BC Class 7 Test cheat sheet
BC Class 7 Test · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Rules of the Road, Traffic Signs and Signals
British Columbia uses a four-way stop rule: the first vehicle to stop is the first to proceed; if two stop at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
A flashing red light is treated as a stop sign: come to a full stop, then proceed only when safe. A flashing amber (yellow) light means proceed with caution.
A steady amber light means stop unless stopping cannot be done safely; a steady green means proceed if the intersection is clear, and a green arrow protects only the indicated movement.
Regulatory signs are white with black or red markings and must be obeyed (for example STOP, YIELD, speed limits); warning signs are yellow diamonds and alert to hazards ahead.
A YIELD sign requires slowing and giving right of way to cross traffic and pedestrians; a full stop is required only if traffic or safety demands it.
At a pedestrian crosswalk with no signal, drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk; passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk is prohibited.
School bus with flashing red lights and extended stop arm: traffic in both directions must stop until the lights stop flashing, unless separated by a physical median.
Left turn on a red light is permitted only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop and when safe; right turn on red is allowed after stopping unless a sign prohibits it.
Speed limits in BC: 50 km/h in municipalities and townsites, 80 km/h outside municipalities, and 30 km/h in school and playground zones during posted hours.
Safe and Responsible Driving Practices
A learner (Class 7L) must drive with a qualified supervisor aged 25 or older holding a valid Class 5 (or higher) licence, and must display an L sign.
A novice (Class 7N) driver may not carry more than one passenger unless accompanied by a supervisor aged 25 or older; the N sign must be displayed at the rear.
The novice stage lasts a minimum of 24 months with no prohibitions; a 12-month time credit is available for completing an approved driver-training course.
Blood alcohol content for novice drivers must be zero; any alcohol results in an immediate roadside prohibition and vehicle impoundment.
A safe following distance in good conditions is at least two seconds, increased to three or more seconds in rain, snow, darkness, or behind large vehicles.
Hands-free use of a device is permitted for fully licensed drivers, but novice drivers may not use any electronic device, including hands-free, while driving.
Seat belts must be worn by all occupants, and children under 12 years or under 145 cm must use an appropriate child restraint or booster seat.
Signalling is required before turning or changing lanes, and a lane change should be completed only after a shoulder check confirms the blind spot is clear.
Sharing the Road with Other Road Users
Pass cyclists by giving at least 1 metre of space on roads where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less, and at least 1.5 metres where the limit is higher.
Cyclists are entitled to the full lane when it is too narrow to share safely; drivers must not squeeze past them.
A pedestrian at a marked or unmarked crosswalk has the right of way, and drivers must not pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
When passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, reduce speed and move over a lane if safe to do so; if not, slow down and pass with caution.
Motorcycles and bicycles are harder to see and judge speed on; add extra following distance behind them and check blind spots before lane changes.
Large trucks have wide right-turn sweep and large blind spots; drivers should avoid staying alongside them and never pass on the right during a turn.
School buses with flashing red lights require traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop, unless a physical median separates the directions.
When being passed by another vehicle, maintain speed and lane position; do not accelerate or drift toward the passing vehicle.
Vehicle Handling, Manoeuvres and Driving Conditions
Parallel parking: pull alongside the vehicle ahead, reverse at about a 45-degree angle while turning the wheel fully, then straighten and adjust to about 30 cm from the curb.
A hill start requires holding the brake or clutch to prevent rollback, then releasing smoothly while applying power so the vehicle does not roll backward.
In a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go; avoid hard braking.
When driving on ice or snow, increase following distance, brake gently, and avoid sudden steering or acceleration to maintain traction.
In fog, use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and increase following distance; high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility.
When hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking, and steer straight until tyres regain contact with the road.
Before changing lanes, check mirrors, signal, shoulder check, then move smoothly; signal at least three seconds before the manoeuvre.
When parking downhill with a curb, turn the front wheels toward the curb; when parking uphill with a curb, turn them away from the curb.
