance (Ch. 7)

Before driving on a highway a vehicle must be registered, have a permit, plate and validation sticker, a valid inspection sticker, and third-party liability insurance (proof carried in the vehicle).
Certificate of registration is valid as long as you own the vehicle. Passenger vehicle and light truck permits are renewed every 2 years.
Visitors may drive their own out-of-province registered passenger vehicle for 90 days (once a year, personal use). New residents must register within 30 days.
Selling: give the buyer the Transfer of Title, return the Notice of Sale; the vehicle must have a valid inspection while still yours. Remove your plates when you sell.
Your valid plates can go on a newly acquired vehicle for 30 days while waiting for a new permit. Temporary permits last 30 days.
The original permit must be in the vehicle or with the driver; the plate goes on the rear with a current validation sticker.
Failed inspection: rejection sticker; 10 days to fix and be reinspected without a second fee. Approval stickers expire at the end of the month shown.
Minimum third-party liability: $500,000 (or a $500,000 bond, or $500,000 deposited with the Minister of Finance per vehicle).
After a collision show your liability insurance card to everyone involved, witnesses and police.
Glove compartment: vehicle permit, liability insurance card, safety inspection report. Carry your licence.

Seat belts, child seats and safe driving habits

Seat belt law, child restraints and booster seats, airbags, carrying passengers, driving position, steering, braking and ABS, defensive driving and highway hypnosis.

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

Why use a seat belt

Unrestrained people hit each other or the interior, or are thrown out. Belts also protect in sudden swerves and stops.
Fewer than 1 per cent of injury collisions involve fire or water; a belt raises your chance of staying conscious to escape.

Seat belts, child restraints and the law

Everyone 16 and older, driver or passenger, must wear a seat belt where one is available.
The driver is responsible for passengers under 16 wearing belts.
Birth to 10 kg (22 lb): rear-facing infant seat (CMVSS 213.1), secured by the seat belt.
10 kg to 18 kg (22–40 lb): forward-facing child seat (CMVSS 213), secured by seat belt and tether strap to an anchor bolt.
Over 18 kg (40 lb) but under 145 cm (4'9"): booster seat (CMVSS 213.2) if younger than 9, unless they have reached 145 cm.

Exemptions from seat belts

People who can't because of size/build, medical exemption from a doctor, on-duty peace officers, firefighters on fire vehicles, taxi drivers for hire, transit bus drivers, ambulance attendants with a patient, people whose work means frequent getting in and out, people transporting prisoners.

Correct use

Don't alter belts. Lap belt as low on the hips as possible; shoulder belt not across face or neck.
Pregnant women must wear belts: lap belt under the abdomen, low over the hips.

Airbags, passengers, walking, hitchhiking

Airbags supplement seat belts in severe frontal crashes; they don't replace belts.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in front of an airbag. Children under 12 should not sit where there is an airbag.
Pick up and drop off passengers only at the curb or side of the road; never let anyone get in or out while moving.
Passengers in a truck's cargo area only on seats fixed to the floor or frame. No passengers in a towed travel trailer or mobile home.
Walking on a road with no sidewalk: face traffic; wear reflective material; carry a light after dark; in snow wear some dark clothing.
Hitchhiking is illegal.

Driving position and steering

Sit straight with your back against the seat. Right foot rests between brake and gas with a slight knee bend.
Line of vision halfway between the top of the steering wheel and the top of the windshield. At least a fist's space between head and roof.
Hands at ten and two (nine and three also acceptable); arms slightly bent.
Head restraint top about 7 cm (2–3 inches) above eye level to reduce whiplash.
Use a relaxed grip; don't shuffle hands. Hand-over-hand for sharp turns and emergencies, and to unwind; don't let the wheel slide through your hands.

