
Graduated Driver Licensing . . . . . . . . 6 Licence classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Photo identification card . . . . . . . . . . 8 Class 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Class 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Class 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Class 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Class 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Class 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Class 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Learning requirements - All classes . 13 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Applying for your licence . . . . . . . . . 16 Parental consent requirement . . . . . 16 New residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 International licence . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Tourists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Vision screening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Medical requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Condition codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Knowledge test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Road test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Upgrading your licence . . . . . . . . . . 21 Licences: duplicate/renewal/
changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Registration and insurance . . . . . . . . 22
Chapter 2 Traffic Controls
Sign shapes and colours . . . . . . . . . 26 Regulatory signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Speed limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Designated lane signs . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Permissive signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Prohibitive signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Crossing signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Warning signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Information and guide signs . . . . . . 35 Road construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 School zone signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Playground zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Traffic control signals . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Pedestrian signal lights . . . . . . . . . . 44 Lane control signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Pavement markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Chapter 3 Starting Your Vehicle
Starting your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Accelerating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Stopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Braking techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Reversing (backing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Parallel parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Angle parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Hill parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Chapter 4 Intersections and Turns
Stop signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Intersections controlled by
yield signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Right-of-way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Traffic circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Controlled intersections . . . . . . . . . . 73 Uncontrolled intersections . . . . . . . . 73 Signaling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Turning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Right turns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Left turns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Turning lanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 U-turns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Chapter 5 Lane Driving
Lane position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Blind spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Passing lanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Merging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Exiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Weave zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Curves and hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Vehicle breakdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Emergency braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Skids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Off-road recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 Night and poor weather driving . . .100 Animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 When you are involved in
a collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Emergency vehicles
and tow trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Chapter 7 The Responsible Driver
Defensive driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Following distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Fatigue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Cellular telephone use in vehicles . 114 Child restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Ways to improve fuel efficiency . . . 116 Traffic laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Chapter 8 Sharing The Road
Pedestrian safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Bicycle operators/cyclists . . . . . . . . 123 Motorcycle drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Off-highway vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Large vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 School buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Emergency vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Snowplows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Maintenance vehicles . . . . . . . . . . 130 Log-haul vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Railway crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Light rail transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Funeral processions and parades . . 136
Chapter 9 Driving Within the Law
Impaired driving and the law . . . . 138 Alberta Administrative Licence
Suspensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Suspensions/disqualifications . . . . . 143 Demerit point system,
fully licenced drivers . . . . . . . . . . 146 Demerit point schedule . . . . . . . . . 147 Demerit point system for GDL . . . . 148 Alberta Transportation
Safety Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Chapter 10 Towing a Trailer
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
When you put yourself in the driver’s seat, it can open up a whole new world . Driving gives you the freedom to get around, but it also involves certain risks . To avoid these risks you need to learn the following:
It takes study and practice to obtain knowledge and skill . A person’s attitude toward driving is more personal . It requires practice in much the same manner as do skill and knowledge, but more than this; a person’s attitude comes from within . You’re encouraged to drive safely and to develop your knowledge and skills to a high degree . Be prepared to extend courtesy and patience to other road users . Other drivers may not be as skillful or as smart as you . Always drive defensively so you won’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake .
Alberta Infrastucture and Transportation
Web Site: www .inftra .gov .ab .ca (under Drivers Info/Traffic Safety)
Revised: May 2006 Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation has three driver handbooks .
This handbook provides basic information for all drivers .
This handbook provides additional information about driving commercial vehicles and it is used with the Basic Driver’s Handbook for driving a truck, tractor-trailer, ambulance, taxi or bus .
This handbook provides additional information on the safe operation of motorcycles, mopeds or a power bike . It is used with the Basic Driver’s Handbook when you are learning to operate a motorcycle, moped or a power bike .
These handbooks cover all classes of licenses available in Alberta . They provide information to help you in obtaining an Alberta operator’s licence . We recommend that you consider professional driver training to supplement your knowledge and skill . You may want to consider keeping a copy of a handbook in your vehicle as a reference .
A workbook for coaching new drivers entitled Geared to Go is available free of charge at registry agent offices .
This handbook is a guide only and has no legislative sanction . The laws applicable to driving a vehicle can be found in the Traffic Safety Act available from:
Queen’s Printer Bookstore Park Plaza Building 10611 – 98 Ave . Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2P7 Telephone: (780) 427-4952 Internet Site: www .qp .gov .ab .ca/catalogue/index .cfm
Municipalities are given authority under the Traffic Safety Act to pass bylaws in such areas as speed zones, school zones, playground zones and parking . A driver must be aware of local municipal by-laws .
Alberta Government Services is responsible for the motor vehicle registry and the associated services provided through the registry agent network . Motor vehicles services include driver and vehicle licensing, motor vehicle searches, driver's abstracts, driver testing, some suspension services, payment of fines, personalized plate application and many more .
Please refer to your local telephone SuperPages under Licence and Registry Services or check out this web site http://www .gov .ab .ca/gs/information/ registries/ran .cfm
For driver and vehicle licensing information contact: Edmonton (780) 427-4088
If you require further information regarding driver training schools or the driver examination process, please contact Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, Driver Programs Administrator at: Edmonton (780) 427-8901
You can access Alberta Government offices toll-free from anywhere in the province by first calling 310-0000 .


