Tran Drivers Guide 2023 04

Driver’s Guide
cars and light trucks
CITY C
ENTR
MAXIMUM
E
STOP
Driver’s Guide
Spring 2023
For more information about this publication, contact:

Driver Programs Branch, Transportation and Economic Corridors
First Floor, Twin Atria Building
4999 98 Avenue Northwest
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3
Email: [email protected]
©2023 Government of Alberta

This document is made available under the Open Government Licence – Alberta
(https://open.alberta.ca/licence).
This document is available at: https://www.alberta.ca/driver-guides-overview-and-pdf-
versions.aspx.
Cette publication est également offerte en français sous le titre « Guide du conducteur –
Conduite, sécurité et délivrance de permis – Automobiles et camions légers ».
Driver’s Guide
cars and light trucks
Introduction:
When you are in the driver’s seat, a whole Along with all the benefits that motor
new world opens to you. For drivers of all vehicles provide, there are also costs.
ages, getting a driver’s licence can be a Beyond the direct costs of building and
rite of passage, providing opportunities for maintaining our roadways, there are
employment, mobility, and independence. environmental and human costs. Most
collisions can be prevented.
Driving involves responsibility and risk.
The following are the key skills you Transportation and Economic Corridors
must develop to prepare yourself for recommends that you obtain training and
this responsibility. education from a licensed driving school
to enhance your knowledge and skill.
Attitude: Driver education courses are available
Develop an attitude of safe and for the operation of passenger vehicles,
responsible driving every time you drive. commercial vehicles, and motorcycles.
If you require information about schools
Awareness:
that provide driver education, or
Be aware of what is happening around information about the testing process to
you as you drive, and always make obtain a driver’s licence: visit www.alberta.
responsible decisions about hazards ca/driving-vehicles.aspx
and problems.
Knowledge:
Learn and understand traffic laws and
rules of the road.
Skill:
Enrol in driver education programs to
learn more about operating a motor
vehicle safely.
It takes education, training, and practice
to develop this awareness, knowledge,
and skill. Your attitude shows in the
decisions you make about being a
responsible driver. Be courteous with
other road users. Always drive proactively.
2 Driver’s Guide
Guides available:
The following guides provide information emergency response vehicles, taxis,

about the safe operation of cars and and buses, as well as when handling
light trucks, commercial vehicles, dangerous goods. Commercial
and motorcycles, and the licensing knowledge tests are comprised of
of drivers and riders. These guides questions based on the entirety of the
provide information for all classes of Driver’s Guide and Commercial Driver’s
driver’s licences in Alberta, and will help Guide, regardless of chapter title.
you obtain an Alberta driver’s licence.
Consider keeping the guides in your Rider’s Guide
vehicle as a reference. Motorcycles, Mopeds, and Power-
Assisted Bicycles
Driver’s Guide
This guide provides information on the
Cars and Light Trucks
safe operation of motorcycles, mopeds,
This guide provides information for and power-assisted bicycles. It is used
all drivers. with the Driver’s Guide.
Commercial Driver’s Guide

Trucks, Buses, Emergency Responders,
and Taxis
This guide provides information about
driving commercial vehicles. It is used
with the Driver’s Guide. Both of these
guides should be used when preparing
for a commercial knowledge test
and when learning to operate trucks,
Introduction 3
The information in these guides explains For more driver and
best practices for driving a vehicle, but vehicle information
cannot cover all circumstances. You
Knowledge tests are conducted at
must use judgement and a safety-first
registry agent offices. Road tests must be
attitude to make decisions in real on-road
conducted only by persons designated
situations.
by the Government of Alberta as driver
These guides interpret the laws that examiners. Road tests can be scheduled
govern the movement of vehicles and in-person at a registry agent office or
people on Alberta roadways. They are online through the government online
guides only and have no legal authority. scheduling system.
The laws that apply to driving a vehicle To access information on testing services,
can be found in the Traffic Safety Act and driver licensing, and registering vehicles:
its related regulations, available at kings-
• visit www.alberta.ca/drivers-road-test.aspx
printer.alberta.ca and:
• visit www.alberta.ca/lookup/find-a-
registry-agent.aspx
King’s Printer Bookstore
• visit the Association of Alberta
Suite 700, Park Plaza
Registries at www.e-registry.ca
10611–98 Avenue
• call Service Alberta at 780-427-7013
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2P7
Tel: 780–427–4952
Fax: 780–452–0668
For toll free service anywhere in Alberta,
call 310–0000, then the number.
4 Driver’s Guide
Contents
1. Licensing Information 2. Traffic Control
10 Graduated driver licensing 22 Traffic control signals
11 Knowledge test 23 Pedestrian signals
12 Vision requirements and signs
12 Class 5 road tests 24 Lane reversal signals
13 Types of vehicles for 25 Sign shapes

licence class and colours
14 For hire, driver’s licence 26 Traffic regulatory signs

requirements 27 Traffic direction signs
15 Air brake endorsement (Q) 27 Speed limit signs
15 Driver examiner 28 Designated lane signs
15 Driver’s licence 29 Permissive signs
15 Applying for your Alberta 29 Prohibitive signs
driver’s licence 30 School zones
16 Non-Alberta licence for and areas
tourists and visitors 31 Playground zones and areas
16 New Alberta residents 32 Parking services for persons
17 Medical requirements with disabilities
18 Condition codes 32 TTY capabilities
and endorsements 32 Warning signs
19 Re-classing your licence 36 Information and guide signs
19 Replacing your Alberta 37 Other signs
driver’s licence
37 Construction zones
19 Renewing your Alberta
38 Pavement markings
driver’s licence
40 Shared-use lanes
19 Updating your Alberta
driver’s licence 41 Other roadway markings
20 Registration and insurance
3. The Basics of Driving 5. Highways and Freeways
44 Pre-drive basics 70 Lane selection and position
46 Driving a vehicle with an in your lane
automatic transmission 71 Passing
47 Driving a vehicle with a 72 Emergency
manual (standard) transmission stopping lane
48 Steering 73 Entering and exiting a
49 Signalling major roadway
49 Accelerating 6. Emergency Situations and

49 Stopping time and distance Challenging Conditions
51 Reversing
78 Emergency braking
52 Parking
78 Loss of control
4. Intersections and Turns 80 Vehicle mechanical problems
58 Right-of-way 81 Challenging conditions
58 Intersections 84 Emergency supplies
59 Uncontrolled intersections 84 Animals
60 Keep intersections clear 84 Collisions
61 Traffic circles and roundabouts 85 Emergency response vehicles

and tow trucks
63 Turning
85 Emergency vehicles
66 Turning lanes
86 Maintenance and
67 U-turns
construction vehicles
6 Driver’s Guide
7. Responsible Driving 9. Driving within the Law
89 Proactive driving 107 Driver fitness
91 Securing passengers 108 Driving responsibly
93 Fuel efficiency and helping 111 Driving laws
our environment 115 Driver’s licence suspensions
94 Traffic laws and disqualifications
117 SafeRoads Alberta
8. Sharing the Road
118 Registrar Reconsideration
97 Vulnerable road users Process
99 Commercial vehicles
10. Towing a Trailer
100 Log hauling vehicles
101 School buses 120 Registration and licence plate
102 Snowplows 120 Equipment
103 Railway crossings 120 Towing a trailer
105 Vehicles carrying passengers

or dangerous goods
105 Light rail transit
105 Off-highway vehicles
105 Funeral processions
Introduction 7
NOTES
8 Driver’s Guide
1
Licensing
Information
Graduated driver • You are not permitted to have more
passengers than seat belts.
licensing • You will be suspended if you accumulate
Regardless of age, all new drivers are eight or more demerit points.
part of the Graduated Driver Licensing • You must have a zero alcohol and/
(GDL) program. This program ensures or drug level when driving (or riding a
new drivers get the support, skills, and motorcycle).
experience they need to handle the
complex task of driving. GDL improves Stage 2: GDL Probationary
road safety by creating a safe and (Class 5-GDL)
controlled environment for all new drivers. To become a probationary driver you must:
As a GDL driver, you will hold one of the  hold your Class 7 leaner’s licence for a
following driver’s licences: year (this time will be extended if you
• Stage One: Class 7 receive a suspension of your driving
(Learner’s Licence) privileges)
• Stage Two: Class 5-GDL  be 16 years of age or older
(Probationary Licence)
 pass the Alberta Class 5 road test.
The following information highlights
the key features of the Learner and Probationary conditions:
Probationary stages of the GDL program.
• You must be a probationary driver for a
minimum of two years.
Stage 1: Learner (Class 7)
• You must have no more passengers
To obtain a Class 7 learner’s licence you
than seat belts.
must:
• You will be suspended if you
 be 14 years of age or older accumulate eight or more demerit
 pass a vision screening points.
• You must have a zero alcohol and/or
 pass a knowledge test on the rules
of the road drug level when driving.
• You are not able to re-class your licence
 have parental consent if you are to a commercial driver’s licence
under 18 years of age
(Class 1, 2, 3, or 4).
 have valid identification. • You cannot serve as a supervising driver
to a learner.
Learner’s conditions:
• You must hold a learner’s licence
(Class 7) for at least one year.
• You must be accompanied by a fully-
licensed (non-GDL) driver who is 18
years of age or older and is seated
next to you.
• You are not permitted to drive from
midnight to 5 a.m.
10 Driver’s Guide
Stage 3: Full Class 5 Knowledge test
(non-GDL) To obtain your learner’s licence, you will
To exit the GDL program you must: need to pass a knowledge test. You can
 be at least 18 years of age take your knowledge test at most Alberta
registry agent offices. The test is based
 be in the probationary stage for on questions taken from this guide. You
a minimum of two years
will be asked about safe driving practices,
 be free of suspensions or traffic driving laws, and road signs. The test
violations within the last 12 months of is a series of multiple choice questions
the probationary stage, including zero and you must score a certain number of
alcohol and/or drug level when driving. correct responses to pass the test. You
will do the test on a computer.
You can reduce your probationary stage
by up to six months, if: When you pass the knowledge test you
must take the knowledge test permit you
• you successfully complete an
purchased to do the test to a registry
approved driver training course
agent to ensure your driver’s licence is
resulting in a condition code (U) being
updated.
added to your driving record
• all other eligibility requirements are The Class 7 electronic driver knowledge
met. test is available in the following 25
Upon exiting the GDL program, you will: languages:
• move from a Class 5-GDL to a full • Amharic • Portuguese

Class 5 driver’s licence • Arabic • Punjabi
• qualify to re-class to a Class 1, 2, 3, or • Chinese (Simplified) • Russian
4 driver’s licence • Chinese (Traditional) • Somali
• increase the number of demerits you • Cree • Spanish
are allowed • Dutch • Tagalog
• remove the zero alcohol and drug • English • Thai
tolerance condition • Farsi • Ukrainian
• be able to be an accompanying driver • French • Urdu
to a learner.
• German • Vietnamese
• Hindi
• Italian
• Korean
• Oromo
• Polish
There is a fee for each knowledge test
that you take, and you can take only one
test per day.
Chapter 1 Licensing Information 11

Vision requirements The vehicle for your road test must be in
acceptable working condition and must
A vision assessment is required before have the following:
you are eligible to obtain an Alberta
driver’s licence. If you do not meet the • a valid licence plate and insurance
vision standards, you will be referred to • headlights, brake lights, and signal
an optometrist or an ophthalmologist to lights
have a Vision Referral form completed. • horn
If you have corrective glasses or contact • speedometer
lenses, bring them with you for your
• brakes/park brake
vision assessment.
• unobstructed windshield/wipers
• tires are in good condition
Class 5 road test • driver and passenger doors
Class 5 is the most commonly held • vehicle seats/seat belts
driver’s licence, allowing drivers to • exhaust system/muffler
operate cars and other light vehicles.
• mirrors
Passing the Class 5 road test allows • enough fuel for a road test.
drivers to move from a Class 7 learner’s
The test will include identifying and
licence to a Class 5-GDL driver’s licence.
operating your vehicle’s controls.
This test determines whether a learner
This includes:
has developed the necessary driving skills
such as safe vehicle handling, judgement, • handling the vehicle (steering, braking,
and knowledge of the rules of the road and speed control)
to become a Class 5-GDL • selecting the proper lane for turns
probationary driver. • observing and obeying speed zones
When you pass the Class 5 road test • determining right-of-way at
you must take the road test permit you intersections and while changing lanes
purchased to do the test to a registry • demonstrating knowledge and skill at
agent to ensure your driver’s licence is intersections with and without sign and
updated. The road test permit is not a signal controls
driver’s licence. • interacting with other road users in a
This road test is approximately non-obstructive manner
45 minutes. This will include the driver • parking – perpendicular, uphill, or
examiner’s pre-test instructions and downhill parking, and parallel (drivers
summary of your results. You will be over 65 are not required to complete a
required to demonstrate the ability to parallel park).
operate your vehicle safely without
supervision while interacting with other
road users.
12 Driver’s Guide
Some common reasons for not Types of vehicles for
passing the road test
Drivers earn points for mistakes made licence class
during a road test, with a set limit for each
Class 7 (GDL)
test. If the maximum points for errors
A person 14 years of age or older may
are exceeded, the driver fails the test.
apply for a learner driver’s licence.
Regardless of point totals, the following
actions result in automatic failure: A parent or guardian must give consent
on the application if the person applying
• Exceeding the speed limit or driving
is under 18 years of age. For learning and
too fast for the conditions.
while accompanied by a fullly-licensed
• Failing to stop completely before
driver, the holder of a Class 7 driver’s
proceeding through an intersection
licence may operate the following:
controlled by a stop sign, or before
turning right on a red light. • a vehicle or vehicle-trailer combination
• Failing to yield the right-of-way at an that the holder of a Class 5 driver’s
intersection or during a lane change. licence may operate
• Obstructing traffic by driving too • a motorcycle (must be 16 years of

slowly or stopping unnecessarily. age or older when learning with a
supervisor who holds a Class 6
• Climbing over the curb while parking,
non-GDL licence)
or being unable to park legally in
three attempts. • a moped.
• Failing to slow or observe adequately Class 5-GDL

at uncontrolled intersections The minimum licensing age is 16 years.
(you must be prepared to yield
to drivers to your right). Anyone under the age of 18 years
applying for a driver’s licence must have
To update your driver’s licence after parental or guardian consent.
passing a road test, take the road test
The holder of a Class 5-GDL driver’s
permit to a registry agent. The road test
permit is not a driver’s licence.
• a vehicle or vehicle-trailer combination
that the holder of a Class 5 driver’s
licence may operate.
Class 5 non-GDL
The minimum licensing age is 18 years.
The holder of a Class 5 non-GDL driver’s
• a vehicle or vehicle-trailer combination
that the holder of a Class 5 driver’s
licence may operate.

Vehicles that may be operated with a
Class 5 driver’s licence:
For hire, driver’s
• a vehicle with only two axles
licence requirements
• a recreational vehicle with not more A Class 4 driver’s licence is required when
than three axles the vehicle owner or operator, or the
operator’s employer, is being paid for the
• a vehicle with only two axles while that
service that the vehicle is being used to
vehicle is towing a trailer with one or
provide.
more axles, and is not equipped with
air brakes A Class 4 driver’s licence is NOT required
• a recreational vehicle with only two when the vehicle owner or operator, or
axles while that vehicle is towing a the operator’s employer, drives a private
trailer with one or more axles, and the passenger vehicle for the transportation
trailer is not equipped with air brakes of passengers on an incidental
or occasional basis and receives
• a recreational vehicle with three axles
compensation for:
while that vehicle is towing a trailer
that has one or two axles and is not • payment for the kilometres travelled
equipped with air brakes • straight reimbursement for out-of-
• a moped pocket expenses directly related
• all motor vehicles included under to the transportation such as gas,
Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4 for learning. The parking, gate passes and tolls, or
learner must be at least 18 years of when the vehicle operator is party to
age and have a supervisor with a valid an agreement to provide transportation
driver’s licence for the type of vehicle for compensation only to:
• a motorcycle (for learning with a · the operator’s family members
supervisor who holds a Class 6 · members of the operator’s
non-GDL licence). household
The holder of a Class 5 driver’s licence
· persons for whom the operator is a
shall not operate:
legal guardian.
• a motorcycle (unless for learning)
• a vehicle with a seating capacity of
more than 15 while that vehicle is
transporting any person other than
the driver
• a vehicle transporting passengers
for hire
• a vehicle equipped with air brakes,
unless the supervisor has an air
brake endorsement.
14 Driver’s Guide
Air brake through the online scheduling system.
More information on road tests is
endorsement (Q) available online at: www.alberta.ca/drivers-
When a person successfully completes road-test.aspx
an approved Alberta air brake course
through an authorized agency, an air
brake endorsement (Q) will be placed on Driver’s licence
that driver’s licence. A driver’s licence is required to operate
An air brake endorsement is required for a motor vehicle and is issued pursuant
drivers of vehicles with: to the Traffic Safety Act. A person shall
not drive a motor vehicle on a highway
• an air-only braking system, or unless that person’s driver’s licence is
• a combination of air and hydraulic in that person’s possession. On the
braking system. request of a peace officer, a person
More information on the air brake course driving a motor vehicle shall produce their
is available online at: www.alberta.ca/air- subsisting driver’s licence, insurance, and
brake-program.aspx registration. Ensure that these documents
are with you every time you operate a
motor vehicle.
Driver examiner
Driver examiners are responsible for
ensuring only qualified individuals receive
Applying for your
a driver’s licence. Road tests must be Alberta driver’s
conducted only by persons designated
by the Government of Alberta as driver licence
examiners. Driver licensing services are provided
Registry agent offices are the primary through the Alberta registry
sites for road tests to begin and end. agent network.
On a road test, no passengers or pets When applying for an Alberta driver’s
are allowed. An exemption to this is licence you must provide identification.
when an examiner is accompanied by a
For information on identification
government official during a training or
requirements visit: www.alberta.ca/id-
monitoring session.
requirements-for-identification-cards.aspx
Class 4, 5, and 6 road tests are
A driver’s licence may only be issued to
delivered by licensed driver examiners
residents of Alberta. A resident
through Alberta registry agents on
is a person lawfully entitled to be in
behalf of the Government of Alberta.
Canada, who makes their home in Alberta
Licensed driver examiners are trained,
and is ordinarily present in Alberta.
licensed, monitored, and audited by the
government. Road tests can be scheduled
through an Alberta registry agent.
Class 1, 2, and 3 commercial road tests
are conducted by Government of Alberta
driver examiners and can be scheduled
through an Alberta registry agent or online
Applicants originating from outside Applicants for Class 1, 2, or 4 licences
Canada or the United States must must provide a medical report and pass a
produce suitable immigration documents vision screening.
to be considered as residents.
For more information on exchanging a
licence from another province, visit: www.
Parental consent requirement alberta.ca/exchange-non-alberta-licences.
Minors (under 18) applying for a driver’s aspx
licence for the first time must have a
parent or legal guardian accompany From the United States
them to a registry office, show proof of
Licence holders from the United States,
guardianship, and sign a consent form.
other than those holding Class 5, 6, or 7,
The guardian has the right to revoke their
must complete all requirements.
consent in writing until the minor turns 18.
If revoked, the licence will be suspended. You must present proof-of-residency
A parent/guardian signature is not needed documents when applying. For details,
if the minor provides proof of marriage or inquire at your local registry agent office.
self-support.
Jurisdictions with reciprocal
licensing agreements
Non-Alberta Alberta currently has reciprocal licensing
licenCe for tourists agreements with the following jurisdictions:
and visitors • Australia (Class 5 and 6)

• Austria (Class 5)
Visitors to Alberta with a valid out-of-
province licence or permit for a specific • Belgium (Class 5)
vehicle class are allowed to drive the • France (Class 5)
same class of vehicle in Alberta without • Germany (Class 5)
obtaining a local licence for up to one
• Isle of Man (Class 5 and 6)
year.
• Japan (Class 5)
• Netherlands (Class 5)
New Alberta residents • Republic of Ireland (Class 5 and 6)
From other places in Canada • Republic of Korea (Class 5)
New Alberta residents may use their out- • Switzerland (Class 5 and 6)
of-province driver’s licence for the first 90 • Taiwan (Class 5)
days of residency. They must apply for an
• United Kingdom (Northern Ireland –
Alberta driver’s licence and surrender their
Class 5 and 6)
out-of-province licence within those 90
days. It is illegal to hold more than one • United Kingdom (England, Scotland,
driver’s licence. and Wales – Class 5).
A valid licence from a jurisdiction that
Depending on the class of licence, driver’s
has a reciprocal licensing agreement with
licence equivalency restrictions may apply
Alberta can be exchanged for a Class 5
to individuals exchanging a driver’s licence
licence when the applicant presents a
from another jurisdiction within Canada.
valid licence of equivalent class.
16 Driver’s Guide
All other licence classes require testing
and vision screening. The applicants
Medical requirements
must disclose all medical conditions and It is your responsibility and legal obligation
physical disabilities that may affect their to disclose any medical or physical
ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. condition that may interfere with the safe
All applicants must produce immigration operation of a motor vehicle. If you have a
and residency documentation along medical or physical condition, you will be
with acceptable identification. required to provide a completed Medical
Examination for Motor Vehicle Operators
Jurisdictions without reciprocal form. Medical examination forms can be
obtained from an Alberta registry agent
licensing agreements
office, your doctor, or a nurse practitioner.
A person coming to Alberta from outside
Your doctor or a nurse practitioner
Canada may apply to have their previous
must complete this form. The medical
driving history credited to their Alberta
examination form must be returned to an
driving record. A successful application
Alberta registry agent office.
will grant exemption from the GDL
program and allow for Class 5 road A person 75 years of age or older,
testing without being required to hold who applies for a driver’s licence, or is
a Class 7 learner’s licence for one year. renewing their existing driver’s licence,
More information about the process must provide a Medical Examination for
for exchanging a licence from a non- Motor Vehicle Operators form, and have
reciprocal jurisdiction is available at any their vision assessed at an Alberta registry
registry agent office. agent office. The Medical Examination for
Motor Vehicle Operators form must be
Students completed and signed by
A student is not required to obtain an a physician or a nurse practitioner.
Alberta driver’s licence when operating a You may be requested to provide a
motor vehicle if the following apply: medical report, regardless of your age, to
• The student is authorized to operate determine your medical fitness to operate
a motor vehicle of the same type or a motor vehicle.
class by the laws of the jurisdiction in The basic road test may be requested,
which the student ordinarily resides. for any driver, if there are concerns about
• The documents required by the laws their medical fitness.
of the jurisdiction where the student
ordinarily resides are carried by the
student or are in the vehicle.
• The student must carry proof showing
that they are a full-time student in this
province.

