NWT Class 7 overview
NWT Class 7 study guide: key rules on all 18 topics
Free NWT Class 7 study guide: 468 key points from the NWT Driver's Manual (Basic Handbook) in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.
By the Canada Exam Prep Editorial Team ·
- No sign-up
- Every answer explained
- Independent · not a government site
- 18 topics
- 468 key points
- Free, no sign-up
This study guide collects our notes on every topic of the Northwest Territories Class 7 Learner's Knowledge Test on one page: 468 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 NWT Driver's Manual (Basic Handbook) from the Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Infrastructure — Driver and Vehicle Services; 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 and speed limits
Sign shapes and colours, stop and yield signs, permissive green-circle and prohibitive red-slash signs, lane-use, parking and stopping signs, and NWT default speed limits.
Practise Regulatory signs and speed limits questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Sign shapes and colours (Ch. 2 Traffic Controls)
- A sign's shape tells you in advance what kind of message to expect; standard colours and symbols help you recognise meaning.
- The manual shows representative examples only; real signs may differ slightly.
- Directions from a police officer take priority over signs and signals.
- Red octagon = stop. Red triangle with a white border = yield (manual wording).
- White square with a red circle and slash = something is prohibited. White square with a green circle = something is permitted.
- White rectangle = regulatory message. Fluorescent yellow-green pentagon = school area.
- Black rectangle = one way. Black square = lane use designation.
- Orange diamond = construction warning. Yellow diamond = warning.
- Green rectangle = direction. Brown or blue square = roadside facilities.
Regulatory signs
- Regulatory signs state a rule that applies at a particular time or place: what you must do or must not do.
- They cover right-of-way, permitted/prohibited road use, speed, turns, direction of travel, passing, lane use, parking and crosswalks.
- Stop sign: come to a complete stop; do not go until it is safe.
- Yield sign: give the right-of-way to traffic not facing the sign and to every pedestrian in the intersection or crosswalk.
- Two-way traffic sign: traffic is coming the opposite way.
- Other regulatory examples: do not enter, railway crossing, fasten seat belts.
- Traffic direction signs: go only in the direction of the arrow; two-way traffic; divider ahead, keep right.
Speed limits
- Posted limits are in km/h.
- A limit is the maximum for ideal conditions, not a target speed. Any speed that is unsafe for current conditions is illegal.
- Unless posted otherwise: 90 km/h maximum on a primary highway outside a settlement or municipality.
- Unless posted otherwise: 50 km/h maximum on a highway inside a settlement or municipality.
- A "reduced speed zone ahead" sign warns that a lower limit is coming.
Designated lane signs and reserved lanes
- Lane designation signs show which lanes may turn or go straight. If you are in a designated lane you must move in the direction its arrows show.
- Where two lanes turn at the same time, keep your lane position during and after the turn.
- Reserved lane signs: a symbol shows which vehicles (for example buses, taxis, bicycles) may use the lane.
- Part-time reserved lanes show the hours and days the reservation applies.
Permissive signs
- Green circle = the movement or use shown inside is allowed.
- Examples: turn left only, turn right only, straight through only, passing permitted.
- Permissive route signs: truck route, motorized snow vehicles allowed, dangerous goods route, bicycles allowed.
Prohibitive signs, parking and stopping, crossing signs
- Red circle with a diagonal red bar = the thing shown inside is prohibited.
- Examples: no left turn, no right turn, no U-turn, do not pass.
- Prohibitive access: no trucks, no motorized snow vehicles, no pedestrians, no bicycles, dangerous goods prohibited.
- No parking: an arrow under the symbol shows where parking is not allowed; some signs limit the ban to the days and times shown.
- No stopping signs exist in the same two forms (always, or on days/times shown).
- Crossing signs: pedestrian crossing/crosswalk and school crosswalk.
Warning signs
Yellow diamond warning signs for stops and signals ahead, curves, crossings, intersections, merging, narrowing roads, lane endings, divided highways and other road conditions.
Practise Warning signs questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Warning signs (Ch. 2 Traffic Controls)
- Warning signs give advance notice of possible hazards on or near the road.
- Three kinds: advance warning of a traffic rule ahead; physical features or conditions of the road; intermittent or moving hazards that may need a response.
- Examples of advance warning: stop ahead, yield ahead, traffic control signals ahead, school bus stop ahead.
Signal advance warning with two lights; turn and curve signs; crossings
- Some signalized intersections have an advance sign with two lights. When its lights flash, the signal ahead is red or amber or about to become red or amber: be prepared to stop.
- Turn/curve signs: single turn right/left, curve right/left, reverse turn, reverse curve, winding road.
- A speed plate under a curve sign gives the recommended maximum speed for that curve in ideal conditions.
- Crossing warnings: pedestrian crossing ahead, animal crossing, moose crossing, bicycle crossing ahead, motorized snow vehicles crossing, school crosswalk ahead.
Intersections, converging and narrow roadways
- Intersection warnings: concealed road (left/right), T intersection, Y intersection, railway crossing ahead, trucks entering from the right, dead end.
- Converging roadways: merging traffic; added lane (free flow).
- Narrow roadways: road narrows (both sides, left, right), narrow passage.
Lane ends, divided highway, other road conditions
- Lane ends: loss of the left lane or the right lane.
- Divided highway begins / divided highway ends.
- Other conditions: hill, bump, pavement ends, slippery when wet, hazard marker (object on the right or left), pass on either side of an obstacle, rumble strips, falling rocks, chevron (change in road alignment), traffic light ahead, two-way traffic ahead.
Guide, service and construction signs
Route markers, direction and distance signs, service signs, orange construction signs, doubled fines with workers present, the slow-moving vehicle sign and disabled parking.
Practise Guide, service and construction signs questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Information and guide signs (Ch. 2 Traffic Controls)
- Purpose: help with route selection, finding off-road facilities, and identifying geographic features or points of interest.
- Route markers show the number, name or other designation of a road (highway route marker, Trans-Canada Highway, Yellowhead Highway).
- Destination guide signs give direction and distance to a destination (directional, distance, or both combined).
- Off-road facility signs show availability and direction of services or recreation.
Services and off-road facilities
- Service examples: hospital, airport, parking.
- Off-road facilities: fuel, food, trailer campground, telephone, accommodation, RCMP or city police, recreation area ahead, territorial park.
Road construction
- Construction signs warn of road work ahead: be ready to slow down and stop if required.
- Obey the flag person's signals.
- Construction zone speed limits must be obeyed at all times, even when no people or equipment are working, because bumps, fresh oil and loose gravel may be present.
