Ace Your B.C. Learner's Test: 15 Practice Questions You Must Know

The British Columbia learner's knowledge test is your gateway to getting behind the wheel. This 50-question multiple-choice exam, administered by ICBC, is designed to ensure you have a solid understanding of B.C.'s traffic laws and safe driving practices. Passing it is a mandatory first step in the Graduated Licensing Program.

Confidence on test day comes from being well-prepared. To help you study effectively, we've created a list of 15 practice questions that cover the types of topics you'll face on the real test. These questions are drawn from the official "Learn to Drive Smart" guide. Use them to test your knowledge and build your confidence!

About the ICBC Knowledge Test

The test has 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass (an 80% score). The questions cover everything from road signs and traffic lights to right-of-way rules and defensive driving techniques.

Practice Questions

Read each question carefully and select the best answer. The correct answers and explanations are provided below to help you learn.

1. A solid white line at an intersection means: a) You can change lanes if you want to turn. b) It indicates the side of the roadway. c) You must stop before the line. d) You must slow down to 30 km/h.

2. In British Columbia, a school zone is in effect on school days between what hours? a) 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. b) 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. c) 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. d) 24 hours a day on school days.

3. What is the minimum following distance you should leave between your vehicle and the one ahead in good weather? a) One car length. b) At least 2 seconds. c) At least 3 seconds. d) 5 metres.

4. A driver in the Novice (N) stage is allowed to have how many passengers in their vehicle? a) Two passengers. b) One passenger, unless they are immediate family or there is a supervisor present. c) As many as there are seatbelts. d) Zero passengers unless a supervisor is present.

5. A flashing green light at an intersection indicates: a) The light is about to turn yellow. b) Caution, the intersection is closed. c) It is a pedestrian-controlled light. d) It is a protected turn; you may proceed without yielding to oncoming traffic.

6. What does a sign with a white diamond on a black background represent? a) A lane reserved for specific vehicles, like buses or HOVs. b) A warning of hazardous goods ahead. c) The start of a passing lane. d) A scenic route.

7. When parallel parking, your vehicle's wheels must be no more than ____ from the curb. a) 15 cm b) 30 cm c) 50 cm d) 1 metre

8. At a four-way stop, if two vehicles arrive at the same time, who has the right-of-way? a) The vehicle on the main road. b) The vehicle on the left. c) The vehicle that is larger. d) The vehicle on the right.

9. Under the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP), what is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for Learner (L) and Novice (N) drivers? a) 0.05% b) 0.08% c) 0.00% d) 0.02%

10. What does a triangular red and white "yield" sign mean? a) You must come to a complete stop. b) You must slow down and, if necessary, stop to give the right-of-way to other traffic. c) You have the right-of-way. d) It marks a railway crossing.

11. A driver with a Learner's (L) licence must be supervised by a qualified person who is at least: a) 19 years old with a Class 5 licence. b) 21 years old with any valid licence. c) 25 years old with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 licence. d) A parent or guardian, regardless of age.

12. When are you legally required to use your headlights? a) Only when it is dark. b) Between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. c) When visibility is less than 150 metres. d) Both B and C are correct.

13. A solid yellow line on your side of the centre line means: a) You may pass if the way is clear. b) You may not pass. c) You are approaching a hidden intersection. d) It is a temporary marking for construction.

14. Before making a lane change, you must: a) Check your mirrors only. b) Signal your intention. c) Check your mirrors, signal, and do a shoulder check. d) Honk your horn to alert others.

15. A rectangular sign with a green circle on it means: a) It is a permissive sign, indicating the activity is allowed. b) It indicates a scenic route or park. c) It is a guide sign for a nearby city. d) It is a warning sign.

Answers and Explanations

1. c) You must stop before the line. A solid white line marks where you must stop for a stop sign or red light.

2. b) 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The 30 km/h speed limit in a B.C. school zone is in effect between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on days when school is in session.

3. b) At least 2 seconds. In good conditions, a 2-second following distance gives you enough time to react. In poor weather, this should be increased to 3 or 4 seconds.

4. b) One passenger, unless they are immediate family or there is a supervisor present. This is a key restriction for Novice drivers designed to limit distractions.

5. d) It is a protected turn; you may proceed without yielding to oncoming traffic. A flashing green light (or a green arrow) means oncoming traffic is facing a red light, giving you the right-of-way to proceed.

6. a) A lane reserved for specific vehicles, like buses or HOVs. The white diamond symbol indicates a restricted lane. Signs will specify which vehicles are permitted.

7. b) 30 cm. When you have finished parking, your wheels must be within 30 centimetres of the curb.

8. d) The vehicle on the right. If two vehicles stop at the same time at a 4-way stop, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way. The vehicle on the left must yield.

9. c) 0.00%. There is a strict zero-tolerance policy for any alcohol or drugs in the system of a GLP driver.

10. b) You must slow down and, if necessary, stop to give the right-of-way to other traffic. Unlike a stop sign, you only need to stop at a yield sign if there is conflicting traffic or pedestrians.

11. c) 25 years old with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 licence. This ensures the supervisor has sufficient experience.

12. d) Both B and C are correct. B.C. law requires headlights to be on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, AND at any other time when visibility is poor (less than 150m).

13. b) You may not pass. A solid yellow line on your side of the road indicates that it is unsafe and illegal to pass.

14. c) Check your mirrors, signal, and do a shoulder check. This three-part process ensures you are aware of all vehicles around you before you move over.

15. a) It is a permissive sign, indicating the activity is allowed. A green circle is a universal symbol on regulatory signs that means the action shown is permitted (e.g., a green circle around a bicycle indicates a bike route).

Your Key to Success

How did you do? The best way to guarantee a passing grade is to thoroughly read ICBC's "Learn to Drive Smart" guide. It's the official source for all test questions. Read it, take notes, and then use practice questions like these to be sure you're ready. Good luck!