Driver’s Licence Classes Each condition or endorsement
1, 2, or 4 corresponds to a letter code which
may be shown on the driver’s licence.
A person who applies for, or renews,
Conditions and endorsements specific to
a Class 1, 2, or 4 driver’s licence must
you are placed on the front of the licence,
provide a completed Medical Examination
in the Cond/End section. Some of the
for Motor Vehicle Operators form. This
condition codes and endorsements have
will be required every five years to age 45,
an explanation on the back of the driver’s
then every two years until the age of 65,
licence.
and annually thereafter.
Driver licence condition codes:
Condition codes A Adequate Lenses

B Special Conditions
and endorsements
C Periodic Medical*
Condition codes D Periodic Vision Report*
A condition code may be added to
E Periodic Driver Examination*
a driver’s licence to indicate special
requirements. For example, all drivers F Valid Temporary Licence
must meet specific vision requirements to
G Temporary Resident
operate a vehicle. If you require glasses
or contact lenses to improve your vision H Daylight Driving Only
to meet these standards, you will have J Outside Mirrors
a condition code on your driver’s licence
indicating this requirement. Some drivers K Automatic Transmission
may require a medical examination by L Hand Controls
a doctor or a nurse practitioner, which
M Under Transportation and
would also be indicated by a condition
Economic Corridors Review*
code.
N Excludes Class 2 and 4
In more extreme situations, a change in a
person’s situation can make it impossible P Testing to be conducted by
to safely operate a vehicle. These Provincial Examiner only*
situations are not common, but do mean T Special Medical*
that the person is not able to be licensed
to operate a vehicle. Driver licence endorsements:
Q Air Brakes
Endorsement codes
An endorsement code on a driver’s S School Bus
licence shows that the person has had V Extended Length Vehicle
specific education or training, such as Combinations
completing a novice driver education
course or a course specific to operating U Completed Driver
a school bus. An endorsement may also Education Course*
indicate that the person is permitted to
drive a vehicle that has a specific feature, *Do not appear on the driver’s licence
such as a vehicle with air brakes.
18 Driver’s Guide
Re-classing your Renewing your
licence Alberta driver’s
When re-classing your driver’s licence licence
(excluding Class 7 to Class 5), you must
The Government of Alberta has stopped
present proof that you have completed a
mailing out reminders about driver’s
knowledge test and vision test through a
licences and vehicle registration.
registry agent office.
Albertans with disabilities will continue to
Re-classing your driver’s licence from receive reminders in the mail. Albertans
your current class to a Class 1, 2, or 4 can sign up for electronic reminders
licence will also require a medical report. by visiting E-registry or MyAlberta and
See the medical requirements section for signing up for free reminders. It is your
more information. responsibility to renew your driver’s
A fee is charged for each knowledge test, licence on or before the expiry date.
road test, and for the final licence re-
classification service.
Updating your Alberta
For information knowledge test fee, visit:
www.alberta.ca/drivers-knowledge-test.aspx driver’s licence
To change the information on your driver’s
For information on road test fee, visit:
licence, such as your name, address,
www.alberta.ca/drivers-road-test.aspx.
or licence class, visit an Alberta registry
Driving with the wrong licence class is agent office.
against the law. It is an offence for vehicle
You are required by law to ensure the
owners to allow their vehicle to be used
information on your licence is current and
by someone who does not have the
accurate. You may be required to provide
proper class of licence for that vehicle.
proper identification before any change,
replacement, or renewal can be made.
Replacing your To replace, renew, or update your Alberta
Alberta driver’s driver’s licence, contact a registry agent
by visiting: https://www.alberta.ca/lookup/
licence find-a-registry-agent.aspx
If your driver’s licence is lost, stolen,
destroyed, or is unreadable, you must
apply for a replacement immediately at a
registry agent office.
If your driver’s licence is stolen, you must
report it to the police, and provide a copy
of the police report to the registry agent
when you apply for your replacement.

Registration
and insurance
Registration
Motor vehicles and trailers travelling on
Alberta roadways must be registered.
Registration certificates cannot be issued
to anyone under the age of 18 years,
unless the application for registration
is also signed by a parent or guardian.
A parent or guardian has the right to
withdraw consent in writing at any time.
If consent is withdrawn, the licence
plate and vehicle registration will be
suspended. The signature of your parent
or guardian is not required if you can
prove you are married or self-supporting.
In Alberta, licence plates remain with
the owner of the vehicle and are not
transferable to another person.
A vehicle owner must register their vehicle
within three months of moving to Alberta.
Insurance requirements
All motor vehicles must be insured with a
public liability insurance policy as outlined
in the Alberta Insurance Act.
It is illegal to operate an uninsured motor
vehicle.
Your insurance company issues a
financial responsibility card (pink
card) which must be presented when
registering a vehicle and when requested
by a peace officer.
20 Driver’s Guide
2
Traffic Control
Traffic control signals Unless a sign prohibits the turn, the
only left turn permitted at a red light is
Traffic control signals are lights that use onto a one-way street from a one-way
the colours green, yellow, and red to street. This turn is only permitted after
control the flow of traffic at intersections the vehicle is brought to a complete stop
or where roadways merge. The colour of before the stop line or crosswalk, and if
the light determines which stream of traffic the turn can be made safely after yielding
has the right-of-way. The traffic control to other traffic.
signal may be vertical or horizontal.
Solid yellow light:
The order of lights

for a horizontal traffic When a green light changes to yellow, it
control signal is red warns that the light will change to red
on the left, yellow in immediately and drivers must prepare to
The order of lights the centre, and
for a vertical traffic stop or clear the intersection. Drivers
green on the right.
control signal is red approaching an intersection with a solid
at the top, yellow (not flashing) yellow traffic control light
in the centre, and
must bring their vehicles to a complete
green at the bottom.
stop before the stop line or crosswalk,
unless a point has been reached at the
Solid red light: intersection where stopping cannot be
done safely. If there is no stop line or
crosswalk, vehicles must stop before
the intersection.
Drivers facing a traffic control signal Drivers already in the intersection
displaying a solid red light must bring their and facing a yellow light must safely clear
vehicles to a complete stop before the the intersection.
stop line or crosswalk that is directly in
front of the vehicle. If there is no stop line Solid green light:
or crosswalk, drivers must stop before the
intersection. Vehicles must remain
stopped at the red light until it turns green,
unless safely turning right after stopping.
Drivers facing a solid green traffic control
A solid double red light has the same light are permitted to travel through the
meaning as a single red light. intersection without stopping, unless
required to yield to oncoming traffic when
Turning right at a red light is permitted
turning left or to pedestrians in the
provided that there is no sign prohibiting
crosswalk when turning right or left.
the turn. Before making the turn the
vehicle must come to a complete When approaching a green light,
stop before the stop line or crosswalk. anticipate that it will turn yellow. A
Complete the turn when it is safe to do so “stale” green light means the light has
while yielding to any other traffic. been green for a while and will turn
yellow soon. A good tip is to check the
22 Driver’s Guide
pedestrian walk light at the intersection. If Flashing yellow light:
it shows the “WALK” symbol, the light will
stay green. If it shows the “DON’T WALK”
symbol, be ready to stop. If the traffic light
does change, the driver must stop before
the intersection if it can be done safely. Drivers facing a flashing yellow traffic
control light may proceed with caution
Green arrow with green light: after yielding to pedestrians and other
vehicles within the intersection.
Flashing green light:

Drivers facing a traffic control light with a
green arrow and solid green traffic control
light may enter the intersection and
proceed without yielding in the direction
Drivers facing a flashing green traffic
indicated by the arrow. Drivers facing the
control light are permitted to go through,
green light may also proceed in the other
turn left or turn right without stopping.
directions when it is safe and legal.
Opposing traffic will be facing a red light;
Green arrow with red light: however a driver must still yield to
pedestrians or other vehicles lawfully
in the intersection.
Drivers facing a traffic control light with a

Pedestrian signals
green arrow and a red control light may and signs
enter the intersection and proceed
Drivers must understand pedestrian
without stopping only in the direction
control lights so they can anticipate
indicated by the arrow.
the actions of those sharing the road.
Flashing red light: Pedestrians facing a traffic control signal
where a word or symbol indicating
“WALK” is displayed, may enter the
crosswalk or roadway when it is safe,
and proceed in that direction.
Drivers facing a flashing red traffic control A pedestrian facing a traffic signal where
light must stop before the stop line or a word or symbol indicates “DON’T
crosswalk. If there is no stop line or WALK” must not enter the crosswalk or
crosswalk, drivers must stop before the roadway. Pedestrians who have begun
intersection. Drivers should proceed only crossing when the word or symbol
when it is safe and after yielding the appears may continue crossing and clear
right-of way. The flashing red light is the crosswalk. Some pedestrian signals
treated like a stop sign. include a countdown timer to show how
When the lights in all directions are much time remains before the
flashing red the intersection becomes a light changes.
four-way stop.
Chapter 2 Traffic Control 23

• Solid red light. Do not enter the
intersection.
• Solid yellow light. Clear the intersection
if already crossing, or do not enter the
intersection.
• Solid green light. Proceed across
Pedestrian signal Pedestrian signal
the road within any marked or
indicating “WALK” indicating “DON’T
WALK” or “WAIT” unmarked crosswalk.
Pedestrians should check for vehicles
Yellow lights on a sign with a symbol before starting to cross.
indicate that caution is required because
of school zones or areas, playground
zones or areas, school crossings, and Lane reversal signals
pedestrian crossings. When the yellow
Lane reversal signals are used to control
lights are flashing, the driver must reduce
the direction of traffic on specific lanes of
speed to a maximum of 30 km/h and
a roadway. A common use of this control
yield or stop for pedestrians.
is reversible lanes that change the flow of
traffic during different times of the day.
The signal(s) over one or more lanes
Pedestrian crossing
signs with yellow
change between a red X and a
lights. green arrow.
Solid red X:
Pedestrian crossing
signs without
yellow lights.
When a red X is displayed over a driving

lane, the driver does not enter or remain
in that lane. This signal indicates that the
lane is being used by oncoming traffic.
Special crosswalk
Move safely into a lane with a
overhead sign.
green arrow.
Downward pointing green arrow:
At intersections with traffic control signals,

but without pedestrian “WALK” and
“DON’T WALK” signals, pedestrians must
obey the rules for the colour of light they
are facing. A driver facing the downward pointing
green arrow is permitted to travel in
that lane.
24 Driver’s Guide
Action or activity within circle
is permitted.
Green circle on white

background
Square shape
Regulatory message such as

speed limit.
Regulatory message
on white background
Vehicle moving from red X lane to green

arrow lane. Rectangle shape
Sign shapes
and colours Indicates school zone/area.
The word or symbol on traffic regulation
signs tell the driver what can or cannot
Fluorescent yellow
be done at a specific location or time,
green background
and provide information. The shape and
Pentagon shape
colour will vary depending on the type
of message.
Traffic regulation signs include those
that show right-of-way and road access Indicates lane control.
that is permitted or prohibited. They also
show control of speed, turns, direction
White message on
of travel, passing, traffic lanes, parking, black background
and crosswalks.
Square shape
Action or activity within the circle is

not permitted. Provides construction area
information.
Red circle and slash
on white background
Information or picture
Square shape on orange background
Diamond shape

Provides information such as Yield:
distance to destination.
Yield the right-of-way to traffic not facing
White message on the sign and to all pedestrians waiting to
green background
cross and within the crosswalk
Rectangle shape or intersection.
Indicates place for fuel, food, lodging,

or assistance.
White message on
blue background
Square shape Wrong way:

Indicates traffic is moving in an
oncoming direction.
Indicates transportation services
such as air port, ferry, etc.
Information or
pictures on green
background
Square shape
Do not enter:
Indicates caution or warning of

hazard displayed on sign.
Information or
pictures on yellow
background
Diamond shape Railway crossing:
Traffic regulatory
signs
Stop:
Come to a complete stop and do not Do not stop on tracks:
proceed until safe.
26 Driver’s Guide
Traffic direction signs Unless otherwise posted:
• 100 km/h is the maximum speed
Proceed in direction
limit on a provincial highway located
of arrow only:
outside an urban area.
limit on a provincial highway located
inside a corporate limit of a city.
Two way traffic:
limit on a roadway that is located
outside an urban area.
A provincial highway is identified by either

a single-digit, two-digit or three-digit
Divider ahead – keep right: highway route marker.
A local road generally would not have a

route marker but could be identified by a
name, such as Irricana Road, a township
road, such as TWP RD 52, or a range
road, such as RGE RD 252.
limit on a roadway that is located within
an urban area, unless otherwise
Speed limit signs posted.
Speed limits do not indicate the Note: Municipalities may have bylaws
maximum speed drivers should travel. on speed limits that place maximum
They are the maximum speed permitted limits different than the information
when conditions are ideal. Any speed presented here. Be aware of local laws
that is unsafe for the current conditions and pay attention to all signage and
is illegal. posted speed limits.
Speed limit signs are in kilometres per hour

(km/h).

Designated lane signs Left lane turn left,
right lane straight
Left lane turn
left, right lane
The message or symbol on these signs or turn left: straight:
indicates the direction(s) a vehicle must
travel in the lane.
Right turn: Left turn:
Left lane turn

left, centre lane
Straight or Straight or
straight, right
right turn: left turn:
lane straight Roundabout
or turn right: dual lane:
Straight Left turn

only: lane control:
Indicated lanes are reserved for specific
vehicles such as buses, taxis, and
bicycles. The symbol on the sign will
identify the vehicles permitted to travel
in this lane. Reserved lanes may operate
at all times or only some of the time.
Single lane roundabout: Reserved lanes that operate only some
of the time will show the hours of the day
and the days of the week when the lane
is reserved.
Some intersections allow more than one

vehicle travelling in the same direction to
turn at the same time. Maintain your lane
position during and after the turn.
Dual right turn: Dual left turn:
28 Driver’s Guide
Permissive signs Prohibitive signs
Permission signs are a green circle The symbol prohibiting an action is a red
on a white square. The action within circle and diagonal red bar on a white
the green circle is permitted. square. The action within the red circle is
not permitted.
Turn left only:
No left turn: No right turn:
Turn right only:

No U-turn: Do not pass:
Straight only:
Do not pass bicycles:
Dangerous Motorized
goods: snow vehicles:
Trucks: Bicycles:
Passing permitted:

No No motorized No parking on the days and times
pedestrians: snow vehicles: shown:
No trucks: No bicycles:
No stopping on the days

and times shown:
No dangerous goods:
Parking and stopping

not permitted: School zones
The arrow under the symbol indicates
where the action indicated on the sign
and areas
is not permitted.
School zone:
When you approach a school sign with
a maximum speed posted with it, you
are entering a school zone. You must not
exceed the posted speed when the zone
is in effect.
The times that the school zone is in effect

are on school days only and are as follows:
• 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
30 Driver’s Guide
These hours may vary for different towns School crosswalk:
and cities according to municipal bylaws.
This sign alerts drivers to watch
If a municipality does establish times
for pedestrians.
different from these, the times will
be posted beneath the school sign.
You are not permitted to pass or attempt
to pass another vehicle travelling in the TO
same direction within a school zone,
when the zone is in effect.
The speed limit for both urban and
rural school zones is 30 km/h unless
otherwise posted.
School zone ends: Playground zones and

A school zone ends where a traffic areas
sign indicates:
Playground zone:
1. a higher maximum speed, or
2. the end of the school zone.
When you approach a playground sign

with a maximum speed sign attached to
it, you are entering a playground zone.
School area: You must not exceed the posted speed,
when the zone is in effect.
When you approach a school sign
without a speed sign attached to it, you Playground restrictions are in effect
are entering a school area. This sign is to every day from 8:30 a.m. to one hour
alert drivers that children may be walking after sunset.
or crossing the road and you must use These hours may vary for different towns
caution when driving through the and cities according to municipal bylaws.
school area. If a municipality does establish times
different from these, the times will be
posted beneath the playground sign.
You are not permitted to pass or attempt
to pass another vehicle travelling in the
same direction within a playground zone
when the speed restriction is in effect.
The speed limit for both urban
and rural playground zones, when the
times are in effect, is 30 km/h unless
otherwise posted.
Playground zone ends: It is illegal for any vehicle to park or stop
in a parking stall reserved for persons
with disabilities unless the vehicle has an
identifying parking placard or
licence plate.
The application for a parking placard for
persons with disabilities can be found at
www.alberta.ca/get-parking-placard-people-
A playground zone ends where a traffic
disabilities.aspx or by contacting a registry
sign indicates:
agent or family doctor.
1. a higher maximum speed, or
2. the end of the playground zone. TTY capabilities
Playground area: This sign indicates pay phones that have
a TTY (teletypewriter) that assists people
who are hearing or speech-impaired to
use telephone networks.
When you approach a playground sign

without a speed limit sign attached to it,
you are entering a playground area. This
sign is to alert drivers that children may
be near and you must use caution when Warning signs
driving through the playground area. Warning signs give drivers advance
notice of actions required, or potentially
hazardous conditions on or near a road.
Parking services Some of these signs warn of:
for persons • a traffic regulation, such as stop
with disabilities or yield
• features or physical conditions
of the road
• hazards that may require a driver
to respond.
This sign indicates parking for persons

with disabilities. These parking spaces
ensure that persons with disabilities have
safe access to goods and services.
32 Driver’s Guide
Traffic regulations: Turn or curve ahead:
Stop ahead Yield ahead Sharp turn right Curves right
Traffic control School bus Sharp turn left Road curves left
signals ahead stop ahead
Stop at traffic lights ahead when

yellow lights flashing:
Road turns left/right Winding road
This warning sign is placed in advance of

some intersections with traffic control
signals. When the yellow lights are
flashing, drivers approaching the
intersection must prepare to stop
because the traffic control signal light will
be turning from green to yellow or yellow
Recommended maximum
to red, or is currently red.
speed through this curve
under ideal driving conditions

Crossings ahead:
T intersection T intersection
Pedestrian crossing Animal crossing
Railway crossing Trucks entering

Moose crossing Bicycle crossing from right
School crosswalk Motorized snow Dead end Roundabout

vehicles crossing
Roadways ahead that join:

Intersections ahead:
Merging traffic
Hidden road right Hidden road left
Roadways ahead side-by-side

but do not join:
Hidden road Y intersection
Free flow
(added lane)
34 Driver’s Guide
Narrow roadways ahead:
Pavement ends Slippery when wet

Road narrows Narrow passage
both sides
Hazard marker Hazard marker Bridge

object on right object on left Ices
Left lane narrows Right lane narrows
to right to left
Rumble strips Falling rock
Left lane ends Right lane ends
Divided highway:
Chevron sign indicates a sharp

bend in the road
Shared-use:
Divided highway Divided highway

begins ends
Changing road conditions:
SINGLE
LINE
Warns motorists to Warns that cyclists are
provide space for allowed full use of the
Hill Bump
cyclists lane ahead and that the
lane is too narrow for
side-by-side driving