- If workers are present, speeding fines in these areas are doubled. (p. 108 repeats: fines for speeding are doubled in construction zones.)
- Construction sign examples: people working, flag person, survey crew ahead, uneven pavement, detour next # km, construction zone ends.
Other signs
- Slow moving vehicle sign: on the back of farm tractors, machinery or construction equipment built for speeds under 40 km/h. Reduce your speed when you see it.
- Disabled parking sign: it is illegal for a vehicle to park or stop in a stall reserved for persons with disabilities unless it displays an identifying placard or licence plate.
- Placard applications: any Driver and Vehicle office or your family physician.
TTY and over-dimensional loads
- TTY sign: pay phones with a teletypewriter device for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired.
- Over-dimensional load signs: a wide load is being moved; use caution when passing such vehicles.
School and playground zones
School and playground area versus zone signs, the 30 km/h speed, 24-hour default times, municipal bylaws, no passing and where zones end.
Practise School and playground zones questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
School zone signs (Ch. 2 Traffic Controls)
- School AREA sign (no speed sign on the post): a warning that a school is near and children may be walking along or crossing the highway. Drive with extra caution.
- School patrols must be obeyed at all times.
- School ZONE sign (with a speed sign on the post): once you pass it you are in a school zone and must stay within the posted maximum.
- Speed in school zones is generally 30 km/h unless otherwise posted.
- Times: unless times are posted for that zone, the limit applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Hours and speed of a school zone may be set by municipal bylaw.
- No passing or attempting to pass a vehicle going the same direction in a school zone while it is in effect.
- A school zone ends where a sign shows a higher speed or the end of the zone.
Playground zone signs
- Playground AREA sign (no speed sign): warning that a playground is near and children may be close by.
- Playground ZONE sign (with speed sign): stay within the posted maximum.
- Speed generally 30 km/h unless posted; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless times are posted; may be regulated by municipal bylaw.
- No passing a same-direction vehicle in a playground zone while it is in effect.
- A playground zone ends at a sign showing a higher speed or the end of the zone.
Municipal bylaws
- Municipalities may pass bylaws on speed zones, school zones, playground zones and parking; drivers must know local bylaws.
related
- Flashing amber lights used with school or playground zone signs: reduce speed as posted and yield to all pedestrians (p. 43).
- Distracted driving fine is $644 in school zones (double the $322 base) (p. 144).
Traffic lights and signals
Light order, steady and flashing red, amber and green lights, green arrows, turns on red, pedestrian signals and lane control signals.
Practise Traffic lights and signals questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Traffic control signals (Ch. 2 Traffic Controls)
- Signals assign right-of-way between conflicting traffic streams at an intersection; they can be vertical or horizontal.
- Vertical order: red top, amber middle, green bottom. Horizontal order: red left, amber middle, green right.
Steady red and steady amber
- Steady red (a double red means the same as a single red): stop before the stop line or crosswalk on the near side; if neither, stop before entering the intersection; stay stopped unless directed or permitted.
- Right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it.
- Left turn on red from a one-way street onto a one-way street is allowed after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it.
- A pedestrian facing a steady red must not enter unless another pedestrian signal permits.
- Steady amber: stop before the stop line or crosswalk (or before the intersection) unless you cannot stop safely. Amber is there to clear the intersection safely. Pedestrians facing amber must not start crossing unless another pedestrian signal permits.
Steady green; steady green arrow
- Steady green: go straight or turn right or left unless a movement is prohibited. Turning vehicles must yield to vehicles and pedestrians lawfully in the intersection.
- A green that has been on a long time may soon turn amber; if it changes you must stop. A pedestrian signal changing from walk to don't walk is a clue the light is about to change.
- Pedestrians facing a steady green may cross within any marked or unmarked crosswalk unless another pedestrian signal directs otherwise.
- Steady green arrow: enter only to go in the arrow's direction.
Flashing lights
- Flashing green arrow (left or right): you may enter and turn the way the arrow points; with a red light showing too you may turn without stopping. Can be used with a steady green. Yield to all pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection.
- Flashing red: stop before the stop line or crosswalk (or before the intersection); go only when safe — treat like a stop sign.
- Flashing amber: go with caution after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in the intersection.
- Flashing amber with a school zone, playground zone, school crossing, pedestrian crossing or other pedestrian-hazard sign: reduce speed as posted and yield to all pedestrians.
Flashing green; pedestrian signals; lane control signals
- Flashing green: you may go straight, left or right; opposing traffic faces a red light, but you must still yield to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in the intersection.
- Walk signal: pedestrians may enter the crosswalk in the direction of the light.
- Wait / don't walk signal: pedestrians must not start crossing; those who began legally may finish.
- Lane control signals control direction of travel lane by lane, most often in reversible lanes.
Lane control signals
- Steady red X over a lane: do not enter or stay in that lane; it will be used by oncoming traffic. Move safely to a green-arrow lane.
- Downward-pointing green arrow: you may drive in that lane.
Pavement markings
Yellow and white lines, broken and solid lines, passing rules, arrows, two-way left-turn lanes, diamonds, railway X markings, painted islands, crosswalks and stop lines.
Practise Pavement markings questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Pavement markings (Ch. 2 Traffic Controls)
- Uses: define lanes, separate opposing traffic, separate same-direction traffic, passing zones, lane use, crosswalks, stop lines, parking areas, word/symbol messages; sometimes they back up signs or signals.
- Yellow lines separate traffic travelling in opposite directions; a yellow line should always be on your left.
- White lines separate traffic travelling in the same direction; they may also mark the shoulder.
Broken and solid lines
- Broken yellow: enough sight distance to pass; still be sure the lane is clear and the pass can be finished safely.
- Broken white: lane changes allowed.
- Solid yellow (single or double), in rural areas: passing not allowed.
- Solid and broken yellow together: passing allowed in one direction only; not allowed when the solid line is on your side.
Solid white; symbols; arrows
- Solid white: lane changes not allowed.
- Pavement symbols may back up signs or stand alone to regulate, warn or guide.
- Arrows show which movements are permitted from a lane.
- Two-way left-turn lane: centre lane reserved for left-turning traffic from either direction.
Diamond and X markings
- Diamond markings: the lane is reserved for specific vehicles; signs will show the restriction.
- X markings: the approach to a railway crossing.
Painted island; other markings
- Do not drive over a painted island or use it to pass.
- Crosswalk lines mark pedestrian crosswalks.
- Stop lines show where vehicles must stop at intersections or railway crossings.
Licences, GDL and registration
Class 7 learner conditions, probationary and full stages, licence classes, new residents and visitors, vision and medical rules, exams, renewals, registration and insurance.