Information About Operator’s Licences
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is a program that will ensure new drivers, regardless of age, get the support, skills and experience they need to handle the complex task of driving . Graduated Driver Licensing will improve road safety by creating a lower risk and a more controlled environment for all new drivers . Practice and driver experience is what makes safe drivers . The following information highlights the key ingredients of GDL:
To obtain a Learner’s licence you must:
Note: Operators of a moped with a Class 7 licence are subject to the zero alcohol level restrictions and are not permitted to drive during nighttime hours.

To become a probationary driver you must:
To become a fully licensed driver you must:
It will take a minimum of three years to complete both the learners and probationary stages of Graduated Driver Licensing . It will take four years if you get your Learner’s licence at 14 years of age .
If you apply for a Motorcycle Licence (Class 6) after your Class 7 licence, you are subject to the same conditions of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program .
New drivers will be required to show that they have mastered the skills to obtain a full-privilege operator’s licence . To obtain detailed information about this road test, visit our web site at:
www .trans .gov .ab .ca/Content/doctype47/production/driverlicensing .htm

Licence classifications
The minimum age for getting a photo identification card is 14 years . This card can be issued to anyone who does not qualify for, or wish to get an operator’s licence . The card does not permit anyone to drive or learn to drive any type of motor vehicle .
To apply for a photo identification card you must:
The photo identification card must be returned when you get an operator’s licence .
A person 14 years of age or older, may apply for a Learners Operator’s Licence . A parent or guardian must give consent on the application if the person applying is under 18 years of age .
The holder of a Class 7 operator’s licence may operate the following:

The minimum learning or licensing age is 16 years of age .
The holder of a Class 6 operator’s licence may operate the following:
A Class 6 licence also allows you to drive as a learner in the motor vehicles listed under the Class 5 category .
A motorcycle must be provided for a Class 6 road test .
The minimum learning age is 14 years and the minimum licensing age is 16 years . Anyone applying for a licence under the age of 18 years must have parental or guardian consent .
The holder of a Class 5 operator’s licence may operate the following:
Note: Drivers of single-motor vehicles registered as farm vehicles do not require an air brake “Q” endorsement.
The holder of a Class 5 operator’s licence shall not operate:

Note: Drivers of single-motor vehicles registered as farm vehicles do not require an air brake “Q” endorsement.
You must provide a two-axle motor vehicle, excluding a motorcycle, for the road test . If the vehicle provided for the road test is equipped with air brakes, you must have either an air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completion certificate from an approved air brake course . The exception would be two-axle air brake equipped vehicles registered in Alberta as farm vehicles .
Note: For hire with respect to a vehicle, means that the vehicle owner or operator, or the operator’s employer, is being paid for the service that the vehicle is being used to provide, but for the purposes of sections (Class licence) and 5 (Class 5 licence), a motor vehicle is not for hire when the operator drives a private passenger vehicle for the transportation of passengers on an incidental or occasional basis and receives compensation in respect of the transportation of those passengers only in one or more of the following forms:
. as payment for the kilometres travelled at a rate not exceeding the limit of tax-exempt allowance paid by employers to employees as prescribed in section 70 of the Income Tax Regulations of Canada (CRC chapter 5);
. as straight reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the transportation, including, without limitation, gas, parking, gate passes and tolls;
. in a case where the operator is party to an agreement to provide transportation to only the operator’s family members, members of the operator’s household or persons for whom the operator is a legal guardian, as compensation only to provide transportation to those persons.
Class 4
The minimum learning or licensing age is 18 years . You may not apply for a Class 4 operator’s licence as a probationary driver .
The holder of a Class 4 operator’s licence may operate the following:

You must provide a Class 5 vehicle or a bus with a seating capacity not exceeding 24 passengers excluding the operator for a road test . An air brake “Q” endorsement is required to operate air brake equipped vehicles . If the vehicle provided for the road test is equipped with air brakes, you must have either an air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completion certificate from an approved air brake course .
Class 3
The minimum learning or licensing age is 18 years . You may not apply for a Class 3 operator’s licence as a probationary driver .
The holder of a Class 3 operator’s licence may operate the following:
You must provide a single motor vehicle having three or more axles for the road test . An air brake “Q” endorsement is required to operate air brake equipped vehicles . If the vehicle provided for the road test is equipped with air brakes, you must have either an air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completion certificate from an approved air brake course .

