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PEI Class 7 overview

PEI Class 7 study guide: key rules on all 18 topics

Free PEI Class 7 study guide: 296 key points from the Prince Edward Island Driver's Handbook in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.

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  • 18 topics
  • 296 key points
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This study guide collects our notes on every topic of the PEI Class 7 Instruction Permit Knowledge Test on one page: 296 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 Prince Edward Island Driver's Handbook from the Prince Edward Island Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, Highway Safety Division; they do not replace it, and where our notes and the official source differ, the official source wins.

Study these notes as flashcards →

Sign shapes and colours

The stop, yield and speed limit shapes, what red and green mean on a sign, regulatory, school zone and slow-moving vehicle shapes, wrong-way and playground signs, and square information signs.

Practise Sign shapes and colours questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Traffic Signs, sign shapes and their meanings (pp. 69–70)

  • Signs work together with signal lights; types are regulatory, warning, construction and information signs.
  • Shape and colour each carry meaning: red marks prohibited manoeuvres, green marks permitted movements.
  • Stop signs are always eight-sided; yield signs are always triangular; speed limit signs are always a vertical rectangle.
  • Distinct shapes let the message be recognised when darkness, rain or snow hide the lettering.
  • All Canadian provinces and territories use uniform traffic signs, mostly the same as in the United States.
  • Stop sign: white letters on red. Stop completely at the marked stop line, or before the crosswalk, or, with neither, before entering the intersection; look right, left and ahead and yield to traffic and pedestrians.
  • Yield sign: red on white. Slow down, look left, right and ahead, yield to traffic and pedestrians, stop if needed.
  • Vertical white rectangle with black or other coloured lettering = regulatory sign stating the law (speed, parking, turning, passing).
  • Do not enter sign stands on the right side facing traffic entering a road or ramp the wrong way; a white-on-red WRONG WAY sign may be placed further along.
  • Playground warning sign: reduce speed and be ready for an emergency stop because children may run onto the road.
  • The shapes chart shows stop, yield, warning, regulatory, school zone and slow-moving vehicle shapes.

Information signs (p. 72)

  • Guide/information signs guide motorists along roads and tell of intersecting roads.
  • They are square and show the location of facilities (gas, hospital, food, lodging, telephone, campground, trailer park, picnic tables).

Slow-moving vehicle sign (p. 35)

  • Any motor vehicle that cannot keep a speed over 40 km/h under normal conditions, and every farm tractor, must show a slow-moving vehicle sign at the rear.

Regulatory signs and lane arrows

Do not enter, no turn and no U-turn signs, one-way and keep right signs, no stopping and no parking, lane arrow signs, the hazard warning marker, school bus stop ahead lights and pedestrian and cycling prohibitions.

Practise Regulatory signs and lane arrows questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Regulatory signs (pp. 70, 73–75)

  • One-way sign: traffic allowed in one direction only on that street or highway.
  • Keep right sign: the road is divided by an island and drivers must keep to the right.
  • Do not enter sign: placed on the right side facing traffic that would enter a road or ramp the wrong way.
  • Signs shown: no left turn, no U-turn, do not enter, no stopping, passing permitted, do not litter, police post, route markers (Trans-Canada, PEI highway), PEI place name.
  • Further signs: keep right of traffic island; sign showing only the turns permitted; maximum speed limit ahead; truck route; no turns; no right on red signal; hazard warning (drive in the direction the slopes point); school zone; access for the physically challenged; no parking in either direction; one way; do not enter.
  • Further signs: snowmobile route; snowmobile restricted; parking; dangerous goods route; dangerous goods prohibited; cul-de-sac; weight limit.
  • School bus stop ahead sign with lights: amber lights activated = slow down and be prepared to stop; red lights flashing = all traffic must stop.

Lane arrows (pp. 78–79)

  • Overhead/side-mounted lane signs: left turn only; right turn only; straight through or left; straight through or right; right or left only; all movements permitted; straight through only; two-way left-turn lane.

Additional signs (p. 81)

  • Wide load/oversized; pedestrians prohibited; slow-moving vehicle; pedestrian pushbutton; cycling prohibited; littering prohibited; reserved bicycle lane.

Right turns at red light (p. 63)

  • A right turn on red after a full stop is allowed only if no sign prohibits it.

Warning signs

Narrow bridges, divided highways, lane endings, stop and signal ahead, chevrons and curve speeds, merges, hills, slippery roads, trucks, T intersections, bicycles, snowmobiles and bridges that freeze first.

Practise Warning signs questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Warning signs (pp. 76–78)

  • Signs shown: narrow bridge; low clearance; underpass ahead; divided highway ahead; divided highway ends; right lane ends; stop sign ahead; signs that guide drivers around sharp curves (chevrons); hidden intersection ahead; merge; steep incline ahead; bumpy or rough road ahead; road narrows ahead.
  • Further: traffic signal lights ahead; slippery when wet; truck entering; bridge opening ahead; fire truck entrance ahead; sharp turn or bend ahead; right curve ahead; a posted speed tab shows the safe speed for the turn; school bus entrance; snowmobile entrance; bicycle crossing; bridge freezes.
  • Further: pavement ends; T intersection; double arrow.

Winter driving, bridge freezes before road (p. 116)

  • In winter, bridges ice over before the rest of the highway; use caution approaching bridges.