Practise Licences, GDL and registration questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
GDL Stage 1 Learner's Licence (Class 7)
- To get it: be 15 or older; pass a vision screening and a knowledge exam on the rules of the road; have valid ID.
- Hold the Class 7 for at least one year.
- Drive only with a fully licensed supervisor who has at least 24 months' experience with a full Class 5 licence.
- No driving between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- No passengers other than the supervisor.
- 6 or more demerit points may lead the Registrar to suspend driving privileges.
- Driver and supervisor must both have zero BAC while the vehicle is operating.
- Learning on a motorcycle: age 15; same 11 p.m.–6 a.m. ban; accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL) driver with 24 months on a full Class 6, seated on the motorcycle with you or following in/on another vehicle.
Stage 2 Probationary (5P/6P) and Stage 3 full licence
- Probationary: be 16 or older, complete the 12-month learner stage, pass the NWT Class 5 practical exam.
- Probationary conditions: at least one year as probationary; no more than one passenger in the front seat; no more passengers than seat belts; 6+ demerits may lead to suspension; zero BAC; cannot upgrade to Class 1–4; cannot act as accompanying driver for a learner.
- Full Class 5/6: be 17 or older and have fewer than 6 demerit points.
- Minimum two years to finish the learner and probationary stages together.
- Upgrading from Class 7 to 6P puts you in the same GDL conditions; hold 6P 12 months before full Class 6.
- DVS website (Get a licence for the first time): 5P/6P must be held 12 months suspension-free; the upgrade to full licence is not automatic and requires a visit to a Driver and Vehicle office.
Licence classes
- Class 7: from age 15; may drive, as a learner, what a Class 5 may drive; may learn on a motorcycle at 15+.
- Class 6: minimum age 16; motorcycle; you must supply a motorcycle for the Class 6 road test.
- Class 5: minimum age 16; two-axle vehicles other than motorcycle, bus, taxi or ambulance; may tow where towed vehicles do not exceed 4,500 kg gross; RVs; mopeds; certain road-building machines.
- Class 5 may not: carry passengers in a vehicle seating more than 10 including the driver; carry passengers for hire; drive air-brake vehicles without an air brake endorsement; ride a motorcycle over 50cc unless supervised.
- Classes 1–4: minimum age 18; cannot be applied for as a probationary driver. Class 4 = bus up to 24 passengers, taxi, ambulance.
Learning requirements
- Learning without a driver's licence is not permitted.
- No passengers other than a supervisor while learning.
- Class 5/6 instructor (supervisor) must be non-GDL with at least two years' experience (age 19 minimum per the table); Classes 1–4: three years (age 21). GDL time does not count.
Applying, residency, new residents
- NWT licences are issued only to NWT residents. Proof of identification needed.
- New residents may use a valid outside licence for up to 30 days. (DVS transfer page: 30 days to transfer after moving.)
- Residents of another Canadian jurisdiction who are in the NWT more than 90 days must get an NWT licence; students at an NT educational institution are exempt.
- You must surrender your other licence before an NWT licence is issued; it is illegal to hold more than one valid licence.
Reciprocity, IDP, tourists
- Licences from elsewhere in Canada and the U.S. are accepted as the same class without testing.
- Non-resident with an international driving permit (issued outside Canada/U.S.) plus a valid home Class 5 licence: may drive a Class 5 vehicle for 12 months or until expiry, whichever comes first.
- International tourists without reciprocity: valid home licence plus IDP for up to 90 days.
Vision and medical
- A driver examiner does a vision screening before you get an NWT licence; bring corrective lenses.
- Class 1–4: initial medical, then every 5 years to 45, every 3 years from 45 to 65, every year after 65.
Conditions, written and practical exams
- Licence conditions (e.g., corrective lenses, area, daylight only) are explained by codes on the back of the licence.
- Written exam questions come from the manual; covers safe driving practices, driving laws and road signs.
- DVS exam page: 30 minutes; 20 multiple-choice road-rules questions plus a separate 20-question signs test; you may miss no more than four in each; book and pay in advance; failing means scheduling a new test.
- Road test: book and pay; show receipt and valid Class 7; bring a qualifying vehicle; only you and the examiner in the vehicle (no pets or passengers); minimum 45 minutes unless discontinued; only one practical exam per day.
Renewal and changes
- Renewal notice sent 45 days before expiry; renewing is your responsibility.
- Name or address changes must be reported immediately, in person at a Driver and Vehicle office.
- It is an offence for an owner to let someone without the proper licence class drive their vehicle.
Registration and insurance
- Vehicles and trailers must be registered before use on NWT roads.
- Registration renewal month is based on the first letter of your last name.
- Plates stay with the owner; they cannot be transferred to another person.
- New residents must register their vehicle within 90 days.
- Minimum third-party liability insurance: $200,000. The pink card (financial responsibility card) must be shown when registering and when a peace officer asks.
- Trade-in: you may use your old plate, but must transfer registration to the new vehicle within 14 days and have valid insurance.
- No mailed renewal notice for registration; online-services enrolment gives email/text reminders at 90, 60 and 30 days.
- Trailer plates must be renewed every year.
Starting, steering and stopping
Pre-drive checks, seat, mirrors, seat belts and head restraints, transmissions, steering, stopping distances, braking technique and backing up.
Practise Starting, steering and stopping questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Starting your vehicle (Ch. 3)
- Walk around the vehicle before getting in: check for children, pedestrians, oncoming traffic and obstructions.
- Seat: see over the wheel, reach all controls, arms relaxed. With a steering-wheel air bag, Transport Canada recommends sitting at least 25 cm (10 in.) back from the wheel while still reaching the brake.
- Mirrors: inside mirror to see as much behind as possible; side mirrors to reduce blind spots.
- Seat belt is the law; lap belt low and snug over hips, shoulder belt across chest and shoulder; never behind your back or under your arm. Wear it even with air bags.
Head restraint; pulling out
- Centre of the head restraint level with the top of your ears; if it tilts, less than 10 cm (4 in.) between head and restraint is ideal.
- Before pulling out: use mirrors and also shoulder check.
- Pulling out from the right side of the road: left signal. From the left side of a one-way road: right signal.
Transmissions
- P locks the transmission; used for starting and parking. R reverse. N out of gear. D normal driving. 3,2,1 stop upshifting (hills). Overdrive: higher speeds, saves fuel.
- Manual: start with gearshift in neutral and clutch fully pressed. Friction point = where engagement is first felt. Lugging vs racing. "Riding the clutch" (foot left on pedal) wears the clutch. Stay in gear going downhill; don't press the clutch too early when stopping (coasting).
