Alberta Class 4 study materials
Alberta Class 4 study resources

Alberta Class 4 cheat sheet

Alberta Class 4 · Keep the key ideas within reach.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.

Quick reference

Class 4 Knowledge and Rules of the Road

  • A Class 4 licence covers taxis, ambulances, small buses (11-24 passengers including the driver), and Class 4 commercial vehicles up to 24,000 kg registered weight; it requires a Class 5 (or higher) prerequisite and a knowledge and road test.

  • Alberta default urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless posted; playground zones are 30 km/h from 08:30 to one hour after sunset, and school zones are 30 km/h on school days during posted hours.

  • Passing is prohibited where a solid yellow line is on your side, at uncontrolled intersections, on curves and hillcrests with restricted sight distance, and at railway crossings unless gates and signals permit.

  • A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; on a divided highway, only traffic approaching from behind the bus must stop.

  • Right-of-way: a vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming through traffic; a vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot yields to all traffic already on the road.

  • Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull as far right as practicable and stop; do not enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Following distance in good conditions is at least 2 seconds; double to 4 seconds or more on ice, snow, gravel, or when following a large vehicle that blocks forward vision.

  • At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has right-of-way, and a left-turning vehicle yields to a through vehicle.

Quick reference

Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness

  • Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

  • Space cushion rule: maintain a following gap of at least one second per 3 m of vehicle length, plus extra margin for heavy or loaded vehicles that need longer braking distances.

  • Black ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections; steering and braking inputs on ice should be smooth and single, and ABS requires firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

  • Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking; for a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Fatigue countermeasures: take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours, stop driving when yawning or lane drifting begins; caffeine and open windows are temporary and do not substitute for sleep.

  • Hydroplaning onset depends on speed, tire tread depth, and water depth; ease off the throttle and avoid braking until tires regain contact with the road.

  • Railway crossing protocol: stop no closer than 5 m from the nearest rail, look both ways, and do not proceed until the track is clear in both directions; never stop on the tracks.

  • Work zone and incident scenes: reduce speed, obey flag persons, and move over or slow down when passing stopped emergency or tow vehicles with lights flashing.

Quick reference

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security

  • Daily pre-trip inspection covers tires and tread, wheel fasteners, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, load securement, and emergency equipment.

  • Minimum tire tread for commercial vehicles is 3 mm in the tread grooves; inspect for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, and matched dual tire diameters to prevent sidewall contact and uneven wear.

  • Air brake check sequence: build system pressure to governor cut-out, stop the engine, verify leak rate limits, test the low-pressure warning, and confirm spring brakes apply when pressure drops.

  • Load securement requires the aggregate working load limit of tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight, with a minimum of one tiedown per 3 m of cargo length and at least two tiedowns.

  • Cargo must not extend more than 1.5 m beyond the front of the vehicle or more than 1.85 m beyond the rear, and rear overhang must be flagged with a red or orange marker.

  • Loads must be distributed to respect axle weight ratings and the vehicle's gross weight rating; check weight scale tickets when in doubt rather than estimating.

  • Brake adjustment and slack adjuster checks are part of the pre-trip; pushrod travel beyond the manufacturer's limit means the vehicle is out of service until repaired.

  • Coolant, oil, and brake fluid leaks, plus damaged hoses and belts, are grounds to keep the vehicle out of service until corrected.

Quick reference

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Records

  • Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry a valid licence of the correct class, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required permits; produce them on demand to a peace officer.

  • Hours of service in Alberta follow the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations: no driving after 13 hours of driving in a day, 14 hours on duty, or 16 hours elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty.

  • Daily logs must be completed for each 24-hour period, retained for at least 6 months, and include duty status changes, total hours, distance, and the driver's signature and certification.

  • Electronic logging devices are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers; paper logs are permitted only under specific exemptions such as short-haul operations within the allowed radius.

  • A daily trip inspection report is required for commercial vehicles, with defects recorded and major defects reported to the carrier before the vehicle is driven again.

  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for the required retention period and make them available for inspection by officials.

  • Cargo and passenger-carrying vehicles must meet annual or periodic inspection requirements, and safety fitness certificates are required for carriers operating commercial vehicles.

  • Overweight or over-dimension loads require a permit, and drivers must obey permit conditions including route, time, and axle weight restrictions.