Note: Drivers of single-motor vehicles registered as farm vehicles do not require an air brake “Q” endorsement.
Class 2
The minimum learning or licensing age is 18 years . You may not apply for a Class 2 operator’s licence as a probationary driver .
The holder of a Class 2 operator’s licence may operate the following:
You must provide a bus with a seating capacity exceeding 24 passengers excluding the operator for a road test . An air brake “Q” endorsement is required to operate air brake equipped vehicles . If the vehicle provided for the road test is equipped with air brakes, you must have either an air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completion certificate from an approved air brake course .
The minimum learning or licensing age is 18 years . You may not apply for a Class 1 operator’s licence as a probationary driver .
The holder of a Class 1 operator’s licence may operate the following:
You must provide a tractor-trailer combination with three or more axles, equipped with air brakes for the road test . Proof of your air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completion certificate from an approved air brake course is required before a road test will be given . This also includes drivers of farm vehicles registered as tractor-trailers .

| Desired Licence Class | Class Needed For Learning | Minimum Licence Age | Minimum Learning Age | Accompanied By Instructor | Minimum Age For Instructor | Instructor Requires Class | Minimum Age To Take Road Test |
| 1 | 2,3,4,5 or 5-GDL* | 18 | 18 | Yes | 18 | 1 | 18 non-GDL* |
| 2 | 3,4,5 or 5-GDL* | 18 | 18 | Yes | 18 | 1 or 2 | 18 non-GDL* |
| 3 | 4,5 or 5-GDL* | 18 | 18 | Yes | 18 | 1,2 or 3 | 18 non-GDL* |
| 4 | 3,5 or 5-GDL* | 18 | 18 | Yes | 18 | 1,2 or 4 | 18 non-GDL* |
| 5 | 6 or 7 | 16 | 14 | Yes | 18 | 1,2,3,4 or 5 | 16 |
| 6 | 1,2,3,4,5 or 7 | 16 | 16 | Yes | 18 | 6 | 16 |
| 7 | 14 | 14 | Yes | 18 | Class being taught | ||
*GDL - Graduated Driver Licence (Probationary)
An air brake vehicle is where the vehicle’s braking system is initiated by air pressure obtained from an engine-driven compressor and transmits the pressure through a series of hoses, reservoirs and control valves to all the vehicle’s foundation brakes . An air brake “Q” endorsement or Class licence is required.
An air over hydraulic braking system is where some of the vehicle’s axles have air actuated foundation brakes and some of the vehicle’s axles have hydraulic foundation brakes . An air brake “Q” endorsement or Class licence is required.

An air actuated hydraulic braking system is where an air compressor is used to boost the hydraulic system to all the vehicle’s foundation brakes . An air brake “Q” endorsement is NOT required.
Note: No person shall drive a vehicle equipped with air brakes (air to all foundation brakes) unless they hold either a Class operator’s licence or an operator’s licence endorsed for air brake operation.
An emergency vehicle that is designed for the transportation of injured persons and is equipped with rescue or first aid equipment .
Means one or more shafts on which two or more wheels revolve .
Bus
A motor vehicle that is:
A “highway” means any thoroughfare, street, road, trail, avenue, parkway, driveway, viaduct, lane, alley, square, bridge, causeway, trestleway or other place or any part of any of them, whether publicly or privately owned, that the public is ordinarily entitled or permitted to use for the passage or parking of vehicles and includes:

case may be, but does not include a place declared by regulation not to be a highway .
A person who conducts road tests on behalf of the Alberta government . These are private sector individuals trained, licenced, monitored and audited by Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation who may work either independently or through a registry agent office .
A person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle .
A licence to operate a motor vehicle issued pursuant to the Traffic Safety Act . A person shall not drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless that person’s operator’s licence is in that person’s possession . On the request of a peace officer, a person driving a motor vehicle shall produce their subsisting operator’s licence, insurance and registration . Ensure that these documents are with you every time you operate a motor vehicle .
An endorsement “Q” will be placed on any class operator’s licence, except
Class 1, when a client successfully completes an approved Alberta air brake
course through an authorized agency . Since a Class 1 licence may not
be obtained without the operator first having qualified for an air brake
endorsement, the actual “Q” endorsement will not appear on the Class
1 licence . For information on taking an approved air brake course, please
contact a Driver Programs Administrator at:
Edmonton (780) 427-8901 or Calgary (403) 297-6679 .
For toll free service from anywhere in Alberta, dial 310-0000 .
Note: Drivers of single-motor vehicles registered as farm vehicles do not require an air brake “Q” endorsement.