Steering
- Hands at 9 o'clock (left) and 3 o'clock (right). Use hand-over-hand for turning and recovery.
Accelerating
- Accelerate smoothly; never exceed the posted limit; don't spin tires; driving well below the limit is also a hazard — pull over to let traffic pass if needed.
Stopping distance
- Perception time about 3/4 second; average reaction time 3/4 second.
- Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance.
- Chart (smooth dry pavement): 50 km/h ≈ 37 m total; 80 km/h ≈ 76 m; 100 km/h ≈ 108 m; 110 km/h ≈ 126 m; 30 km/h ≈ 18 m.
Braking techniques
- Brake early; ease off the gas first; ease up slightly just before stopping for smoothness.
- Threshold braking for quick stops: brake almost to lock-up; if wheels lock, ease up. Locked wheels = loss of steering.
Reversing
- Look behind; walk around first if backing out of a driveway.
- Straight back: left hand at top of wheel, look over right shoulder through rear window; turn the wheel the way you want the back of the vehicle to go.
- Backing left: look over left shoulder; backing right: over right shoulder. The front swings the opposite way.
- Back only into the nearest lane; backing across a centre line is illegal. In urban areas you may not back into an intersection or crosswalk. Keep to walking speed. White back-up lights = vehicle in reverse.
Parking
Parallel, angle and hill parking, getting in and out of a parked vehicle, and the distances and places where you may not park.
Practise Parking questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Parallel parking (Ch. 3)
- Check behind early, brake early and tap the brake to warn others.
- Stop beside the front vehicle with rear bumpers lined up, about one metre between vehicles.
- Back slowly, steering sharply right to about a 45-degree angle; straighten; then turn sharply left until parallel.
- Wheels must be no more than 30 cm from the curb (law). Set the park brake.
- Leaving: check mirrors, left signal, shoulder check left, move out slowly.
- Getting in: approach from the front, facing traffic; open the door only as wide as needed. Getting out: check mirrors for traffic and cyclists, shoulder check left, exit quickly, walk to the rear facing traffic.
Angle parking
- Angle spaces range from 30 to 90 degrees.
- Entering on the right: right signal, slow down, stay at least 1.5 m from the rear of parked vehicles (about 2 m for 90-degree stalls).
- Front wheel should touch the curb lightly or be within 30 cm of it.
- Backing out: you do not have the right-of-way; back slowly.
- Never enter a parking stall on the left side of a two-way roadway.
Hill parking (vehicle on right side of road)
- Always set the park brake; low gear (manual) or park (automatic).
- Uphill with curb: wheels turned left; roll back until the right front tire touches the curb.
- Uphill without curb: wheels turned right.
- Downhill (curb or not): wheels turned right.
- On the left side of the road, turn the wheels the opposite way.
Where not to park
- Not on a sidewalk or boulevard; on or in any part of a crosswalk; within an intersection; in front of a public or private driveway; beside an excavation/obstruction if it blocks traffic; on a bridge, underpass or their approaches; where signs prohibit; double-parked.
- Not within 5 m in front of a stop sign, yield sign or traffic light at the side of the road.
- Not within 3 m of a fire hydrant (or of the curb point nearest it).
- Not within 6 m of the near side of a marked crosswalk.
- Not near a fire, explosion, crash or other incident if it would block traffic or hinder emergency workers.
- Outside urban areas: not on the roadway, parking lane or shoulder of a primary highway unless disabled, an emergency, or permitted by law; and only with clear passage and if visible for 60 m in both directions.
- Illegal in the NWT to leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running and doors unlocked.
Intersections and right-of-way
Where to stop at stop signs, four-way stops, yield signs, traffic circles, controlled and uncontrolled intersections and keeping intersections clear.
Practise Intersections and right-of-way questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Stop signs: where to stop (Ch. 4)
- Full stop, check for pedestrians and traffic, go when safe.
- Stop at the stop line (before a marked crosswalk). No stop line: stop before the marked crosswalk.
- No stop line and no marked crosswalk: stop within three metres of the intersecting roadway, without interfering with pedestrians crossing or about to cross.
- Give pedestrians and moving traffic the right-of-way before moving.
Other stops; four-way stops; yield signs
- Unless marked otherwise, stop before entering a main street from a road, service road, alley, driveway or parking lot, and stop before any sidewalk crossing; yield to pedestrians.
- Four-way stops ("courtesy corners"): everyone stops fully. Courtesy: first to arrive goes first; if two arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first. Never proceed unless safe.
- Yield sign: slow down; you may have to stop and yield to traffic or pedestrians; wait for a safe gap. If no one to yield to, you may go through without stopping.
Right-of-way; traffic circle
- Right-of-way rules say who yields; having the right-of-way does not remove your duty to do everything possible to avoid a collision.
- Traffic circle: the vehicle on the right yields to the vehicle on the left. Traffic entering yields to traffic already in the circle.
- The driver on the left (inner lane) signals right and uses caution crossing the outside lane to leave. Use the right signal when leaving.
Circle tips; controlled and uncontrolled intersections
- Use the right-hand lane of a circle if leaving at the first exit; the left-hand lane is recommended for the second exit or beyond. Watch for crosswalks at entries/exits.
- Controlled intersection = signs or signals. Police directions overrule signs and signals.
- Uncontrolled intersection = no signs or signals (can include a T intersection). Slow down, be ready to stop, yield to the vehicle on your right.
Uncontrolled caution; left turns; parking lots
- Use caution even when the other driver should yield; insisting on right-of-way can cause a crash.
- A driver turning left across an approaching vehicle may not turn until it is safe; if someone starts a left turn in front of you, stop and yield to avoid a collision.
- Parking lots have uncontrolled intersections unless signed.
- Do not pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian at a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Keeping intersections clear
- If traffic is backed up, wait before the intersection; enter only when there is room to clear it completely.
Signalling and turning
When to signal, hand signals, right and left turns, turning lanes, dual turns, two-way left-turn lanes, U-turns and free-flow lanes.
Practise Signalling and turning questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Signalling (Ch. 4)
- You must signal when moving from the curb or parking lane, turning, changing lanes, and stopping.
- Do not signal too early or too late; cancel your signal if it does not turn off automatically.
Hand signals; turning tips
- Hand signals: left turn, right turn, stop/slow. Use them if your signal lights don't work.
- Before turning: check traffic, shoulder check, signal, move into the proper lane when safe; signal early enough to warn others.
- Check left, right, then left again; watch for vehicles and pedestrians; turn slowly.