Construction zones and railway crossings

Orange construction signs, flagpersons, the 60 km/h construction zone limit, and railway crossing signs, lights and stopping distances for driving outside PEI, which has no railways.

Practise Construction zones and railway crossings questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Construction signs (pp. 71–72)

  • Expect delays from construction and repair; obey the flagperson's signal.
  • Construction zone speed limits must be obeyed at all times, even when workers and equipment are not working.
  • Hazards such as bumps, detours, fresh oil and loose gravel may still be present.
  • Signs shown: construction ahead; road work ahead; survey crew ahead; stopping prohibited; lane ends; lane ends ahead; detour ahead; bump or rough road ahead; uneven lanes; low shoulder ahead and high shoulder ahead (difference in elevation due to construction); tar construction ahead; traffic control person ahead.

Speed limits (p. 84)

  • Basic speed limit within a construction zone: 60 km/h (unless signs say otherwise).

Railroad crossing lights (pp. 64–65)

  • There are no railways in Prince Edward Island; the rules matter when driving outside PEI.
  • When a signal device warns of a train, stop not less than 5 m (15 ft) from the nearest rail; same when a flagperson signals a train.
  • Train–vehicle collisions are the deadliest highway collisions.
  • Advance warning signs: look, listen and slow down; may have an advisory speed tab; also show the angle at which the tracks cross the road.
  • Pavement markings at crossings: an X and/or a STOP line.
  • Railway crossing sign (crossbuck): drivers must yield to all trains; a sign below shows the number of tracks if more than one.
  • Crossing with a stop sign: stop no closer than 5 m and no farther than 15 m from the nearest rail; go only when safe.
  • Crossing with flashing lights and bell: stop when activated, at the painted stop line or no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail; wait until lights and bell stop, the train has passed, or it is safe; with more than one track make sure all are clear.

Railway signs (p. 81)

  • Crossbuck; sign showing number of tracks to cross; sign posted in advance of a railway crossbuck.

Traffic lights and signals

Green, amber and red lights, green arrows, right turns on red, flashing red and amber lights, school signal lights, pedestrians at signals and police directions.

Practise Traffic lights and signals questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Traffic signals, green lights (p. 62)

  • Drivers and pedestrians obey lights except when a police/traffic officer directs otherwise.
  • Green is only a qualified permission to proceed carefully; it is not an absolute right-of-way.
  • On green: yield to vehicles lawfully in the intersection and pedestrians in the crosswalk; with a green arrow shown with a red light, go only in the arrow's direction; when turning, yield to pedestrians within your half of the roadway or close enough to be in danger; do not enter unless sure you can clear before the signal changes.

Amber lights (pp. 62–63)

  • Amber lets those already in the intersection clear it.
  • Watch lights about a block ahead; never speed up approaching an intersection.
  • Entering on amber is a Highway Traffic Act violation unless you cannot stop safely.

Red light, right turn on red (p. 63)

  • Red: stop at the marked stop line; if none, at the nearest crosswalk; if none, before entering the intersection. Wait for green unless signs/signals allow special movements.
  • Right on red allowed after a complete stop if no sign prohibits it; yield to pedestrians and traffic; don't hold up traffic behind once the way is clear.

Flashing red / flashing amber / school signals (pp. 63–64)

  • Flashing red: complete stop, go only when safe; may be overhead, a standard signal head, or a beacon above a stop sign.
  • Flashing amber: caution; slow down and be prepared to stop.
  • School signal lights at and between intersections operate when children go to and from school; advance warning signs may precede them.

Pedestrians at signals and flashing lights (pp. 56–57)

  • Pedestrian entering on walk/green has right-of-way over all vehicles.
  • On amber or "wait", a pedestrian must not start; one already crossing continues to the nearest sidewalk; driver must yield until the pedestrian is safely across.
  • Flashing red: driver stops; pedestrians may enter with caution and have the right-of-way.
  • Flashing amber: driver enters with caution and yields to pedestrians in crosswalks; drivers need not stop fully.

Crosswalks with traffic signals (p. 66)

  • Where crosswalks have traffic signals, drivers respond to the signals.

Pavement markings and crosswalks

Yellow and white lines, solid and broken lines, crosshatch markings, stop lines, crosswalk lines, intersection arrows, school crosswalks and special crosswalks with flashing beacons.

Practise Pavement markings and crosswalks questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Yellow lines (p. 67)

  • Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions; the yellow line must always be on the driver's left except when passing.
  • Yellow lines also mark the left shoulder on ramps and multi-lane highways.
  • Solid yellow = passing not safe there; broken yellow = passing permitted if no opposing traffic.

White lines (p. 67)

  • White lines separate lanes going the same direction and mark the right shoulder.
  • Shoulder lines are solid except at intersections, or broken at ramps.
  • Solid white = lane changes should not be made; broken white = lane changes may be made with proper precautions.
  • Wider, shorter white lines with shorter gaps at intersections signal merging, lane changing, accelerating and braking.

Diagonal markings, stop lines, crosswalk lines, arrows (p. 68)

  • Diagonal markings/crosshatches before islands, merge areas, lane transitions or medians: not a traffic lane; keep to the appropriate side according to their colour.
  • Stop lines are always white; stop so the front of the vehicle does not go past them. Stop signs do not show where to stop.
  • Crosswalk lines are always white; where a stop is required and there is a crosswalk but no stop line, stop before any part of the vehicle enters the crosswalk.
  • Intersection arrows are always white and show the lane needed for a manoeuvre.