Information and Off-road services and facilities:
Signs for off-road facilities indicate
guide signs availability and direction to the services
Information and guide signs provide or recreational areas.
information about routes, off-road
facilities, and geographical features
and points of interest.
Route markers:
Route markers indicate numbers, Hospital Airport
names, or other designations of roads.
Parking Fuel
Highway route marker Highway route marker
Electric vehicle Travel information

charging
Trans-Canada highway Yellowhead highway
Bicycle route marker Food Trailer campground
Highway information:
Destination signs provide direction
and distance to a destination.
Telephone Accommodation
Directional
Distance RCMP or city police
Combination of direction and distance
36 Driver’s Guide
Construction zones
The speed limit 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
Recreation area ahead
in these areas will be doubled.
• Obey the flag person’s signal.
Other signs • Be prepared to slow down and stop
if required.
Slow moving vehicle:
A slow-moving vehicle sign is placed on
the back of vehicles that travel less than The following are some of the warning
40 km/h, such as farm tractors, signs about road construction:
machinery, or construction equipment.
This sign warns drivers to be prepared to
reduce their speed.
People working Flag person
Oversized loads:
This sign indicates a wide load is being
transported. Use caution when passing
vehicles displaying this sign. Survey crew ahead Uneven pavement
Detour next ___ km
Construction zone ends

Pavement markings
Markings on the roadway can provide the
following information:
• lane identification separating
opposing traffic
• traffic movement in the same direction
• traffic movement in the opposite
direction Passing safely is permitted across single solid
yellow lines within an urban area. In all other
• passing zones and no passing zones instances, single or double solid yellow lines
• lane use and designation indicate that passing is not permitted.
• pedestrian crosswalks
• stop lines
• parking areas
• word or symbol messages.
Broken yellow lines indicate that passing is
In some cases, pavement markings permitted. Be sure that the lane is clear and
are used along with other traffic control the pass can be completed safely.
signs or signals.
Lane markings
Lane markings can be yellow or white,
single or double, solid or broken. These
A solid yellow line and a broken yellow line
lines provide important information about
together indicate that a pass is permitted for
direction of traffic flow, lane changing, the driver who has the broken line on their
lane restrictions, and passing. side of the roadway. Passing is not permitted
for the driver with the solid yellow line on their
Solid line markings: side of the roadway.
Solid lines mean that crossing the solid

line to pass or change lanes is not
permitted.
Broken line markings:

Broken lines mean that crossing the
broken line to pass or change lanes is
permitted.
Yellow line markings:

Yellow lines mean that vehicles on each
side of the yellow line must travel in
opposite directions. A yellow line should
always be on the driver’s left side.
38 Driver’s Guide
White line markings:
White lines mean that vehicles on each
side of the white line are travelling in the
same direction.
On a two-way left turn lane, the centre lane

Solid white lines indicate that lane changing
of the road is shared and reserved for left
is not permitted.
turning traffic travelling in either direction.
Diamond markings:
Broken white lines indicate that lane changing Diamond markings indicate that a lane is
is permitted.
reserved for specific vehicles. There may
also be signs that will indicate time or
vehicle restrictions.
Symbols
Symbols may be used on the pavement
to supplement standard signs or by
themselves to warn drivers, or to regulate
or guide traffic. These markings include:
Arrows:
Arrows indicate the vehicle movements
permitted in a lane.

Shared-use lanes
Reserved bicycle lane ahead

The turning vehicles yield to bicycles sign
Bicycle lanes are painted in the curb may appear at conflict zones where drivers
lane of the road with bicycle-shaped are required to cross a bicycle lane.
stencils and street signage. Bicycle lanes
can also be positioned beside a row of X markings:
parking spots. Vehicles are not allowed X markings on rural highways indicate
to drive in the bicycle lanes, except when the approach to a railway crossing. An
needing to turn or enter/exit a parking advanced warning sign will also indicate
spot. The bicycle lane paint line is usually the approach to a railway crossing.
dashed near corners to indicate that it
is permitted to enter the bicycle lane to
turn right. Be very careful and watch for
bicycles when entering the bicycle lane
when turning.
Bicycle lane markings

Painted island:
This lane is reserved for cyclists. It is Painted islands indicate that this area is
separated from traffic and parking by not to be used for travel by any road
solid white lines and is marked with an users. Motorists can cross painted
image of a bicycle and diamond. islands for the purpose of entering or
leaving a driveway, alleyway, or private
drive.
Do not park or stop in this area.

The image of a bicycle capped by a pair of
arrows guides cyclists and reminds drivers
to expect cyclists in the same travel lane.
40 Driver’s Guide
Other roadway
markings
Crosswalks:
Crosswalk lines mark pedestrian
crosswalks. Crosswalks also exist
at intersections even when they are
unmarked, unless a sign indicates
no crossing. Stop lines indicate where
vehicles must stop at intersections or
railway crossings.
Crosswalk lines
Stop line
Drivers should not stop in a ‘no stopping

zone’ because they may interfere with
other vehicles that are turning from one
roadway to another. This is usually where
large vehicles need extra room to turn.
No stopping zone

NOTES
42 Driver’s Guide
3
The Basics
of Driving
Pre-drive basics wheel. Many vehicles have a steering
wheel that can be tilted or moved
Walk around your vehicle before entering back and forth. Find a position that is
to check for children, pedestrians, and comfortable for you and that does not
anything in your vehicle’s path. Check block your view of the instrument panel.
your tires for proper inflation, as well as Your elbows should be slightly bent when
around and under your vehicle for fluid your hands are properly positioned on
leaks and other problems that may affect the steering wheel. Placing your left hand
the safe operation of your vehicle. When at about the 9 o’clock position and your
you are doing this while parked along a right hand at about the 3 o’clock position
roadway, walk in a direction that allows is recommended. (See “Steering” in this
you to see traffic coming toward you in chapter for more information.) As well,
the lane next to you. your position must allow you to operate
After you have completed this check, you the brake pedal and the accelerator. In a
will be ready to take your place in standard transmission vehicle, you must
the driver’s seat and prepare yourself for also be able to push the clutch pedal all
safe driving. the way to the floor.
Before driving do the following basic Be sure you can reach all the controls
habits in this order: and can relax your arms when you hold
the steering wheel.
1 Lock your doors.
2 Adjust your seat and seat back.
3 Adjust your head restraint.
4 Adjust your inside and outside
rear view mirrors.
5 Fasten your seat belt.
Lock your doors

Lock your doors to prevent unwanted
persons from opening your door or
entering your vehicle. Locking the doors
also reduces the possibility of the doors
opening if you are involved in a collision.
Adjust your seat

and seat back
Adjust your seat and seat back support
properly so that you are at least 25
centimetres (10 inches) away from the
steering wheel. This is the distance
recommended by Transport Canada.
Be sure you can see over the steering
44 Driver’s Guide
Adjust your head restraint Fasten your seat belt
Use your head restraint correctly. Head Fasten your seat belt and shoulder
restraints in the proper position greatly strap correctly. Seat belts save lives and
reduce the risk of injuries due to collisions reduce injuries, and provide the greatest
and sudden vehicle movements. protection when worn properly. The law
requires you to wear your seat belt.
• If your vehicle has an adjustable head
restraint, it should be positioned so • Wear the lap belt low and snug over
that the centre of the head restraint is your hips. The shoulder belt must fit
level with the top of your ears. over your chest and shoulder.
• If your head restraint tilts, move • Do not tuck the shoulder belt behind
it forward to decrease the space your back or under your arm.
between your head and the restraint. • You are still required to wear your seat
Less than 10 centimetres (four inches) belt when in a vehicle with air bags.
is ideal.
• Always check that the head restraint
for each passenger is adjusted to the
correct height.
Correct Too low

Seat belt use is
required by law
When you are ready to go, do

the following:
A properly adjusted head restraint protects
the head and neck. • Check to be sure your intended path
of travel is clear.
Adjust your inside and outside • Check your inside and outside rear
rear view mirrors view mirrors.
Set your rear view mirrors in the • Do a shoulder check to be sure
correct position. your blind spots are clear.
If you are moving away from the right side
• Adjust your inside rear view mirror to
of the road, use your left turn signal to
show as much behind you as possible
indicate that you are entering traffic. If you
by having the rear window framed
are on the left side of a one-way road,
within the mirror.
use your right turn signal. In this situation,
• Adjust the outside rear view mirrors it can be difficult to see traffic clearly from
to reduce blind spots. You should be the driver’s seat.
able to see your own vehicle in a small
portion of the side view mirror closest
to the vehicle.
Chapter 3 The Basics of Driving 45

Driving a vehicle Neutral
To be used when the transmission is in
with an automatic a position that no gear is selected. The
transmission wheels are not locked, and there is no
power to the wheels. This position is
A vehicle with an automatic transmission
used for towing the vehicle. The vehicle’s
allows the driver to select a gear that
engine will start in Neutral.
enables the transmission to change
gears on its own as the speed changes. Drive
Automatic transmissions have a lock To be used for normal forward driving.
release button or control built into the The transmission will change up
gear selector to reduce the possibility and down through the driving gears
of shifting incorrectly. The lock release automatically. The vehicle’s engine will
provides the following safety features: not start in this gear.
• It must be used to move the gear
selector from Park to Reverse or any Third, Second, and First Gears
forward gear while the brake pedal To be used when you require more
is pressed. power but less speed and to prevent
• It must be used to shift the vehicle the transmission from shifting to a
from Drive to a lower gear (first or higher gear. These gears may be used
second). when going up or down hills and on
• It must be used to shift into Park from road conditions such as slush, loose
any gear. gravel, snow, sand, or ice, where you
need more power but less speed. The
Refer to your owner’s manual for
vehicle’s engine will not start in this gear.
more information about the transmission
lock release. Overdrive (if equipped)
Park To be used for driving at higher speeds.

This gear helps to save fuel. Not all
To be used when starting the engine and
vehicles have this option. The vehicle’s
when leaving the vehicle parked. The
engine will not start in this gear.
Park position locks the transmission,
which prevents the wheels from turning. For more information about
The vehicle’s engine will start when the gear selection and use, refer to your
transmission is in Park. vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Reverse
To be used when backing or reversing
the vehicle. When the vehicle is in reverse
gear the white or clear lights at the rear of
the vehicle will be lit. The vehicle’s engine
will not start in Reverse.
46 Driver’s Guide
Driving a vehicle with should practice using the friction point
without the use of the gas pedal.
a manual (standard) When driving a manual transmission
transmission vehicle, it is important to select the proper
gear so that the engine does not lug
Shifting gears in a vehicle equipped with
(move in rough, bumpy fashion) or race
a manual transmission is a skill requiring
(rev the engine but not move the car
considerable practice. You must operate
effectively). The vehicle’s owner’s manual
a clutch pedal with your left foot while
will provide the approximate speeds at
using a gear shift lever with the right hand
which you should change gears.
to manually select the desired gear.
Shifting patterns vary between vehicles
When the clutch pedal is pressed
as do the number of gears. Your vehicle’s
down, the connection between
owner’s manual will describe the shifting
the transmission and the wheels is
pattern for your vehicle. A pattern is
disengaged. This prevents the transfer of
usually found at the top of the gear
engine power to the wheels. The driver
shift lever.
changes gears when the clutch pedal is
pressed down. You can practice moving the gear shift
lever, when the vehicle is not running and
The clutch pedal is used to connect
the clutch pedal is pressed all the way
and disconnect the vehicle’s engine and
down, into the various gears until you are
transmission. When the clutch pedal is
sure of the gear locations. You need to be
not pressed down, there is a connection
able to find each gear without looking at
between the engine and transmission,
the gear shift when you are driving.
and the power of the engine is
transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle. When you are driving, be sure to remove
your foot from the clutch pedal each
When starting the engine of a vehicle
time you finish changing to another gear.
equipped with a manual transmission, the
Leaving your foot on the clutch pedal
gear shift lever should be in the neutral
unnecessarily is called “riding the clutch”
position and the clutch pedal should be
and can cause extra wear on the clutch.
pressed down completely.
When you wish to brake or come to
As you begin to release the clutch
a stop, do not coast to a stop while
pedal by slowly lifting your left foot, the
pressing the clutch pedal. Pressing on the
connection between the engine and the
clutch pedal like this prevents you from
transmission will begin to be felt before
being able to use the accelerator.
the pedal is fully released. The point
where this occurs is called the When turning corners, be sure your
friction point. vehicle is in the proper gear for the speed
of the turn, and that your foot is off the
It is at the friction point that you must
clutch pedal.
slowly release the clutch pedal to prevent
the engine from stalling. At the friction Only use the clutch pedal to start
point, carefully using the gas pedal with the vehicle, change from one gear to
the slow release of the clutch pedal will the next, and just before you stop to
help achieve a smooth start. To learn prevent stalling.
to use the clutch smoothly, new drivers

Steering Hand placements during a right turn:
Think of the steering wheel as a clock.

To have the best vehicle control, place
your left hand at about the 9 o’clock
position. Your right hand should be at
A B
about the 3 o’clock position. If this is not
possible due to the design of the steering
wheel, place your left hand at about the
10 o’clock position and your right hand at
about the 2 o’clock position.
When turning a corner, steer using the
C D
hand-over-hand method. When returning
the wheel from a turning position, use the
hand-over-hand method. You can also
let the steering wheel slide through your
hands back into position by loosening
your grip slightly, but keeping contact
with the steering wheel. E
A. Hand position to begin a left or right

turn.
B. For right turns, the left hand applies
turning power. Right hand releases the
steering wheel, and moves to the top
of the steering wheel.
C. R
ight hand takes new position and
applies turning power.
D. Left hand releases the steering wheel,
and returns to 9 o’clock position.
E. Reverse the steps to complete the
turn and return the steering wheel to
the normal position. Turn completed,
return hands to driving position.
48 Driver’s Guide
Signalling Accelerating
Signal lights and brake lights tell other When you are driving your vehicle, your
drivers what you are going to do. ability to control your speed depends on
looking where you want to go and using
You must use your signal light when
the accelerator correctly. Gradually press
you are:
on the accelerator to move the vehicle,
• moving away from the curb or and then hold it at the proper position for
parking lane the selected speed. This will take some
• turning left or right practice. Keep the following in mind:
• changing lanes. • Accelerate smoothly.
When you apply your brakes, your brake • Adjust to the weather, road, and
lights are activated to alert other drivers traffic conditions.
that you are slowing or stopping. • Do not accelerate or reduce speed
unnecessarily.
Electrical Hand
• Never exceed the posted speed limit.
signals: signals:
• Do not accelerate so quickly that the
vehicle’s tires spin.
• Drive with the flow of traffic to reduce
the risk of being in a collision. Driving
too slowly can be a hazard.
• Glance occasionally at your
Left signal Left signal
speedometer to check your speed.
Stopping time and

distance
Knowing how much time and distance it
Right signal Right signal
takes to apply your brakes to completely
stop your vehicle can help avoid errors
in judgement and help avoid a collision.
Three factors determine the time and
distance it takes to stop.
Slowing or stopping Slowing or stopping Perception time:

Perception time is how long it takes to
recognize a situation and understand
Do not confuse other drivers by signaling that you need to stop. This can take
too early or too late. Remember to turn about three-quarters of a second. Drivers
off your turn signal light if it does not turn with less experience often take longer
off automatically. to realize a danger exists. Perception
distance is how far a vehicle travels
during this time.

Reaction time: Many factors affect your stopping time
and distance. These include road and
Reaction time is how long it takes to
weather conditions. Some factors you
respond to a situation by moving your
can control are:
foot from the accelerator pedal to the
brake pedal. The average reaction time • your visual search skills as you scan
is three-quarters of a second. Reaction the roadway ahead
distance is how far a vehicle travels • your decision-making ability
during this time. • your alertness and level of fatigue
Braking time: • your use of alcohol or drugs

• your vehicle’s speed
Braking time is how long it takes a vehicle
• the condition of your vehicle’s brakes
to stop after the brakes are applied.
and tires.
Braking distance is how far the vehicle
travels during this time.
Braking
Perception distance • When stopping, begin braking early.
If you brake too late, your braking
+ Reaction distance
distance may not be sufficient.
+ Braking distance • Release pressure on the accelerator
= Total stopping distance before applying the brake to reduce
your speed.
• To finish braking smoothly, release
The chart below illustrates the minimum pressure on the brake pedal slightly
stopping distance for various speeds. and then reapply pressure on the
The stopping distances are averages for pedal just before you come to a stop.
stopping on smooth, dry pavement. • If you must stop quickly, use threshold
braking. This is applying the brakes
110 km/h
without locking the wheels. This
100 km/h is where braking efficiency is at its
80 km/h
maximum while still allowing you to
steer your vehicle. If the wheels lock,
50 km/h
release your pressure on the brake
30 km/h pedal slightly. Applying the brakes
Distance travelled while perceiving the hard enough to lock the wheels will
need to stop (based on an average cause a loss of steering control. For
perception time of ¾ second) vehicles with anti-lock brakes (ABS),
Distance travelled while reacting (based see information in Chapter 6 under
on an average reaction time of ¾ second) emergency braking.
Distance travelled after brakes applied
(under normal road conditions and brake
efficiency)
50 Driver’s Guide
Reversing Note: The front of the vehicle will
All reversing must be done at a crawl or move in the opposite direction from
slow walking speed. Before reversing, the direction the rear of the vehicle is
look behind the vehicle and only drive in moving.
reverse when your path is clear of traffic,
pedestrians, and obstacles. Before
reversing out of a driveway, walk around
Other tips for reversing:
the vehicle and check for possible
dangers behind the vehicle. • When reversing out of a driveway,
steer your vehicle into the nearest
To reverse in a straight line,
traffic lane and then go forward. Do
do the following:
not reverse into a second traffic lane.
• Place your left hand at the top of • It is illegal to move your vehicle
the steering wheel and shift slightly in reverse into an intersection or
onto your right hip. For support, place a crosswalk.
your right hand on the back of the
If you see white reverse lights on a
passenger seat.
vehicle, be aware that it may move
• Look over your right shoulder through backwards. These lights show that the
the rear window. Reverse slowly while vehicle is in reverse gear.
covering the brake pedal.
• Glance to the front to be sure that
the front of the vehicle does not
contact anything.
• To correct your steering, turn the
steering wheel no more than a quarter
turn in the same direction that you
want the rear of your vehicle to go.
When reversing to the left or right, do the
following:
• Use both hands on the steering wheel
at about 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock if you
need to turn more than one-half turn.
• To reverse to the left, look over your
left shoulder with frequent glances to
the front.
• To reverse to the right, look over your
right shoulder with frequent glances to
the front.
• Turn the steering wheel in the direction
you want the rear of the vehicle to go.

Parking Reverse straight very slowly (crawl
Parking requires good control of the speed) about one-half metre (one and a
vehicle, accurate judgement, and steering half feet). While still moving slowly, steer
skill. The next three sections will explain sharply to the right until your vehicle is
different types of parking. at about a 45-degree angle to the curb.
Continue to look in the direction you are
moving while glancing to the front. Your
Parallel parking steering wheel should now be in line
This type of parking may seem difficult at with the rear bumper of vehicle B.
first and will require practice. To park in a
space between two vehicles at the right-
side curb, follow the steps illustrated.
Note the position of the front tires (in red).
When approaching your intended

parallel parking space, check behind
you for traffic. Gradually apply your While reversing very slowly, straighten
brakes well in advance of the parking your front wheels and continue
space to begin slowing. Your brake reversing until the right corner of your
lights alert other drivers of your intent to front bumper is in line with the rear
stop. Determine if the parking space is bumper of vehicle B. Be careful not to
large enough for your vehicle. make contact with this vehicle.
Stop when the rear bumper of your Turn the wheel sharply to the left.
vehicle (vehicle A) is in line with the Continue to look in the direction you
rear bumper of vehicle B. Your vehicle are moving while glancing to the front.
should be parallel with vehicle B, with Reverse until your vehicle is parallel with
about one metre (three feet) of space the curb. Be careful not to make contact
between the two vehicles. Place your with the bumper of the vehicle behind
vehicle in reverse gear. Look over your you. The law requires that the wheels of
right shoulder and behind you to make the parked vehicle not be more than 50
sure nothing is there and the space is centimetres from the curb.
still available.
52 Driver’s Guide
When you are leaving a parallel park Angle parking
position with a vehicle parked in front of Angle parking is most often used in
you, do the following: parking lots. The spaces may be on an
• Check all mirrors to see if it is safe to angle of approximately 45 degrees to the
leave the parking location. traffic lane.
• Reverse while looking over your right The following steps should be used to
shoulder through your rear window, enter an angle parking space on the right:
until you are close to the vehicle
• Turn on your right turn signal and
parked behind you, without making
reduce your speed.
contact.
• Drive parallel to the curb and remain
• Turn on the left turn signal.
about one and a half metres (five feet)
• Before moving forward, look over your away from the rear of the parked
left shoulder for traffic and cyclists not vehicle.
visible in the mirrors.
• When you can see along the left side
• Move forward slowly about one metre of the vehicle parked to the right of the
(three feet) while steering sharply all vacant parking space, steer sharply
the way to the left. When it is safe, to the right. Look through the centre
drive into the nearest travel lane taking of the stall while moving your vehicle
care not to make contact with the slowly ahead. Your vehicle should be
vehicle parked in front. centred in the space.
• Be alert for traffic approaching from • At about the mid-point of the parking
the rear. space, straighten your wheels and
Entering and exiting a vehicle continue to move forward slowly.
parked parallel to the curb on a Check the left front bumper and the
two-way street: right rear bumper of your vehicle,
making sure they are not too close to
When leaving a vehicle parked parallel to
the parked vehicles on either side.
the curb, check all mirrors carefully for
• Keep moving slowly forward until the
any traffic or cyclists approaching from
front wheel makes light contact with
behind. Do a shoulder check to your blind
the curb or is within 50 centimetres
spots to the left. When it is safe, open the
(20 inches) of the curb.
door no wider than necessary to get out
and leave the vehicle quickly. Walk to the
rear of the vehicle facing traffic to get to
the curb.
When entering a vehicle parked parallel to
the curb, always approach from the front
of the vehicle. Look for traffic passing
in the nearest lane before you open
the door. Open the door no wider than
Entering angle parking space from the right
necessary to get in and close the door
quickly behind you.