Safe driving tips, starting, braking

Scan constantly; don't stare at one object more than a few seconds. Use mirrors often.
Only the official inspection sticker is allowed at the lower driver's corner of the windshield. Nothing hanging from the rear-view mirror.
Eating, drinking, smoking or using a cell phone cause inattention.
Never put an arm, head or foot outside a moving vehicle except to signal.
Starting: parking brake on; manual in neutral; automatic in park.
Braking: begin early, light pressure, ease off as you stop. Threshold braking = firm steady pressure without locking; if wheels lock, ease off slightly and reapply.
ABS: press steadily and firmly; do not pump; vibration and pulsing are normal.
Choosing between braking and steering: generally steer to avoid; steering beats braking above 40 km/h because it needs less distance.

Preventing collisions, defensive driving, highway hypnosis

Most crashes are caused by driver error. Most common causes in Nova Scotia, in order: driver inattention, failure to yield, driver distraction, inexperience or confusion, alcohol, too fast for conditions.
Defensive driving: reduce your own mistakes and anticipate others' (children near the street, brake lights on a parked car, a car approaching an intersection fast).
Highway hypnosis: fixed eyes and less scanning after long driving; pull over before it causes a crash.
Tips: eat lightly before a long drive; comfortable clothing; talk with passengers without distraction; keep scanning; take a 1–2 minute walking break every hour; don't drive too far in a day; avoid usual sleep hours; keep the car cool.
From Ch. 1 p. 11: a European study found 80 per cent of crashes could be avoided with one more second to react.

Night driving and bad weather

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.

Practise Night driving and bad weather questions Flashcards Official chapter

Adverse driving conditions

Nova Scotia's coastal weather is harsh and changeable; fog, rain, snow and floods reduce visibility and wet brakes increase stopping distance.
Anticipate (check the forecast; consider not driving) and be ready to respond.

Nighttime driving

Night is more dangerous: you see less, more impaired drivers, more fatigue, glare from oncoming headlights.
Headlights from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, and any time you can't see at least 300 m ahead.
In a city at night use low beams. On the open road use high beams unless approaching or following another vehicle.
By law dim headlights within 150 m of an oncoming vehicle and within 60 m when following a vehicle.

Glare, rain, snow and fog

If an oncoming driver doesn't dim, keep your low beams on. Look slightly to the right, using the road edge as a guide.
Sun glare: use visor and sunglasses; if still blinded, stop well off the road until safe.
Entering a tunnel or underground garage on a bright day: slow down, remove sunglasses, turn on headlights.
Rain, snow, fog: slow gradually, avoid sudden stops, increase following distance, low beams only (high beams reflect off precipitation). Don't drive on parking lights.

Extreme low visibility

If you can barely see: pull as far off the road as possible, stop, secure the vehicle, turn on emergency flashers, leave by the passenger side and stay away from the road.

Rain

Drive slower; low beams and wipers; increase following distance to four seconds or more.
Stopping on slippery pavement is 2 to 10 times farther than on dry.
Roads are most dangerous for the first 10 to 15 minutes of rain (oil and residue mix with water).
Hydroplaning: partial from about 55 km/h in a standard car; at about 85 km/h tires may ride fully on water with no braking, steering or acceleration grip. Reduce speed on wet roads.
Wet brakes are less effective: test them; if weak, press the brake lightly with the left foot while keeping light gas pressure until they work normally.

Snow, frost and ice

Black ice is a thin layer of ice on the road surface.
Stopping from 30 km/h: about 6 m on dry pavement, 22 m on packed snow, 52 m on black ice.
Shaded areas, bridges and overpasses freeze first and thaw last.
In a snowstorm: reduce speed, wipers, defroster, low beams. Reduce speed by more than half on packed snow and crawl on ice. Chains or studded tires may improve traction.
Gravel/dirt roads greatly increase stopping distance.

Four-wheel drive, slippery surfaces, winter rules

Four-wheel drive does not let you stop any faster on slippery roads and can give a false sense of security.
Gentle, slight movements of brake, gas and wheel.
Roads are most slippery in the first 10 minutes of a storm.
Test traction by braking lightly when safe; if a wheel locks, release at once.
Road surfaces are far more slippery near 0°C than at -10 or -20°C. Early-morning frost is a fall and spring problem.
Stopping on ice: keep the clutch engaged and apply gradual pressure without locking wheels. Studded tires shorten stopping on ice.
Winter rules: drive defensively, adjust speed, leave time and space, keep windows clear, keep lights, wipers and defrosters working, test brakes, use snow tires, chains or studs.

