Quebec Class 1
Quebec Class 1 Driver's Licence Knowledge Test
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Cheat sheet
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ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Quebec Class 1 licence is the provincial authorization that lets a driver operate a truck tractor with a semi-trailer, or a combination of vehicles, on public roads. It is meant for people moving into professional heavy-vehicle driving - freight, construction supply, bulk transport - and for drivers from other jurisdictions who need to convert their credential. Before you can book the road test, you must pass the SAAQ knowledge test, a computer-based theory exam taken at a service centre. The questions test road signs, signals and markings, right-of-way and traffic rules, pre-trip inspection and vehicle condition, air brake operation, cargo securement, weights and dimensions, hours of service, safe driving practices for heavy vehicles, hazard perception and emergency procedures, and dangerous goods. Because the material is broad, prepare in layers: master signs and rules first, since they carry the most weight and appear throughout; then work through inspection and air-brake procedures as physical sequences you can recite; then cargo, hours of service and dangerous goods. Use the official SAAQ driver's handbook for heavy vehicles as your primary reference, and practise explaining a full pre-trip inspection aloud. Confirm current administrative details - test format, fees, retake rules and document requirements - directly with the SAAQ, which publishes the up-to-date figures. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with the SAAQ.
What you'll study
About Quebec Class 1 preparation
What does the Class 1 knowledge test actually look like?
It is a multiple-choice theory test taken on a computer at an SAAQ service centre, sat before the road test. Questions are drawn from the heavy-vehicle driver's handbook: signs and signals, traffic rules, inspection, air brakes, cargo, hours of service, safe driving and dangerous goods. The SAAQ publishes the current format and conditions.
How many questions are there and what score do I need to pass?
The SAAQ sets and updates the number of questions, the time allowed and the passing score, so check its website for the current figures rather than relying on second-hand numbers. Treat any specific count or percentage you hear from other candidates as unverified.
How long should I study before booking?
Most candidates need several weeks of steady study, not a weekend. Work through the handbook chapter by chapter, then drill the areas you fail in practice quizzes. Book only when you can explain signs, right-of-way scenarios and a full pre-trip inspection without notes.
What if I fail - can I retake it?
Yes, retakes are possible, but the waiting period and any additional fees are set by the SAAQ and can change. Confirm the current retake rule with the SAAQ before you rebook. Use the failure to identify weak domains rather than rereading everything from the start.
Which topics should I study first?
Start with road signs, signals and markings, then rules of the road and right-of-way. They carry the most weight and reappear inside other questions. After that, move to pre-trip inspection and air brakes, which are procedural and reward repetition, then cargo, hours of service and dangerous goods.
Is the air brake section really necessary for the knowledge test?
Yes. Air brake operation and inspection is a distinct topic, and questions test the sequence of a proper brake check, what a low-pressure warning means and how to react to air loss. Learn the checks as ordered steps you can recite, not as vague concepts.
What trips up candidates most often?
Three things: memorizing signs without understanding right-of-way scenarios, skipping the pre-trip inspection sequence, and confusing weights, dimensions and hours-of-service limits. Another common error is assuming a truck braking distance matches a car's. Practise applying rules to situations, not just recalling facts.
Do I need the knowledge test before the road test?
Yes. The theory test comes first and must be passed before you can proceed to the practical road test. The SAAQ controls the order and the documents required at each stage, so verify the sequence and paperwork on its site before booking either one.
Where can I find the official rules and fees?
Only the SAAQ publishes authoritative information on eligibility, documents, fees, test format, passing scores and retake policy. Use its website or a service centre as your source of truth. Study guides like this one help you learn the material but do not replace official requirements.