When leaving an angle It is easier to enter a 90-degree angle
parking space: parking stall on the left than one on the
right because you have more room to
Reverse carefully and slowly. Be sure
achieve the proper angle. Be sure to
there is nothing behind your vehicle.
check for oncoming traffic before you
Reversing can be hazardous because it is
cross the oncoming traffic lane. Look
difficult to see traffic as you move out of
through the center of your stall as you
the space. Yield the right-of-way as you
turn and enter it. This is similar to turning
back out and look carefully behind
left onto another roadway.
your vehicle.
Only enter a perpendicular or angle
Move slowly and be prepared to stop if
parking stall to your left when you are in
necessary. If the vehicle on your right is
a parking lot.
longer than your vehicle, stop when the
rear of your vehicle is even with the rear
of the longer vehicle. Check for traffic and
pedestrians. Continue reversing straight
until you can see past the parked vehicle.
When your front bumper clears the rear of
the vehicle to your left, turn the steering
wheel sharply to the right. Continue
reversing into the first lane behind the
parked vehicle. Stop when your vehicle is
parallel with the curb. Entering a perpendicular parking space from
the left.
Drive ahead in your present lane. Watch
for other vehicles moving out of angle
parking stalls in front of you.
Perpendicular parking
Perpendicular parking spaces are at
2 metres
a 90 degree angle to the curb. As you
approach a parking space, keep about
two metres (six feet) between your vehicle 2 metres
and the rear of the vehicle parked to
your right. Travel very slowly. When your Entering a perpendicular parking space from
front bumper is even with the left side the right.
of the vehicle parked to the right of your
intended space, look through the vacant
space. While driving very slowly, turn
your wheels quickly all the way to the
right. Check the left front corner and the
right side of your vehicle as you enter
the parking space to be sure you do
not contact any parked vehicles. Look
through the vacant space, and drive in
slowly. Be sure your vehicle is centred
and completely in the stall.
54 Driver’s Guide
Hill parking To prevent a parked vehicle from rolling
The following information applies to down a hill, always set your park brake
parking on the right side of the road. and place your transmission in park (for
an automatic transmission) or low gear
When parking facing uphill on a street (for a manual transmission).
with a curb, turn the front wheels to the
left (toward the centre of the road). With When parking on the left side of the road,
the wheels turned, allow your vehicle to turn the front wheels in the opposite
roll back slowly until the right front tire is direction.
touching the curb. This helps to prevent
the vehicle from rolling into traffic if it Do not park here
starts to move. Do not park your vehicle:
When parking facing uphill on a street • on a sidewalk or boulevard

without a curb, turn your front wheels to • on a crosswalk or on any part of a
the right (toward the edge of the road). By crosswalk
doing this, if the vehicle starts to move it • within an intersection
will go off the road and not into traffic. • within one and a half metres (five
When parking facing downhill, always feet) of access to a garage, private
turn your front wheels to the right. If there roadway, or driveway
is a curb, allow your vehicle to roll to the • alongside or opposite any street
point where your right front tire is making construction or obstruction
contact with it. With the tires turned to when stopping or parking would
the right, if the vehicle starts moving it will obstruct traffic
go off the road and not into traffic. • on a bridge or underpass or the
approaches to a bridge or underpass
• where a traffic control device prohibits
stopping or parking
Downhill Uphill without curb
Uphill with curb No parking within five No parking within five

metres (16 feet) of a metres (16 feet) of a
stop or yield sign. marked crosswalk.

• within five metres (16 feet) of a stop On a roadway outside an urban area,
sign or yield sign do not park:
• within five metres of the nearest side of • on the roadway, parking lane, or
a marked crosswalk shoulder of a primary highway except
• within five metres of a fire hydrant. where:
When the hydrant is not located at the · your vehicle is incapable of moving
curb, do not park within five metres under its own power,
of the point on the curb nearest the
hydrant. · an emergency arises, or
· it is permitted by law.
• unless there is a clear passage for
other motor vehicles, and
• your vehicle can be seen for 60
metres (200 feet) along the roadway
No parking within five metres (16 feet) of in both directions.
a fire hydrant.
• beside other vehicles where you may

be double-parked
• closer than five metres of the edge of
the intersecting roadway, except where
there is an indication that parking is
permitted, such as with a parking
meter
• at or near the site of a fire, explosion,
motor vehicle crash, or other incident,
where parking would obstruct traffic
or emergency response personnel
and equipment.
56 Driver’s Guide
4
Intersections
and Turns
Right-of-way Intersections controlled
Collisions are possible where roadways by signs
meet and intersect. It is important to Stop signs:
know who should proceed and who
A stop sign indicates
should stop to prevent collisions.
that your vehicle must
Right-of-way rules require one person come to a complete
to yield and allow the other to proceed. stop. After stopping,
Signs, signals, and sometimes the check the intersection
position of your vehicle to other vehicles carefully for
at an intersection determine the rules. pedestrians and other traffic. When safe,
However, even if you have the right- you may proceed.
of-way, you are still responsible to do
There are rules about where you
everything you can to prevent a collision.
must stop your vehicle when you come
to a stop sign.
Intersections
Rules for stopping
An intersection is where two or more
at intersections:
roadways meet, creating a possible
conflict between vehicles on those
roads and with pedestrians crossing
the roadways. These are high-risk
locations for collisions. Intersections
may be controlled by traffic signs, traffic
signal lights, or both. Intersections
not controlled by signs or signals are
controlled by rules and regulations.
To drive safely through controlled and
Where a stop line has been marked, bring
uncontrolled intersections, you must your vehicle to a complete stop before
know the rules and regulations that the stop line. Before moving forward, give
determine who has the right-of-way. pedestrians and traffic the right-of-way.
Always be careful. Other drivers may

not be paying attention to the signs and
signals, or may be unaware of the rules at
intersections without signs or signals.
Note: For information about traffic

signs and traffic signals, refer to
Chapter 2.
Stop before the stop Where there is
line at a marked no stop line, stop
Directions given by a peace officer or crosswalk. before the marked
police officer must be followed over traffic crosswalk.
signs or signals.
58 Driver’s Guide
Your approach must be at a speed that
allows you to stop easily to prevent a
collision with another vehicle or person.
If there is no stop line or marked crosswalk at

the intersection, you must stop within three
metres (10 feet) of the intersecting roadway.
Stop where you will not interfere with
pedestrians who are crossing or are about to Vehicle at yield sign allows other vehicle
cross the roadway. to pass.
Three- and four-way stop intersections,

where stop signs are located at all Uncontrolled
corners, are sometimes referred to as
“courtesy corners”. Vehicles approaching
intersections
from each direction are required to stop. Some intersections have no traffic
All drivers must use courtesy and caution. signs and no traffic signal lights. At
Courtesy is to allow the vehicle that these intersections, you must yield the
arrived first to proceed first. If two right-of-way to a vehicle on your right.
vehicles arrive at the same time, courtesy Check for traffic approaching from your
allows the vehicle on the right to proceed left and right when you are approaching
first. You must not proceed unless you an intersection without a traffic control
can do so safely. device. Similar to an intersection
controlled by a stop sign, adjust
Yield signs: your speed to the visibility and road
A yield sign means conditions. Your view may be obstructed
that you must allow by fences, trees, or parked cars. You
other vehicles that do must reduce your speed enough to be
not face a yield sign able to stop your vehicle easily. When
the right-of-way to road conditions are slippery, reduce
proceed. When approaching a yield sign, your speed to allow for the increased
reduce speed as you near the intersection stopping distance.
and be prepared to stop. Use caution and judgement at all
You may be required to stop and yield the intersections without signs or signals.
right-of-way to traffic or pedestrians. Wait Even if you have the right-of-way, be
for a safe gap in the traffic before sure the other vehicle is going to yield
proceeding. before you proceed.
If there are no pedestrians or traffic that

you are required to yield to, you may
proceed through the intersection without
coming to a complete stop.
Chapter 4 Intersections and Turns 59
A yields to B: This intersection has no A yields to B: This intersection has no
signs or signals and B is to the right of A. signs or signals and B is to the right of A.
The T intersection without signs or

signals (also known as an uncontrolled
intersection) is a unique situation. There
are no traffic control signs or signals,
therefore the driver on the right (vehicle
B) has the right-of-way. Be careful in this
situation in case the driver going straight
through (vehicle A) incorrectly assumes
the right-of-way.
A yields to B: A would be crossing B’s

path and neither is to the right of the other.
Keep intersections
clear
When exiting from service roads, alleys, Do not enter an intersection until you are
parking lots, and driveways, you must: able to clear it completely.
• stop before any sidewalk crossing If traffic is delayed at an intersection, do
• stop before entering a main street not enter the intersection until you can
• yield to pedestrians. completely clear the intersection and
crosswalk on the other side.
Intersection reminders:
• A driver turning left across the path of
an approaching vehicle cannot turn left
until it is safe.
• Parking lots have intersections without
signs or signals, and the right-of-way
rules apply.
• All intersections have crosswalks that
may be marked or unmarked and you
must not pass another vehicle that has
stopped for a pedestrian.
60 Driver’s Guide
Drivers must follow similar rules when
using roundabouts or traffic circles.
One-lane traffic circle /

roundabout
Vehicle A is in the proper location. Vehicle B

has blocked the crosswalk. Vehicles C and
D have used poor judgement and have had
to stop in the intersection. Cross traffic has
been affected. Ensure that there is enough
space to allow your vehicle to completely
clear the intersection and crosswalks before
entering.
An example of a single-lane circular

Traffic circles and intersection.
roundabouts
Traffic circles and roundabouts are Entering circular intersections:
circular intersections designed to improve Drivers entering a one-lane circular
traffic flow and safety. Traffic always intersection must yield to drivers already in
circulates in a counterclockwise direction the circle. Once in the circle, drivers must
around a centre island. Vehicles entering activate the right signal when preparing
the intersection must yield to traffic to exit.
already in the circle.
Exiting circular intersections:
There are differences between traffic
circles and roundabouts. The centre Always wait to activate your right turn
island of a roundabout is smaller than signal after passing the exit that is before
the centre island of a traffic circle. The your intended exit. This tells other drivers
roundabout has been designed with that you intend to leave the circle at the
a tighter curve around the island to next exit.
encourage lower speeds and may have When you intend to exit at the first
a sloped curb to allow more room for available exit:
larger commercial vehicles. Roundabouts
can come in several different shapes and • Use your right signal as you approach.
sizes. Drivers must watch for and obey Leave it on until you have exited the
traffic signs and or pavement markings. circle.
Pedestrian crossings on roundabouts are • As you approach, scan for pedestrians
located away from the intersection for and cyclists at the crosswalks at the
safety, as well as improved lines of sight entrance and exits of the circle.
for motorists and pedestrians.

When you intend to exit at any Do not change lanes in the circle. Traffic
other exit: in the red lanes (white arrows) must
yield to traffic in the yellow lanes (black
• As you approach, scan for pedestrians
arrows). Traffic entering the circle (grey
and cyclists at the crosswalks at the
lanes) must yield to traffic in the circle (red
entrance and exits of the circle.
and yellow lanes).
• Activate your right signal when
approaching the exit you wish to use.
Two-lane traffic circle /

roundabout
Entering circular intersections:
Drivers entering the circular intersection
must yield to drivers already in the circle.
Once in the circle, drivers must activate
the right signal when preparing to exit.
Using the right lane to enter and exit:

Drivers entering the circle from the right Vehicles B and C must yield to Vehicle A.
lane must do so when it is safe and stay
in the right lane while in the circle. They
must exit using the right lane.
Using the left lane to enter and exit:

Drivers using the left lane to enter the
circle must do so when it is safe and
stay in the left lane while in the circle/
roundabout. They must exit using the left
lane. Drivers planning to travel past the
first exit should use the left lane to enter
and exit.
In circular intersections:
Vehicle E must yield to Vehicle D, while
While in the circle, the drivers on the Vehicles F and D may proceed together.
right must yield to the drivers on the left.
Activate the right signal when preparing
to exit. Use caution when exiting and
crossing through the right (outside) lane.
62 Driver’s Guide
• Yield to traffic in the circle.
• Exit the circle using the left lane.
Remember, when you exit using the

left lane:
• Use your right signal when you pass
the exit that is one before the exit you
will use.
• Check for traffic in the right lane that
may be continuing around the circle.
• Look ahead for pedestrians at the
Vehicle H must yield to Vehicle G. crosswalk where you will be exiting.
• Exit the circle using the left lane.
• If you cannot stop or exit safely, stay in
Exiting circular intersections: your lane and travel around the circle/
Always wait to activate your right turn roundabout again.
signal after passing the exit that is before
your intended exit. This tells other drivers Turning
that you intend to leave the circle at the
Many collisions are caused by drivers
next exit.
who fail to turn safely.
When you intend to exit at the first
available exit: Right turns
• Approach the circle using the Remember that travel lanes are not
right lane. always marked with lines on the road
• Use your right signal as you approach. or signs. A travel lane is a section of
Leave it on until you have exited roadway wide enough to allow the
the circle. passage of a single line of vehicles. This
includes a curb lane lined with parking
meters. The lane next to the curb where
vehicles park is best referred to as a
curb lane, not a parking lane. Curb lanes
• Yield to traffic in the circle. are not just for parking. They are used to
• Exit the circle using the right lane. turn off a road and onto a road.
Prepare for a turn well in advance. If you
When you intend to leave at any other exit: are not in the proper turning lane, check
your rear view and outside mirrors and
• Approach the circle using the left lane.
do a shoulder check. Signal and change
• Activate your left signal to lanes when it is safe. You should be
communicate that you do not plan to in your proper turning lane at least 15
use the first exit. metres (50 feet) before the intersection.

Remember to yield the right-of-way to
pedestrians and vehicles on the cross
street. Before turning, assess the street
you are turning onto and determine if
there is enough room to enter the curb
lane. Check over your right shoulder for
cyclists and pedestrians approaching the
intersection.
When making a right turn from a two-way
road onto another two-way road, stay
centred in the turning lane, not more than If a parked vehicle or obstruction is far
one metre (three feet) away from the curb enough away, complete the turn in the lane
or road’s edge. Maintain this distance behind the vehicle or obstruction. Then
as you approach the intersection, while change lanes to the left when safe. It is
recommended that the curb lane be free of
turning, and as you leave it. parked vehicles for at least half a block when
Remember the following when turning: making this type of turn.
• Yield to pedestrians crossing in

the crosswalk.
• Do not enter the crosswalk to turn
until pedestrians are safely out of
the intersection.
Parked
vehicle
If the first lane on the street you are turning

onto has a parked car or obstruction close to
the corner, turn into the first available lane to
the left of the parked vehicle. When the lane
is clear, turn directly into it.
Note: Yield to other vehicles approaching from

your left that are travelling in the lane you will
If it is safe, complete your turn by turning
enter.
into the first available traffic lane on the right
when there is space to allow you to gently
accelerate and change lanes. After you
complete the turn, look well ahead along your Do not turn wide and occupy two lanes
intended path. when turning. Unless prohibited by a sign,
you may turn right on a red light after you
come to a complete stop at the proper
stopping point (stop line or crosswalk).
64 Driver’s Guide
Left turns
Poor judgement of time and space when
turning left is a leading cause of collisions.
Left turns can be dangerous because
there may be vehicles approaching from
multiple directions and your vehicle is
crossing the lanes of oncoming traffic.
Prepare well in advance. You should be
in your proper turning lane at least 15
metres (50 feet) before the intersection.
When turning from a two-way road onto
another two-way road with a single left
turn lane, drive in the lane to the right of
the yellow line. Two-way onto a two-way
Remain behind the crosswalk if there When it is safe and legal, turn from the lane
nearest and to the right of the yellow line.
is only room for one vehicle ahead
Turn into the lane nearest and to the right
of your lane in the intersection. If it is of the yellow line. Be sure you have enough
legal to do so, enter the intersection time and space to turn safely if there is
when the vehicle ahead of you clears oncoming traffic. Yield to oncoming traffic
the intersection. If you must stop in the and pedestrians crossing to your left.
intersection prior to completing a left turn,
stay to the right of the yellow line and
keep your front wheels pointed straight
ahead. Doing so prevents the vehicle
from being pushed into oncoming traffic if
you are hit from behind.
Check the crosswalk of the road you are
turning onto for pedestrians and cyclists.
Look well along your intended path.
When it is safe, turn the vehicle left at the
intersection. Complete the turn by driving
to the right side of the yellow line of the
road you have entered.
Do not turn wide and occupy two lanes Two-way onto a one-way
when turning. When it is safe and legal, turn from the lane
Before turning left off a two-lane highway, nearest the yellow line. Turn into the first
available lane on the left side of the road.
do a shoulder check to the left to be sure
Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
you are not being passed by another crossing to your left.
vehicle on your left.

Turning lanes
Some lanes are designated as turning
lanes. As you approach an intersection,
always check the signs and pavement
markings. Make sure you are in the
correct lane to turn or go straight ahead.
Dual lane turns

When turning right or left where dual lane
turns are indicated by pavement markings
or signs, approach the intersection in
one of the marked lanes and turn into the
corresponding lane.
One-way onto a two-way
When it is safe and legal, turn from the lane

nearest the left side of the road. Turn into the
nearest lane to the right of the yellow line.
Yield to pedestrians to your left.
Dual lane turns
Dual lane turns can only be made where

indicated. Never swing wide or change
lanes in dual lane turn intersections as
another vehicle could be turning beside
you. Watch the vehicle turning beside
One-way onto a one-way
you, as it may swing wide into your lane.
When it is safe and legal, turn from the lane
nearest the left side of the road. Turn into the
Unless prohibited by a sign, you may turn
lane nearest to the left side of the road. Yield right on a red light at a dual right turn
to pedestrians crossing to your left. intersection after coming to a complete
When the light is red, if there are no signs stop at the proper stopping point (stop
prohibiting turning, you may turn left from a line or crosswalk) and the turn can be
one-way onto another one-way after coming completed safely.
to a complete stop at the proper stopping
location (stop line or crosswalk) and the turn After completing a turn, dual turn lanes
can be completed safely. This also applies to may converge into one lane. The driver
dual lane turns. Yield to pedestrians crossing in the lane that ends must change to the
to your left.
available lane by following the proper
steps for a lane change.
66 Driver’s Guide
Two-way left turn lanes U-turns
A two-way left turn lane allows vehicles
A U-turn is done by turning your
from each direction to turn left using the
vehicle around at an intersection to
same lane. Vehicles from both directions
go in the opposite direction by using
share this centre lane to turn left. It is
oncoming lanes.
permissible to cross the solid yellow line
to enter the shared turn lane. Only enter
the turning lane close to where you will be
turning. Watch for oncoming vehicles in
your lane.
This sign means U-turns
are not allowed.
Do not do a U-turn unless it can be done

safely. U-turns are not permitted:
• at an intersection controlled by a traffic
control signal (traffic lights) unless
permitted by a traffic control device
• where a sign prohibits U-turns.
Two-way left turn lane In urban areas U-turns are not permitted:
• on a roadway between intersections
Reminders for safe turning:
• at an alley intersection
• Check for traffic, do a shoulder check, • at an intersection where one or more
signal, and when safe, move into the of the roadways is an access to a
proper lane. public or private parking lot which the
• Signal with enough time to provide a public can access.
reasonable warning to other drivers Outside urban areas (rural) U-turns are
and pedestrians of your intention. not permitted:
• Check oncoming and cross traffic as
• on a curve
well as the crosswalk to your left for
• on an approach to or near the crest
pedestrians. Watch for both vehicle
of a hill where the driver of another
and pedestrian traffic.
vehicle cannot see you that is within
150 metres approaching from either
direction.