Rules of the Road, Traffic Signs and Signals (continued)
A stop sign requires a full stop at the stop line or before the crosswalk; if there is no line, stop before entering the intersection.
Yellow diamond signs warn of hazards ahead (curves, intersections, pedestrian crossings); they do not require a stop but call for caution.
A green arrow means the indicated movement is protected; turning in the direction of the arrow is permitted only if the lane is clear.
When approaching a railway crossing with flashing lights or a lowered gate, stop and remain stopped until the signal stops and the gate is fully raised.
A solid white line separating lanes means lane changes are discouraged; a broken white line means lane changes are permitted when safe.
Safe and Responsible Driving Practices (continued)
Impairment from alcohol, cannabis, or fatigue reduces reaction time and judgment; driving while impaired is prohibited and carries immediate roadside penalties.
Distracted driving includes texting, holding a phone, and eating; it increases collision risk and is prohibited under BC law.
The Graduated Licensing Program has three stages: learner (7L), novice (7N), and full privilege (Class 5); each stage has specific restrictions.
A driver must carry a valid licence and vehicle insurance documents and produce them when requested by a peace officer.
Yielding to emergency vehicles with lights and sirens: pull to the right and stop until the vehicle passes, unless you are in an intersection.
Sharing the Road with Other Road Users (continued)
Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, and drivers must not block crosswalks when stopped in traffic.
Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic and obey the same rules; drivers should expect them to move around obstacles.
When sharing the road with a large truck making a right turn, do not pass on the right; the truck may swing left before turning.
Motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane; do not share a lane with a motorcycle.
Slow-moving vehicles such as farm equipment display a triangular orange emblem; pass only when safe and with adequate clearance.
Vehicle Handling, Manoeuvres and Driving Conditions (continued)
Before backing up, check mirrors and look over your shoulder; reverse slowly and be prepared to stop.
When entering a highway from an acceleration lane, match the speed of traffic and merge when a safe gap is available.
In heavy rain, reduce speed and turn on headlights; avoid driving through standing water where depth is unknown.
When driving at night, use high beams on unlit roads when no other vehicles are ahead, and switch to low beams when approaching traffic.
A three-point turn should be done only where legal and safe, checking for traffic in both directions before starting.
Rules of the Road, Traffic Signs and Signals (continued 2)
A right turn on a red light is permitted after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it, and only when the way is clear of traffic and pedestrians.
At an intersection with a stop sign and no marked crosswalk, stop before the intersection and yield to traffic on the cross road.
A yellow traffic light means the signal is about to turn red; stop if it is safe to do so, otherwise proceed with caution.
A flashing amber light at a pedestrian crossing means yield to pedestrians and proceed with caution.
A sign with a red circle and a diagonal slash indicates a prohibited action (for example, no left turn).
Safe and Responsible Driving Practices (continued 2)
A driver must not follow an emergency vehicle closer than 150 metres when it is responding to an emergency.
When a school bus displays flashing red lights, traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a physical median.
A driver must not drive with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.05 (0.00 for novice drivers); penalties increase with higher readings.
A driver must not use a hand-held device while driving; even hands-free use is prohibited for novice drivers.
A driver must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and must not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
Sharing the Road with Other Road Users (continued 2)
When passing a cyclist, leave at least 1 metre on roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less and 1.5 metres on faster roads.
When a pedestrian is crossing, drivers must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared the lane.
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right and stop; do not block intersections.
When sharing the road with a motorcycle, allow extra following distance because motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
When approaching a horse and rider, slow down and pass widely to avoid startling the animal.
Vehicle Handling, Manoeuvres and Driving Conditions (continued 2)
When parking uphill without a curb, turn the front wheels toward the edge of the road so the vehicle rolls away from traffic if it moves.
When parking downhill, turn the front wheels toward the curb and set the parking brake.
When driving in snow, use gentle acceleration and braking and increase following distance to at least four seconds.
When driving in fog, use low beams and reduce speed; do not use high beams.
When hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and avoid braking hard; steer straight until traction returns.