Learners ask: Alberta learner’s test questions, answered
The questions people ask most about the Class 7 knowledge test, answered in plain words from the official Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026). Every answer shows the page it comes from.
80 questions
Can a learner drive at night in Alberta?
Not between midnight and 5 a.m.: a Class 7 learner is not permitted to drive then. Breaking this curfew is a GDL offence worth 2 demerit points, and it applies to the learner stage only.p. 10p. 110
From the study guide: Class 7 learner’s licence rules in Alberta →
Who can supervise a learner driver in Alberta?
A fully licensed (non-GDL) driver aged 18 or older, seated next to you. A probationary (Class 5-GDL) driver cannot supervise a learner. Driving with a supervisor who isn’t fully qualified is worth 2 demerit points.p. 10p. 110
From the study guide: Class 7 learner’s licence rules in Alberta →
How long must you hold a Class 7 learner’s licence?
At least one year, and longer if you get a suspension. To move on to a probationary (Class 5-GDL) licence, you must also be 16 or older and pass the Alberta Class 5 road test.p. 10
From the study guide: Class 7 learner’s licence rules in Alberta →
How many passengers can a learner driver have?
No more passengers than seat belts. Breaking this is a GDL offence worth 2 demerit points, and the same rule carries on into the probationary stage.p. 10p. 110
From the study guide: Class 7 learner’s licence rules in Alberta →
What colour background do lane control signs have?
Black. Lane control signs are square, with a white message on a black background. The message or symbol shows the direction a vehicle must travel in that lane.p. 25p. 28
From the study guide: Alberta road signs by shape and colour →
What does a green rectangle sign mean?
It gives information such as the distance to a destination, with a white message on a green background. Green signs also show transportation services, such as an airport or ferry, while blue signs point to fuel, food, lodging or assistance.p. 26
From the study guide: Alberta road signs by shape and colour →
What colour are signs for fuel, food or lodging?
Blue, with a white message. Signs for transportation services, such as an airport or ferry, have a green background, and green rectangles give the distance to a destination.p. 26
From the study guide: Alberta road signs by shape and colour →
What does a yellow diamond sign mean?
Caution: it warns of the hazard shown on the sign. Warning signs give you advance notice of an action you’ll need to take, or of a possible hazard on or near the road. An orange diamond gives construction area information.p. 26p. 32p. 25
From the study guide: Alberta road signs by shape and colour →
What alcohol or drug level must a Class 7 learner have when driving?
Zero. With a Class 7 learner’s licence, and with a Class 5-GDL licence, you must have a zero alcohol and/or drug level whenever you drive. Alberta takes a zero tolerance approach to any alcohol or drugs for these new drivers.p. 10p. 112
From the study guide: Zero tolerance and impaired driving in Alberta →
What is the IRS ZERO: Novice program?
Alberta’s zero tolerance program for new drivers. It applies to any alcohol and/or drugs for drivers with a Class 7 learner’s licence or a Class 5-GDL licence. It is part of Alberta’s Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) program, so the penalties are given right at the roadside.p. 112p. 111
From the study guide: Zero tolerance and impaired driving in Alberta →
What happens if a learner driver is caught with any alcohol or drugs?
An immediate 30-day licence suspension, a 7-day vehicle seizure, and a fine plus a victim fine surcharge. A suspension also extends the year you must hold your learner’s licence, and suspensions stay on your driving record for 10 years.p. 112p. 10p. 108
From the study guide: Zero tolerance and impaired driving in Alberta →
Is one drink OK before driving as a learner?
No. For a learner the limit is zero, so even one drink breaks the rule. The Driver’s Guide also notes that impairment begins with the first drink or drug use, and that alcohol and drugs can impair your judgement and reaction time.p. 10p. 108p. 107
From the study guide: Zero tolerance and impaired driving in Alberta →
How many demerit points can a Class 7 learner have before a suspension?