Crosswalks (pp. 65–66)

  • Crosswalks connect sidewalks on each side of the road.
  • At intersections without signals, drivers must stop when a pedestrian enters the crosswalk on or near the driver's side of the road.
  • School crosswalks with a guard: stop when signalled and remain stopped until the crosswalk is clear and the guard has left it.
  • Special crosswalks with overhead signs and pedestrian-activated flashing amber beacons: stop before the crosswalk when beacons flash.
  • Crosswalks with traffic signals: obey the signals.

Class 7 permit and graduated licensing

Who may apply, documents, the knowledge and vision tests, Stage 1 supervision, passenger and night-time rules, the L decal, waiting periods, the Novice Driver Course and Stages 2 and 3.

Practise Class 7 permit and graduated licensing questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Who may apply, documents (pp. 3–4)

  • Age 16 or older, driving privilege not suspended. The Instruction Permit is called Stage 1 or Class 7 and is valid two years from issue.
  • First permit/licence: birth certificate, passport or immigration papers; plus two pieces of residency/address proof showing name and current PEI address (utility bill, lease, employment letter or pay stub, government mail, bank cheque, mortgage papers, credit card or bank statement).

Instruction Permit (Class 7) steps (pp. 4–5)

  • Study the handbook; book the written test and pay the fee; attend the Highway Safety office for written and sign-recognition tests; under 18 needs a parent/legal guardian consent form (found in the "Co-Pilot" brochure) plus birth certificate; vision test; pay permit fee.
  • Parents may withdraw consent in writing to the registrar; the permit or licence is then cancelled at once.
  • Driver education schools conduct the Class 7 tests and Class 5 road tests.

GDL restrictions, Stage 1 (pp. 5–6)

  • Drive only with a licensed driver who has held a licence at least four years, has a BAC under 0.05, and sits beside you.
  • Passengers: only the instructing person and that person's immediate family.
  • Road test wait: 275 days if enrolled in driver education, otherwise 365 days.
  • Zero BAC for GDL drivers. Police may ask to see the supervising driver's licence.
  • Bright yellow decal with a black L, placed just above the inspection sticker; removable.
  • No driving 1 a.m.–5 a.m. (does not apply to Class 7 holders 21 or older).
  • Any violation carrying demerit points suspends the Class 7 permit (GDL booklet: minimum 30 days).
  • Seat belt conviction in GDL: suspension 30 days first offence, 90 days second; driver may be fined for unbelted passengers.
  • Hand-held devices (cell phones, MP3 players) prohibited for GDL drivers. Must complete the Novice Driver Course.
  • Farm tractor: at 14 may be licensed to drive a farm tractor on the highway supervised by a licensed operator with four years' experience.

Driver education (pp. 6–8)

  • Driver ed students write the Class 7 exam at the driving school; vision test at Highway Safety/Access PEI; school may also do the Class 5 road test.
  • With a licensed instructor, no more than four other persons (not counting the instructor) in the vehicle.
  • Get the Class 5 photo licence within 30 days of passing the road test or you may have to be retested.

Knowledge, vision tests, Novice Driver Course, road test (pp. 8–11)

  • Knowledge test is written or oral; covers traffic laws, safe driving practices and road sign recognition; an oral test can be requested if you can't read the written one; if you fail, book another test for a later date.
  • Vision: may be referred to an eye specialist; corrective lens condition; also colour vision, distance judgment and field of vision tests.
  • Novice Driver Course: required before road test; about five hours, usually two sessions; register in advance; bring your permit to the first class. Covers GDL, demerit points, impaired driving under the Criminal Code, alcohol and drug education, driving conditions.
  • Road test: you supply a safe vehicle and come with a licensed driver; pink insurance card and registration required; no other person rides along.

Classified licences and admin (pp. 12–21)

  • Class 5 minimum age 17; Class 7 allows driving vehicles in Classes 5, 6, 8 and 9 when accompanied by a driver licensed for that class.
  • All licences expire at midnight on the driver's birthday.
  • Name change: endorse within 10 days (no charge); address change: report within 30 days.
  • Valid out-of-province licence (16+): may drive in PEI up to 120 days.

GDL information booklet (Aug. 2023) (pp. 4–16)

  • Three stages: Stage 1 (L) permit; Stage 2 (G) Class 5 with restrictions; Stage 3 (G) reduced restrictions.
  • Stage 1: accompanying driver must ride in the front seat; Stage 1 driver under 21 may not drive 1–5 a.m.; passengers limited to seat belts.
  • Stage 2: minimum entry age 17; one non-family passenger; no driving 1–5 a.m. unless with a four-year licensed driver whose BAC is below .05 (does not apply at 21+); exemption for work available.
  • Stage 3: minimum entry age 18; lasts 365 days; passengers up to number of seat belts; still display G decal.
  • Program takes at least three years (two years plus 275 days with certified driver education).
  • Zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs applies to all drivers under 22.
  • Booklet calls the handbook "being updated".

Demerit points and suspensions

Warning, interview and suspension thresholds, new-driver point limits in Stages 2 and 3, point values for common offences, probation, courses that affect points and impoundment.