A motor vehicle designed or used for travel with temporary living accommodation for vacation or camping purposes .
When applying for an Alberta operator’s licence you must have proof of identification . For information on the identification requirements, please contact a registry agent or visit the Alberta Government Services web site at: www .gov .ab .ca/gs/services/mv/operator .cfm
(If under age of 18 years, please refer to the section on parental consent requirement information below .)
An operator’s licence may only be issued to residents of Alberta . A resident is a person lawfully entitled to be in Alberta, who makes their home in Alberta and is ordinarily present in Alberta . Applicants originating from outside Canada or the United States must produce suitable immigration documents to be considered as residents . Persons on student or employment visas can apply as residents only for the time period specified on their visas .
If you are under the age of 18, and are making an operator’s licence application for the first time, your parent or guardian, who must show proof of guardianship, must accompany you to a registry office to sign consent on your licence application .
Remember a parent or guardian has the right to withdraw their consent in writing at any time until the person reaches the age of 18 years . If they do, the operator’s licence will be suspended .
The signature of your parent or guardian is not required if you can prove you are married or self-supporting .

People who have recently moved into Alberta may use a valid operator’s licence from outside of Alberta for the first three months of their residency . You must apply for your Alberta operator’s licence and surrender your old licence within that three-month period . It is illegal to hold more than one valid operator’s licence .
An operator’s licence from another jurisdiction within Canada is accepted as the same Class without testing . Applicants for Class 1, 2 or 4 licences must provide a medical report and undergo a vision screening . United States licence holders other than those in Class 5, 6 and 7 must complete all requirements .
Upon application, you may be required to provide documents to prove residency. For details, inquire at your local registry agent’s office.
A non-resident holding an International Operator’s Licence issued outside of Canada, may use their licence to operate a particular class or type of motor vehicle . This only applies if the person operates the same type or class of motor vehicle in Alberta . They may use this licence for 12 months or until it expires, whichever comes first .
Tourists or visitors from other countries are permitted to use their valid operator’s licence for a period of three months .
A student is not required to obtain an Alberta operator’s licence when operating a motor vehicle if the following apply:

A vision screening is required before you can get your Alberta operator’s licence . If you do not meet the minimum vision standards, you will be referred to a vision specialist . If you have corrective glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you for your vision screening .
It is your responsibility and legal obligation to report any disease or disability that may interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle . This report must be made to Alberta Registries . The registry agent will forward the medical report to Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation (Driver Fitness and Monitoring Branch) .
Medical forms may be obtained from a registry agent or your doctor . Your doctor must complete this form .
A person who is 75 years of age or older and who applies for an operator’s licence or needs to renew a licence must file a medical report and undergo a vision screening . The medical report must be completed and signed by a physician .
A person who applies for, or renews a Class 1, 2 or 4 operator’s licence must also submit a completed medical report . This is required:

Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation may ask for a medical exam at any age to determine your medical fitness to operate a motor vehicle . All licence terms (length) are dependent on established medical guidelines . This applies to all licence holders .
Conditions may be placed on an operator’s licence for many reasons, such as wearing adequate vision correction, restricted driving area or daylight driving only . Condition codes are explained on the back of the operator’s licence . For information regarding restrictions, or removal of a restriction, contact any registry agent .
To obtain your licence, you will need to pass a knowledge test . The test is based on questions taken from this handbook . They may also be taken from the other handbooks if applicable . You will be asked about safe driving practices, driving laws and road signs .
Once you feel that you have practised enough and are ready for the road test, you must:

The examiner will check your vehicle before the test . If it is not mechanically safe, the examiner will refuse the test . If a vehicle is required to display dangerous goods placards, it cannot be used for the road test .
When you take the road test, you are expected to drive in a safe and reasonable manner . Only you and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle . No other passengers or pets are allowed . The only exception occurs when the examiner is accompanied by a government official in the course of being monitored .
The examiner will not ask you to do anything that is unsafe or against the law . You will only be asked to do things that are part of everyday driving in Alberta .
The vehicle for your road test must be in acceptable working condition and must have the following:

Unless discontinued, the minimum time for a Class 5 road test is 25 minutes . Upon completion of the road test, the examiner will advise you of your errors and tell you how to correct them . You will be given a copy of the Driver Examination Checklist form, which will outline the results of your test . If you are required to repeat the road test, you will be told when you can take the test again . You are permitted to take only one road test per day .
When upgrading your licence (other than Class 7 to 5) you must present proof that you have completed a knowledge and vision screening through a registry agent office .
Upgrading to a Class 1, 2 or 4 licence will also require a medical report . See the medical requirements section for more information .
If the vehicle provided for the road test is equipped with air brakes, you must have either an air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completion certificate from an approved air brake course . The exception would be two-axle air brake equipped vehicles registered in Alberta as farm vehicles .
A fee will be charged for each knowledge test, road test and for the final licence reclassification service . For information regarding current fees, contact any registry agent office or driver examiner .