NOTES
68 Driver’s Guide
5
Highways
and Freeways
Lane selection and The view in your inside rear view mirror
should show as much of the view through
position in your lane your rear window as possible. The
Most major roadways and highways are outside rear view mirrors should show
divided into lanes, with lines on the road a little of your vehicle on the side where
surface to indicate where your vehicle the mirror is attached, as well as the
should travel and the rules of lane driving area behind you in the lane next to you.
that you should follow. Choose the lane They should be positioned so that from
that best meets your needs for safety and your driving position you see the horizon
getting to your destination. Plan ahead. behind you in the middle of each mirror.
Do not leave lane changes to the Be sure your inside and outside rear view
last minute. mirrors are adjusted properly to minimize
blind spots.
When a roadway has been divided into
lanes by visible marking lines on the road The following pictures show what can be
surface, you should drive in the centre of seen in properly adjusted mirrors.
your lane.
Blind spots
Your inside and outside rear view mirrors
will show you the traffic that is behind
your vehicle. They will not show you
everything to the sides or what is right
beside and slightly behind in the lanes
next to you. These are blind spots.
Using both outside mirrors and inside rear
view mirror, the driver of Vehicle A can see
Vehicles B, C, and D. The driver of Vehicle
A cannot see Vehicles E and F, either in the
B A
mirrors or through peripheral (side) vision.
Vehicles E and F are in Vehicle A’s blind
Using the inside rear view mirror, the driver of spots. The red shading shows the blind spots
Vehicle A can see Vehicle B. for the driver of Vehicle A.
Using the left outside mirror, the driver of

Vehicle A can see Vehicle C.
70 Driver’s Guide
Changing lanes
To account for blind spots, you must
do shoulder checks in addition to mirror
checks before changing lanes. To
shoulder check properly, quickly glance
back over your shoulder through the rear
side windows in the direction you intend
to move. This allows you to see the area
you are unable to see in your mirrors.
If you do not have backseat side windows
or a back rear window, you need to use
your outside mirrors with an attached
convex mirror.
When moving from one lane to another,
do the following:
A passing lane permits other vehicles to pass
• Be sure a lane change is permitted.
safely.
• Check for traffic by glancing in your
inside and outside rear view mirrors.
When approaching the end of the passing
• Check over your shoulder to be sure
lane, drivers in the right lane must merge
there are no vehicles or cyclists in your
safely with traffic to the left. Drivers in the
blind spots.
left lane must cooperate to let drivers
• Turn on the proper signal light. from the right lane merge. Signs are
• If safe, change lanes while maintaining posted to alert drivers that the passing
your speed as much as possible. lane is ending.
• Ensure your signal light is turned off.
Passing on a two-lane highway
Passing On a two-lane highway (one lane of
traffic in each direction), passing another
Passing on a multi-lane vehicle can be difficult and dangerous.
highway Errors in judgement can result in head-on
collisions, and these often cause fatalities.
On a multi-lane highway, slower traffic
Passing should be done only where it
should use the travel lane furthest to the
is legal, when it is necessary, and with
right (unless needing the left lane to turn
extreme caution.
left). This leaves the left lane available for
other drivers to use for passing. Before passing another vehicle on a two-
lane road, do the following:
Passing lanes
• Pass only where it is permitted.
A passing lane is a lane added to a
• Keep a safe following distance behind
highway to allow passing, often in the
the vehicle you intend to pass.
mountains. Slower vehicles move into the
passing lane to the right, permitting other • Pass vehicles only when there is no
vehicles to pass safely in the left lane. Signs oncoming traffic for a safe distance.
will alert drivers to a passing lane ahead. • Check your outside and inside rear
view mirrors.
Chapter 5 Highways and Freeways 71
• Do a shoulder check to the left to look When is it illegal to pass
for vehicles that may be passing you another vehicle?
on the left. These vehicles may be in
Do not pass when:
your blind spot.
• Turn on your left signal light. • oncoming vehicles are too close. If
you have any doubts about safely
• Before you attempt to pass, check
completing the pass, do not attempt
again that there is no oncoming traffic
to pass
and that you can complete the pass
while it is stlll permitted. • a solid yellow line is on your side of the
centre line
• It is illegal to exceed the speed limit
when passing another vehicle. • a sign indicates a no passing zone
• Once the vehicle you have passed is • you are in a school or playground
visible in your inside rear view mirror, zone during school or playground
do a shoulder check to the right. zone times
• Turn on your right signal light. • another vehicle is stopped to allow
a pedestrian to cross at a marked or
• Return to your original lane while
unmarked crosswalk
maintaining your speed.
• a school bus has flashing red lights
and the stop arm extended indicating
the school bus has stopped. (It is not
the safest choice to pass a school
bus that has flashing amber lights,
indicating that it is reducing speed,
because it may be stopping to allow
passengers on and off the school bus.
If you do proceed, do it with caution.)
Emergency
stopping lane
The portion of a primary highway that lies
between the edge of the roadway and the
first lane of travel, sometimes referred to
as the shoulder, is for drivers who need
Passing on a two-lane highway.
to stop due to an urgent situation or
because they have problems with
When being passed on a two-lane their vehicle.
highway, help the driver passing you by
staying in your lane. Move to the right
side of your lane to give the other driver a
better view of the road ahead.
72 Driver’s Guide
Some tips for merging safely:
• Merging requires that you plan and
Emergency Emergency
Stopping time your approach to blend smoothly
Stopping
Lane Lane with traffic, without stopping or
abruptly reducing your speed.
• Check the traffic flow on the highway
Emergency stopping lanes border the lanes as soon as you can see the lane where
of travel on a primary highway. you will be merging.
• Choose your gap in the traffic, and
Do not drive in the emergency stopping begin adjusting your speed, if required.
lane of a highway. Do not pass or assist Keep glancing at the gap you chose to
another vehicle to pass you by using ensure you are making the speed and
this lane. timing adjustments necessary to safely
merge without affecting traffic.
• Use your signal light before or when
Entering and exiting a you are in the acceleration lane.
major roadway • Accelerate to the speed of the traffic
on the main road.
Merging • Keep shoulder checking to view the
Merging is done gap and look in your rear view mirror
when two roadways for vehicles following you.
join into one and the • When it is safe and legal, move into the
traffic on the main gap after you are past the solid white
roadway must line of the acceleration lane. Maintain
cooperate to allow your speed at or near the speed of the
enough space for other vehicles.
vehicles to enter from the merging lane.
Neither the merging vehicle nor the
vehicles already on the highway have the If you are on the main roadway, and traffic
right-of-way. Merging is a shared is merging, move left to the next lane if
responsibility between the vehicles joining it is safe. This leaves the right travel lane
the roadway and the vehicles already on clear for the merging vehicles to enter.
the roadway.
Avoid reducing your speed abruptly
or stopping when merging. Merging
lanes are designed to allow your vehicle
to reach the posted speed limit of
the road you are merging onto. The
drivers behind you are expecting you
to continue moving ahead. If you slow
or stop your vehicle may be hit from
behind.

ADJUST TO HIGHWAY
SPEED IN ACCELERATION
LANE G
DO NOT W
RON BE PREPARED TO
SIGNAL AND MOVE CAREFULLY ENTER ADJUST SPEED
INTO HIGHWAY LANE HIGHWAY HERE AT WHEN APPROACHING
A SHARP ANGLE MERGING AREA
TRAFFIC FLOW
Correct and incorrect method for merging.
DO NOT SLOW TRAFFIC FLOW

DOWN HERE
DO NOT MAKE
SLOW DOWN AFTER TURNING LAST MINUTE
INTO DECELERATION LANE W TURN-OFF
RO
NG
CHECK POSTED
SAFE SPEED
FOR RAMP
Correct (safe) and incorrect (unsafe) method for exiting from a highway.
Exiting Weave zones

Some tips on how to exit a major On some roadway interchanges, there are
roadway or highway safely: places where the highway entrance and
exit use the same lane. The entrance and
• Plan ahead. Be in the proper lane well
exit can be close together. These areas
before you reach your exit.
require caution and cooperation because
• Use your turn signal well in advance of
vehicles share the same lane to slow to
the exit to alert other drivers.
exit the highway while other vehicles are
• Move into the deceleration lane if using it to increase speed to enter the
there is one. highway. The area that these vehicles
• If possible, do most of the slowing share is called a weave zone.
in the deceleration lane. Some
In weave zones, control your speed
deceleration lanes are short; you may
and the timing of your lane change to
need to start to reduce your speed
merge with other traffic. This requires
while still on the highway.
skillful use of time and space. Use caution
• When you have exited, ensure your in weave zones to ensure all vehicles
signal light is turned off. can safely exit and enter the highway.
• If you miss your exit, do not stop.
Continue to the next exit and make
plans to return to your route. Do
not stop and reverse on a highway,
emergency stopping lane, or shoulder.
74 Driver’s Guide
Vehicles will cross paths in a weave zone.
Curves
Curves require special attention. To
A
drive on curves safely, drivers should
remember:
• If you need to reduce your speed, do
it before entering the curve, and stay
centred in your lane. B
• To stay centred in your lane, look
well ahead and around the curve.
This will assist you with steering and The lines show where the drivers are looking
speed control. to help them stay centred in their lanes .
• Maintain a safe and steady speed after

entering the curve. Due to kinetic energy, your vehicle will
• Do not pass vehicles on curves want to go straight ahead on a curve
on highways with one lane in each even though you are turning the wheels.
direction. It is unsafe and illegal. If your tires lose traction with the road
• Wet or icy roads can make curves as you enter or travel around a curve to
slippery and increase the risk of the left (Vehicle A in the above diagram),
danger while driving. your vehicle may skid to the right side
of the road. If this happens, stay off the
accelerator and brake.
If your tires lose traction with the road
as you enter a curve to the right (Vehicle
B in the above diagram), your vehicle
may skid into oncoming traffic. If you
skid in a curve, stay off the brake and
the accelerator. Continue to look in the
direction you want to go, and make small
steering adjustments to come out of the
skid.

Hills
Hills also require special attention.
Remember the following when travelling
up a hill:
• Use caution and move to the right in
your lane as you approach the top of
a hill. This may keep you from being
hit by an oncoming vehicle that has
crossed over the centre line and is in
your lane.
• Do not pass near the top of a hill on a
two-lane highway, as you cannot see
what is ahead of you.
Remember the following when travelling
down a hill:
• If the hill is very steep, adjust your
speed. The time it takes you to stop
will increase when travelling down
a hill.
• In a vehicle with a standard
transmission, shifting to a lower gear
can reduce the risk of your brakes
overheating.
76 Driver’s Guide
6
Emergency
Situations and
Challenging
Conditions
Emergency braking To brake in an emergency, follow
these steps:
There are times when something
unexpected occurs that requires you to • Press firmly on the brake pedal to the
brake suddenly. The key to emergency point just before the wheels lock. This
braking is to stop the vehicle as quickly is called threshold braking.
as possible without losing control of • If the wheels lock, release the brake
your vehicle. pedal slightly to regain steering control.
• Press the brake pedal firmly again
If your vehicle has ABS brakes without locking the wheels.
Most vehicles are equipped with an • Look and steer in the direction you
anti-lock braking system (ABS). The ABS want the front of the vehicle to go.
allows you to steer while the brakes
are being applied. ABS applies brake
pressure at each wheel, cycling from Loss of control
locked to slightly rolling. You will feel this The road surface, the speed of your
as a vibration through the brake pedal. vehicle, turning, and the condition of your
With ABS you can brake as hard as you tires can contribute to a skid. Skidding
need without losing your ability to steer. means you have lost control of the vehicle.
To brake in an emergency, follow To regain control, do not touch the brake
these steps: or the accelerator. Look and steer where
you want the front of the vehicle
• Apply steady firm pressure to the to go.
brake pedal.
Most skids are the result of driver error.
• Do not pump or release the
A skid can occur when you:
brake pedal.
• drive too quickly on poor road
• Look and steer in the direction you
conditions such as ice, snow, rain,
want to go.
mud, sand, or gravel
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for
• turn the steering wheel too sharply
more information on emergency braking
techniques. • turn the steering wheel too much for
the speed you are travelling
If your vehicle does not have • brake too firmly
ABS brakes • accelerate too quickly.
In vehicles without ABS, braking hard can
cause the wheels to become ‘locked’ and
Skid recovery
stop rolling. This can cause you to lose Drive in a manner that reduces the
steering control. If your wheels lock, ease possibility of having your vehicle skid.
off the brake pedal. Brake again but not Plan ahead so you will not have to
as hard. suddenly brake or steer. Driving in a
smooth and controlled manner will
reduce the chance of a skid. If the road
is not familiar to you or the conditions
are not ideal, reduce your speed.
78 Driver’s Guide
It is very important to keep your foot off Power (acceleration) skid
the brake pedal if you start to skid. How A power skid occurs when you accelerate
you steer depends on the direction of the too quickly, causing the wheels to spin.
skid. Look and steer in the direction you
want the front of the vehicle to go. Point If you experience a power skid, do
the tires along the centre of your lane and the following:
do not make large steering adjustments. • Take your foot off the gas pedal to
allow the wheels to stop spinning.
• Make any needed steering corrections.
Look and steer in the direction you
A
want the front of the vehicle to go.

A
A
• Be careful not to over-correct your

steering or you may skid in the
opposite direction.
Look and steer in the direction you want the
front of the vehicle to go. Note the position of • Use gentle acceleration to continue
the front tires (in red). moving forward.
Cornering skid
Braking skid (non-ABS) A cornering skid occurs when you are
If your vehicle does not have ABS, a travelling too quickly when turning,
braking skid could occur when you apply causing the vehicle to slide sideways.
your brakes too firmly, causing the wheels Speed, tire condition, road surface, and
to lock. Steering control will be lost. the slope of the road can all play a part
in this type of skid.
If you experience a braking skid,
do the following: If you experience a cornering skid,
do the following:
• Take your foot off the brake pedal.
When the vehicle’s wheels start to roll, • Take your foot off the gas pedal.
steering control will return. Do not use your brakes.
• Look and steer in the direction you • Look and steer in the direction you
want the front of the vehicle to go. want the front of the vehicle to go.
• If you need to apply the brakes again,
Off-road recovery
use firm pressure but not hard enough
If you drive off the paved portion of the
to lock the wheels.
roadway, do the following:
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
• Do not try to steer the vehicle back
onto the road immediately.
• Take your foot off the gas pedal to
reduce your speed.
• Try to avoid braking. If you need to
brake, use gradual pressure on the
brake pedal to keep control.
Chapter 6 Emergency Situations and Challenging Conditions 79

• Check for traffic before attempting to • If it is a potentially dangerous
steer the vehicle back onto the road. situation, have all occupants leave the
• With controlled speed, return to the vehicle and wait at a safe location to
road gradually and straighten your the rear and away from the vehicle, as
vehicle in the proper travel lane. shown in the diagram.
A
A
A
DO NOT WAIT
Gradual return to the roadway. IN THIS AREA
Move away from the vehicle while waiting for
Vehicle mechanical
help.
problems If a motorist stops to offer help, you could

ask them to call for assistance.
It is important to keep your vehicle
working properly. If your vehicle breaks
down while you are driving, it can be
Brake failure
dangerous as well as inconvenient. Most vehicles come with a brake system
that will protect you against a total failure
If your vehicle is having mechanical of your brakes. A warning light on your
problems that require you to stop, instrument panel will light if there is a
remember the following for your safety: problem. It should light before your brakes
• Change lanes safely and park in a safe stop working. When you see the brake
location, if possible. warning light come on, and you have
• Do not stop on a bridge or in a tunnel. checked that the park brake has been
This can be very dangerous. released, move to the side of the road as
soon as it is safe to do so.
• If the vehicle is left in a potentially
dangerous location, turn on your If you have a vehicle with power brakes,
hazard lights (four-way flashers). the power system could fail. This may
• Raise your hood. occur if your engine stops while you are
still moving. If the vehicle does not slow
• Carry reflective triangles. On the highway
with normal pressure on the brake, push
or in a location that is potentially
the brake pedal harder and apply
dangerous, safely place reflective
steady pressure.
triangles to the rear of your vehicle,
about 10 to 20 metres (33 to 66 feet) If your brakes fail, and your wheels
apart. are not turned, carefully use your park
• Do not try to do roadside repairs on brake to slow your vehicle. You may be
crowded or fast-moving highways. able to shift to a lower gear to bring your
vehicle to a safe and controlled stop.
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for
more information.
80 Driver’s Guide
Park your vehicle in a safe location. Do Headlight failure
not drive until the brakes have been If both headlights fail:
checked and repaired properly.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
Power steering failure • Turn the headlight control off and on.
If your power steering fails, you can still • If the headlights are still not on,
steer the vehicle. You will have to use extra reduce your speed, safely move to the
effort to turn the steering wheel. emergency stopping lane or edge of
the road, and park in a safe place.
Tire failure
If a tire has an air leak you may feel, the Note: Replace a headlight or headlight
vehicle begin to pull and a vibration as bulb as soon as it burns out. Driving
you hold the steering wheel. If an air leak with only one headlight increases the
is not repaired soon, the tire will become risk of being without both headlights.
flat. When a front tire is flat, the vehicle
will pull strongly to the side that has the
flat tire. A flat rear tire may make your Challenging
vehicle weave. You may find it hard to
steer. conditions
When road conditions are poor due to
If a tire goes flat while you are driving:
bad weather, allow more time for your
• Resist the urge to immediately apply trip. Increase your following distance,
the brakes. reduce your speed, and maintain your
• Take your foot off the gas pedal and space cushion.
allow the engine to slow the vehicle
down. Driving at night:
• Hold the steering wheel with a firm When you are driving at night or at any
grip. Keep the vehicle on a straight time when you cannot clearly see 150
course by looking and steering in the metres (500 feet) in front of you, you must
direction you want to go. turn your headlights on. Daytime running
• When you have the vehicle under lights are not bright enough to be used at
control and speed is reduced, apply night, also the tail-lights and instrument
the brake with gentle and steady panel lights will not be on.
pressure. • Use your low-beam headlights if there
• Safely move to the emergency is oncoming traffic, even when the
stopping lane or edge of the road, and highway is divided.
park in a safe place. • Be sure that your headlights are
• Turn on your hazard warning lights. properly aimed so that they do not
bother or interfere with other drivers.
• Keep your headlights clean.
• Avoid looking directly at oncoming
headlights so they do not blind you.
Look slightly down and to the right
edge of your driving lane until the
vehicle passes you.