Practise Demerit points and suspensions questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Demerit point schedule, experienced drivers (p. 168)

  • Experienced driver = held a valid licence more than two years and not a newly licensed GDL driver.
  • 6, 7 or 8 points: warning letter. 9, 10 or 11 points: interview. 12 or more: three-month suspension.
  • Licence is lost when 12 points build up within a two-year period.

Sample point values (p. 169)

  • 12 points: criminal negligence with a motor vehicle; motor manslaughter; failing to stop at the scene of an accident; dangerous driving; false information on a licence application or to the registrar; failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.
  • 9 points: racing another motor vehicle.
  • 6 points: speeding 30 to under 60 km/h over the limit.
  • 3 points: failing to wear a seat belt; failing to report an accident; speeding under 30 km/h over; improper passing; other moving, parking or equipment offences under the HTA.
  • GDL booklet (2023) table adds: 9 points for a stunt or for 60 to under 80 km/h over; 12 points for 80+ km/h over; 3 points for passing a bicycle without the required distance, failing to yield, or speeding on the Confederation Bridge. (The booklet does not list the 30–60 km/h value; handbook says 6.)

Newly licensed drivers (p. 170)

  • Two-year probationary period plus passenger restrictions.
  • Stage 2: warning at 3, 4 or 5 points; one-month suspension at 6 points.
  • Stage 3: warning at 5, 6, 7 or 8 points; one-month suspension at 9 points.

Suspensions under the demerit system (p. 171)

  • 9 to 11 points within 24 months: driver must show cause; licence can be suspended up to three months.
  • 12 or more: three-month suspension, then one year of probation; a moving or parking conviction while on probation brings another three-month suspension.

Courses (pp. 166–167)

  • Defensive Driving Course: drivers with up to 11 points may earn three merit points on completing the course and exam; six one-hour sessions; offered through St. John Ambulance (PEI Safety Council).
  • Driver Improvement Course: required for drivers suspended under the demerit system, within six months after reinstatement; four two-hour sessions; test at the end.

Other offences (pp. 172–174)

  • Licence offences (lending, altering, false statements, not surrendering a suspended licence): 12 points and a three-month suspension.
  • Criminal negligence, motor manslaughter, failing to stop at an accident scene, dangerous driving: 12-month suspension under the demerit regulations.
  • Driving while disqualified: six-month cancellation added after the existing suspension.
  • Vehicle impoundment when driving while suspended with a conviction for that in the past two years: 30 days first offence, up to 60 days subsequent.
  • Fake or altered photo ID offences: fine up to $500.

Impaired and distracted driving

Zero BAC for GDL drivers, the .05 to .08 range, 24-hour and 90-day suspensions, cancellations for convictions, rehabilitation and ignition interlock, alcohol and drug effects, and the hand-held phone ban.

Practise Impaired and distracted driving questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Impaired driving, drugs and alcohol (pp. 124–127)

  • Mood-altering drugs (depressants including alcohol, sedatives, tranquillizers, narcotics; stimulants; hallucinogens; cannabis) can change thinking and reactions; ask a pharmacist or doctor about effects.
  • Alcohol abuse is the most common drug problem; alcohol works like a grey glass over the eyes; glare recovery takes longer.
  • Average reaction time about three-quarters of a second; impaired (not drunk) reaction slowed by 20%; at 50 km/h a car covers about 14 m per second; impaired driver travels about 3.5 m farther before braking; at 100 km/h about 6 m farther.
  • Drinking drivers are involved in 10 times as many collisions as sober drivers.
  • One bottle of beer = 1¼ oz liquor = 4 oz wine. Two drinks plus one dose of a common tranquilizer = impairment of six drinks; two drinks plus a light dose of marijuana = five drinks.
  • Conviction with BAC over .08 or refusing a test: licence cancelled 1 year (first), 3 years (second), 5 years (third or later).

Zero tolerance, short-term suspensions, ADP (p. 128)

  • Driver under 19, or in GDL with a licence under two years, whose screening device shows any BAC: 24-hour suspension plus 90-day administrative prohibition. (Ch. 7 p. 171 and the 2023 GDL booklet instead say all new drivers under 22, or licensed under three years; we ask only the shared parts: zero BAC for GDL drivers, 24-hour + 90-day result.)
  • Habitual offender (two or more impaired convictions): alcohol/drug assessment and possible treatment before reinstatement.
  • BAC over .05 but not over .08: 24 hours first offence; 30 days second within 24 months; 90 days third or later within 24 months.
  • Police may issue a 90-day Administrative Driving Prohibition at the time of an impaired charge; it starts seven days after the charge.

24-hour roadside suspension, rehab, interlock (pp. 166, 173–176)

  • Screening device reads WARN or FAIL: licence surrendered and suspended 24 hours.
  • First impaired conviction: must complete the Driver Rehabilitation Course before reinstatement; held in Charlottetown, Summerside and Montague.
  • Ignition interlock allows early reinstatement; restricted licence; device serviced at least every 60 days or it may lock.

Distractions and cell phones (pp. 121–123)

  • Illegal to text, dial, chat, email or search on a hand-held device while driving; fine $250 to $400 and three demerit points.
  • Hands-free activated by a single touch allowed; or pull over and stop. Calls to 911 exempt.
  • Dozing two to three seconds at 90 km/h covers about the length of a football field.
  • Pull over to eat; designate a front-seat passenger as co-pilot for maps; don't drive unless well rested.