Driving with the wrong licence class is against the law . It is an offense for vehicle owners to allow their vehicle to be used by someone who does not have the proper class of licence for that vehicle .
If your operator’s licence is lost, stolen, destroyed or unreadable, you must apply for a duplicate licence immediately at a registry agent office . In the case of stolen licences, you must provide a copy of a police report . All services for your operator’s licence must be done in person .
A renewal application will be mailed to your registered address before the expiry date . You must renew your operator’s licence before it expires . If you do not receive your application, you must go to a registry agent office . It is your responsibility to renew your operator’s licence.
To change your name/address on your operator’s licence visit a registry agent . You are required by law to notify Alberta Registries of a name and/ or address change immediately . You may be required to properly identify yourself before any change, replacement or renewal can be made .
Registration

When you buy an Alberta-registered vehicle you must make sure that Section 2 of the registration is completed and signed by the previous owner .
When purchasing a vehicle in Alberta, it must be registered . To do this, you will require the following:

When you purchase or acquire a motor vehicle, you may use the valid licence plate that was issued for your previous vehicle . You must transfer the registration to the newly acquired vehicle within 14 days and have valid insurance . If you are a first time owner, you will receive new licence plates upon registering the vehicle .
A trailer licence plate is issued for a one-time fee and is valid for as many years as the current issue of licence plates is recognized . If you purchase a different trailer, you can transfer your existing plate to the new trailer but you must go to a registry agent office to have this processed .


Knowing the shape of a sign will enable a driver to judge in advance the type of message to be expected . The standardization of colours and symbols to signs also assists the driver in recognizing the meaning of signs .
The signs may not be exactly as shown and this section does not show all signs but only a representative example .
Note: Directions given by a police officer overrule traffic signs or signals .

| Red octagon: Stop | White square with a | Red triangle with | White square with |
| red circle and slash: | white border: Yield | green circle: | |
| Prohibitive message | Permissive message |

White rectangle: Fluorescent yellow green Black rectangle: Black square: Regulatory message pentagon: School area One way Lane use designation

Orange diamond: Green rectangle: Brown or Blue square: Yellow diamond: Construction warning Direction Roadside facilities Warning

Regulatory signs indicate a traffic regulation that applies at a specific time or place . They indicate what must be done or what cannot be done . The types of signs classified under this category include right of way for drivers, road use control signs that permit or prohibit the use of a road, control of speed, turns, direction of travel, passing, traffic lane usage, parking and crosswalks .

Stop sign . Come to Yield sign . Yield the right Indicates that traffic a complete stop and of way to traffic not is moving in an do not proceed until facing the sign and to oncoming direction .
safe to do so . all pedestrians within the
intersection or crosswalk

Do not enter Railway crossing

Proceed in direction of arrow only Two way traffic Divider ahead – keep right

Speed limits do not indicate the speed you should travel . They are the maximum speed permitted if conditions are favourable . Any speed that is unsafe under the prevailing conditions is illegal .

Speed limit signs are in kilometres per hour .
These signs indicate which lanes you may use to make a turn or to go straight . If you are in the designated lane, you must follow the direction that is indicated by the arrows .

Right turn Left turn Straight through Straight through or left turn or right turn

Straight through only Left turn lane control

Since certain intersections may allow two vehicles to be turning at the same time, carefully maintain your lane position during and after the turn .

Double left turn Double right turn Left lane turn, right lane turn left or straight

| Left lane turn left, | Left lane turn left, | Reserved lane signs indicate that lanes are reserved |
| right lane straight | centre lane straight, | for use by specific vehicles such as buses, taxis and |
| right lane straight | bicycles . The symbol on the sign will designate the | |
| or turn right . | type of vehicles permitted to travel in that lane . | |
| Reserved lanes that are designated for part-time | ||
| operation will show the hours of the day and the | ||
| days of the week when the lane is reserved . |
The permissive symbol is a green circle . The symbol that is depicted within the green circle is permitted .

Turn left only Turn right only Straight through only Passing is permitted

Truck route Motorized snow Dangerous goods route Bicycles allowed vehicles allowed

The prohibitive symbol is a red circle and a diagonal red bar . The symbol that is depicted within the red circle is prohibited .


No trucks allowed No motorized snow No pedestrians allowed vehicles allowed


The arrow under the symbol indicates where the action No parking on the days indicated on the sign is not allowed . shown, at the times shown

No stopping No stopping on the days and times shown

Pedestrian crosswalk School crosswalk
Warning signs give drivers advance warning of potentially hazardous conditions on or near a road . The types of signs classified in this category include:

Stop ahead Yield ahead Traffic control signals ahead School bus stop ahead

Traffic control signal advance warning with two lights
This sign is erected in advance of some signalized intersections . When the lights on the sign are flashing, drivers approaching the intersection should be prepared to stop as the traffic control signal light is red or amber or about to turn red or amber . Be prepared to stop .

| Reverse curve left | Single turn left | Winding road | speed through this curve |
| under ideal driving | |||
| conditions . | |||
| Crossings |