Visibility is reduced at night. Do not Road surface conditions
overdrive your headlights. Travel at a that affect traction
speed that allows you to respond safely
or stop in the distance lit by Black ice:
your headlights. Black ice is caused by moisture freezing
on the road surface. Often a driver cannot
Glare:
see it. However, if the asphalt looks
Glare from the sun, reflections, and the shiny and black instead of grey-white, be
lights of other vehicles can affect your vision cautious, and reduce your speed
in the daytime or at night. If glare makes it without braking.
difficult to see the road, reduce your speed.
Ensure your vehicle’s windows are properly Shaded areas:
cleaned inside and outside to Shaded areas may still be icy even after
improve visibility. the sun has melted the ice on other parts
of the road.
Smoke and fog:
Use low beam headlights in smoke Bridges and overpasses:
and fog, as high beams reflect the light Bridge decks and overpasses tend to
back to you, creating glare. If visibility form slippery patches more readily than
becomes so poor that it is no longer safe other road surfaces. Use extra caution
to continue driving, slow down and move and try to avoid unnecessary lane or
your vehicle well off the road to a safe speed changes.
location. Turn on your hazard warning
lights. Do not attempt to drive until
conditions improve. If a safe place to park
is not available, ensure that you and your
passengers move to a safe location away
from the vehicle in case it is hit.
When driving at night:
Use your low beam headlights when you are following within 150 metres
(one-and-one-half city blocks) of another vehicle.
Use your low beam headlights when you are within 300 metres of oncoming vehicles.
82 Driver’s Guide
Rain and hydroplaning:
Note: Do not use cruise control when
When it is raining, use low beam
the weather and road conditions are
headlights, as high beams reflect the light
poor. When your tires contact ice, the
back to you, creating glare. Your vehicle
cruise control will continue to apply the
can also be sprayed with water and mud,
interfering with your view through the accelerator and you could lose control.
windshield and windows. Be careful not
to splash other vehicles and pedestrians. Ensure your vehicle’s windows and
windshield are not obstructed by snow,
On wet roads your tires may lose contact
frost, steam, mud, or anything else that
with the road surface. This is called
may make driving dangerous.
hydroplaning. The loss of contact between
the road surface and your tires can cause If you find yourself stranded off the
you to lose control of your vehicle. highway and your vehicle is in a safe
place, it is usually safer to stay with your
If this happens, do not brake. Release
vehicle. Run the engine just enough to
pressure on the accelerator to allow the
stay warm. Keep the vehicle ventilated
vehicle to slow. Look and steer where you
while the engine is running. Open a
want the front of the vehicle to go.
window a small amount to assist air
Ice and snow: circulation to prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning. Carbon monoxide can get into
During the winter you can experience
your vehicle from a leaky exhaust system.
poor weather conditions that can
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that
make driving more dangerous. Winter
is especially dangerous as it is colourless,
conditions include freezing rain, very low
odourless, and tasteless. Be sure your
temperatures, blowing snow, high wind
exhaust system is checked whenever you
chill, blizzards, and heavy snowfalls.
take your vehicle in for servicing.
Maintain your vehicle. Have it serviced
Winter emergency supplies to carry in
before winter arrives. Be sure that your
your vehicle:
vehicle’s battery, tires, exhaust system,
windshield wipers, and heating system • blankets and extra clothing
are in good working condition. • sand or road salt
Intersection areas may become icy more • shovel
quickly because of vehicle exhaust, engine • heat source, candle, matches, and a
heat, and vehicles spinning their wheels or deep can to hold the candle
skidding. Allow more time and distance for • ice scraper and snow brush
stopping and starting. The most important • tire chains.
thing is to reduce your speed.
When the temperature rises to the point
where the snow begins to melt, roads
can become very slippery. When the
frost begins to come out of the ground,
a thin layer of water is formed on the
road surface.

Emergency supplies Collisions
Consider having the following emergency If you are the first person at the scene of a
supplies in your car at all times: collision, stop away from the collision in a
safe location. Offer assistance if possible,
• first aid kit
and protect the scene with flashing hazard
• approved warning devices such as
lights and reflective triangles so that other
reflective triangles
vehicles do not become involved. If it is
• booster cables necessary to notify the police or emergency
• non-perishable food medical services, be as accurate as you can,
• jack and inflated spare tire especially about the condition of any injured
• flashlight with extra batteries people and the location of the collision.
• tow rope If you are involved in a collision:

• headlight replacement bulbs. • Give assistance where you can, protect
the scene, and notify emergency
Animals assistance if needed.
• Exchange names, contact information,
To reduce the chance of a collision with
and insurance details with the other
an animal, do the following:
driver(s) involved.
• Reduce your speed, look well ahead, • Record the names and contact
and use caution in areas with wildlife information of all witnesses.
warning signs.
• Do not discuss who was at fault.
• Scan the sides of the road for animals.
• Record the time, location, weather, and
• Be careful at dusk and dawn since any other details that may be important.
animals tend to be more active at
• Notify your insurance company as soon
these times.
as possible.
• Watch for sudden unusual spots of
You are required to report all collisions to
light on or near the road at night.
the police or local law enforcement if:
This may be the reflection of your
headlights from an animal’s eyes. • anyone has been injured
• Animals sometimes move in groups. • anyone has been killed
If you see one animal, there may be • overall damage exceeds $2,000.
more. If police are called to the scene, all drivers
If an animal suddenly appears in front must remain.
of you, brake hard and prepare to take
If you damage any traffic control device, a
evasive action. Choose an escape route
parking meter, or any public property, you
away from oncoming traffic.
must report this to the police immediately,
even if the damages are less than $2,000.
You must notify the owner of an
unattended vehicle of any damage caused
through a collision. If you are unable to
locate the owner, you must securely
attach your name, address, driver’s licence
number, vehicle plate number, and phone
number to the damaged vehicle.
84 Driver’s Guide
Emergency
response vehicles
and tow trucks
When driving you may encounter incidents
that cause lane closures or narrow
lanes. These incidents can include traffic
accidents, disabled vehicles, spilled cargo,
and highway maintenance or construction.
If you see flashing lights from emergency
vehicles or roadside workers such as Emergency vehicles
tow trucks, snowplows, or highway When an ambulance, fire, or police
maintenance vehicles, it means there is a emergency vehicle is approaching
situation ahead that requires your attention from any direction and is sounding a
and caution. siren, you must yield the right-of-way:
Follow directions given by emergency • Safely move your vehicle to allow the
personnel directing traffic. Be aware emergency vehicle passage.
that the vehicle ahead of you may stop • Drive as closely as possible to the right
or reduce speed unexpectedly to view curb or edge of a two-way roadway.
the scene. One of the most serious • Move right or left to the nearest curb
problems associated with these types of on one-way streets.
incidents is the risk of response personnel
• Stop until the emergency vehicle
or equipment being struck by passing
has passed. Check that no other
vehicles. Services that typically respond to
emergency vehicles are approaching.
highway incidents include:
If you see a vehicle with flashing green
• law enforcement lights, treat it like any other emergency
• ambulance vehicle. In some municipalities, volunteer
• fire fire fighters use flashing green lights on
• towing. their emergency response vehicles when
responding to a fire or other emergencies.
Motorists must reduce speed to 60 km/h or
the posted speed, whichever is lower, when
passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks
that are stopped with their lights flashing.
This law applies to the lane(s) immediately
next to the stopped vehicles. The fine for
speeding in these areas is doubled.
If you are not in the lane next to the
stopped vehicles, you still need to be
Always yield to emergency vehicles with
watchful and cautious. Reduce your speed siren or lights operating. Maintain a safe
and leave lots of space between yourself following distance of at least 150 metres
and emergency personnel and equipment (500 feet).
at the scene. Also, watch for the movement
of personnel around the scene.

Maintenance and Stopping your vehicle safely for
law enforcement
construction vehicles When a police officer is behind you, with
Road maintenance and construction the emergency lights flashing, you are
vehicles can be used or parked on any required to move to a safe location to
portion of the road. You will be given allow the police vehicle to pass or to stop
adequate warning in advance of such safely behind your vehicle.
a vehicle. You are required to obey all
On a two-way roadway, carefully and
traffic control devices and the directions
legally stop your vehicle in a safe location
of flag persons.
at the right edge of the roadway.
Signs will be posted well before a
On a one-way roadway, carefully and
construction zone warning you of a
legally stop your vehicle in a safe location
lane reduction, lane closure, or workers
at the nearest edge of the roadway.
ahead.
Always ensure that there is enough room
In the construction zones, motorists
for the police vehicle to stop safely behind
must observe the posted speed and
your vehicle.
obey the flag person. When workers are
present, the fines for speeding in these When a police vehicle stops behind your
areas will be doubled. vehicle, to ensure your safety, the safety
of your passengers, as well as the safety
of the police officers, do the following:
1 Remain calm. After you have stopped
your vehicle, ensure your transmission
is in the PARK gear (automatic
transmission) or NEUTRAL gear
(manual transmission). Apply the park
brake.
2 Remain in your vehicle. Locate and
be prepared to provide your driver’s
licence, vehicle registration, and
vehicle insurance.
People working Obey flag person
3 Wait for instructions from the police
officer when they approach
your vehicle. Be cooperative. Provide
the documents requested by the
police officer.
Lane ends or narrows
4 DO NOT move your vehicle until
instructed by the police officer.
86 Driver’s Guide
NOTES

7
Responsible
Driving
Proactive driving Watch for potential hazards
Proactive driving involves a continuous
Proactive driving is driving with the aim
process of watching your surroundings
to anticipate possible hazards and take
and thinking about whether hazards
action to reduce, minimize, or avoid
are developing, and then taking action
danger before it can occur.
to reduce risks. Watch for hazards that
Never assume other drivers are going are fixed (those that do not change) and
to drive carefully or respond correctly. hazards that are variable (those that
Anticipating what might happen can change).
help you to avoid collisions caused by
Fixed hazards are permanent conditions
the driving errors of others. This chapter
and situations along the roadway,
describes skills and techniques for driving
including:
proactively.
• restricted vision areas such as curves,
Scan all around your vehicle hills, and hidden driveways
Most of your attention should be given to • intersections
looking forward and scanning for hazards • merging roadways.
that are developing ahead of you. When
Variable hazards change through the day,
you are driving in an urban area, look at
including:
least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your
vehicle. This is about one to one-and-a- • school children and other pedestrians
half blocks. When you are driving in rural • left-turning vehicles
areas, look at least 20 to 25 seconds • icy road surfaces
ahead of your vehicle. This is your visual
• “stale” green lights
lead time, which provides you with time
to respond to hazards ahead of you. • emergency vehicles.
Be prepared to take action to avoid a
Check behind you by glancing in your rear
problem as the situation changes. Expect
view mirrors every eight to 12 seconds
the unexpected and always plan an
(about every block in an urban area).
escape route.
Glance in your rear view mirrors when you
anticipate slowing or stopping. Be aware
Have a space cushion
of vehicles on both sides and in your blind
Leave enough space between yourself
spots. Do not forget to glance at your
and the vehicles ahead, behind, and to
speedometer to check your speed.
either side, to stop safely or steer around
a possible hazard. If someone is following
too closely, and if it is safe, reduce your
speed just enough to encourage them to
pass. If the person does not pass, create
a wider space cushion between you and
the vehicle ahead.
Chapter 7 Responsible Driving 89

When stopping behind another vehicle in Maintain your following
traffic, leave enough space so that you time and distance
could move your vehicle into another
Under normal road and weather
lane without having to reverse. The extra
conditions you should drive a minimum of
space reduces the risk of hitting the
two seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
vehicle ahead if you are hit from behind.
When conditions are less than ideal,
This also allows you to move out of the
increase your following distance.
way of a vehicle that may be skidding or
slipping on ice behind you. To know if you are two seconds behind
the vehicle in front of you, when it passes
Plan ahead a fixed objects such as a road marking or
Plan your travel route before you set out, a shadow on the roadway, start counting.
and keep it in mind as you drive. Count one-thousand-and-one, one-
Be sure you are in the proper lane well in thousand-and-two. If the front of your
advance of your exit or turning location. vehicle reaches the object before you are
This will help you avoid making quick and finished counting, you are following too
dangerous lane changes. If you miss your closely. Reduce your speed and count
exit or turn, continue on to the next exit once more. The two second rule works at
or intersection. Never drive your vehicle any speed.
in reverse on a roadway to return to a An exception to this rule is for drivers of
missed exit or turn. Use your signal lights large vehicles, such as motor homes. It is
to let other drivers know what you intend recommended that you use a minimum
to do. four second following distance.
Collision avoidance Cellular phones and

Watch the road ahead and stay alert. other distractions
Watch for any possible problems. If you
Do not use a cellular phone or other
must turn sharply to avoid something in
electronic devices while driving. Using a
your lane, stay on your side of the yellow
cellular phone to make or receive a call,
line if possible.
or to receive or send a text message, is
You can learn more about proactive a distraction that can take your attention
driving and avoiding a collision by taking away from the demanding task of
an approved driver education course. driving. This applies to hands-free cellular
Defensive Driving Courses are available telephones as well. If you want to make
throughout the province from licensed or receive a call, or receive or send a text
driver training schools and authorized message, stop in a safe and legal place.
agencies.
Keep a minimum two second distance when following another vehicle.
90 Driver’s Guide
Do not engage in activities that allow All child safety seats used in Canada
you to be distracted while driving. While must have a label on them that states
all forms of distracted driving can be the product meets Canada Motor Vehicle
hazardous, the Traffic Safety Act includes Safety Standard 213. Do not use a child
fines and three demerits for certain safety seat unless it has this label. Do not
distractions. These include: use a child safety seat that is designed
for use in countries other than Canada.
• using a hand-held cell phone
• texting or e-mailing There are various types of child safety
• using electronic devices, such as seats available. Choose one that is right
laptop computers, video games, for your child’s age or weight.
cameras, and video entertainment
Rear facing safety seats:
displays
• programming portable audio players From birth, all children must ride in either
a rear-facing infant seat or a rear-facing
• entering information on GPS units
convertible seat until reaching the
• reading printed materials in the vehicle recommended weight to switch to a
• writing, printing, or sketching forward facing safety seat, according to
• personal grooming. the manufacturer’s instructions.
All newer vehicles and child safety seats
Securing passengers come equipped with the universal anchor
system or UAS/LATCH. In older vehicles,
In Alberta, all drivers and passengers
the child safety seat must be properly
must be properly secured in the vehicle
secured into the vehicle using the seat
with a seat belt or an approved child
belt. Check the instruction manuals for
safety seat attached by a seat belt or an
your vehicle and the child safety seat for
anchor system. Passengers 16 years of
more information.
age and older not properly secured in
the vehicle can be fined. As the driver,
you are responsible for ensuring that
all passengers in your vehicle under 16
years of age are properly secured.
You can be fined if they are not
properly secured.
Child safety seats

A child under the age of six years and
who does not weigh more than 18
kilograms (40 pounds) must be properly Rear-facing child safety seat.
secured in a child safety seat. The child
safety seat must be installed in the vehicle
according to manufacturer’s instructions
of the vehicle and child safety seat.

Forward-facing safety seats: Booster seats
Forward-facing child safety seats are Children who weigh more than
designed for children 10 to 18 kilograms 18 kilograms (40 pounds) should be
(22 to 40 pounds). All newer vehicles and secured in an approved booster
child safety seats come equipped with the seat prior to using only the vehicle’s seat
universal anchor system or UAS/LATCH. belt without a booster seat. The seat
In older vehicles, a forward-facing seat must be used according to the
must be properly secured by using the manufacturer’s instructions.
vehicle seat belt. The child safety seat’s
tether strap and vehicle’s tether anchor Examples of
must be used. (You may need to have booster seats.
a tether anchor installed by your vehicle

dealer.) Check the instruction manuals for
the vehicle and child safety seat for
more information.
Convertible child safety seat
UAS/LATCH with tether
92 Driver’s Guide
Fuel efficiency steering, and other moving parts. These
parts of your vehicle are only warmed by
and helping our driving. According to Natural Resources
Canada, one minute of idling on a cold
environment winter day is enough.
Improving fuel efficiency Use a block heater in the winter to warm
Most drivers can significantly reduce the the engine oil and make cold starts easier
amount of fuel used by applying the on your engine. Use a timer to switch the
following basic driving practices. block heater on two hours before you plan
to drive.
When buying a vehicle, consider fuel-
efficient models. Generally, the smaller the Proper use of a block heater can improve
engine, the less fuel it will use. When your vehicle’s overall fuel economy by as
shopping for a new vehicle, look for its much as 10 per cent. Do not leave your
EnerGuide label. This identifies the vehicle block heater on overnight or your energy
fuel usage in terms of litres used for each savings will disappear in higher electricity
100 kilometres driven (litres/100 km), and costs. Remote vehicle starters are handy
estimated annual fuel cost. on cold mornings, but do not start your
vehicle too early.
Travelling at higher speeds increases fuel
use. Every 10 km/h above 90 km/h burns Have regular maintenance checks done
about 10 per cent more fuel. by a qualified mechanic. A vehicle that is
properly maintained will be more fuel-
Avoid quick acceleration. It is safer and
efficient and safe:
more fuel-efficient to gradually increase
your speed. As much as possible, • A poorly tuned engine can increase
maintain a steady speed. Rapid fuel consumption by up to 50 per cent.
acceleration and changes in speed can • A clogged air filter can reduce fuel
increase fuel consumption by as much as efficiency by 10 per cent.
40 per cent. Cruise control can help • Under-inflated tires increase fuel
maintain a fuel-efficient steady speed on consumption by about five per cent,
the highway. as well as increase tire wear and
Idling wastes fuel. Ten seconds of idling reduce traction.
can consume more fuel than turning off To get maximum fuel economy on a
your engine and re-starting it. If you are vehicle with a manual transmission, shift
parking for more than 10 seconds, turn through the lower gears smoothly and
off your engine. For every 10 minutes of quickly. Build up speed in the higher
idling, the average vehicle uses about gears. An automatic transmission shifts
one-third of a litre of fuel. A vehicle with a to a higher gear earlier if you reduce
larger engine can use up to one-half of pressure on the gas pedal as you
a litre. increase speed.
Idling your engine is not the best way to
warm your vehicle in the winter. Idling
warms the engine and possibly the
interior of the vehicle, but it does not
warm vehicle parts such as the tires,

You can improve your fuel efficiency in • Do not let children handle the fuel
summer by minimizing your use of air nozzle. Do not expose your child to the
conditioning. Air conditioners used in potential risk of being splashed with
stop-and-go traffic can increase fuel gasoline or inhaling fumes.
consumption by as much as 10 to 25 per • Never prop the fuel nozzle handle open
cent. At highway speeds, air conditioning with an object. This greatly increases
increases fuel consumption by three to the chance of spills.
four per cent. To stay cool at highway • Stay by the nozzle handle during
speeds, use your vehicle’s flow through fuelling. Static electricity can be
ventilation. When driving in the city, open generated as you move around or
a window. get in and out of your vehicle. When
Extra weight means using extra fuel. you return to the pump and touch
Heavy bags of sand and salt in the trunk the nozzle handle, static electricity
will help winter driving traction, but should could be released. This could ignite
be removed when no longer needed. the gasoline vapours and cause a fire
or explosion.
Trip planning can save you time, money,
and fuel. Avoid traffic congested routes. • Do not overfill your tank. Overflow and
Combine several errands into one spills can affect the environment.
longer trip and avoid rush hour traffic • When filling extra containers, such as
when possible. gas containers for your lawn mower
or snow blower, remove them from
Fuelling safety your vehicle and place them on the
Fuelling a vehicle should receive your ground. This will allow static electricity
full attention: to discharge and keep spills out of
your vehicle.
• Do not smoke, light matches, or use
a lighter when fuelling your vehicle.
Gasoline vapours mix with air, which Traffic laws
contains oxygen. If you add an ignition Some traffic laws that all drivers should
source such as cigarettes or matches, be aware of include the following:
a fire or explosion can occur.
• Do not use your vehicle to tow anyone,
• Do not use a cellular phone while
for example, a person on skis, riding a
fuelling. Phones that light up when
toboggan, motorcycle, or bicycle.
switched on or when they ring may
have enough energy to provide • It is against the law to let a person ride
a spark. The spark could ignite in a trailer when it is being towed.
gasoline vapours. • People under the age of 14 cannot
• Turn your vehicle ignition off operate a tractor or any self-propelled
before fuelling. farm equipment on a highway.
• If you have a recreational vehicle (RV)
or trailer, be sure that any pilot lights
are turned off. These could provide a
source of ignition.
• Inform the station attendant if there is
a fuel spill.
94 Driver’s Guide
• If the view from your inside rear view
mirror is blocked, you must attach an
outside rear view mirror on each side
of the vehicle.
• If a vehicle’s load extends one and a
half metres (five feet) or more beyond
the rear of the vehicle, the following is
required:
· During daylight hours, a red flag
should be attached to the end of
the extension or load. The flag
must be at least 30 centimetres
(one foot) long on each of the four
sides of the square.
· At night, a red light must be attached
to the end of the extension or load.
• In a residential area, you must not
operate a vehicle in a way that disturbs
the residents between the hours of
10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• If you drive a vehicle on a roadway
without care and attention, or without
reasonable consideration for others
using the road, you could be found
guilty of careless driving.
• It is illegal to operate your vehicle using
two lanes on a highway, except when
conditions cause the use of a single
lane to be impractical.
• When you are driving, you must not
allow anyone to ride on the outside
of your vehicle. This includes the
open box of a pick up truck. You and
the other person can be charged for
this offence.