Speed limits and following distance

PEI's basic urban, construction zone and unpaved road limits, the 60 km/h school zone and its hours, doubled fines, slow driving, the three-second rule and stopping distance.

Practise Speed limits and following distance questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Speed limits (p. 84)

  • Look for posted limits; the posted speed is the maximum for ideal conditions only; choose slower in poor conditions. Driving much slower than traffic can frustrate others.
  • Basic limits: 50 km/h urban areas; 60 km/h within a construction zone; 80 km/h on unpaved roads; 90 km/h in other locations at night; 100 km/h in other locations in the daytime.
  • School zone (signed at entrance and exit): 60 km/h unless a lower limit is posted, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, September to June. Speeding fines are doubled in a signed school zone.
  • Always drive at a speed reasonable for conditions; control speed to avoid collisions.

Reduce speed, slow driving, racing (p. 85)

  • Slow down for poor visibility, wet/slippery roads, heavy traffic, pedestrians, or driver fatigue/illness/nervous tension.
  • Do not drive so slowly you block normal traffic; if you must, move to the right lane or pull off to let traffic pass.
  • Racing or stunt driving a vehicle or bicycle on a street or highway is illegal; licence may be lost.

Following distances (pp. 85–88)

  • Normal conditions: at least three seconds; count from when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed marker.
  • Pulling a trailer: four seconds. Following a motorcycle: add one or two seconds. Adverse weather/road/traffic: four or more seconds.
  • Stopping involves seeing, reacting and braking. Average reaction about three-quarters of a second; at 50 km/h the car travels 10 m (about two car lengths) before braking starts.
  • Braking distance depends on speed, brakes, tires, road surface, and level road or hill.
  • On wet or icy roads (without ABS), pump the brakes quickly but gently; hard steady pressure locks the wheels.
  • Drive at a speed that lets you stop within the clear distance you can see.

Right of way and pedestrians

Four-way stops, left turns, driveways, stop and yield signs, emergency vehicles, funeral processions with purple lights, crosswalks, white canes and walking on highways.

Practise Right of way and pedestrians questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Three-way or four-way stops (p. 52)

  • Vehicles arriving at about the same time from different directions: the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
  • Entering first does not automatically give you the right-of-way; slow enough to keep control in residential areas.
  • Before entering a highway, stop completely before any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or else before the travelled portion of the highway.

Left turns; lanes, driveways and alleys (pp. 53–54)

  • Turning left: be in the proper lane, signal, yield to vehicles and pedestrians within or near the intersection.
  • Rural: entering/crossing a highway from a private road, lane, driveway or building — stop, yield, don't enter if there's danger or if another driver would have to swerve or brake.
  • In a restricted speed area such as a 50 km/h zone: stop before driving onto the crosswalk, check for pedestrians and vehicles and yield.

Stop signs (pp. 54–55)

  • City/town: stop before the crosswalk, or at a marked stop line, or at the point nearest the intersecting road where pedestrians normally cross.
  • Rural: stop before the edge of the road you're entering; look both ways; slippery road needs a bigger gap; look twice both ways starting with the left; yield to close or fast traffic.
  • Rolling a stop sign is illegal.

Emergency vehicles and funeral processions (pp. 55–56)

  • Emergency vehicle with siren, horn or warning signals from any direction: move clear of an intersection, drive as close as possible to the right curb or edge, stop until it has passed. On one-way streets pull to the right or left.
  • Funeral procession (headlights on): proceed through a red light or stop sign only if a police officer is present and directs. Approaching vehicles must slow to half the posted limit. Never pass through a procession from behind. PEI funeral vehicles have purple flashing lights.

Yield signs and pedestrians (pp. 56–59)

  • Yield sign: slow to a speed where you can stop; stop if necessary.
  • Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections with stop or yield signs and at open intersections.
  • When a vehicle has stopped for a pedestrian, a driver behind must not pass it; the oncoming driver must also stop.
  • Pedestrians: cross at intersections; walk on the left facing traffic on highways; wear light or reflective clothing at night.
  • White cane (or guide dog): drive with caution; a raised cane is your signal to stop and let the person go.

Turning, signalling and passing

Lane changes and blind spots, signalling distances, safe turns, waiting to turn left, right on red, U-turn rules, where passing is forbidden and being passed.

Practise Turning, signalling and passing questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Changing lanes and signals (pp. 89–90)

  • Steps: don't follow too closely; check rear-view and side mirrors; signal; turn your head and check over your shoulder.
  • Blind spots in the right and left rear corners; the inside mirror won't show a car in the next lane once its front bumper is about even with or past your rear bumper.
  • All vehicles made in or after 1971 must have signal lights.
  • Signal 30 m (100 ft) before a turn or stop in the city; at least 150 m (500 ft) on highways.
  • Signal before: changing lanes, turning, pulling over to stop, pulling out from parking, passing, and after passing when moving back right. Know hand signals too.

