NS Class 7 Knowledge Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Uncontrolled intersection

An intersection with no signs or signals. The driver must yield to vehicles approaching from the right and, when turning left, to oncoming traffic going straight or right.

Four-way stop order

The first vehicle to stop proceeds first. If two arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right goes first, and a left-turning vehicle yields to one going straight.

Emergency vehicle response

Pull to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren. Where a median divides the road, pull to the nearest curb and stay stopped.

Passing prohibition zones

Passing is prohibited on a solid yellow line on your side, at intersections, on curves and hill crests with limited sight distance, and at railway crossings.

Octagon sign meaning

An eight-sided red sign is a stop sign. The driver must come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when the way is clear.

Flashing red signal

A flashing red light functions as a stop sign: stop fully, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when safe. A flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution.

Double solid yellow line

Two solid yellow lines prohibit passing in both directions. A single solid yellow marks the left edge of your travel direction; a broken yellow permits passing when safe.

Green arrow signal

A green arrow permits a protected turn in the arrow's direction, but the driver must still yield to pedestrians and to vehicles already lawfully in the intersection.

Two-second rule

In good conditions, stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Double to four seconds at night, in rain, or on gravel, and increase further for ice and snow.

IPDE scanning process

Identify hazards, Predict what may happen, Decide on an action, and Execute it. Scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead in urban areas and further on highways.

Driving in fog

Use low-beam headlights, not high beams, because high beams reflect off precipitation. Reduce speed and increase following distance to match reduced visibility.

Fatigue impairment signs

Lane drift, missed signs, and difficulty keeping eyes open indicate dangerous fatigue. Fatigue impairs reaction time similarly to low-level alcohol; the correct response is to stop and rest.

Criminal BAC limit

In Canada, the Criminal Code limit is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood, or 0.08. Provincial roadside sanctions can begin at a lower level, such as 0.05.

Novice driver alcohol rule

A Nova Scotia Graduated Driver Licensing novice driver must maintain zero blood alcohol at all times. Any alcohol results in suspension and return to an earlier GDL stage.

Alcohol elimination rate

The body eliminates alcohol at roughly one standard drink per hour. Coffee, food, cold showers, and exercise do not speed elimination or reduce impairment.

Refusing a breath demand

Refusing to provide a breath or blood sample when lawfully demanded by a police officer is itself an offence, carrying penalties comparable to impaired driving.

Cyclist passing space

When passing a cyclist, leave at least one metre of space where practical. Cyclists may take the full lane when necessary for their safety.

Truck no-zones

Large trucks have large blind spots at the front, both sides, and directly behind. If you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Door zone hazard

The area beside parked cars where an opening door can strike a cyclist. Drivers should check mirrors and shoulder before opening a door into traffic.

School bus red lights

When a school bus displays flashing red lights, traffic in both directions must stop until the lights stop, unless the road is divided by a median.

Headlight requirement

Headlights are required from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced. Use low beams when following or meeting traffic.

Minimum tire tread

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Worn tires greatly increase stopping distance and the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads.

Winter tire threshold

Winter tires are recommended once temperatures stay below 7 °C, because all-season rubber hardens and loses grip. All four tires should match.

Child restraint placement

Children must use an appropriate child restraint. A rear-facing infant seat must never be placed in front of an active airbag, because deployment can cause fatal injury.

GDL three stages

Nova Scotia's Graduated Driver Licensing has a Learner stage (Class 7L), a Newly Licensed stage (Class 7N), and full Class 5, each with its own restrictions.

Learner stage rules

A Class 7L driver must be accompanied by a supervising driver holding a valid Class 5 licence, display a Learner plate, and maintain zero alcohol.

Demerit point accumulation

Convictions such as speeding, failing to yield, and following too closely add demerit points. Reaching the threshold triggers licence suspension, and points affect insurance rates.

Driving while suspended

A suspended licence means no driving at all. Driving while suspended is a serious offence carrying further suspension and possible vehicle impoundment.

Collision reporting duty

At a collision, stop, assist, call 911 if anyone is injured, and exchange names, addresses, licence, and insurance information. Failing to remain is a criminal offence.

Skid recovery

Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Avoid hard braking, which can worsen the skid.

Stuck accelerator response

Shift the transmission to neutral, brake firmly, and steer to a safe stop. Do not switch off the engine while moving, because that can lock the steering.

Railway crossing safety

Never stop on tracks and never try to beat a train. If a vehicle stalls on the tracks, get everyone out, move toward the direction the train is coming from, and call 911.