Ace Your Newfoundland and Labrador Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You Need to Know
The first major step on your journey to getting a driver's license in Newfoundland and Labrador is the written knowledge test. Passing this test proves you have a solid understanding of the province's traffic laws and safe driving practices. The key to success is studying the official Newfoundland and Labrador Road User's Guide, as all the questions are drawn directly from it.
To help you prepare and build your confidence, we’ve created a list of 15 practice questions that are similar in style and content to what you'll find on the actual permit test. The official test requires a passing grade of 85%, so it's crucial to be well-prepared.
How to Use These Practice Questions
Read each question carefully and choose the best answer. Then, check your answer against the correct one provided, along with the detailed explanation. This will help you understand the reasoning behind the rules and commit them to memory.
Practice Questions
1. As a Class 5, Level I (Learner) driver, who must accompany you when you are driving? a) Any licensed driver. b) A licensed driver who is over 21 years old. c) A licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience. d) A parent or guardian.
Answer: c) A licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience. Explanation: Level I learners in Newfoundland and Labrador must be supervised by a driver who holds a Class 5 license (or better) and has a minimum of four years of driving experience. This experienced driver must sit in the front passenger seat.
2. When approaching a flashing red traffic light, you must: a) Slow down and proceed with caution. b) Stop, and then proceed only when it is safe to do so. c) Stop and wait for a green light. d) Yield to traffic on your right.
Answer: b) Stop, and then proceed only when it is safe to do so. Explanation: A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop and only proceed when the way is clear and it is safe.
3. What is the minimum time a novice driver must hold a Class 5, Level I license before they are eligible for a road test? a) 6 months. b) 8 months with an approved driver education course, or 12 months without. c) 12 months, regardless of any courses taken. d) 10 months.
Answer: b) 8 months with an approved driver education course, or 12 months without. Explanation: The standard waiting period at Level I is 12 months. However, successfully completing a government-approved driver education program can reduce this time by four months, making you eligible for your road test after just 8 months.
4. In Newfoundland and Labrador, what is the default speed limit in an urban district unless otherwise posted? a) 30 km/h b) 60 km/h c) 50 km/h d) 80 km/h
Answer: c) 50 km/h Explanation: Unless a different speed limit is posted, the maximum speed in any urban district (cities and towns) is 50 km/h.
5. A solid yellow line on your side of the centre line means: a) You may pass if the way is clear. b) Passing is permitted, but with extreme caution. c) You are in a school zone. d) It is unsafe and illegal to pass.
Answer: d) It is unsafe and illegal to pass. Explanation: A solid yellow line on your side of the road indicates a no-passing zone. You are not allowed to cross it to overtake another vehicle.
6. When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing, what must you do? a) Slow down to 10 km/h and pass carefully. b) Stop only if you are driving behind the bus. c) Come to a complete stop, regardless of which direction you are approaching from. d) Honk your horn to alert the driver you are passing.
Answer: c) Come to a complete stop, regardless of which direction you are approaching from. Explanation: This is a critical safety rule. When a school bus has its red lights flashing, it means children are getting on or off. All traffic, in both directions, must stop and wait until the lights are turned off. An exception is on a highway divided by a median, where only traffic following the bus must stop.
7. For the first 12 months as a Class 5, Level II (Novice) driver under the age of 21, you are not allowed to drive between what hours? a) 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. b) 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. c) Midnight and 5:00 a.m. d) 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Answer: c) Midnight and 5:00 a.m. Explanation: Level II novice drivers face a nighttime driving curfew for their first year at this level. There are exceptions for work, school, or if accompanied by an experienced driver.
8. What does a diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol on a yellow background indicate? a) A regulatory command. b) A warning of a hazard or specific condition ahead. c) A guide to a destination or service. d) A temporary condition like construction.
Answer: b) A warning of a hazard or specific condition ahead. Explanation: This shape and color combination is used for warning signs. They alert you to potential dangers such as sharp curves, slippery roads, or animal crossings.
9. When parking your vehicle facing uphill on a street with a curb, you should turn your front wheels: a) To the right, towards the curb. b) Straight ahead. c) To the left, away from the curb. d) It does not matter.
Answer: c) To the left, away from the curb. Explanation: Turning your wheels to the left ensures that if your vehicle's brakes fail, it will roll back and the front tire will be stopped by the curb, preventing it from rolling into traffic.
10. What is the mandatory Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) for all drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing program? a) 0.05% b) 0.08% c) A trace amount is acceptable. d) 0%
Answer: d) 0% Explanation: There is a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol for all drivers in the GDL program (Level I and Level II). Any detectable amount of alcohol in your system is a violation of your license conditions.
11. At an uncontrolled intersection where two vehicles arrive at the same time, who has the right-of-way? a) The vehicle on the main road. b) The vehicle that is larger. c) The vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. d) The vehicle that signals first.
Answer: c) The vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. Explanation: This is the "yield to the right" rule. At an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the left must give the right-of-way to the driver on the right.
12. Before changing lanes, you must: a) Check your rearview mirror only. b) Signal your intention. c) Signal, check your mirrors, and check your blind spot. d) Speed up so you have room to merge.
Answer: c) Signal, check your mirrors, and check your blind spot. Explanation: A safe lane change requires all three actions: signal to communicate your intent, check your mirrors for the position of other vehicles, and perform a shoulder check to see what is in your blind spot.
13. What is hydroplaning? a) Driving on a flooded road. b) When your tires lose contact with a wet road surface and ride on a film of water. c) A technique for driving in snowy conditions. d) When your brakes overheat from excessive use.
Answer: b) When your tires lose contact with a wet road surface and ride on a film of water. Explanation: Hydroplaning is extremely dangerous as it causes a loss of steering and braking control. To avoid it, reduce your speed on wet roads and ensure your tires have good tread depth.
14. If an emergency vehicle with its lights and siren operating is approaching you from any direction, you must: a) Slow down and stay in your lane. b) Pull over to the right side of the road as far as possible and stop. c) Speed up to get out of its way. d) Stop immediately, even if you are in an intersection.
Answer: b) Pull over to the right side of the road as far as possible and stop. Explanation: You must clear a path for emergency vehicles. Safely pull to the right-hand edge of the roadway and come to a complete stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
15. How many demerit points can a novice driver (Level I or II) accumulate before their license is suspended? a) 12 points b) 10 points c) 6 points d) 8 points
Answer: c) 6 points. Explanation: The demerit point system is stricter for new drivers. A novice driver will face a license suspension if they accumulate 6 or more points within a one-year period.
By studying these questions and dedicating time to the Road User's Guide, you'll be in a great position to pass your written test and take the next step in your driving journey. Good luck!