Turning (pp. 91–92)

  • Decide early; no last-minute turns; get in the correct lane early (sooner in fast/heavy traffic); look, signal.
  • Slow before the crosswalk; finish the turn at the same speed you entered; don't brake, clutch or shift while turning; finish in the proper lane.
  • Left turn into a lane or driveway: proper lane, signal well ahead, yield to oncoming traffic even if you reached the turning point first.
  • While waiting to turn left, keep wheels straight; if hit from behind with wheels turned you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.
  • On highways stay on your side of the centre line until ready to turn; watch for cars passing you.

Right on red, U-turns (p. 94)

  • Right on red unless a sign forbids: complete stop, yield to vehicles and pedestrians with a prior right, proceed with caution.
  • U-turns allowed: between intersections in a municipality if a bylaw permits; on a highway if you can be seen by traffic from either direction within 150 m (500 ft).
  • Not allowed: at a signal-controlled intersection in a municipality; where a sign prohibits; on a curve, near a hill crest, or where it interferes with traffic.

Passing (pp. 95–96)

  • Do not pass: at an intersection if you'd cross a solid centre line (you may pass on the side opposite a turning car's direction without crossing a solid yellow line); at a crosswalk or where a car stopped to yield; in a school zone; on the right except where two or more lanes go your way; without enough clear road ahead; in a posted no-passing zone.
  • Being passed: move right when the driver behind signals with horn and lights; never speed up.
  • Never pull out to pass behind another passing vehicle. The law requires you to signal and sound your horn when passing.

School buses, trucks and cyclists

Amber and red school bus lights and the 6-metre rule, truck and bus No-Zones, wide right turns, sharing the road with cyclists, bicycle equipment and e-bikes.

Practise School buses, trucks and cyclists questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

School buses (p. 97)

  • School buses have alternating amber and red flashing lights.
  • Flashing amber: shown before the bus stops; be alert; when meeting or overtaking, reduce speed and proceed with caution.
  • Flashing red: bus is stopped to load/unload; stop not less than 6 m (20 ft) from the front or rear of the bus; stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing. Passing is illegal (HTA s. 202).
  • Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights = 12 demerit points (Ch. 7 p. 169).

Heavy vehicles, No-Zones (pp. 98–99)

  • No-Zones are danger areas around trucks and buses, some actual blind spots.
  • Side: if you can't see the driver's face in their side mirror, they can't see you.
  • Wide right turns: trucks/buses may swing left to turn right; don't squeeze between them and the curb.
  • Rear: huge blind area behind; keep a safe following distance.
  • Front: don't cut in too soon; trucks and buses need nearly twice the time and room to stop; see the whole front of the truck in your rear-view mirror before pulling in, then don't slow down.
  • Never cross behind a truck that is backing up.

Bicycles, information for motorists (pp. 158–159)

  • Cyclists must obey the rules of the road and are entitled to an equal share of the road.
  • Pass a cyclist as you would any other vehicle; watch for cyclists alongside before a right turn; don't pass and then turn right in front of them.
  • Check for cyclists when pulling away from the curb and before opening a door; the driver is responsible for not opening a door into traffic.
  • Don't follow cyclists closely — no brake lights.
  • Cyclists may ride at least 1 m from the curb, farther to avoid grates, potholes, debris, gravel, etc.
  • Don't blow the horn when passing a cyclist; if you must, tap it lightly while still some distance away.

Rules for cyclists, equipment, e-bikes (pp. 159–160)

  • Ride single file except when passing; ride on the right; no sidewalk riding; no wrong way on one-way streets.
  • Night: headlamp (one, not more than two), red tail lamp and red rear reflector.
  • Bike must have: front lamp visible 150 m; rear red reflector visible 90 m; bell audible at least 30 m.
  • E-bikes are limited-speed motorcycles treated as mopeds under the HTA; a valid driver's licence is required to ride one in PEI.

Parking, stopping and backing

No-parking distances from hydrants, crosswalks, stop signs and railway tracks, parallel and angle parking, leaving a vehicle, breakdowns and safe backing.

Practise Parking, stopping and backing questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Meeting oncoming traffic (p. 100)

  • Keep in your half of the road, centred in your lane except when passing or turning.
  • On a narrow road both drivers must slow down or stop and help each other pass; if parked cars are on your half, move into a gap.
  • Don't use high beams in the city unless needed for safety; dim within 150 m of an oncoming vehicle on the highway.

Parking regulations (pp. 100–101)

  • Illegal to stop or park: in front of a private driveway, lane or intersection; within 2.5 m (8 ft) of a fire hydrant; on a crosswalk; within 6 m (20 ft) of the approach to a crosswalk; double parked; where it obstructs traffic or is a hazard; within 15 m (50 ft) of the nearest rail of a railway crossing; within 12 m (40 ft) of a stop sign or traffic signal; in a disabled space without a valid emblem (fine).
  • Parallel parking: wheels within 0.3 m (12 in) of the curb.
  • Set the hand or foot brake, stop the engine, remove the keys.
  • Look before opening a door on the traffic side.
  • Never park or stop on a travelled highway lane unless disabled; use parking or hazard lights in poor visibility; get off the highway quickly; at night pull as far right as possible; don't stand on the highway to make repairs.
  • Buses, heavy commercial vehicles and trucks must place flares or warning lamps at least 60 m (200 ft) in front of and behind the vehicle.