- Turning left off a two-lane highway: quick left shoulder check for overtaking vehicles.
- Don't cut corners over the curb on right turns; don't swing wide and take up two lanes.
Right turns
- Be in your turning lane at least 15 m before the intersection.
- Stay as close as practical to the right curb or edge before, during and after the turn.
- Right on red allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits; also applies to dual-lane turns. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic; shoulder check right for road users who moved up on your right. Turn into the first available lane.
- If a vehicle is parked just around the corner, turn into the first lane to the left of it.
Lanes; left turns
- It is recommended that the curb lane be clear of parked vehicles for at least half a block when finishing a turn there and changing lanes later.
- A travel lane exists even if unmarked (wide enough for a single line of vehicles).
- Left turns are a leading cause of crashes; you usually cross traffic from two or three directions.
- Be in the turning lane at least 15 m before the intersection.
- Two-way to two-way: approach right of and close to the centre line; finish right of the centre line.
- If you stop in the intersection waiting to turn left: stay right of the centre line with wheels straight (so a rear-end hit won't push you into oncoming traffic). If there is only room for one vehicle ahead of you in the intersection, stay behind the crosswalk.
Left turn types
- Two-way into one-way: from the lane nearest the centre line into the left-hand curb lane; NOT allowed on a red light.
- One-way into two-way: from the left lane into the lane nearest the centre line.
- One-way into one-way: left lane to left lane; may be done on red after a complete stop if safe and no sign prohibits; also applies to dual-lane turns.
Turning lanes, dual turns, two-way left-turn lane, U-turns, added lane
- Dual-lane turns only where marked; turn into the corresponding lane; never swing wide or change lanes during the turn.
- Two-way left-turn lane: shared centre lane for left turns from both directions.
- U-turns only when safe without interfering with traffic.
- Outside urban areas: no U-turn on a curve or near the crest of a hill where others cannot see you.
- In urban areas, no U-turn: on a roadway between intersections; where a sign prohibits; at a signal-controlled intersection; at an alley intersection.
- Added lane (free flow) sign: two roads converge and no stopping, yielding or merging is required.
Lane driving, passing and merging
Lane position, shoulders, blind spots and lane changes, passing lanes, passing on two-lane highways, when passing is illegal, merging, exiting, curves and hills.
Practise Lane driving, passing and merging questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Lane position; shoulder (Ch. 5)
- On highways wide enough, drive on the right half of the road; with marked lanes, keep as close as practical to the centre of your lane.
- Shoulder: part of a primary highway between the road edge on the right and the nearest solid white line (not the centre line). Not the urban curb lane.
- Do not drive on the shoulder, even to let someone pass; it is for emergency parking only.
Blind spots and lane changes
- Mirrors can never show everything; areas you can't see are blind spots. Adjust all mirrors.
- Lane change: make sure it's allowed; check rear-view and outside mirrors; shoulder check for vehicles or cyclists; signal; complete the change if safe.
- Mirror checks do not replace shoulder checks.
Passing lanes; multi-lane highways
- A passing lane is an added lane letting slower vehicles move right so faster ones pass on the left. Signs warn of a passing lane and of its end.
- At the end of a passing lane, drivers in the right lane must merge safely left.
- On multi-lane highways, slow traffic keeps to the far right lane unless turning left.
Passing on a two-lane highway
- Head-on collisions are usually fatal; pass with extreme caution.
- Steps: plan ahead; keep a safe following distance; pass only when clear and permitted; mirrors; shoulder check; left signal; check ahead again; never exceed the speed limit while passing; when the passed vehicle shows in your inside mirror, shoulder check right; right signal; shoulder check; return; cancel signal.
- Being passed: slow down, stay in your lane, move a little right.
- Passing is illegal when: approaching vehicles are too close; a solid yellow line is on your side outside urban areas; a sign marks a no-passing zone; in a school or playground zone while reduced limits apply; another vehicle has stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk.
Merging
- Use the acceleration lane to reach the speed of traffic; enter at or near traffic speed.
- Do not slow down or stop at the end of the acceleration lane (risk of being rear-ended).
- Signal left on entering the acceleration lane; check mirrors and shoulder; choose a gap; move in only after passing the solid white line; cancel signal.
- Drivers already on the highway should move left, when safe, near an acceleration lane.
Exiting
- Be in the proper lane early; signal well in advance; use the deceleration lane to slow to the posted exit speed.
- If you miss your exit: do not stop and do not back up; go to the next exit.
Weave zone; curves
- Weave zone: where entrances and exits are close and vehicles cross paths.
- Curves: slow down before the curve, stay in your lane, accelerate slightly after entering; do not pass or cut corners; worse when wet.
Curves and hills
- Left curve, losing traction: you may skid off the road; steer slightly toward but not over the centre. Right curve: risk of skidding into oncoming traffic; steer slightly toward the right.
- Near a hilltop: keep to the right of your lane; do not pass until you can see ahead.
- Steep downgrade: slow down and shift to a lower gear before starting down. Coasting in neutral or with the clutch released (disengaged) downhill is illegal and unsafe.
Emergencies, skids and collisions
Breakdowns, brake, steering, tire and headlight failure, emergency braking and ABS, skids, off-road recovery, collision duties and slowing for emergency vehicles.
Practise Emergencies, skids and collisions questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Vehicle breakdown (Ch. 6)
- Change lanes safely and move off the road; try to reach the nearest exit; don't stop on a bridge or in a tunnel.
- Turn on hazard lights and raise the hood; occupants leave the vehicle and wait somewhere safe.
- No roadside repairs on crowded or fast highways. Never get into a stranger's vehicle; ask helpers to call for assistance.
Brake and power steering failure
- Dual-circuit hydraulic brakes guard against total failure; a dashboard warning light should come on before the brakes stop working. If it lights, pull over as soon as safely possible.
- Total failure: follow the owner's manual for downshifting and using the park brake; do not drive until a qualified technician checks the brakes.
- Power brake failure (e.g., engine stalls): you still have brakes — press harder with steady pressure. If wheels lock, ease off and brake again less hard. Downshifting and the park brake also help.
- Power steering failure: the vehicle can still be steered manually with considerable effort.
Tire and headlight failure
- Flat front tire: pulls strongly to that side. Flat rear: vehicle may weave. Slow leak: pulling, hard steering, vibration.
- Flat while driving: don't brake right away; ease off the gas; firm grip, straight course; once slowed, brake gently and steadily; park off the road; hazard lights.
- Headlights fail: switch them off and on; if still out, turn on hazard lights, slow down and pull off in a safe place.