8
Sharing the Road
Vulnerable road users • Never pass another vehicle when you
are approaching a crosswalk. There is
Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle always a chance that the other vehicle
riders also share the roadways with all is slowing or stopping for a pedestrian.
vehicle operators on a daily basis. These
• Not all crosswalks are marked, but the
road users have less protection than
rules of pedestrian safety should be
drivers of other types of vehicles. Be
followed at all intersections.
cautious when operating your vehicle
around pedestrians, cyclists, and • Be considerate of visually impaired
motorcycle riders. pedestrians. Some will have a white
cane or guide dog.
Pedestrian safety • At night, do not overdrive your
When you see a yellow flashing headlights. This means you should
pedestrian-activated traffic light, slow to drive so you are able to stop your
30 km/h and yield to pedestrians wanting vehicle within the distance you can
to cross the street. clearly see with your headlights.
• When it is dark, be alert for
• In an urban area, pedestrians may
pedestrians. They can be difficult to
indicate their intention to cross a street
see from a distance, especially if they
by raising an arm at a right angle and
are wearing dark clothing.
pointing to the opposite curb.
• Children can be unpredictable. In
residential areas, watch for children
around parked vehicles, riding bikes,
or playing on the street. Glance under
parked vehicles ahead on both sides
of the road to check for children’s feet,
toys, and bicycle wheels. These provide
warning that you may need to stop.
Pedestrian indicating intention to Bicycles

cross the street.
The law requires cyclists or passengers on
a bicycle, who are under 18 years of age,
• When pedestrians indicate their to wear an approved bicycle safety helmet.
intention to cross the street, you must
Tips for sharing the road with cyclists:
stop your vehicle safely before the
crosswalk and allow them to cross. • A cyclist who is walking beside and
• When a pedestrian has entered a pushing a bicycle is a pedestrian.
marked or unmarked crosswalk, you • Cyclists are required to ride as close
must yield the right-of-way. as practicable to the right curb.
• When stopping for a pedestrian at However, they may need to ride
a crosswalk, stop far enough back further out when avoiding drainage
(about two to three car lengths) so that grates, pot holes, debris, gravel or
traffic in other lanes will be able to see sand, wet or slippery surfaces, and
the pedestrian and have time to stop. rutted or grooved pavement. Be
aware of the roadway conditions that
may affect a cyclist.
Chapter 8 Sharing the Road 97

• A bicycle that is being ridden is a Cyclists using the streets and highways
vehicle. A cyclist must follow the should do the following:
rules of the road like drivers of
• Keep both hands on the hand grips
other vehicles.
except when hand signalling.
· A cyclist seated on a bicycle at an
• Keep both feet on the pedals.
intersection, waiting for a traffic
• Only carry the number of people the
control signal, has the same rights
bicycle is designed to carry.
and responsibilities as any other
vehicle waiting to proceed. • Never hold onto or attach the bicycle
to any other moving vehicle.
· Cyclists are required to use the
• Ride single file except when passing
proper lane when turning left.
another bicycle.
A bicycle and rider are smaller than
other vehicles, are less visible, and • For cycling after dark, equip the
more exposed to traffic on left turns. bicycle with at least one headlamp (but
Cyclists need extra consideration not more than two), one red tail lamp,
when turning left, especially on and at least one red reflector mounted
multi-lane roads. on the rear of the bicycle. Wear bright
and reflective clothing.
• When passing a cyclist, change lanes
• Be sure the bicycle has brakes that
such as you would for other vehicles.
work well.
• When you are preparing to turn right,
• Be sure that the bicycle is equipped
watch for cyclists who may ride along
with a bell or horn.
side your vehicle. Remember to do a
shoulder check to your blind spots to Motorcycles
the right. Motorcycle riders often travel in the left
• When parked at the curb, always check portion of their lane. This helps make
for cyclists before you open your vehicle them more visible to other road users.
door. It is the driver’s responsibility to It does not mean they will be turning left.
wait until it is safe before opening
Sometimes a motorcycle’s turn signals
the door.
can be hard to see. Watch the rider for
• Before moving away from the curb,
clues. If the rider does a shoulder check,
check for cyclists who may be riding
they may be intending to change lanes
past your vehicle.
or turn.
• Do not follow too closely behind
When turning left, watch for oncoming
cyclists. They do not have brake lights
motorcycles. They can be hard to see,
to warn you when they are stopping.
especially in heavy traffic, at night, or at
• Be alert for children on bicycles. They
dusk. It may also be difficult to judge the
may lack the necessary knowledge
speed of the motorcycle.
and skills for safe cycling around
traffic, and may not be aware of all
the dangers. Children on oversized
bicycles are at risk of losing control.
98 Driver’s Guide
Tips for driving safely with motorcycle • If you are on a hill and stopping behind
riders: a large vehicle, leave extra space in
front of your vehicle. The large vehicle
• Never share a lane with a motorcycle
may roll back when the driver releases
rider. A motorcycle rider needs the
their brakes.
whole lane to travel safely.
• Large vehicles can spray debris, such
• Be aware that motorcycle riders will
as rocks, onto your windshield. Stay
often move within their lane to avoid
well back to avoid damage.
road hazards, such as pot holes, and
to maintain a space cushion from • Be cautious around a large vehicle that
other vehicles. is backing. If you are too close behind,
the driver may not be able to see you
• When you are following someone
in the rear view mirrors.
riding a motorcycle, allow extra
space between your vehicle and the • Larger vehicles have larger blind spots.
motorcycle because motorcycles can If you are driving behind a large vehicle
stop very quickly. and cannot see both of its side mirrors,
you are too close. If you can see the
• Be aware that poor weather, road
driver in the side mirror, then the driver
conditions, or road hazards could
can see you.
make the motorcycle rider lose control.
• You will need more time in the
oncoming lane when passing a large
Commercial vehicles vehicle. Do not pass unless you are
Being aware of large vehicles is crucial sure that you have enough time and
for the safety of all road users. Follow distance to complete the pass safely.
these tips to ensure safe driving when Some large vehicles are long and may
sharing the road with large vehicles: pull more than one trailer.
• Keep adequate space between you • Heavy commercial vehicles will require
and large vehicles. more distance to slow or stop. After
passing one, leave extra room before
• When you are behind a large vehicle,
you return to your lane in front of it.
increase your following time and
This also applies to changing lanes in
distance so your viewing area will
front of one.
be larger.
• Heavy commercial vehicles require
• Never move into the space in front of
extra room to turn. When a large
a large vehicle that is approaching a
vehicle is turning to the right, stay well
traffic light. If the traffic light changes to
back and do not drive in the space
red the driver needs that extra space
on the right of the large vehicle. Your
for stopping. Moving too close to their
vehicle could be squeezed between
vehicle may not give them enough
the large vehicle and the curb or edge
room to brake and could cause a
of the road.
dangerous situation. Remember that
a large vehicle needs extra distance to
stop.

• If you are on a road that a large vehicle is
turning onto, be aware that the operator
Log hauling vehicles
of the vehicle may need to drive across Log hauling vehicles are long and heavy
the centre line, cut a corner, or use part when loaded.
of your lane to complete the turn. Stop • Never pass a log hauling truck that
back from the intersection to allow the is turning left or right off the highway.
operator the space to complete the turn. The extension of the logs from the rear
• Large vehicles can create strong gusts of the truck may be as long as nine
of wind when passing, especially when metres (30 feet). When these trucks
there is a strong wind crossing the are turning, the logs can block all or
road. This may affect your ability to some of the lanes of the highway.
control your vehicle and maintain your
lane position.
• Drivers must use caution when
approaching and passing oversized
vehicle loads. Some oversized vehicle
loads travel in a convoy with pilot
vehicles to the front and rear of the
convoy. Oversized vehicle loads often
travel at a reduced speed. Drivers of
oversized vehicle loads and convoys
typically look for opportunities to allow
traffic to pass. If traffic buildup behind
the oversized vehicle load or convoy
becomes heavy, the entire unit will Log hauling trucks may require all lanes of the
typically move off the travelled portion highway when turning.
of the roadway to allow traffic to
pass safely. Drivers who wish to pass
oversized vehicle loads or convoys
should ensure it is safe to do so by
making sure they have enough room to
manoeuver around the oversized vehicle
load or convoy, and that they have an
adequate sightline to ensure there is no
oncoming traffic.
100 Driver’s Guide

School buses • If you pass a school bus that has its
alternating amber lights flashing, pass
Students using a school bus can be at with caution.
risk when getting on or off the bus.
• When the school bus stops to let
When school bus lights are flashing: students on or off, its alternating red
lights will begin flashing. You will also
On an undivided highway (not divided by see a stop sign extended from the left
a median), do the following: side of the school bus. You must come
• When you approach a school bus from to a full stop about 20 metres (about
either direction (from the front or the four to five car lengths) away from the
rear), and it has the alternating amber school bus. This distance allows
lights flashing, you must be ready to drivers of other vehicles behind you to
stop. This is a warning that the see the flashing lights and students
alternating red lights are going to begin crossing the highway.
flashing and the school bus is stopping
to allow students to get on or off.
approx. 20 metres
SCHOOL BUS
STOP
STOP
approx. 20 metres
On a two-lane undivided highway, both lanes must stop for a school bus.
approx. 20 metres
SCHOOL BUS
STOP
STOP
approx. 20 metres
On a four-lane undivided highway, all four lanes must stop for a school bus.
approx. 20 metres
SCHOOL BUS
STOP
Median
MAY PROCEED
WATCH FOR
PEDESTRIANS
On a highway divided by a median, vehicles to the rear of the school bus must stop.

• You must remain stopped until the • Maintain a safe following distance
alternating flashing red lights are behind the snowplow. Most
turned off and the stop sign on the maintenance vehicles will have a sign
driver’s side is no longer extended. at the rear to let motorists know the
On a highway divided by a median, do minimum safe following distance.
the following: Keeping this distance will give you
more time to react to the unexpected,
• When you approach a school bus and avoid rock damage to your vehicle
from the rear and its alternating from the snowplow’s sanding unit.
amber lights are flashing, follow the
• Passing a snowplow is strictly
same procedures as you would for
prohibited when:
a highway that is not divided by
· the view along the side of the
a median.
snowplow is obstructed
• When you approach a school bus from
the front and the school bus has its · passing impedes the operation of
alternating amber or red lights flashing, the snowplow, or
you may proceed with caution. Watch · the act of passing cannot be done
for pedestrians. Remember, this is only safely.
on a divided highway.
• Snow plow operators will move to
These rules apply whenever and wherever
the side of the road, where it is safe,
the school bus lights are activated. Some
every five to eight kilometres to allow
municipalities have rules for school bus
vehicles to pass. Even when passing is
operation specific to their region.
permitted, it is safer to stay well back
until the snowplow operator can safely
Snowplows move over to allow vehicles to pass.
• Before passing a snowplow on a
When clearing snow from the roads,
two-lane highway (one lane in each
snowplows may create a snow cloud
direction), be sure you can see far
that makes it difficult for drivers of other
enough ahead and that passing is
vehicles to see them. It may also be
permitted by the road markings or
difficult to see past the snowplows for
signs.
oncoming vehicles.
When a snowplow is approaching from
Safety tips when driving near a
the opposite direction, look ahead in
snowplow:
your lane carefully. There may be an
• Snowplows are equipped with oncoming vehicle that is passing the
flashing amber and red lights to snowplow using your lane. Be prepared
make them more visible. Remember,to use an escape route.
“flashing amber and red means
snowplow ahead”.

Railway crossings Railway crossing signs:
Never try to outrace a train to a crossing. These signs are found at

Trains need a very long distance to come all public railway
to a stop. Always yield to them. Railway crossings. A railway
crossings are marked with signs. They crossing sign means
can also have mechanical or electrical drivers must yield to all
warning devices. trains. If there is more than
one railway track, the
Advance warning signs: crossing sign will show
the number of tracks. You
These signs tell you to
must stop when a train is
look, listen, and reduce
visible or sounding a
speed because you may
signal and approaching
have to stop for a train.
within 500 metres (about five city blocks)
The speed sign below
of the crossing.
the advance warning
sign is the Railway crossing signs
recommended speed for with a stop sign:
the railway crossing. It
will be less than the A stop sign at a railway
posted speed for the crossing requires the
road. driver to come to a
complete stop between
Pavement markings: five metres (15 feet) and
Pavement markings, 15 metres (50 feet) from
such as an X and/or the nearest rail. Do not
stop line, may be proceed until you
marked on the are sure a train is
pavement at the not approaching.
approach to some
railway crossings. If
you must stop for a
train, do it before the
stop line.

Flashing red light signals and bell: Follow these safety tips when driving near
railway tracks:
Red light signals are used
with railway signs at • Do not get trapped on the railway
many railway crossings. tracks at a railway crossing. Wait on
Stop when the lights the approach to the crossing and
begin to flash and the cross only when you are sure you can
bells ring to indicate a clear the crossing.
train is approaching. The • When the last car of a train passes the
driver of the vehicle crossing, make sure that another train
nearest the crossing is not coming before you move ahead.
must stop at least five A second train can come on another
metres back from the track from a different direction. You
nearest rail. Do not may not be able to hear the second
proceed until the lights and bells have train because of the noise of the
stopped, and the train has passed or has first one.
come to a complete stop. If there is more • Never drive around the gates. If the
than one track, be sure all tracks are clear gate is down, is raising, or is lowering,
before crossing. do not cross the tracks.
Gates (arms), lights, and bells: • If your vehicle has a standard (manual)
transmission, do not change gears
while crossing the tracks. If you cannot
complete the shift, your vehicle could
be stalled on the tracks.
• If your vehicle stalls on a railway
crossing, get everyone out of the
vehicle and away from the track
immediately. If a train is coming,
move well away from your vehicle
and away from the tracks. If possible,
go in the direction where the train is
approaching. This will prevent you
from being hit with flying debris if the
train hits the stalled vehicle.
• During poor weather or at night, be
alert for advance railway warning and
railway signs. Drive at a speed that will
Gates are used with red light signals and allow you to be able to stop within the
bells at some railway crossings. You must distance clearly lit by your headlights.
remain stopped until the gates are raised, Remember, it may take a kilometre or
the lights stop flashing, and the bells more for a train to stop, even under full
stop ringing. emergency braking. The safety of you
and your passengers depends entirely
on you as the driver.

Vehicles carrying Funeral processions
passengers or If you are participating in a funeral
procession, you are permitted to continue
dangerous goods through an intersection with a stop sign
Commercial vehicles transporting or red traffic light without stopping.
passengers or dangerous goods can be Your headlights must be turned on.
required by law or company policy to stop You may only proceed if you are closely
at railway crossings. Be prepared to stop following the vehicle in front of you in the
when you are following a commercial procession and it is safe to do so.
vehicle near a railway crossing. Do not pass through a funeral procession.
Yield the right-of-way until it has passed
Light rail transit before proceeding.
Light rail transit (LRT) crossings in

Calgary and Edmonton are similar to
other railway crossings and require
pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to
use caution in these locations.
LRT systems are powered by electricity,
which makes them very quiet. These
crossings use a variety of warning
devices such as regular traffic signal
lights, signs, bells, and gates. These
warnings all mean stop and do not cross
the tracks.
Never drive around the gates, even if an
LRT train has just passed. Another one
may be coming from the other direction.
Due to its weight and speed, an LRT train
may take up to 100 metres (330 feet) to
stop in an emergency.
Off-highway vehicles
When driving, it is important to be
aware of off-highway vehicles and their
operators who may be near or attempting
to cross the highway. Be cautious
when encountering all-terrain vehicles,
snowmobiles, or similar vehicles.

9
Driving within the Law
Driver fitness To reduce the risk of fatigue, do the
following:
Are you fit to drive? • Be sure you are well rested before you
It is important to be mindful of the factors start your trip.
that can impact your ability to drive safely. • Keep your vehicle at a comfortable
Substance use, such as alcohol and temperature. Make sure it is
drugs, can impair your judgement and well ventilated.
reaction time when operating a vehicle.
• Keep your eyes moving by scanning
Some medications, even those obtained
the road ahead and behind. Stay alert
with a prescription or over-the-counter,
to your surroundings and check your
can have a similar effect. Additionally,
vehicle’s gauges.
stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep can also
• Use sunglasses on bright days.
have a negative impact on your driving
ability. • If you are feeling tired, stop for a rest.
Walk around your vehicle.
Fatigue • Do not drive after drinking alcohol
Driving while fatigued can be extremely or taking drugs.
dangerous and is often caused by a
variety of factors such as: Medications
Some prescription and non-prescription
• lack of sleep or rest (over-the-counter) medications can
• emotional stress have an impairing affect on your
• boredom vehicle-handling ability, judgement, and
• driving for long periods of time responsible decision-making when
• physical activity operating a vehicle. Side effects can
include drowsiness or dizziness.
• illness
• eye strain. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist.
Know the effects of all prescription and
Fatigue can also be intensified by
over-the-counter medication you are
factors like overeating, alcohol or drug
taking before operating any motor
use, or even a warm and comfortable
vehicle. Know what the effects of alcohol
vehicle.
or drugs will be if you combine them with
Fatigue can increase the time it takes you your medication.
to react. It can also impair your judgement
and decision-making. This can result in Alcohol and drugs
driving errors such as driving off the road, Drinking alcohol and driving is a
into another lane, or into oncoming traffic. dangerous combination that puts yourself
You may not realize that you are in a and others on the road in great peril.
dangerous situation or be able to
Driving while impaired continues to be a
react quickly.
major cause of traffic deaths and injuries
in Alberta.
Chapter 9 Driving within the Law 107

On average, from 2016 to 2020, each Convictions and times when your driver’s
year approximately 38 people were killed licence privileges have been suspended
and 535 people were injured in collisions remain on your driving record for 10 years
involving impaired driving. and will appear on your driver’s abstract.
Drugs or alcohol will impair your driving.
Fully-licensed drivers:
Operating a vehicle safely and responsibly
requires that you be alert. Impairment If you have accumulated eight to 14
begins with the first drink or drug use. demerit points within a two-year period,
you will receive a letter notifying you of
It is important that all drivers
your demerit point standing.
understand the risks of drinking or drug
use and driving, and realize that there If you have accumulated 15 or more
are risks, laws, and penalties involved demerit points within a two-year period
with this choice. You may face: your driver’s licence privileges will
be automatically suspended for a period
• heavy fines of time.
• a criminal record
When the time of your suspension has
• time in jail
been served, your driver’s licence
• the loss of your driver’s licence privileges will be reinstated with seven
privileges demerit points remaining on your driver’s
• increased vehicle insurance premiums licence record. These points remain on
• damage to property your driver record for a period of two years
• serious injury or death from the reinstated date on the letter.
• loss of employment, if driving is GDL drivers:
required as part of the job.
If you have accumulated four to seven
demerit points within a two-year period,
Driving responsibly you will receive a letter notifying you of
your demerit point standing.
Demerit points and
If you have accumulated eight or more
consequences
demerit points within a two-year period,
Demerit points are recorded against
your driver’s licence privileges will be
your driving record when you are
automatically suspended for a period
convicted of an offence.
of time.
You are convicted of an offence
When the time of your suspension has
when you:
been served, your driver’s licence
• pay the fine assessed on your privileges will be reinstated with three
ticket voluntarily demerit points remaining on your driver’s
• appear in court and are found guilty licence record. These points will stay on
• fail to appear in court and are your driver record for a period of two
‘convicted (guilty) in absence’. years from the assessed date.

Demerit point penalties for fully-licensed and GDL drivers:
Points Offence
7 points Failing to remain at the scene of a collision
6 points Careless driving

Failing to stop for a school bus
Racing
Speeding (exceeding limit by at least 51 km/h)
5 points Failing to stop at a railway crossing (School bus or a vehicle

carrying explosives, gas, or flammable liquids)
Failing to stop for a peace officer
4 points Failing to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk

Following too closely
Speeding (exceeding limit by 31 to 50 km/h)
3 points Driving to the left of the yellow line / Driving left of center on
unmarked two-way
Driving in the wrong direction on a one-way highway
Failing to report a collision
Failing to stop at an intersection controlled by a stop sign
Failing to stop for a red light at an intersection
Impeding passing vehicle
Improper passing
Stunting
Speeding (exceeding limit by 16 to 30 km/h)
2 points Failing to obey instruction of traffic control device

Improper backing - backing into an intersection or crosswalk
or unsafe backing onto a highway
Improper turns
Improper turns - U-turn
Traffic lane violation
Speeding (exceeding limit to maximum of 15 km/h)
For a complete listing of the Demerit Point Program visit:

www.alberta.ca/demerit-points.aspx

Demerit point penalties specific to GDL drivers:
Points Offence
2 points Curfew - driving between midnight and 5 a.m. (Class 7 learner

stage only)
Having more passengers than seat belts
Supervisor (accompanying driver) not fully qualified
Fully-licensed and GDL drivers: When two years have passed from the
date of a conviction, the demerit points
Driver’s licence privilege suspensions:
assessed for that conviction are removed
• First – automatic one month from your driver’s record.
suspension.
If a Government-approved defensive
• Second (within one year) – automatic
driving course has been successfully
three month suspension.
completed prior to accumulating 15 or
• Third (within two years) – automatic six more points, a three point credit is
month suspension. You may be applied to your driving record for a
required to attend a review with the two-year period. Contact a driving
Registrar of Motor Vehicles. school for more information about
You are required by law to give up your Government-approved defensive driving
driver’s licence on or before the date your courses.
suspension begins. This can be done at
any Alberta registry agent office.
You may be eligible for a Restricted
Driver’s Licence. For more information,
visit www.alberta.ca/restricted-drivers-
licence-program.aspx.
You may not appeal a demerit point
suspension. However, you may request
a review of the demerit points to ensure
they were not assigned in error. If you
believe demerit points were assigned to
your driver’s licence in error, you can
submit a request in writing to Driver
Fitness and Monitoring to have your
record reviewed as per section 99 of the
Traffic Safety Act. Convictions can only
be removed from your driving record by
an appeal through the courts.
Contact any Alberta Provincial Court
for more information.