Parallel and angle parking, pulling out (pp. 102–103)

  • Stop even with the car ahead, about 0.45 m (1.5 ft) from it; back slowly turning sharply right until about 45 degrees to the curb; straighten; back until you see the rear car's left headlight, turn sharply left; then turn right and pull forward to centre.
  • Angle parking: drive forward into the space with equal room on each side.
  • Pulling out: check traffic, signal, pull away when safe without interfering.
  • Diagram shows wheel positions uphill/downhill, with and without a curb.

Backing (p. 104)

  • Backing is especially hazardous because of blind spots; back only when safe and without interfering with traffic.
  • Steps: check all around before getting in; look out the rear window; sound the horn just before backing; back slowly; check both sides; from a driveway check for pedestrians and traffic before crossing the sidewalk.

Highways, town driving and roundabouts

Acceleration and deceleration lanes, merging, low shoulders, lane use on four-lane highways, town driving, and signalling and lane choice in single- and dual-lane roundabouts.

Practise Highways, town driving and roundabouts questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Driving in a village, town or city (p. 105)

  • Watch for pedestrians at intersections; plan lanes and signal early; keep right if slower than traffic; stop before entering a street from a lane or alley.
  • Do not block an intersection; if your lane beyond is blocked, wait before entering. Don't weave.

Acceleration/deceleration lanes and merging (pp. 106–107)

  • Enter the acceleration lane, speed up, signal, move over when speed and traffic allow; enter at or near traffic speed.
  • Do not slow down or stop at the end of the acceleration lane — risk of being rear-ended.
  • Merging tips: check traffic, choose a gap, signal, accelerate, keep checking, pull in, cancel signal.
  • Drivers on the highway should leave a gap or move left (if two or more lanes) to let merging vehicles in.
  • Deceleration lane: signal before entering it, slow down after entering it.

Soft or low shoulders (pp. 107–108)

  • If wheels drop off the pavement: steer firmly with both hands, straddle the edge, lift off the accelerator without braking, ease to a slower speed, return at a 45-degree angle once in control, then straighten in the correct lane. You may need to stay on the shoulder until it is level with the road.

Reduce collision risk (p. 108)

  • Stay alert; stop when tired; drive in the right lane of a four-lane highway when not passing; turn on headlights at dusk.

Roundabouts (pp. 109–111)

  • Entering vehicles always yield to traffic already in the roundabout and to pedestrians; travel counterclockwise.
  • Single-lane: left turn or U-turn — signal left before entering, right before exiting; straight — no signal entering, signal right before exiting; right turn — signal right and keep it on until exiting.
  • Dual-lane: don't enter alongside a vehicle already in the roundabout; stay in your lane, don't change lanes inside; left turns/U-turns from the left lane; right turns from the right lane; straight from either lane.
  • Pedestrians: crosswalks have two sections; cross to the splitter island, then check again.
  • Cyclists: ride it like a vehicle in the centre of the lane, or dismount and walk it as a pedestrian.

Night, winter and bad weather

Dimming headlights, over-driving headlights, studded tire dates, winter stopping distances, ABS, black ice, being stranded, skids, wet roads, hydroplaning and fog.

Practise Night, winter and bad weather questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Night driving (pp. 112–113)

  • Headlights required from sunset to sunrise or when visibility is poor; parking lights are for parking only.
  • Low beams in city driving except unlit areas where traffic permits.
  • Dim within 150 m (500 ft) of an oncoming vehicle; don't wait for the other driver. Use low beams within 60 m (200 ft) when following.
  • If blinded, watch the right edge of the road and slow down.
  • Three times as many fatal collisions at night as in daylight; don't over-drive your headlights (be able to stop within the distance you can see).
  • Town speed limits don't change at night, but visibility does — slow down.

Winter driving (pp. 114–118)

  • Check radiator/antifreeze, tires, brakes, wipers and defroster, muffler (leaks = carbon monoxide; never start the car in a closed garage).
  • Studded tires allowed October 1 to May 31 only.
  • Stopping on snow and ice takes 3 to 12 times the distance of dry pavement.
  • Test brakes gently to feel the road; shaded spots keep frost in fall and spring; locking brakes causes skids (unless ABS).
  • ABS: don't pump; hold the pedal down; you can steer while braking.
  • Black ice forms when a wet road drops to freezing; very hard to see. Bridges freeze before the road.
  • Stranded: stay with the vehicle; run the engine just enough for warmth; open a window slightly against carbon monoxide.
  • No sudden sharp turns on slippery roads. Never spin your wheels starting; standard transmission start in second gear on ice.
  • Skid from braking: ease off brakes, steer in the direction the rear end is skidding, don't oversteer. Skid from accelerating: ease off gas, steer in the skid direction. Blowout: firm grip, both hands.

Rain, hydroplaning, visibility (pp. 119–120)

  • Roads are especially slippery just after rain begins (grease and dirt loosen).
  • Partial hydroplaning starts about 60 km/h; tires may be fully on the water by about 90 km/h; when water is deeper than tread, complete hydroplaning at 80–90 km/h. Remedy: take your foot off the accelerator and let the car slow.
  • Good tires with deep tread help prevent hydroplaning.
  • Keep windows clear of dirt, condensation, ice and snow; illegal to drive with vision obstructed.
  • In fog, rain or snow use low beams; high beams reflect back. Use fog lights in fog if equipped.

Seat belts, child seats and collisions

Who must buckle up, infant, toddler and booster seats, belt fit and air bags, when to report a collision, what to report and what to do first at a crash scene.