Emergency braking and ABS
- Stop as quickly as possible without locking wheels (locked wheels = no steering).
- Press hard but not to lock-up; if wheels lock, release and press hard again; look and steer where you want to go.
- ABS: pulsing felt in the pedal is normal; apply steady hard pressure; do not pump.
Skids
- Skid = loss of traction; most skids are driver error (turning too sharply/fast, braking too hard, accelerating too fast, too fast for ice, snow, rain, mud, sand, gravel). Badly adjusted brakes can also cause skids.
- In a skid keep your foot off the brake; steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
- Braking skid: ease off the brake; steering returns as the wheels turn; then use firm but lighter pressure.
- Power skid (too much gas, wheels spin): ease off the gas; correct steering; don't overcorrect.
- Cornering skid (turn too fast, slide sideways): ease off the gas; steer where you want to go; be ready for more corrections.
Off-road recovery
- Firm grip; don't jerk back onto the road; ease off the gas; avoid braking (or brake gently); check traffic; return and straighten in the proper lane.
Collisions
- Every driver in a collision must stay at the scene until reasonable help is given and licence, registration and insurance information are exchanged.
- Report to police immediately if total damage to all vehicles, property and animals exceeds $2,000, or if you damage a traffic control device, railway sign or signal, any traffic signal, parking meter or any public property (even under $2,000).
- Record witnesses' names and addresses; exchange insurance details; note time, place, weather; exchange licence and registration information; notify your insurer as soon as possible; do not discuss fault.
- Unattended vehicle damaged: notify the owner, or securely attach your name, address, licence number and plate number to it.
- First at a scene: move off the road and stop; help if possible; protect the scene; give police accurate injury and location details.
Emergency vehicles, tow trucks, flashing lights
- Highway incidents risk "secondary crashes" with responders. Responders include police, ambulance, fire, tow trucks and gas utility vehicles. Slow down, leave lots of space, watch for workers on foot.
- Emergency flashing lights ahead: slow down to half the posted speed limit; change lanes if needed; pull as far right as practical and stop to let the emergency vehicle pass; follow directions from personnel.
- Incident on the opposite side of a divided highway: don't slow down unnecessarily to look.
- Construction zones: obey posted speed; speeding fines doubled.
Night, weather and animals
Headlight rules and distances, glare, winter kits, hydroplaning, ice and snow, black ice, smoke and fog, deep water and avoiding animals.
Practise Night, weather and animals questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Nighttime (Ch. 6)
- Nighttime = from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
- Headlights must be on at night and any time you cannot clearly see 150 m ahead.
- Keeping headlights on always is a good idea. Daytime running lights are front only; taillights and dash lights are not on.
Headlight suggestions
- Low beams and reduced speed in rain, snow, smoke and fog.
- Low beams for oncoming traffic even on divided highways.
- Low beams within 150 m behind a vehicle you are following.
- Low beams within 300 m of an oncoming vehicle.
- Keep headlights aimed and clean. Facing bright headlights: look down and to the right edge of your lane.
- Overdriving headlights: going too fast to stop within the distance you can see.
Weather; winter emergency kit
- Wet or gravel roads: slow down; avoid splashing pedestrians; keep washer fluid full; increase following distance.
- Winter kit may include: first aid kit, warning devices, booster cables (year-round); blankets/clothes; candle, matches and a deep can; non-perishable food; shovel; spare tire and jack; sand or salt; tow rope; scraper/brush; gas-line antifreeze; tire chains; flashlight. Carry a cell or satellite phone.
- Check the owner's manual before boosting a battery.
Glare, hydroplaning, ice and snow
- Glare: slow down.
- Hydroplaning: a film of water between tires and road; loss of contact can cause a skid; slow down.
- Tune up the vehicle before winter; check battery, tires, exhaust, wipers, heater.
- Stranded: usually best to stay with the vehicle; run the engine only enough to stay warm; open a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Roads near the melting point get more slippery (thin water layer, frost coming out of the ground).
- Illegal to drive with windows/windshield obstructed by mud, frost, steam, snow or anything else that makes driving dangerous.
- Do not use cruise control in poor road conditions.
Unexpected dangers
- Smoke or fog so thick it's unsafe: slow down, move well off the road, turn on four-way flashers, wait for conditions to improve.
- Black ice: moisture freezing on the road; shiny black asphalt instead of grey-white is a warning sign.
- Shaded areas may stay icy after the sun melts other ice.
- Bridge decks and overpasses ice up more readily; avoid unnecessary lane or speed changes.
- Intersections ice up faster (exhaust, engine heat, skidding, wheel spin); allow more time and distance.
- Deep water: apply a slight drag on the brakes before entering to prevent reduced braking efficiency.
Animals
- Scan roadsides; extra care at dusk and dawn when animals feed; look for eyes reflecting your headlights; slow down where animal crossing signs are posted; animals may travel in herds, so one may mean more.
- Animal suddenly ahead: decide if you can stop; if not, whether you can steer around; slow down but don't slam the brakes (loss of control); leave lots of room — frightened animals run any direction; going around on the left, make sure the oncoming lane is clear.
Defensive and responsible driving
Scanning, space cushions, the two-second rule, fatigue, cellphones, child restraints, fuel efficiency, refuelling and other traffic laws.
Practise Defensive and responsible driving questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Defensive driving (Ch. 7)
- Never assume others will drive carefully.
- Scanning: urban areas about 12–15 seconds ahead (about 1 to 1.5 blocks); rural areas about 25 seconds ahead.
- Being visible: without daytime running lights, use low beams; turn them off when parked.
- Expect the unexpected; make sure your evasive move doesn't create another danger.
Space cushion; planning; avoiding collisions
- Keep space ahead, behind and to the sides. Tailgater: slow down and encourage them to pass; if they don't, increase space ahead.
- Stopped in traffic: leave room to move into another lane without backing up.
- Missed turn or exit: continue to the next one; never back up.
- Calm down before driving if angry or upset.
- Sudden swerve: move right if possible; left only if no other choice.
- If you must hit something: soft (snowbank) over hard; something moving your way over something still; a fixed object over an oncoming vehicle; a vehicle over a pedestrian or cyclist; glancing blow over head-on.
Following distance
- At least two seconds in normal conditions; more in poor weather or road conditions.
- Count from when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object. The two-second rule works at any speed.
- Large commercial vehicles: at least four seconds.
Fatigue
- Driving fatigued is as dangerous as driving impaired; it is considered impaired driving and can bring a 24-hour roadside suspension if there are reasonable grounds (MVA s. 116.1).