Driving laws Provincial: Traffic Safety Act,
Immediate Roadside Sanctions
Federal: Criminal Code (IRS) Program
of Canada Alberta has one impaired driving program
Offences related to impaired driving are: called the Immediate Roadside Sanctions
• impaired driving regardless of blood (IRS) program. This impaired driving
alcohol or drug content program includes a multi-tiered escalating
approach to deter impaired driving.
• blood alcohol level over the legal limit
Impaired drivers will receive immediate
• drug or drug-alcohol combination or a
and significant penalties at roadside that
toxicological (blood or urine) sample
include:
• refusing to provide a breath or
blood sample • escalating driver’s licence suspensions
• impaired driving causing bodily harm • escalating fines
• impaired driving causing death • escalating vehicle seizure lengths
• driving while suspended or disqualified. • mandatory education programs

If you are found guilty under the • the Ignition Interlock Program
Criminal Code of Canada of driving while IRS: 24-hour
impaired, and you have:
The IRS: 24-hour program applies to
· been found guilty under the various
drivers whose ability to operate a motor
sub-sections of section 320 of the
vehicle has been impaired by a physical
Criminal Code of Canada, you will be
or medical condition, or by drugs or
disqualified from driving and your
alcohol. A 24-hour licence disqualification
licence will be suspended for one
will be issued.
year from the date of the finding of
the guilt.
· a prior offence in the last 10 years,
you will be disqualified from holding
a driver’s licence for three years from
the date of the conviction.
· two or more prior offences in the last
10 years, you will be disqualified
from holding a driver’s licence for five
years from the date of the
conviction.
· if a death or injury occurs as a result
of an impaired offence, the minimum
licence suspension is five years even
for a first offender.

IRS ZERO: Novice IRS: WARN
The IRS ZERO: Novice program applies The IRS: WARN program applies when a
to all alcohol and/or drugs and there is a law enforcement officer has reasonable
zero tolerance approach for any alcohol grounds to believe that a driver has
and/or drugs for novice drivers in the operated a motor vehicle with a blood
Class 7 learner’s licence or Class 5-GDL alcohol concentration that is equal to or
licence category. exceeds 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100
mililitres of blood.
Contraventions for this type of
suspension/disqualification include the Contraventions for this type of
following: suspension/disqualification include the
following:
• an immediate 30 day driver’s licence
suspension First occurrence
• a seven day vehicle seizure Three day immediate driver’s licence
• $200 fine plus victim fine surcharge suspension, three day vehicle seizure,
of 20 per cent. and $300 fine plus victim fine surcharge
of 20 per cent.
IRS ZERO: Commercial
The IRS ZERO: Commercial program Second occurrence
applies to all alcohol and/or drugs and 15 day immediate driver’s licence
there is a zero tolerance approach for any suspension, seven day vehicle seizure,
alcohol and/or drug for a commercial requirement to complete the Crossroads
driver operating a commercial vehicle in a course (or the Planning Ahead course
commercial capacity. may be used as an equivalent), and $600
Contraventions for this type of fine plus victim fine surcharge of 20 per
suspension/disqualification include the cent.
following: Third occurrence
First occurrence 30 day immediate driver’s licence
Three day immediate driver’s licence suspension, seven day vehicle seizure,
suspension and $300 fine plus victim fine requirement to complete the IMPACT
surcharge of 20 per cent. Program, and $1,200 fine plus victim fine
surcharge of 20 per cent.
Second occurrence
15 day immediate driver’s licence
suspension and $600 fine plus victim fine
surcharge of 20 per cent.
Third occurrence
30 day immediate driver’s licence
suspension and $1,200 fine plus victim
fine surcharge of 20 per cent.

IRS: FAIL Contraventions for this type of
suspension/disqualification include the
The IRS: FAIL program applies when a
following:
law enforcement officer has reasonable
grounds to believe that: First occurrence
• the driver has operated a motor vehicle The administrative penalties are imposed
while their ability to do so was impaired with or without a criminal charge. A
to any degree by alcohol or a drug or criminal conviction will result in additional
by a combination of alcohol and a drug penalties.
• within two hours after ceasing to • Immediate two-stage, fixed-term
operate a motor vehicle, the driver had driver’s licence suspension consisting
a blood alcohol concentration that was of two distinct parts:
equal to or exceeds 80 milligrams of
1. 9
0 days where the suspended
alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood
driver is unable to drive under any
• within two hours after ceasing to circumstances; and
operate a motor vehicle, the driver
had a blood drug concentration that 2. further 12-month driver’s licence
is equal to or exceeds any blood suspension.
drug concentration for the drug that · During this 12-month suspension
is prescribed by regulation under the period, the driver may participate in
Criminal Code of Canada Alberta’s IRS: FAIL Ignition Interlock
• within two hours, after ceasing to Program and during that term
operate a motor vehicle, the driver operate a vehicle equipped with
had a blood alcohol concentration an interlock device. If they choose
and a blood drug concentration that not to participate in the IRS: FAIL
is equal to or exceeds the blood Ignition Interlock Program, the driver
alcohol concentration and the blood will remain suspended and cannot
drug concentration for the drug that legally drive.
is prescribed by regulation under the
• Completion of the Planning Ahead
Criminal Code of Canada for instances
course.
where alcohol and that drug are
· If the driver does not complete this
combined
requirement within 450 days, they
• knowing a demand had been made,
will receive a new administrative
the driver failed or refused, without a
suspension for noncompliance and
reasonable excuse, to comply with
remain suspended until the remedial
a demand made under the Criminal
education course is completed.
Code of Canada.
• 30 day vehicle seizure.
• $1,000 fine plus victim surcharge or
20 per cent.

Second occurrence Third (and subsequent) occurrence
The administrative penalties are imposed The administrative penalties are imposed
with or without a criminal charge. A with or without a criminal charge. A
criminal conviction will result in additional criminal conviction will result in additional
penalties. penalties.
• Immediate two-stage, fixed-term • Immediate two-stage, fixed-term
driver’s licence suspension consisting driver’s licence suspension consisting
of two distinct parts: of two distinct parts:
1. 90 days where the suspended 1. 90 days where the suspended
driver is unable to drive under any driver is unable to drive under any
circumstances; and circumstances; and
2. further 36-month driver’s licence 2. further lifetime driver’s licence
suspension. suspension.
· During this 36-month suspension · During this lifetime suspension
period, the driver may participate in period, the driver may participate
Alberta’s IRS: FAIL Ignition Interlock in Alberta’s IRS: FAIL Ignition
Program and during that term Interlock Program and during that
operate a vehicle equipped with term operate a vehicle equipped
an interlock device. If they choose with an interlock device. If they
not to participate in the IRS: FAIL choose not to participate in
Ignition Interlock Program, the driver the IRS: FAIL Ignition Interlock
will remain suspended and cannot Program, the driver will remain
legally drive. suspended and cannot legally
drive.
• Completion of the IMPACT program.
· If the driver does not complete this · Provided the driver meets the
requirement within 1170 days, they eligibility criteria, they can apply
will receive a new administrative for driver’s licence reinstatement
suspension for noncompliance and and removal of the interlock
remain suspended until the remedial requirement after 10 years. An
education course is completed. application does not guarantee
removal of the lifetime suspension.
• 30 day vehicle seizure.
• $2,000 fine plus victim surcharge or • 30 day vehicle seizure.
20 per cent. • $2,000 fine plus victim surcharge or
20 per cent.

Driver’s licence When you have met the conditions of
your suspension or disqualification you
suspensions and will receive another letter from Driver
Fitness and Monitoring, indicating that
disqualifications your suspension or disqualification has
In addition to any penalties under the been removed and the date you are
Criminal Code of Canada, the province of eligible to operate a motor vehicle.
Alberta will suspend your driver’s licence
privileges and impose conditions you Reinstatement of your driver’s
must meet to have your driving privileges licence privileges as a result
reinstated. The province of Alberta
of an alcohol, drug, or alcohol
suspension is served at the same time as
a court-ordered driving prohibition.
and drug related offence
When you are convicted of an alcohol,
Driving while your driver’s drug, or alcohol and drug related offence,
your driver’s licence privileges suspension
licence privileges are
takes effect at that time.
suspended or disqualified
If you operate a motor vehicle while your A Notice of Suspension will be sent to you
driver’s licence privileges are suspended by mail to the last recorded address on
or disqualified you can face time in jail, your driver’s licence. Make sure your
fines, or both. In addition, if you are driver’s licence has your current address.
currently serving a suspension, you will Suspensions remain in effect until all the
face another suspension. The vehicle you conditions on the Notice of Suspension
are driving will be seized and impounded are met. This includes drivers who have
for 30 days regardless of who is the left the province. Read your notice
registered owner. All towing charges and carefully to ensure you have met the
impound fees will be charged to the conditions of your suspension. If you have
registered owner of the vehicle. not met the conditions of your
suspension your driving privileges may
Your driver’s licence driving privileges can
not be reinstated.
be suspended or disqualified. If you
receive a driver’s licence suspension or The Notice of Suspension will include all
disqualification you will receive the conditions that must be met prior to
notification via registered letter to the last reinstatement of your driving privileges.
recorded address on your driver’s licence For an alcohol, drug, or alcohol and drug
record, from Driver Fitness and related driving charge some of the
Monitoring, indicating the reasons for conditions that you may have to
your suspension or disqualification. meet are:
If your driver’s licence driving privileges 1. Attend a one-day driver program.
are suspended or disqualified, your
Notice of Suspension letter will identify 2. Attend a weekend driver program.
the length of your suspension or 3. Participation in Alberta’s Ignition
disqualification and the conditions that Interlock Program.
you must meet to have your driving
You will also be required to pay the
privileges reinstated.
reinstatement fee and take a road test.

After your suspension period is over, you Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program
must go to an Alberta registry agent office includes three different participation
and provide proof that you have met your streams:
reinstatement requirements. The registry
1. IRS: FAIL Interlock Ignition Program:
agent will then be able to issue you a
This program is for drivers who are
driver’s licence. A written notice that says
issued a driver’s licence suspension
your driving privileges have been
under the IRS: FAIL program for
reinstated will be mailed to you.
criminal-level impaired driving, and
If your driver’s licence expires during the where the occurrence date was on
suspension period, it cannot be renewed or after December 1, 2020.
until all the conditions for reinstatement
2. Alberta Administrative Licence
have been met.
Suspension Program Interlock
Ignition Program: This program
Ignition interlock program is for drivers who are issued a
Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program is: driver’s licence suspension under
• designed to help individuals separate the Alberta Administrative Licence
high-risk behaviours of driving while Suspension Program for criminal-
impaired, level impaired driving, and where the
• used as an educational tool to prevent occurrence date was on or before
recidivism, and November 30, 2020.
• used to prevent high-risk drivers from 3. Mandatory Interlock Ignition
operating their motor vehicle while Program: This participation stream
impaired. is mandatory for all drivers who
Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program have been convicted of impaired
allows drivers to remain mobile so they driving under the Criminal Code
can access support and treatment, of Canada, as part of their
maintain employment, and care for reinstatement requirements. Drivers
family members while still ensuring must fully serve their required
public safety through effective monitoring term in the Mandatory Interlock
and restricted driving privileges. The Ignition Program in order for the
Ignition Interlock Program involves applicable reinstatement condition
the installation of an interlock device code to be completed/removed
in a vehicle which measures alcohol from their motor vehicle file and to
concentration level of the driver’s breath, fully reinstate their driver’s licence.
and will lock the vehicle ignition (vehicle Drivers in this participation stream
will be unable to be started or driven) if a must demonstrate a sustained
breath alcohol concentration reading is ability to separate high-risk
above the specified threshold level. behaviours.
More information about this program can
be found at: www.alberta.ca/ignition-
interlock-programs.aspx

Reinstating your driver’s licence SafeRoads Alberta
privileges as a result of a SafeRoads Alberta is the administrative
demerit point suspension adjudication branch of Transportation and
Driver’s licence suspension Economic Corridors that is responsible
for conducting reviews for provincial
A Notice of Suspension letter will be administrative penalties received by
mailed to the last address recorded impaired drivers and reviews for vehicle
on your motor vehicle file. It is your seizures. SafeRoads Alberta conducts
responsibility to notify an Alberta registry reviews for challenges to the provincial
agent office anytime you change your adminstrative penalties under the IRS
mailing address. program. All matters are dealt with in 30
• The Notice of Suspension letter will days to ensure impaired drivers are off the
indicate the conditions that must be roads. The most serious cases, including
completed prior to reinstatement of repeat offenders and impaired driving
your driving privileges. causing death or bodily harm, will get
• The Notice of Suspension will indicate both provincial administrative penalties
the effective date of your suspension. and Criminal Code of Canada charges.
• You must turn your driver’s licence
Impaired driving reviews
over to any Alberta registry agent office
SafeRoads Alberta conducts reviews for
on or before the effective date. It is
challenges to the provincial administrative
illegal to be in possession of your
penalties under the IRS program.
driver’s licence while you are serving a
suspension. It is a serious offence to Drivers who wish to appeal their impaired
operate a vehicle while serving a driving penalty can do so by applying for
suspension. a review to SafeRoads Alberta at
• You must serve the term of www.saferoads.com.
the suspension.
Vehicle seizure reviews
Provincial suspensions Vehicle seizures are reviewed by
Provincial suspensions may be imposed SafeRoads Alberta. If a vehicle was
for reasons such as a poor driving record, seized pursuant to section 94 of the
failure to pay a legal judgement, medical Traffic Safety Act, after being stolen or
reasons, or failure to comply with a taken without consent, or if the vehicle is
Notice to Report. owned by a rental car agency, you can
seek the return of the vehicle through
SafeRoads Alberta. Registered owners
are responsible for all costs involved in
the vehicle seizure. Applying for a review
does not guarantee the return of the
vehicle, and fees for reviews are non-
refundable.

Registrar
Reconsideration
Process
The Registrar Reconsideration Process
provides Albertans with an ability to
appeal non-impaired driving decisions.
The Registrar Reconsideration Process
covers the reviews for the Ignition
Interlock Program Exemption, driver
conduct, and other administrative reviews
such as safety fitness certificates, driver
training schools and driving instructors,
driver examiners, and vehicle inspection
facilities and technicians. Drivers who
wish to appeal a decision of the Registrar
can do so by applying for a review to the
Registrar Reconsideration Process.
More information can be found at:
www.alberta.ca/motor-vehicle-registrar-
reconsideration.aspx.

10
Towing a Trailer
Registration and Brakes are required on a trailer if they are
needed to control the safe movement of
licence plate the trailer. However, the following trailers
You must have valid registration from an do not require brakes:
Alberta registry for your trailer and it must • trailers with a gross weight of 910
be with you when you are towing the kilograms (2,000 pounds) or less, or
trailer. There must also be a valid licenCe • trailers with a gross weight that is less
plate attached to the rear of the trailer than half the unloaded weight of the
and clearly visible. The registration and vehicle that is doing the towing.
licence plate are required before the trailer
can be used on the road.
Towing a trailer
Equipment When driving with a trailer, it is important
to keep in mind the added weight and
• Your trailer must have working tail- length:
lights, brake lights, and turn signals
that are activated from the towing • Allow for extra time and distance
vehicle. before entering traffic.
• If you have a ball-and-socket hitch, • Maintain a safe following distance
you will also need to attach safety from other vehicles and be mindful of
chains between the trailer and the the extra space needed to manoeuvre
towing vehicle. Chains should be with the added length of the trailer.
crossed under the tongue of the trailer • Accelerate and brake more slowly,
and fastened securely. This applies to and allow for additional time when
all trailers except fifth-wheel trailers. merging or changing lanes.
• If your trailer is equipped with a • If you are driving on a multi-lane
secondary emergency breakaway highway, remember that slower-
system, be sure that the system is moving vehicles should travel in the
connected properly according to the right lane.
manufacturer’s instructions. • Plan your driving. Look well ahead
• Adjust your vehicle’s mirrors so you to anticipate and manage potential
can see the traffic clearly that is hazards. Avoid situations that may
approaching from behind. You must require quick lane changes or
use extension mirrors if the trailer is unexpected stops.
wider than the vehicle that is towing • If traffic builds behind you, find a safe
the trailer. place to stop off the road to allow
others to pass.
Chapter 10 Towing a Trailer 120

Turning at intersections
To turn left:
• Approach the turn slowly. When you
are close to the intersection, travel
near the right edge of your lane
without crossing or extending any part
of your vehicle or trailer into the next
lane. This will give you more room to
complete the turn safely.
Turning right when towing a trailer -
• Begin your turn when the front of your
note the path of vehicle and trailer wheels.
vehicle is even with the left side of your
intended lane.
• Glance occasionally in your left outside • To turn right, reverse these directions.
mirror at the trailer wheels during However, if you do not allow for the
the turn. The trailer wheels will travel off-tracking you could make contact
a path that is inside the path of the with a curb, a parked vehicle, or
wheels of your vehicle. This is called a pedestrian.
off-tracking.
• To allow for the off-tracking, steer
Backing a trailer
towards the right side of the lane on Backing a trailer takes practice. At times,
the road you are entering. to manoeuvre the trailer when reversing
you will turn the steering wheel in the
• As soon as your trailer is through the
opposite direction than you would when
turn safely, steer the vehicle into the
reversing without the trailer.
centre of your lane.
When using a vehicle to back a trailer, do
the following:
• Have someone guide you.
• If you do not have a guide, walk to the
back of the trailer to be sure the path
behind is clear.
• Always reverse no faster than a
walking pace.
Turning left when towing a trailer -

note the path of the vehicle and trailer wheels.

Position of the towing vehicle’s tires for
backing a trailer.
Begin backing by turning the steering

wheel in the opposite direction you want
to go. Turn the steering wheel right
to go left. Likewise, turn the steering
wheel left to go right.
• To avoid having your vehicle contact
the trailer, only turn the steering wheel
one-quarter to one-half turn. As soon
as the trailer begins to turn, return the
steering wheel to the normal position.
Use only small steering wheel
movements to steer the trailer.
When backing a trailer to the right, be
aware that your visibility is limited due to
blind spots behind the trailer.
Chapter 10 Towing a Trailer 122

NOTES

ISBN 978-1-4601-5676-6
Spring 2023

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Driver’s Guide

cars and light trucks

For more information about this publication, contact:

©2023 Government of Alberta

The following guides provide information emergency response vehicles, taxis,

Commercial Driver’s Guide

12 Class 5 road tests 24 Lane reversal signals

13 Types of vehicles for 25 Sign shapes

14 For hire, driver’s licence 26 Traffic regulatory signs

49 Accelerating 6. Emergency Situations and

58 Right-of-way 81 Challenging conditions

58 Intersections 84 Emergency supplies

59 Uncontrolled intersections 84 Animals

60 Keep intersections clear 84 Collisions

61 Traffic circles and roundabouts 85 Emergency response vehicles

102 Snowplows 120 Equipment

103 Railway crossings 120 Towing a trailer

105 Vehicles carrying passengers

• move from a Class 5-GDL to a full • Amharic • Portuguese

Chapter 1 Licensing Information 11

• Obstructing traffic by driving too • a motorcycle (must be 16 years of

• Failing to slow or observe adequately Class 5-GDL

Chapter 1 Licensing Information 13

and visitors • Australia (Class 5 and 6)

Chapter 1 Licensing Information 17

Condition codes A Adequate Lenses

Chapter 1 Licensing Information 19

The order of lights

Flashing green light:

Drivers facing a traffic control light with a

Chapter 2 Traffic Control 23

When a red X is displayed over a driving

Downward pointing green arrow:

At intersections with traffic control signals,

Green circle on white

Regulatory message such as

Vehicle moving from red X lane to green

Action or activity within the circle is

Chapter 2 Traffic Control 25

Indicates place for fuel, food, lodging,

Square shape Wrong way:

Indicates caution or warning of

Diamond shape Railway crossing:

A provincial highway is identified by either

A local road generally would not have a

Speed limit signs are in kilometres per hour

Chapter 2 Traffic Control 27

Left lane turn

Straight Left turn

Some intersections allow more than one

Dual right turn: Dual left turn:

Turn right only:

Chapter 2 Traffic Control 29

No stopping on the days

Parking and stopping

The times that the school zone is in effect

School zone ends: Playground zones and

When you approach a playground sign

When you approach a playground sign

A. Hand position to begin a left or right