Practise Seat belts, child seats and collisions questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Driver responsibility, seat belts (p. 46)

  • Fewer than 1% of injury collisions involve fire or submersion; a belt helps you stay conscious to escape.
  • Everyone 16 and older, driver or passenger, must wear a seat belt where one is available.
  • The driver must make sure passengers under 16 are belted; young children must be in an appropriate approved child restraint.

Child restraints (pp. 47–48)

  • Infants from birth to 10 kg (22 lb) and at least one year old: rear-facing seat meeting CMVSS 213.1.
  • Toddlers 10 to 18 kg (22–40 lb): child restraint seat; forward-facing seats need a tether strap and anchor.
  • Booster seats: children 18 to 36 kg (40–80 lb), under 145 cm tall or under age 10; used with the lap and shoulder belt in the back seat; lap belt low over the hips.
  • Children under 12 should ride in the back seat.

Belt fit, air bags, facts (pp. 49–50)

  • Lap belt snug and low on the hips; never wear the shoulder belt without the lap belt; leave about a fist's width between chest and shoulder belt; shoulder belt not recommended for anyone under 140 cm.
  • Air bags deploy in frontal impacts only, not rear, side or rollover; may deploy at speeds as low as 15 km/h. Seat belts protect in all collision types.
  • Never install a rear-facing infant seat in a seat with an air bag.
  • Many injuries and deaths happen at 60 km/h or less; most collisions occur close to home; never hold a child on your lap; never more than one person per belt.

Collisions (pp. 178–180)

  • Report to police immediately any collision involving death, injury, or apparent damage to all property over $1,000.
  • Five points to report: exact location; time; damage to vehicles/property; injuries; names, addresses, licence and registration numbers and insurance of drivers and owners. Get witness names and addresses too.
  • First at a serious collision: park off the road far enough away to protect the scene; call 911 or send someone; turn off ignitions; leave injured people in the car unless trained help arrives (spine/neck injuries); fight fire with an extinguisher, dirt or blanket; cover injured people to keep them warm, loosen collars, reassure them, keep spectators away.
  • 911 by cell: first give your name and cell number with area code; location is essential; leave the phone on.

Vehicle registration and equipment

Registration, ownership transfer and inspection, rejected vehicles, headlights and daytime running lights, horn, mirrors, window tint, loads, tires and non-resident vehicles.

Practise Vehicle registration and equipment questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Vehicle registration (pp. 22–29)

  • Vehicle and any trailer must be registered, licensed for their class, with proper plates and valid inspection stickers.
  • One number plate is issued for all vehicles; mounted at least 200 mm from the ground (bottom of plate); kept clean and legible; lit at night.
  • Registration permit stays in the vehicle and must be shown to an officer or inspector on request.
  • Non-resident private passenger vehicle: up to four months a year without PEI registration; non-resident soliciting business: up to 10 days a year.
  • Registration name/address change: notify within 30 days. Registrations expire on the owner's birthday (or company registration date).
  • Transfer of ownership: seller notifies Highway Safety within seven days; buyer transfers registration within seven days.
  • Most vehicles and trailers need a yearly safety inspection; sticker valid to the end of the same month the next year; keep the inspection report in the vehicle.

Motor vehicle safety inspection (p. 30)

  • Rejected vehicle: 10 days to fix and re-inspect (not permission to drive an unsafe vehicle); a rejected sticker is not accepted for a road test vehicle.
  • A bought vehicle can't be registered without a valid approval sticker.
  • Newcomers: private passenger vehicle inspected in NS or NB accepted for one year; others must be inspected in PEI first.

Required equipment (pp. 31–37)

  • At least two head lamps with high and low beams; aftermarket headlight covers not permitted.
  • Lights on from sunset to sunrise and whenever you can't see a person or vehicle 150 m ahead; parking lights alone are illegal then. Vehicles 1990 and newer must have daytime running lights.
  • Two red tail lamps visible 150 m; white plate light readable from 15 m.
  • Flashing red to the front only on ambulances, police (red and blue), fire vehicles, school buses loading, volunteer firefighters' cars in an emergency; hearses use purple. Amber flashing for tow/service trucks, road maintenance and snow removal vehicles, school buses.
  • Two stop lights visible 150 m in normal sunlight.
  • Brakes with two separate means of application; parking brake working.
  • Horn audible at 60 m; offence to use a bell, siren or whistle on a private vehicle or the horn unnecessarily.
  • Mirror showing at least 60 m behind; both outside mirrors needed when trailer or load blocks the rear view.
  • No aftermarket tint on the windshield or front side windows; allowed on rear side and rear windows if you have two side mirrors.
  • Load more than 1.2 m beyond the rear: red flag at least 0.3 m square by day, red light visible 150 m at night.
  • Slow-moving vehicle sign for vehicles unable to exceed 40 km/h and all farm tractors.
  • Tires must be replaced below 1.6 mm (2/32 in) tread in any three locations 120 degrees apart.
  • Disabled vehicle at night (lamps required): three lighted lanterns or flares — 30 m behind, 30 m ahead, and one about 3 m on the traffic side (rules apply to vehicles required to carry them).

Written in our own words from: Prince Edward Island Driver's Handbook

FAQ

PEI Class 7 study guide: common questions

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

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

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

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