- Causes: lack of sleep, stress, boredom, long drives, physical activity, sickness, eye strain. Worse with overeating, alcohol/drugs, warm sun or vehicle, carbon monoxide.
- Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, tasteless; have the exhaust checked at servicing.
- Prevention: be rested; comfortable, ventilated vehicle; keep eyes moving; sunglasses; rest stop and walk at least once every two hours.
Cellphones
- Illegal to drive while using a restricted electronic device (e.g., cellphone). Penalties can include licence suspensions of 24 hours to 30 days, high fines and demerits.
- Crash risk doubles when eyes are off the road more than two seconds; distracted drivers are three times more likely to crash.
Child restraints
- The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under 15 are properly restrained (seat belt fine otherwise).
- A child under six who weighs 18 kg (40 lb) or less must be in a child safety seat used per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Rear-facing from birth until the manufacturer's recommended weight. Forward-facing at about 9–18 kg (20–40 lb), secured with seat belt or UAS/LATCH plus tether strap.
- Over 18 kg: must use the vehicle seat belt; booster seat strongly recommended.
- Seats used in Canada must carry a label showing they meet CMVSS 213.
Fuel efficiency
- 10–25% fuel savings possible. Each 10 km/h above 90 km/h burns 10% more fuel.
- Rapid acceleration and hard braking can raise fuel use up to 39%.
- Stopped more than 10 seconds (except in traffic): turn engine off. 8-cylinder: 10 minutes idling wastes about 0.4 L.
- Engines need no more than 30 seconds of idling in winter; drive to warm up. Block heater on a timer two hours before driving; can improve economy up to 10%; don't leave it on overnight.
- Poorly tuned engine: up to 50% more fuel; clogged air filter: 10% less efficient; under-inflated tires: about 5% less efficient.
- A/C in stop-and-go: up to 10% more; at highway speeds 3–4%.
Refuelling
- No smoking or flames; ignition off; RV pilot lights off; tell the attendant about spills; never jam the nozzle open; don't overfill; stay by the nozzle (static); don't use a cellphone while fuelling; put portable containers on the ground to fill.
Traffic laws
- Don't tow a person (skis, toboggan, bike, motorcycle).
- No riding in a house trailer while it is towed.
- If the inside mirror view is blocked, you need outside mirrors on each side.
- Commercial vehicles over 4,500 kg must report to a weigh scale when signed with flashing lights.
- Load extending 1.5 m or more past the rear: red flag at least 30 cm square by day; red light at night.
- No unnecessary loud noise from exhaust, brakes or tires.
- Careless driving = without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for others.
- No straddling two lanes unless conditions make single-lane use impractical.
- No riding on the outside of a vehicle, including an open pickup box (few exceptions); driver and occupant can be charged.
Impaired and distracted driving
Zero BAC for new drivers, 50 and 80 mg limits, administrative suspensions, Criminal Code disqualifications, ignition interlock, drugs and distracted-driving penalties.
Practise Impaired and distracted driving questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Impaired driving law (Ch. 9)
- Illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol.
- Novice drivers (Class 7 and Class 5P): BAC may not exceed zero.
- Fully licensed drivers: over 50 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood may face charges; over 80 mg may face additional Criminal Code charges.
- Administrative Licence Suspension (ALS): a suspension for impaired drivers, administered by police (municipal or RCMP) on behalf of the Registrar.
- Criminal Code conviction: NWT licence suspended and prohibited from driving at least one year; possible fine. Criminal Code convictions stay on your record at least 10 years and may affect travel.
- Driving while under ALS, disqualified or prohibited: 5 demerit points, 30-day vehicle seizure, MVA or Criminal Code charges with fines of at least $345.
Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program
- People convicted of impaired driving may apply for early return of driving privileges with an approved interlock installed.
- Breath sample before starting. Pass: under 20 mg/100 mL — vehicle starts. Warn: 20–29 mg — starts, warn violation recorded. Fail: 30 mg or more — fail violation, vehicle will not start.
Drugs and alcohol
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications can impair (drowsiness, dizziness, poorer motor or judgment skills); ask your doctor/pharmacist about new medications. Never mix drugs and alcohol.
- Drug classes listed: alcohol, sedatives, major tranquilizers, antidepressants, narcotics, hallucinogens (including marijuana), stimulants.
- GDL condition: no alcohol in any quantity before driving; violators lose their driving privilege.
- Impaired driving also likely raises insurance costs; insurers may refuse coverage.
- Coffee does not sober you up; only time works. Plan ahead: designated driver (doesn't drink), taxi/bus, stay overnight, call someone.
- Alcohol gives false confidence and slows thinking and reaction time; no one drives better after drinking.
- Criminal Code offences listed: impaired regardless of BAC; over 80 mg; drug concentration over the limit; refusing a breath/blood sample; impaired causing bodily harm; causing death; driving while suspended/disqualified.
Distracted driving
- Restricted electronic devices: cellphones, devices sending/receiving data, audio/video players, handheld GPS. "Use" includes holding, operating or touching.
- Penalty: $322 fine ($644 in school and construction zones), 3 demerit points, and administrative suspensions for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th offences within two years.
NWT Administrative Licence Suspensions
- Alcohol-related charge = automatic suspension; no conviction needed.
- Charged with over .08 or refusing a breath/blood demand: automatic 90-day suspension, in addition to any court prohibition.
- Valid NWT licence holders (not GDL, not already suspended) get a 7-day temporary permit before the 90 days start.
- Zero tolerance: drivers under GDL or under age 22 may not drive after consuming any alcohol; violators are automatically suspended for 30 days.
- NWT suspension runs at the same time as a court prohibition (example: 3-month court prohibition + 1-year NWT suspension = 9 months still left after the court period ends).
MVA disqualifications after Criminal Code s. 320.14/320.15 convictions
- First, no prior in 10 years: 1 year. Second within 10 years: 3 years. Third within 10 years: 5 years. Four or more within 10 years: indefinite, not less than 5 years.
- If a death results: indefinite, not less than 5 years, even for a first offence.
Driving while suspended; reinstatement after impaired
- Caught driving while suspended: jail is common, large fine, vehicle seized and impounded 30 days (owner pays towing and impound), whether or not you own it.
- Notice of Suspension mailed to last recorded address; suspension stays until all conditions met, even if you leave the NWT.
- Typical impaired-driving conditions: driver assessment, driver improvement program, alcohol dependency awareness program and assessment, alcohol treatment program, reinstatement fee.
Demerit points and suspensions
Demerit thresholds for GDL and fully licensed drivers, interviews, suspension lengths, driver improvement courses, reinstatement and Registrar suspensions.
