Class 5 Theory Test flashcards

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

Class 5 licence

The full car licence class in most Canadian provinces, covering cars, light trucks, and vans up to 4,600 kg gross vehicle weight. It does not authorise heavy vehicle operation.

Graduated licensing

A staged system (learner, novice, full) that new drivers pass through, imposing conditions such as zero blood alcohol, passenger limits, and night restrictions before a full licence is granted.

Heavy vehicle age minimum

Applicants for heavy vehicle classes must usually be at least 18 to 21 years old, depending on the province and the specific class applied for.

Medical fitness requirement

Heavy vehicle applicants must pass a medical examination; uncontrolled seizures, certain diabetes histories, or vision below standard can result in refusal or restricted licensing.

Heavy vehicle vision standard

Corrected visual acuity typically 20/30 or better in the better eye, plus a horizontal visual field of about 150 degrees, is required for heavy vehicle licensing.

Air brake endorsement

A separate endorsement (often Q or Z, province-specific) required to drive any vehicle equipped with air brakes; it involves both a written and a practical test.

Class 1 licence

Authorises driving semi-trailer trucks and tractor-trailers, typically combinations where the towed trailer exceeds 4,600 kg gross vehicle weight.

Class 2 licence

Covers buses and passenger vehicles designed to carry more than 24 passengers, including school buses in many provinces.

Class 3 licence

Permits single-unit straight trucks with a registered gross vehicle weight over 11,000 kg, and such trucks towing a trailer up to 4,600 kg.

Class 4 licence

Covers taxis, limousines, ambulances, and small buses carrying up to 24 passengers; some provinces split it into subtypes 4A, 4B, and 4C.

Class 6 licence

Authorises riding motorcycles and mopeds; it requires a separate knowledge test and road test, and graduated licensing stages apply.

Class 7 learner licence

The learner stage for cars (7L) and motorcycles (7M); the driver must be accompanied by a fully licensed supervisor and follow novice restrictions.

School bus endorsement

An additional endorsement (often S) required beyond the base class to drive a school bus; requirements are set by provincial regulation.

Four-second following rule

Heavy vehicles should follow at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions, and more in rain, snow, or when fully loaded.

Air brake lag

Air-brake systems take roughly 0.3 to 0.5 seconds to engage after the pedal is pressed, adding to total stopping distance, especially when loaded.

No-zone

A large blind spot around a heavy vehicle, directly in front, on both sides, and behind, where the driver cannot see a nearby car.

Right-turn squeeze

A large vehicle may swing left before turning right; passing on the right side during the turn risks being squeezed between the truck and the curb.

Off-tracking

On a turn, the rear wheels of a long vehicle track inside the path of the front wheels, so the driver must allow extra room and check mirrors.

Engine braking on downgrades

Selecting a lower gear before a long descent uses engine braking to control speed; relying on service brakes alone can cause fade and loss of control.

Load security

Cargo must be secured so it cannot shift or fall; an unsecured or overloaded load changes handling and braking and is a safety and legal violation.

Fatigue and hours of service

Commercial drivers are subject to hours-of-service limits; fatigue slows reaction time and is a leading cause of heavy vehicle collisions.

Brake system standard

Heavy vehicles must have service brakes on all wheels, a parking brake, and where equipped a secondary brake; air systems must meet pressure and leak-down standards.

Lighting standard

Headlamps, tail lamps, brake lamps, turn signals, clearance lamps, and reflectors must be present, working, and correctly aimed on heavy vehicles.

Tire tread minimum

Heavy vehicle tires need a minimum tread depth (often 1.5 mm or 2/32 inch) with no exposed cord, cuts, or bulges; dual tires must be matched.

Mirror requirement

Heavy vehicles must have a rear-view mirror system, often with convex mirrors, adjustable and giving a clear view behind and to the sides.

Mud flap requirement

Splash guards or mud flaps are required behind the wheels on many heavy vehicles to reduce spray and debris thrown at following traffic.

Axle weight limit

Axle and gross vehicle weight ratings must not be exceeded; overloading degrades braking and handling and is a violation of vehicle standards.

Trailer breakaway brake

A safety system that applies the trailer brakes automatically if the trailer separates from the towing vehicle, required on many heavy trailers.

Certificate of Fitness

A periodic inspection document confirming a heavy vehicle meets safety standards for brakes, lights, tires, steering, and body, issued after a provincial inspection.

Inspection interval

Heavy vehicle safety inspections are typically annual, but some vehicle types such as buses and school buses may require more frequent inspections.

Certificate of Operation

In some jurisdictions, a document or permit required to operate a commercial vehicle or specific class such as a bus, in addition to the vehicle's fitness certificate.

Pre-trip inspection

The driver inspects brakes, lights, tires, fluid levels, and coupling before each trip and records defects; a defective vehicle must not be driven.

Carrier safety rating

A score for commercial carriers based on inspections, collisions, and violations; a poor rating can lead to suspension of operating authority.