Pedestrian crossing ahead Animal crossing Moose crossing Bicycle crossing ahead

Motorized snow School crosswalk ahead vehicles crossing

2
Concealed road Concealed road left Concealed road right “T” Intersection
“Y” Intersection “T” Intersection Railway crossing ahead
Trucks entering Dead end from the right
Merging traffic Added lane (free flow)
Narrow roadways
Road narrows both sides Road narrows left Road narrows right Narrow passage

Hill Bump Pavement ends Slippery when wet

Hazard marker, Hazard marker, Rumble strips Possibility of falling object on right object on left rocks or landslide

These signs indicate information for route selection, locating off road facilities and identifying geographical features or points of interest .
Route markers:

Highway route marker Highway route marker Trans-Canada highway Yellowhead highway

Directional Distance Combination of direction and distance



Fuel Food Trailer campground Telephone

Accommodation RCMP or city police Recreation area ahead
These signs warn you about road construction ahead . Be prepared to SLOW DOWN and STOP if required .
Obey the flag person’s signal .
Speed limits in construction zones must be obeyed at all times . This applies even when people and equipment are not working since hazards such as bumps, fresh oil and loose gravel may be present . If workers are present, the fines for speeding in these areas will be doubled .

People working Flag person Survey crew ahead Uneven pavement

This sign is placed on the back of slow moving vehicles such as farm tractors, machinery or construction equipment . These vehicles are designed for use at speeds that are less than 40 km/h . When you see this sign, reduce your speed . Slow moving vehicle
This sign indicates parking for persons with disabilities . These parking spaces ensure safe and equal access to goods and services for all individuals . It is illegal for any vehicle to park or stop in a parking stall reserved for persons with disabilities unless it has an identifying parking placard or licence plate . Please use courtesy when you see this sign and leave these spots to the individuals they are intended for .
To obtain an application form for parking placards for persons with disabilities, contact any registry agent or your family physician .

School area
When you see this sign ahead without a speed sign attached to the post, it is a warning to alert drivers that a school is near and to be cautious that children may be walking along
or crossing the highway . Drive through the area with extra caution .

When you pass this sign with a speed sign attached to the post, you have entered a school zone and you must stay within the maximum posted speed .
The speed for both urban and rural school zones is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted .
Times (school days only)
The above hours may change according to municipal bylaws . If a municipality does change the above times, the new times must be posted beneath the school sign .
You are not permitted to pass or attempt to pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction within a school zone during the hours when it is in effect


A school zone ends where a traffic sign indicates either a
higher speed or the end of the zone .
Playground area
When you pass this sign ahead without a speed sign attached to the to the post, it is a warning to alert drivers that a playground is near and to be cautious that children may be


close by . Drive through the area with extra caution .
When you pass this sign with a speed sign attached to the post, you have entered a playground zone and you must stay within the maximum posted speed .
The speed for both urban and rural playground zones is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted .
Every day from 8:30 a .m . to one hour after sunset .
You are not permitted to pass or attempt to pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction within a playground zone during the hours when it is in effect .
A playground zone ends where a traffic sign indicates either a higher speed or the end of the zone .

This sign indicates payphones that have a TTY device (teletypewriter) available . A TTY is a special device that allows people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired to use telephone networks to communicate through typed messages .
These signs indicate a wide load is being transported . Use caution when passing
vehicles displaying this sign .


The order of lights for a vertical traffic control signal is red at the top,amber in the middle and green at the bottom . The order of lights for a horizontal traffic control signal is red on the left, amber in the middle and green on the right .


Steady red light
Vehicles facing a steady red light (a double red light has the same meaning as a single red light) must come to a stop before crossing the stop line or crosswalk on the near side of an intersection . If there is no stop line or crosswalk, vehicles must stop before entering the intersection and remain stopped unless otherwise directed or permitted . A right turn is permitted after a full stop unless prohibited by a sign . A left turn onto a one way street from a one way street is permitted after coming to a complete stop unless prohibited by a sign .
A pedestrian that is facing a steady red light must not enter the intersection unless permitted by another pedestrian signal device .
Vehicles facing a steady amber light must come to a complete stop before crossing the stop line or crosswalk on the near side of an intersection, unless such a stop cannot be made in safety . If there is no stop line or crosswalk, vehicles must stop before entering the intersection . An amber light is a means of safely clearing an intersection .
A pedestrian that is facing a steady amber light must not enter the intersection unless permitted by another pedestrian signal device .

Vehicles facing a steady green light may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless one or more of these movements are prohibited . Vehicles that are turning right or left must yield the right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians lawfully within the intersection when the green light is displayed . When approaching a green light that has been on for a long time, be prepared for the light to turn amber . If the light does change, you must stop . An indication that the light is about to change occurs when the presence of a pedestrian signal light changes from “walk” to “don’t walk” .
A pedestrian that is facing a steady green light may proceed across the road within any marked or unmarked crosswalk unless directed by another pedestrian signal device .
Steady through green arrow light Vehicles facing a steady green arrow may enter the intersection to proceed only in the direction indicated by the arrow .