Practise Demerit points and suspensions questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Demerit points and suspensions (idmv.inf.gov.nt.ca)
- Demerit points are recorded when the Registrar becomes aware of the offence and stay for 24 months.
- 6 points (Class 7 and 5P only): suspended 30 days and until a reinstatement fee is paid; points are reduced after the suspension.
- 8 points: notice by mail; no restrictions.
- 12 or more points: letter requiring a telephone or personal interview; if you don't attend, suspended until the interview is held.
- 15 points: suspended 30 days and until the reinstatement fee is paid; points reduced afterwards. Reaching 15 a second time: suspension from 30 days up to two years.
- Points may be reduced once in a two-year period after an approved driver improvement course (not offered by the GNWT).
- Appeal the length of a suspension: get an appeal package at a Driver and Vehicle office within 45 days of receiving the notice.
Demerit system, fully licensed drivers (Ch. 9)
- 8 or more but fewer than 15 points: courtesy notice of point standing.
- 12 or more but fewer than 15: letter requiring an interview with a driver examiner by a set date; failing to attend = suspension.
- 15 or more within two years: automatic one-month suspension; letter explains details and reinstatement conditions.
- No remedy or appeal against a demerit suspension unless points were assigned in error.
- After three or more demerit suspensions, each later 15-point accumulation can bring a suspension longer than one month and up to 24 months, set by the Registrar; appeal by written submission.
- After a demerit suspension, the licence is reinstated with seven points, which stay for two years.
- Points for a conviction come off two years after the Registrar learns of the conviction.
Driver improvement course; GDL demerits
- Approved driver improvement course (certificate, 80% pass mark): half the points removed; if 5 or fewer points, all removed. Once per 24 months.
- GDL 6 or more points: 1-month suspension, reinstatement fee, and 1 extra month in the learner or probationary stage.
- GDL 12 or more: 3-month suspension, fee, 3 extra months in the stage.
- GDL 15 or more: 6-month suspension, fee, 6 extra months in the stage.
- (The website's 30-day figure for 6 points matches the manual's 1 month.)
Reinstating after demerits
- Suspension notices go by registered or certified mail to your last recorded address; keeping your address current is your job.
- Serve the full term; pay a reinstatement fee at the end (or stay suspended); meet all conditions; if the licence expires during the suspension, the suspension remains; visit an office to pay and prove requirements.
Departmental / Ministerial suspensions
- Can be imposed for a poor driving record, failure to pay a judgment, or medical grounds.
- The Registrar may suspend for a definite or indefinite period and may order a written or practical exam or other conditions, considering driving record, attitude, skills, knowledge, disabilities and other relevant factors.
- Driving is an earned privilege.
Written in our own words from: NWT Driver's Manual (Basic Handbook)
FAQ
NWT Class 7 study guide: common questions
What is the best way to use this NWT 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 NWT Class 7 handbook?
No. It is our own summary of the NWT Driver's Manual (Basic 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.
Keep practising
- NWT road signs chartEvery road sign in our NWT Class 7 bank on one page, including snowmobile and animal crossings, with what each one means for the 20-question signs test.
- NWT learner's practice test (printable PDF)100 NWT Class 7 practice questions, signs and rules mixed, with a separate answer key citing the Driver's Manual page. Print it or save it as a PDF. Free.
- NWT Class 7 Mock Exam 1 – 40 QuestionsTimed practice · 30 minutes · answers explained
- NWT Class 7 Mock Exam 2 – 40 QuestionsTimed practice · 30 minutes · answers explained
- NWT Class 7 Practice Test 140 questions with explanations
- NWT Class 7 Practice Test 240 questions with explanations
- NWT Class 7 Practice Test 340 questions with explanations
Practice by topic
- Regulatory signs and speed limitsSign shapes and colours, stop and yield signs, permissive green-circle and prohibitive red-slash signs, lane-use, parking and stopping signs, and NWT default speed limits.
- Warning signsYellow diamond warning signs for stops and signals ahead, curves, crossings, intersections, merging, narrowing roads, lane endings, divided highways and other road conditions.
- Guide, service and construction signsRoute markers, direction and distance signs, service signs, orange construction signs, doubled fines with workers present, the slow-moving vehicle sign and disabled parking.
- School and playground zonesSchool and playground area versus zone signs, the 30 km/h speed, 24-hour default times, municipal bylaws, no passing and where zones end.
- Traffic lights and signalsLight order, steady and flashing red, amber and green lights, green arrows, turns on red, pedestrian signals and lane control signals.
- Pavement markingsYellow and white lines, broken and solid lines, passing rules, arrows, two-way left-turn lanes, diamonds, railway X markings, painted islands, crosswalks and stop lines.
- Licences, GDL and registrationClass 7 learner conditions, probationary and full stages, licence classes, new residents and visitors, vision and medical rules, exams, renewals, registration and insurance.
- Starting, steering and stoppingPre-drive checks, seat, mirrors, seat belts and head restraints, transmissions, steering, stopping distances, braking technique and backing up.
- ParkingParallel, angle and hill parking, getting in and out of a parked vehicle, and the distances and places where you may not park.
- Intersections and right-of-wayWhere to stop at stop signs, four-way stops, yield signs, traffic circles, controlled and uncontrolled intersections and keeping intersections clear.
- Signalling and turningWhen to signal, hand signals, right and left turns, turning lanes, dual turns, two-way left-turn lanes, U-turns and free-flow lanes.
- Lane driving, passing and mergingLane position, shoulders, blind spots and lane changes, passing lanes, passing on two-lane highways, when passing is illegal, merging, exiting, curves and hills.
- Emergencies, skids and collisionsBreakdowns, brake, steering, tire and headlight failure, emergency braking and ABS, skids, off-road recovery, collision duties and slowing for emergency vehicles.
- Night, weather and animalsHeadlight rules and distances, glare, winter kits, hydroplaning, ice and snow, black ice, smoke and fog, deep water and avoiding animals.
- Defensive and responsible drivingScanning, space cushions, the two-second rule, fatigue, cellphones, child restraints, fuel efficiency, refuelling and other traffic laws.
- Sharing the roadPedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, large and log-haul vehicles, school buses, emergency vehicles, snowplows, railway crossings, LRT and funeral processions.
- Impaired and distracted drivingZero BAC for new drivers, 50 and 80 mg limits, administrative suspensions, Criminal Code disqualifications, ignition interlock, drugs and distracted-driving penalties.
- Demerit points and suspensionsDemerit thresholds for GDL and fully licensed drivers, interviews, suspension lengths, driver improvement courses, reinstatement and Registrar suspensions.