Alberta Class 7 Test (Canadian Driver Knowledge Tests) key terms

A learner's permit for new drivers in Alberta. It lets you drive while supervised by a fully licensed driver and comes with restrictions such as a zero blood-alcohol limit and no driving between midnight and 5 a.m.

A staged system that moves new Alberta drivers from a learner stage through a probationary stage to a full licence, adding privileges only as experience and safe driving are demonstrated.

The stage after the learner phase in Alberta. The driver may drive without a supervisor but keeps a zero alcohol limit and other limits until qualifying for a full Class 5 licence.

A fully licensed adult who sits beside a learner and is legally responsible for the learner's driving. Alberta requires this person to hold a valid non-learner licence and meet minimum age and experience rules.

Penalty points added to a driver's record for traffic convictions. Accumulating enough points within a set period leads to suspension, and new drivers face lower thresholds.

An official record of a driver's licence history, including convictions, demerit points and suspensions, issued by the province.

A temporary removal of driving privileges ordered by the province, often for too many demerit points, certain convictions or unpaid fines. Driving while suspended is an offence.

A rule that applies to learner and probationary drivers in Alberta: any measurable alcohol in the body is a violation, regardless of the general limits set for fully licensed drivers.

The legal duty for every occupant of a moving vehicle to wear a properly adjusted seat belt or approved child restraint, with the driver responsible for ensuring passengers under a set age are secured.

A car seat or booster designed for a child's size and age, required by law for young passengers. It must be installed and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The padded support at the top of a vehicle seat, adjusted so the top is level with the top of the head, to reduce neck injury in a rear-end collision.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead. A common safe guide is at least two seconds in good conditions, increased in rain, snow, darkness or when following large vehicles.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment a hazard is seen until it comes to rest. It combines perception, reaction and braking distance and grows with speed and poor road conditions.

Loss of tire grip on the road surface, often caused by braking too hard, steering too sharply or driving too fast on ice, snow or water. The correct response is to ease off and steer smoothly.

A condition where tires ride on a layer of water instead of the road, causing loss of steering and braking control. It is most likely at higher speeds on wet pavement.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. Drivers must shoulder-check before changing lanes or merging to confirm the space is clear.

A quick glance over the shoulder toward the blind spot before turning or changing lanes, used together with mirrors to confirm no vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian is hidden.

Scanning the rear-view and side mirrors regularly to monitor traffic behind and beside the vehicle. Mirrors are checked before slowing, turning, changing lanes or opening a door.

The legal priority to proceed in a given situation. It is given, not taken, and is determined by signs, signals, road markings and rules such as yielding to traffic already in an intersection.

A sign meaning you must slow down and give way to traffic on the intersecting road, proceeding only when it is safe. Failing to yield can cause a collision and a conviction.

A crossing with no signs or signals controlling the flow. At these, drivers must yield to traffic already in the intersection and follow the rule that the first vehicle to arrive has priority.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived, and if two arrive at once, the one on the right goes first.

A red octagonal sign requiring a complete stop at the marked line or before entering the intersection. You must look both ways and proceed only when it is safe.

A marked area near a school with a reduced speed limit, often in effect during set hours. Drivers must slow to the posted limit and watch for children crossing.

A marked area near a playground with a reduced speed limit, typically in effect daily during daylight hours. Drivers must obey the posted limit and watch for children.

The maximum legal speed for a road, shown on a sign. Driving faster than this, or faster than conditions allow, is unsafe and can bring fines and demerit points.

A lane used to overtake slower traffic on a multi-lane highway. Drivers should use it to pass and then return to the right lane when it is safe.

Moving from one lane to another, which requires signalling, checking mirrors, shoulder-checking and confirming the new lane is clear before moving over.

A light that shows other road users your intention to turn or change lanes. It must be used well before the manoeuvre and cancelled afterwards.

A manual gesture used to show a turn or stop when vehicle signals are not working or are not visible, such as a left arm extended straight out for a left turn.

A place where a road meets train tracks. Drivers must slow, look and listen, stop if a train is coming or a signal is active, and never stop on the tracks.

A vehicle such as an ambulance, fire truck or police car using lights or sirens. Drivers must pull to the right and stop, or clear the way, to let it pass.

A small two-wheeled vehicle with an engine of limited size and power, often with pedals. In Alberta a Class 7 learner may ride one with restrictions, and a helmet is required.

Protective headgear that meets approved safety standards and is legally required for motorcycle and moped riders and passengers in Alberta.

Operating a vehicle while affected by alcohol, drugs or other substances. It is a serious offence with severe penalties, and learner and probationary drivers face a zero alcohol limit.

Driving while attention is taken away from the road, such as by texting, eating or adjusting devices. It is illegal to use a hand-held device while driving in Alberta.

The legal duty to stop after a collision, exchange information and report certain collisions to police or a reporting centre, depending on injury and damage thresholds.

The provincial record that ties a vehicle to its owner and confirms it is legally allowed on the road. Driving an unregistered vehicle is an offence.

A policy that covers liability and damage in the event of a collision. Alberta requires at least basic third-party liability coverage to drive legally.