Learners and other GDL drivers are automatically suspended at 8 or more demerit points within two years. At 4 to 7 points you get a letter about your demerit point standing. Fully licensed drivers are suspended at 15 or more.p. 108p. 10
From the study guide: Demerit points in Alberta: the full list, limits and how long they last →
How long do demerit points last in Alberta?
The points for a conviction are removed two years after the date of that conviction. The conviction itself, and any suspension, stays on your driving record for 10 years and appears on your driver’s abstract.p. 110p. 108
From the study guide: Demerit points in Alberta: the full list, limits and how long they last →
How many demerit points is careless driving?
6 points. Failing to stop for a school bus, racing, and speeding by 51 km/h or more over the limit are also worth 6 points each. Failing to remain at the scene of a collision is worth 7.p. 109
From the study guide: Demerit points in Alberta: the full list, limits and how long they last →
Does paying a traffic ticket give you demerit points?
Yes. Paying the fine on your ticket voluntarily counts as a conviction, and demerit points are recorded when you are convicted. You are also convicted if a court finds you guilty, or if you don’t appear in court and are convicted in your absence.p. 108
From the study guide: Demerit points in Alberta: the full list, limits and how long they last →
What colour and shape are warning signs in Alberta?
A yellow diamond means caution: it warns of the hazard shown on the sign. Most warning signs in the guide are yellow diamonds, but a few have other shapes, such as the chevron sign for a sharp bend. An orange diamond gives construction area information.p. 26p. 35p. 25
From the study guide: Warning signs in Alberta: what the yellow signs mean →
What does the speed sign under a curve warning sign mean?
It is the recommended maximum speed through that curve under ideal driving conditions. The guide lists it with the signs for a turn or curve ahead.p. 33
From the study guide: Warning signs in Alberta: what the yellow signs mean →
What does a chevron sign mean?
A chevron sign shows a sharp bend in the road. The guide lists it with the warning signs for changing road conditions.p. 35
From the study guide: Warning signs in Alberta: what the yellow signs mean →
What does the yellow sign with flashing lights before an intersection mean?
It is the “stop at traffic lights ahead when yellow lights flashing” sign. When its yellow lights flash, prepare to stop: the traffic light ahead is turning from green to yellow or yellow to red, or is already red.p. 33
From the study guide: Warning signs in Alberta: what the yellow signs mean →
What is the difference between the merging traffic and added lane signs?
Merging traffic means the roads ahead join. Free flow (added lane) means the roads ahead run side by side but do not join. At a merge, neither the merging driver nor the drivers already on the highway have the right-of-way.p. 34p. 73
From the study guide: Warning signs in Alberta: what the yellow signs mean →
What should you do when you see a wildlife crossing sign?
Slow down, look well ahead and use caution, and scan the sides of the road for animals. Be extra careful at dusk and dawn, when animals tend to be more active. If you see one animal, there may be more.p. 84
From the study guide: Warning signs in Alberta: what the yellow signs mean →
What does a yield sign mean in Alberta?
You must give the right-of-way to vehicles that do not face a yield sign, and yield to all pedestrians waiting to cross or already in the crosswalk or intersection. Slow down as you near the intersection and be prepared to stop. Wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you go.p. 59p. 26
From the study guide: Stop, yield, speed limit and direction signs in Alberta →
Where do you stop at a stop sign?
Where a stop line is marked, stop before it. With no stop line, stop before the marked crosswalk. With neither, stop within three metres (10 feet) of the intersecting road (the road you are coming to), where you won’t get in the way of pedestrians.p. 58p. 59
From the study guide: Stop, yield, speed limit and direction signs in Alberta →
What does the X-shaped railway crossing sign mean?
It is found at all public railway crossings and means you must yield to all trains. Stop when a train is visible or sounding a signal and approaching within 500 metres (about five city blocks). If there is more than one track, the sign shows how many.p. 103
From the study guide: Stop, yield, speed limit and direction signs in Alberta →
How far from the tracks do you stop at a railway crossing with a stop sign?
Come to a complete stop between five metres (15 feet) and 15 metres (50 feet) from the nearest rail. Do not go on until you are sure a train is not approaching.p. 103
From the study guide: Stop, yield, speed limit and direction signs in Alberta →
What is the speed limit in Alberta when no limit is posted?