Vehicles facing a flashing green arrow light may enter the intersection and turn either left or right as indicated by the arrow . Vehicles facing a flashing green arrow and a red light may turn in the direction of the arrow without stopping . A flashing green arrow light may be used in conjunction with a steady green light . Yield the right of way to all pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection .
Flashing red light Vehicles facing a flashing red light must come to a stop before crossing the stop line or crosswalk on the near side of an intersection . If there is no stop line or crosswalk, vehicles must stop before entering the intersection . Proceed only when safe to do so .


Vehicles facing a flashing amber light may proceed with caution after yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles lawfully within the intersection .
When flashing amber lights are used together with a sign or symbol indicating “school zones” “playground zones” “school crossings” “pedestrian crossings” “pedestrian zones” or other wording or symbol indicating a pedestrian hazard, you must reduce your speed to no greater than 30 km/h . Yield the right of way to all pedestrians .



Vehicles facing a flashing green light may proceed straight through, turn left or turn right . Opposing traffic will be facing a red light; however a driver must still yield to pedestrians or other vehicles lawfully in the intersection .

Pedestrians facing a traffic control signal where a word or symbol indicating “walk” is shown, may enter the crosswalk or road and proceed in the direction of the light .
A pedestrian facing a traffic signal where a word or symbol indicating “wait” or “don’t walk” is shown must not enter the crosswalk or road in the direction of the signal . Pedestrians, who have begun crossing legally, may complete their crossing .
Lane control signals are used to indicate and control the direction of traffic movements on individual lanes of a road . The most common use of this control is in reversible lanes where one lane of traffic may serve different directions of traffic during different time periods .


When a red “X” is indicated over a driving lane, a driver must not enter or remain in that lane . This signal indicates that the lane will be used by oncoming traffic . You must move safely
across to a green arrow lane .
A driver facing the downward pointing green arrow is permitted to drive in that lane .


Pavement markings serve a variety of functions, including:
In some cases they are used to supplement other traffic control signs or signals .
When pavement markings are used as dividing lines between traffic lanes, they conform to the following principles .
Colour
Yellow
Yellow lines separate traffic travelling in opposite directions . A yellow line should always be on your left .
White lines separate traffic travelling in the same direction . White lines may also designate the shoulder portion of the roadway .

Broken Lines
Broken yellow lines indicate that there is adequate sight distance available to permit passing . You must be sure that the lane into which you are moving is clear and that the pass can be completed safely .
Broken white lines indicate that lane changing is permitted .
Solid Lines
In rural areas, solid yellow lines whether single or double indicate that passing is not permitted .
A solid and broken yellow line indicates that passing is permitted in one direction . Passing is not permitted if the solid yellow line is on your side of the roadway .

Solid white lines indicate that lane changing is not permitted .
Symbols may be used on the pavement to supplement standard signs or by themselves for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic . These markings include:
Arrows that indicate what vehicle movements are permitted in a lane .

On a two way left turn lane the centre lane of the road is reserved for left turning traffic travelling in either direction .

Diamond Markings

Diamond markings indicate that a lane is reserved for specific vehicles . There will also be proper signing on the road that will indicate the restrictions .
“X” Markings

“X” markings indicate the approach to a railway crossing .


Do not travel over a painted island or use in passing .

Crosswalk lines mark the location of pedestrian crosswalks .

Stop lines indicate where vehicles must stop at intersections or railway crossings .


Before entering your vehicle, walk around it to check for:


Properly positioned head restraints can greatly reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions . If your vehicle has an adjustable head restraint it should be adjusted so that the centre of the head restraint is level with the top of your ears . If your head restraint tilts, move it forward to decrease the space between your head and the restraint – less than 10 cm (4”) is ideal . Always check to see that your passenger’s head restraints are adjusted to the correct height also . Save your neck…Raise your head restraint .

When you’re ready to go:
If you’re pulling out from the right side of the road, use your left electrical signal or hand signal to indicate that you are entering traffic . If you’re on the left side of a one way road, use your right turn signal and be careful – it may be difficult to clearly check traffic from the driver’s seat .

An automatic transmission refers to a system that changes the vehicle’s gears automatically . The shift lever allows a driver to manually select a specific gear or range .
• To be used when starting the engine and parking the vehicle . It locks the transmission .
• To be used for backing the vehicle .
• The transmission is out of gear .
• Use this selection for normal forward driving . The transmission will shift through the gears, both up and down automatically .
• These positions prevent the transmission from shifting to a higher gear and may be used on hills or other special circumstances .
• If your vehicle has an overdrive selection, it is used for driving at higher speeds and helps to save fuel .
For further information, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual .
Shifting gears in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission is a skill that requires considerable practice . The driver operates a clutch pedal with the left foot while manually selecting the desired gear by moving a gearshift lever with the right hand .