Emergencies and collisions

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.

Practise Emergencies and collisions questions Flashcards Official chapter

General highway trouble

Regular servicing prevents many emergencies.
At the first sign of trouble: signal, check mirrors, four-way flashers on, slow down, pull as far off the road as possible. Never stop in the driving lanes.
Call for help by cell phone; otherwise put a "Call Police" sign in a window or tie a white cloth to the antenna. Do not raise the hood. Stay in the vehicle with doors locked; ask anyone who stops to call police or an auto club.
Threshold braking: firm, steady pressure just short of lock-up; ease off slightly if wheels lock, then repeat. ABS lets you press hard and still steer.

Brake, tire, power and headlight failure

Brake failure: pump the pedal several times to build pressure; if that fails, apply the parking brake gently but firmly while holding the release button. Once stopped, don't drive on — get help.
Blowout: don't brake; hold the wheel firmly; ease off the gas slowly; steer to a safe stop off the highway.
Power failure: power steering and brakes are lost — steering and braking take more effort but still work; get off the road.
Headlight failure: work the switch a few times, try high/low; then four-way flashers and any other lights (signals, fog lights); get off the highway. Driving at night without lights is dangerous and illegal.

Sticking gas pedal, vehicle fires

Sticking gas pedal: tap it or lift it with your foot; eyes on the road; don't reach down by hand; flashers on, shift to neutral, brake firmly without locking, pull off, engine off.
Fire or smoke: get off the highway, ignition off, get everyone out and at least 30 m away. Use an extinguisher, not water (water spreads gas and oil fires); sand, earth or clothing can smother flames. Keep some extinguisher in reserve; fight with the wind at your back; open the hood slowly or not at all (fresh air feeds the fire).

Skids, wheels off the pavement, animals

Skid on ice: foot off the gas, let the car slow, steer to avoid collisions, then threshold brake when slow enough. Shifting, braking or sudden steering can start a skid.
Wheels drop onto the shoulder: don't jerk back onto the pavement. When safe and under control, steer smoothly back on, eyes on the centre of your lane.
Animals: watch for animal crossing signs (moose, deer, cattle); use high beams at night when possible.

Water, electrical wires

A vehicle with closed windows floats 3 to 10 minutes. Best escape is the windows; open power windows immediately before water shorts them. Most cars sink nose first, trapping air near the roof at the rear; when pressure equalizes the door opens more easily.
Downed wires: stay inside if at all possible; touch nothing outside. If you must leave (e.g. fire), jump clear with feet together without touching the car, then shuffle away with feet together at least 20 m (65 ft).

Snow plows

Plow wings can extend up to 3 m to the right. On highways several plows may be staggered across all lanes; never pass between them.

Collisions

Drivers in a collision must stop immediately; leaving the scene is an offence.
Report (within 24 hours, to local police, RCMP or the RMV) a collision with personal injury, death, or property damage of $2,000 or more (amended from $1,000; handbook web page and Ch. 7 p. 175 give $2,000).
Give your name, address and vehicle permit to the person struck, the other driver/occupant or a witness; give reasonable help to anyone injured.
If the driver can't report, an occupant must.
Garage receiving a vehicle with signs of a serious collision must notify police within 24 hours.
Damage to an unattended vehicle or property: try to find and notify the owner; if you can't, notify police within 24 hours.
Collision with apparent damage of $50 or more, injury or death and no proof of financial responsibility: licence and all registrations in your name suspended.

Impaired driving and fitness to drive

Blood alcohol limits, standard drinks, roadside screening results and suspensions, the administrative licence suspension, penalties by offence, drug impairment, emotions, vision standards and fatigue.

Practise Impaired driving and fitness to drive questions Flashcards Official chapter

Alcohol and drugs

Effects depend on age, gender, size and fitness, emotions, fatigue, food eaten and other substances.
Alcohol goes straight into the bloodstream; impairment begins with the first drink.
Legal impairment: BAC of .08 per cent or more; you can be charged and convicted below this if you show other signs of impairment.

Removing alcohol, getting caught

Only time removes alcohol; the liver breaks it down at about .015 per hour; each standard drink takes more than an hour.
Standard drink: 340 ml (12 oz) beer, 43 ml (1.5 oz) spirits, or 142 ml (5 oz) unfortified wine — all contain the same alcohol.
Black coffee, cold showers or exercise do not remove alcohol. Feeling better does not mean sober.
If police reasonably suspect alcohol: roadside screening device first, then a breathalyzer test.
Roadside result "warn" = .05 to .08 (50–80 mg/100 ml): police may suspend for 7, 15 or 30 days, depending on similar incidents in the past ten years. (Since October 2010, a .05–.08 driver may be removed from the road and suspended for at least 7 days.)
"Fail" = arrest and breathalyzer at the station.
Refusing the breathalyzer or roadside test is an offence (failing to comply / refusing).

Statistics and drugs

About 10 per cent of night drivers have been drinking and 3 per cent are legally impaired.
Prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal remedies and illegal drugs can impair; mixing with alcohol is especially dangerous. Read medication warnings; ask a pharmacist.
Examples: painkillers like codeine, antidepressants, anti-nausea drugs like Gravol, antihistamines (allergy and sinus), tranquillizers, eye drops/ointments, sedatives, muscle relaxants, blood pressure drugs (first week), steroids.

Penalties, administrative suspension

Criminal Code: operating or having care or control while impaired is an offence; fines up to $2,000 and up to life in prison for impaired driving causing death; a Criminal Code conviction brings a Canada-wide driving prohibition of one year to life.
Administrative Licence Suspension (since June 1, 1995): immediate 3-month suspension for failing the breathalyzer or refusing a breath sample. Police issue a 7-day temporary licence only if you hold a valid licence.

Penalties by offence (Nova Scotia)

1st offence: fines; licence revoked for 1 year from conviction; reinstatement fees; Alcohol Assessment Program; possible re-examination.
2nd offence: fines; possible prison of at least 14 days; revoked 3 years; assessment; required re-examination.
3rd offence: fines; prison at least 90 days; revocation indefinite (minimum 10 years); assessment; re-examination.
4th offence: permanent revocation plus Criminal Code penalties.
A suspension or revocation while in GDL means restarting the two-year GDL program after serving it.
Responsible hosting: offer non-alcoholic drinks, serve food early, close the bar an hour before guests leave, support designated drivers.

Being in shape to drive

Service Nova Scotia may refuse to issue or renew a licence if there are concerns about a person's ability to drive.
Medical conditions that may affect driving may require a Driver's Medical Examination Report (at your cost), possibly reviewed by the Medical Advisory Committee.
Commercial drivers file a medical report on first application, every five years until 64, then yearly.
Emotions: if angry or upset, take a breath or a short walk; stay off the road until you can concentrate; pull over if passengers argue.
Vision for Classes 3, 5, 6, 7, 8: acuity at least 20/40 (6/12) in at least one eye and a field of vision of at least 120 degrees with both eyes open.
Classes 1, 2, 4: vision in both eyes, at least 20/50 in the poorer and 20/30 in the better eye, 120 degrees in each eye, no double vision.
Fatigue: driving overtired risks highway hypnosis and falling asleep; never use cruise control when overtired.
GDL drivers (Ch. 1 p. 10, 22; update p. V): learner and newly licensed BAC must be zero; restricted individuals must have zero alcohol or drugs; BAC over zero conviction = 6 points and 6-month loss of privileges.

Written in our own words from: Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook

FAQ

Nova Scotia Class 7 study guide: common questions

What is the best way to use this Nova Scotia 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 Nova Scotia Class 7 handbook?

No. It is our own summary of the Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook. 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.