Unless otherwise posted: 100 km/h on a provincial highway outside an urban area, 80 km/h on a provincial highway inside a city’s corporate limit and on a roadway outside an urban area, and 50 km/h on a roadway within an urban area. Municipalities may set different limits by bylaw.p. 27
From the study guide: Stop, yield, speed limit and direction signs in Alberta →
What do flashing yellow lights on a pedestrian crossing sign mean?
Caution is needed because of a pedestrian crossing. When the yellow lights are flashing, you must reduce your speed to a maximum of 30 km/h and yield or stop for pedestrians.p. 24
From the study guide: Stop, yield, speed limit and direction signs in Alberta →
Do you have to follow the arrows on a lane sign?
Yes. The message or symbol on a designated lane sign shows the direction, or directions, a vehicle must travel in that lane. As you come up to an intersection, check the signs and pavement markings so you are in the correct lane to turn or go straight ahead.p. 28p. 66
From the study guide: Lane signs in Alberta: turn arrows, dual turns and reserved lanes →
What does a diamond painted on the road mean?
The lane is reserved for certain vehicles. There may also be signs that show time or vehicle limits. On a reserved lane sign, the symbol, such as a bus, a taxi or a bicycle, shows which vehicles may use the lane.p. 39p. 28
From the study guide: Lane signs in Alberta: turn arrows, dual turns and reserved lanes →
Are bus and taxi lanes reserved all the time?
Not always. Reserved lanes may work at all times or only some of the time. A lane reserved only some of the time shows the hours of the day and the days of the week on its sign.p. 28
From the study guide: Lane signs in Alberta: turn arrows, dual turns and reserved lanes →
Can you drive in a bicycle lane to turn right?
Yes, to turn, or to enter or leave a parking spot; otherwise vehicles are not allowed in bicycle lanes. Near corners the bicycle lane line is usually dashed, which shows you may enter the bicycle lane to turn right. Be very careful and watch for bicycles when you do.p. 40
From the study guide: Lane signs in Alberta: turn arrows, dual turns and reserved lanes →
What does the turning vehicles yield to bicycles sign mean?
As its name says, vehicles that turn yield to bicycles. The sign may appear at conflict zones, where drivers have to cross a bicycle lane. Watch for bicycles whenever you enter a bicycle lane to turn.p. 40
From the study guide: Lane signs in Alberta: turn arrows, dual turns and reserved lanes →
Can you change lanes during a dual left or right turn?
No. Never swing wide or change lanes where dual lane turns are made, because another vehicle could be turning beside you. Turn into the matching lane and keep your lane position during and after the turn.p. 66p. 28
From the study guide: Lane signs in Alberta: turn arrows, dual turns and reserved lanes →
What does a green circle on a road sign mean?
The action inside the green circle is permitted. These permission signs are a green circle on a white square, like Turn left only, Straight only or Passing permitted.p. 29
What does a red circle with a slash mean on a sign?
The action inside the red circle is not permitted. The symbol is a red circle and a diagonal red bar on a white square, as on the No left turn, No U-turn and Do not pass signs.p. 29
What do the arrows on a no parking sign mean?
The arrow under the symbol shows where the action on the sign is not permitted. Signs with days and times show when you may not park or stop there.p. 30
Can you turn right on a red light in Alberta?
Yes, as long as no sign prohibits the turn. Before turning, come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk. Then turn when it is safe, yielding to any other traffic.p. 22
Is a U-turn allowed if there is no No U-turn sign?
Not always. Even without the sign, U-turns are not permitted at traffic lights unless a traffic control device permits it. In urban areas they are also not permitted between intersections or at an alley intersection, and outside urban areas not on a curve. Never do a U-turn unless it can be done safely.p. 67
What colour are construction signs in Alberta?
Most construction signs are orange. Construction area information comes in a diamond shape, with words or a picture on an orange background. The Driver’s Guide calls them warning signs about road construction. Some, like Detour next ___ km and Construction zone ends, are orange rectangles, and the speed fines sign is white.p. 25p. 37
From the study guide: Construction zone signs in Alberta: orange signs, flag persons and fines →
Do I have to slow down in a construction zone when nobody is working?
Yes. The speed limit in a construction zone must be obeyed at all times, even when people and equipment are not working. Hazards such as bumps, fresh oil and loose gravel may still be there.p. 37
From the study guide: Construction zone signs in Alberta: orange signs, flag persons and fines →
Are speeding fines doubled in construction zones in Alberta?
Yes, when workers are present. In construction zones you must observe the posted speed, and when workers are present the fines for speeding are doubled.p. 86
From the study guide: Construction zone signs in Alberta: orange signs, flag persons and fines →
What do you do when a flag person signals you in a construction zone?
Obey the flag person’s signal, and be prepared to slow down and stop if required. You are required to obey all traffic control devices and the directions of flag persons.p. 37p. 86
From the study guide: Construction zone signs in Alberta: orange signs, flag persons and fines →
What does a slow-moving vehicle sign mean?
It is placed on the back of vehicles that travel less than 40 km/h, such as farm tractors, machinery or construction equipment. It warns you to be prepared to reduce your speed.p. 37
From the study guide: Construction zone signs in Alberta: orange signs, flag persons and fines →
What does a wide load sign mean?
It shows that a wide load is being transported, so use caution when passing. Oversized loads often travel at a reduced speed. Pass only when you have enough room to get around the load and can see that there is no oncoming traffic.p. 37p. 100
From the study guide: Construction zone signs in Alberta: orange signs, flag persons and fines →
What do green information signs mean in Alberta?
A white message on a green rectangle gives information such as the distance to a destination. Information or pictures on a green square show transportation services, such as an airport or a ferry. In the guide’s pictures, the hospital, parking and police signs and the bicycle route marker are green too.p. 26p. 36
From the study guide: Information and guide signs in Alberta: green and blue signs →
What do blue road signs mean in Alberta?
A white message on a blue square shows a place for fuel, food, lodging or assistance. These signs for off-road facilities show that the service is available and which way to go.p. 26p. 36
From the study guide: Information and guide signs in Alberta: green and blue signs →
How can you tell if a road is a provincial highway?
By its route marker: a provincial highway is identified by a single-digit, two-digit or three-digit highway route marker. A local road usually has no route marker. It may be identified by a name, such as Irricana Road, a township road such as TWP RD 52, or a range road such as RGE RD 252.p. 27
From the study guide: Information and guide signs in Alberta: green and blue signs →
Can you stop in a disabled parking spot for just a minute?
Not unless your vehicle has an identifying parking placard or licence plate. It is illegal for any vehicle to park or stop in a stall reserved for persons with disabilities without a placard or plate. You can find the placard application on alberta.ca, or by contacting a registry agent or a family doctor.p. 32
From the study guide: Information and guide signs in Alberta: green and blue signs →
What does the TTY sign mean?
It shows pay phones that have a TTY (teletypewriter). A TTY helps people who are hearing or speech-impaired use telephone networks.p. 32
From the study guide: Information and guide signs in Alberta: green and blue signs →
What should you do if you miss your exit on the highway?
Don’t stop. Continue to the next exit and plan your way back to your route. Never stop and reverse on a highway, the emergency stopping lane or the shoulder.p. 74
From the study guide: Information and guide signs in Alberta: green and blue signs →
What are the school zone hours in Alberta?
On school days only: 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Some towns and cities set different hours by bylaw, and then the times are posted beneath the school sign.p. 30p. 31
From the study guide: Speed limits, school zones and playground zones in Alberta →
What is the speed limit in a school zone?
30 km/h, in both urban and rural school zones, unless otherwise posted. While the zone is in effect, you may not pass, or try to pass, a vehicle travelling in the same direction.p. 31
From the study guide: Speed limits, school zones and playground zones in Alberta →
When are playground zones in effect?
Every day, from 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset, not only on school days. The limit is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted, and if a town or city sets different times, they are posted beneath the playground sign.p. 31
From the study guide: Speed limits, school zones and playground zones in Alberta →
How fast can you drive past a pedestrian crossing with flashing yellow lights?
At most 30 km/h while the yellow lights are flashing, and you must yield or stop for pedestrians.p. 24
From the study guide: Speed limits, school zones and playground zones in Alberta →
Who has the right-of-way at a roundabout?
Traffic already in the circle: vehicles entering must yield to it. In a two-lane roundabout, drivers on the right must yield to drivers on the left while in the circle. As you approach, also look for pedestrians and cyclists at the crosswalks.p. 61p. 62
From the study guide: How to drive through roundabouts and traffic circles in Alberta →
Which lane do you use in a two-lane roundabout?
The right lane if you are taking the first exit, and the left lane for any other exit. Don’t change lanes in the circle. If you can’t stop or exit safely, stay in your lane and go around the circle again.p. 63p. 62
From the study guide: How to drive through roundabouts and traffic circles in Alberta →
When do you signal to leave a roundabout?
Turn on your right signal after you pass the exit before yours. That tells other drivers you are leaving at the next exit. If you’re taking the first exit, signal right as you approach and leave it on until you have left the circle.p. 61
From the study guide: How to drive through roundabouts and traffic circles in Alberta →
Which direction does traffic go around a roundabout?
Always counterclockwise, around a centre island. A roundabout has a smaller centre island and a tighter curve than a traffic circle, which keeps speeds low, but you follow similar rules in both.p. 61
From the study guide: How to drive through roundabouts and traffic circles in Alberta →
What colour lines separate traffic going in opposite directions?
Yellow lines. White lines separate traffic going in the same direction. The yellow line should always be on your left, and solid lines mean you may not cross them to pass or change lanes, while broken lines mean you may.p. 38p. 39
From the study guide: Road lines and pavement markings in Alberta →
What does a solid white line between lanes mean?
Lane changing is not permitted. A broken white line means lane changing is permitted. White lines always separate traffic travelling in the same direction.p. 39
From the study guide: Road lines and pavement markings in Alberta →
What does a solid yellow line outside an urban area mean?
Passing is not permitted. Only within an urban area may you pass safely across a single solid yellow line. A broken yellow line means passing is permitted, once you’re sure the lane is clear and the pass can be completed safely.p. 38
From the study guide: Road lines and pavement markings in Alberta →
With a solid and a broken yellow line side by side, who may pass?
Only the driver with the broken line on their side of the road. The driver with the solid line on their side may not pass. Even then, pass only when the lane is clear and the pass can be completed safely.p. 38
From the study guide: Road lines and pavement markings in Alberta →
How close to a crosswalk or intersection can you park in Alberta?
No closer than five metres to the nearest side of a marked crosswalk. Keep five metres from the edge of an intersecting road too, unless something such as a parking meter shows parking is allowed. Never park on any part of a crosswalk or within an intersection.p. 56p. 55
From the study guide: Parking rules and hill parking in Alberta →
How far from a fire hydrant must you park?
At least five metres. If the hydrant isn’t at the curb, measure from the point on the curb nearest to it. The same five metres (16 feet) applies to a stop sign or yield sign.p. 56
From the study guide: Parking rules and hill parking in Alberta →
Which way do you turn your wheels when parking downhill?
Parked on the right side of the road, always turn your front wheels to the right, with or without a curb. With a curb, let the vehicle roll until the right front tire touches it. Then set the park brake and put the transmission in park, or low gear for a manual.p. 55
From the study guide: Parking rules and hill parking in Alberta →
Which way do you turn your wheels when parking uphill?
Parked on the right side of the road with a curb, turn your front wheels to the left, toward the centre of the road, and let the vehicle roll back slowly until the right front tire touches the curb. Without a curb, turn them to the right, toward the edge of the road.p. 55
From the study guide: Parking rules and hill parking in Alberta →
What speed must you slow to when passing a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with its lights flashing?
60 km/h, or the posted speed if that is lower, in the lane or lanes right next to it. The fine for speeding there is doubled. In a lane further away, still slow down, leave lots of space and watch for people moving around the scene.p. 85
From the study guide: Emergency vehicles, tow trucks and snowplows in Alberta →
How far behind an emergency vehicle must you stay?
At least 150 metres (500 feet) when its siren or lights are operating. Always yield to an emergency vehicle with its siren or lights on.p. 85
From the study guide: Emergency vehicles, tow trucks and snowplows in Alberta →
What should you do when an ambulance, fire or police vehicle comes with its siren on?
Yield the right-of-way. On a two-way road, drive as close as you can to the right curb or edge; on a one-way street, move to the nearest curb. Stop until it has passed, then check that no other emergency vehicle is coming.p. 85
From the study guide: Emergency vehicles, tow trucks and snowplows in Alberta →
What flashing lights does a snowplow use?
Flashing amber and red lights, to make it more visible. The Driver’s Guide puts it this way: “flashing amber and red means snowplow ahead”. Keep a safe following distance, and never pass when you can’t see along its side, when passing would get in the way of its work, or when you can’t pass safely.p. 102
From the study guide: Emergency vehicles, tow trucks and snowplows in Alberta →
How far before an intersection should you be in your turning lane?
At least 15 metres (50 feet) before the intersection. Prepare well in advance: if you’re not in the proper turning lane, check your mirrors, do a shoulder check, then signal and change lanes when it is safe.p. 63
From the study guide: Left turns, right turns and U-turns in Alberta →
Where are U-turns not allowed in Alberta?
At traffic lights unless a traffic control device allows it, and wherever a sign prohibits them. In towns and cities, also between intersections, at an alley intersection, and at an intersection with an entrance to a parking lot the public can use. Outside towns and cities, also on a curve, or near the crest of a hill where a driver within 150 metres can’t see you.p. 67
From the study guide: Left turns, right turns and U-turns in Alberta →
When waiting to turn left, which way should your front wheels point?
Straight ahead. Then if you are hit from behind, you won’t be pushed into oncoming traffic. Stay to the right of the yellow line while you wait, and stay behind the crosswalk if there is only room for one vehicle ahead of you in the intersection.p. 65
From the study guide: Left turns, right turns and U-turns in Alberta →
How do dual turn lanes work?
Only where pavement markings or signs show them. Approach in one of the marked lanes, turn into the matching lane, and never swing wide or change lanes during the turn: another vehicle could be turning beside you. Watch that vehicle too, as it may swing wide into your lane.p. 66
From the study guide: Left turns, right turns and U-turns in Alberta →
When following another vehicle at night, within what distance must you switch to low beams?
Within 150 metres, about one and a half city blocks. For an oncoming vehicle, switch to low beams within 300 metres. Low beams are also the right choice in rain, fog and smoke, where high beams reflect the light back at you and cause glare.p. 82p. 83
From the study guide: Night driving and high beams in Alberta →
How far from an oncoming vehicle should you dim your high beams?
Use your low beams within 300 metres of an oncoming vehicle, even on a divided highway. When you are following another vehicle, the distance is 150 metres. Keeping your headlights clean and properly aimed also stops them from bothering other drivers.p. 82p. 81
From the study guide: Night driving and high beams in Alberta →
When must your headlights be on?
At night, and any time you can’t clearly see 150 metres (500 feet) ahead. Daytime running lights aren’t bright enough for night driving, and with them alone your tail lights and instrument panel lights stay off.p. 81
From the study guide: Night driving and high beams in Alberta →
What should you do if oncoming headlights blind you?
Don’t look straight at them. Look slightly down and to the right edge of your lane until the vehicle passes. Glare from the sun, reflections or other lights can affect you by day or night too: if it makes the road hard to see, slow down.p. 81p. 82
From the study guide: Night driving and high beams in Alberta →
Want the whole topic? Each answer links to its study guide, or read the Driver’s Guide page by page.