The clutch is used to make, or break, the connection between the vehicle’s engine and its transmission . When the pedal is up, the connection is engaged and the power of the engine can then be transmitted to the drive wheels of the vehicle .
When starting the engine of a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission, your gearshift lever should be in the neutral position and your clutch pedal should be fully depressed .
When the clutch pedal is pressed down, the connection is disengaged which prevents the transfer of engine power to the drive wheels . It is while the connection is disengaged that the driver will change gears .
As the driver begins to let up on the clutch pedal the re-establishment of the connection will begin to be felt before the pedal is fully released . The point where this first occurs is called the “friction point .”
It is at this friction point that the driver must coordinate the further release of the clutch pedal with the use of the gas pedal to achieve a smooth shift and prevent engine stalling .
When driving manual-transmission vehicles, it is important to select the proper gear so that your engine neither lugs (moves the vehicle in rough, bumpy fashion) nor races (revs the engine but does not move the car effectively) . Your owner’s manual will provide you with the approximate speeds at which you should shift .
Shifting patterns vary as do the number of available gears . Your owner’s manual will describe the shifting pattern for your vehicle . A pattern is usually found engraved into the knob of your gearshift lever .
Having the ignition switch in the off position, you can practice moving the gear shift lever into its various positions until you are sure of the locations and can find each gear without looking at the gear shift .

Once you have the vehicle in motion and have completed shifting gears, be sure to remove your foot from the clutch pedal . Leaving your foot on the clutch pedal unnecessarily is called “riding the clutch” and can cause excessive clutch wear .
When you are required to brake or come to a stop, you should avoid depressing the clutch too soon so that you are not coasting to a stop .
When turning corners, be sure your clutch is engaged and that your vehicle is in the proper gear for the speed at which you are turning .
Think of the steering wheel as a clock . To have the best control over your vehicle, your left hand should be placed at the 9 or 10 o’clock position and your right hand should be at the 2 or 3 o’clock position . When turning a corner, use a hand-over-hand method of steering . When straightening out after a turn, let the steering wheel slide back into position by loosening your grip, or use the hand-over-hand method to recover your steering .

| Hands in position to | Left hand applies | Right hand takes new | Turn completed, |
| start the right turn . | turning power . | position and applies | return hands to |
| turning power . | driving position . |
When you are in the process of moving your vehicle, the ability to control your speed depends upon good accelerator technique . Gradually depress the accelerator and hold it at the proper position for the selected speed . This may take some practice . You must develop sensitivity to the accelerator pedal . Keep the following in mind:

Few drivers know how much time or distance it takes to fully stop a vehicle . As a result, they may make errors in judgement that can lead to a collision . Three factors go into determining how long it takes to stop .
Perception time is how long it takes for your brain to recognize a situation and understand that you need to stop . This can take approximately 3/4 of a second, depending on the driver . Less experienced drivers are often slower to realize a danger exists . The distance will vary greatly depending upon the driver’s visual search, level of attention, decision making capability, degree of fatigue and can also be affected by the use of alcohol or other drugs .
Reaction time is the time it takes you to physically react to a danger by moving your foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal . The average reaction time is 3/4 of a second . Reaction distance is how far a vehicle travels during this time .
Braking time is how long it takes a vehicle to stop from the time the brake is first applied until the vehicle actually stops . The distance travelled in this time is called the braking distance .

Many factors such as the condition of the roadway, your alertness, your vehicle, the vehicle’s speed and the condition of your vehicle’s brakes and tires work in combination to determine stopping time and distance . As a driver, you must attempt to adjust to or modify these factors to avoid a collision . Do not drive when you are tired or have been taking drugs or alcohol .
The chart below illustrates the minimum stopping distance for various speeds . The stopping distances are averages for stopping on smooth, dry pavement .

Distance travelled while perceiving the need to stop (based on average perception time of 3/4 second)
Distance travelled while reacting (based on average reaction time of 3/4 second)
Distance travelled after brakes applied (under normal road conditions and brake efficiency)

In situations when you have to back, look behind you to make sure your path is clear of traffic, pedestrians and other obstacles . If you are going to be backing out of a driveway, first walk around the vehicle and check for possible dangers behind .
Remember: The front of the vehicle will swing in the opposite direction that the back end is going.

Remember: White back-up lights on a vehicle indicate that the vehicle is in reverse. Be aware that the vehicle may move backwards.
Parking a vehicle requires good control of the vehicle, accurate judgement and a good understanding of steering . The next three sections will deal with different types of parking situations .
This type of parking will seem difficult at first and will require practice . You will need to learn how to judge if a parking space is large enough for your vehicle . To park in a space between two vehicles at the right-hand curb, follow the steps illustrated .


When you are leaving a parallel park position: