ICBC Knowledge Test cheat sheet

Learner stage (Class 7L): minimum age 16; must pass a knowledge test and vision screening; must be accompanied by a qualified supervisor aged 25+ with a valid Class 5 (or higher) licence.

Learner restrictions: zero blood-alcohol; no driving between midnight and 5 a.m.; no passengers except supervisor and immediate family; must display an 'L' sign.

Novice stage (Class 7N): minimum 12 months in learner stage (may be reduced to 9 months with ICBC-approved driver training); must pass the Class 7 road test.

Novice restrictions: zero blood-alcohol; no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a qualified supervisor; no passengers under 25 unless accompanied by a supervisor; must display an 'N' sign.

Full privilege (Class 5): minimum 24 months in novice stage (reduced to 18 months if driver training completed); must pass the Class 5 road test.

Knowledge test eligibility: must be at least 16 years old, provide acceptable identification, and pay the applicable fee; no minimum waiting period before taking the test.

Knowledge test format: 50 multiple-choice questions; passing score is 80% (40 correct); available in multiple languages and with audio assistance.

Supervising driver requirements: must hold a valid Class 5 (or higher) licence, be at least 25 years old, and have no prohibited driving convictions in the past 3 years.

GLP exits: learner and novice stages are subject to a 12-month probationary period after receiving a ticket; two or more convictions can result in a return to a lower stage.

Speed limits: 50 km/h in cities/towns unless otherwise posted; 80 km/h on highways outside municipalities; 30 km/h in school zones during posted hours; 30 km/h in playground zones from dawn to dusk.

Right-of-way at uncontrolled intersections: yield to the vehicle on your right; at a four-way stop, first to arrive goes first; if simultaneous, yield to the right.

Traffic light rules: solid red = stop; solid yellow = stop unless unsafe; solid green = proceed if clear; green arrow = protected turn; flashing red = stop then proceed when safe; flashing green = advanced left turn (pedestrians may not cross).

Pedestrian rules: must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk; passing a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk is prohibited; pedestrians must not enter a crosswalk when a 'don't walk' signal is displayed.

Sign shapes: octagon = stop; triangle = yield; diamond = warning; rectangle = regulatory; pentagon = school zone; circle = railway crossing advance warning.

Sign colors: red = stop/prohibition; yellow = warning; orange = construction; green = direction/guidance; blue = information/services; white = regulatory.

Pavement markings: solid yellow line = no passing; broken yellow = passing allowed when safe; solid white line = lane edge; broken white = lane change permitted; crosswalk lines = yield to pedestrians.

School bus rules: must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and stop arm, whether approaching from behind or meeting head-on (unless on a divided highway).

Emergency vehicle rules: must pull to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren; must not follow within 150 metres.

Two-second rule: maintain at least a two-second following distance in ideal conditions; increase to three or more seconds in rain, snow, darkness, or when following large vehicles.

Speed and stopping distance: stopping distance increases with the square of speed; doubling speed quadruples stopping distance.

Hydroplaning: occurs when water depth exceeds tyre tread; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering; tyres with low tread increase risk.

Winter driving: use winter tyres or chains where required; reduce speed; brake gently; steer smoothly; clear all snow and ice from windows, lights, and roof before driving.

Night driving: use low beams when following within 150 metres or meeting oncoming traffic within 150 metres; use high beams only when alone on the road.

Fatigue: symptoms include yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting, and poor concentration; the only effective remedy is to stop and rest; rolling down windows or loud music is not effective.

Skid control: if you skid, ease off the accelerator, steer in the direction you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for rear-wheel skids, steer into the skid.

Intersection safety: scan left-right-left before entering; check mirrors and blind spots; do not enter unless you can clear the intersection.

Construction zones: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and expect lane closures; fines are doubled in construction zones when workers are present.

Cyclists: must be given at least 1 metre of space when passing; cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles; do not honk or crowd them.

Motorcyclists: often hidden in blind spots; check mirrors and shoulder check before lane changes; allow a full lane when passing.

Large vehicles (trucks/buses): have large blind spots (No-Zones) on all sides; do not linger alongside; allow extra following distance; wide right turns require extra space.

Pedestrians: yield at crosswalks; watch for children, seniors, and people with disabilities; do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.

School zones: speed limit 30 km/h during posted hours; watch for children and crossing guards; stop for school buses with flashing red lights.

Emergency vehicles: pull right and stop; do not follow within 150 metres; be aware of emergency scenes and move over if safe.

Wildlife: reduce speed in rural areas, especially at dawn and dusk; if an animal is on the road, brake firmly and avoid swerving if it would cause a collision.

Railway crossings: stop, look, and listen; never stop on tracks; obey signals and gates; do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Hazard awareness: scan 12-15 seconds ahead; identify potential hazards (parked cars, driveways, intersections); use the SIPDE process (Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute).

Seat belt law: all occupants must wear seat belts where provided; driver is responsible for passengers under 16; fines apply for non-compliance.

Child restraint law: children under 9 years old and under 145 cm (4'9") must use an appropriate child car seat; rear-facing until at least 1 year and 9 kg (20 lb); forward-facing with tether until at least 18 kg (40 lb); booster seat until 9 years or 145 cm.

Airbag safety: children under 13 should sit in the back seat; rear-facing child seats must never be placed in front of an active airbag.

Impaired driving: zero blood-alcohol for learner and novice drivers; for full licence holders, blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.05% leads to immediate roadside prohibitions; over 0.08% is a Criminal Code offence.

Cannabis and drugs: it is illegal to drive while impaired by cannabis, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medications; zero tolerance for GLP drivers.

Impaired driving penalties: immediate 3-day to 30-day licence suspensions, vehicle impoundment, fines, and possible criminal charges; repeat offences carry longer suspensions and mandatory ignition interlock.

Distracted driving: hand-held device use is prohibited; fines and points apply; even hands-free devices can be distracting; avoid all distractions.

Passenger safety: ensure all passengers are properly restrained; do not allow passengers to ride in cargo areas or on exterior parts of the vehicle.

Vehicle maintenance: regularly check tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels; faulty equipment can cause collisions and is subject to inspection and penalties.

Basic Autoplan insurance: mandatory for all motor vehicles in B.C.; provided by ICBC; includes third-party liability, accident benefits, and underinsured motorist protection.

Optional insurance: collision, comprehensive, and extended third-party liability can be purchased from ICBC or private insurers.

Registration: vehicles must be registered with ICBC; registration must be renewed annually; plates must be displayed and kept visible.

Driver's licence renewal: Class 5 licences must be renewed every 5 years (or 2 years for seniors over 65); photo taken at renewal.

Address change: must notify ICBC within 10 days of changing address; can be done online, by phone, or in person.

Vehicle transfer: must transfer ownership within 10 days of purchase; new owner must obtain insurance and registration before driving.

Insurance rates: based on driving record, vehicle type, and location; safe drivers may earn discounts; at-fault collisions can increase premiums.

Driver penalty points: accumulated for traffic convictions; 4 or more points in a 12-month period results in a Driver Penalty Point premium; 50 or more points results in a 3-month suspension.

Identification requirements: must provide two pieces of ID for licence and insurance transactions; primary ID includes birth certificate or passport; secondary ID includes BC Services Card or credit card.