Pass Your NS Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions to Ace the Exam
The first official step on your journey to getting a Nova Scotia driver's license is the written knowledge test, often called the permit test. Passing this test demonstrates that you understand the essential rules of the road and the meaning of traffic signs, which are the foundation of safe driving. All the questions are based on the official Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook.
To help you study and test your knowledge, we've created 15 practice questions that reflect the style and content of the real exam. Use these questions to identify your strengths and weaknesses before you head to Access Nova Scotia.
How to Prepare
The best way to prepare is to thoroughly read and understand the Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook. Once you've done that, use these practice questions to challenge yourself. For each question, choose what you believe is the best answer, then compare it to the correct answer and explanation provided below. Good luck!
Permit Test Practice Questions
1. A Class 7 (Learner's) driver must be accompanied by a supervising driver who has held a Class 5 license for at least: a) 1 year b) 2 years c) 3 years d) 5 years
Answer: b) 2 years Explanation: The supervising driver for a learner must have held a valid Class 5 driver's license for a minimum of two years. They must also occupy the seat next to the learner.
2. A solid white line at an intersection means you must: a) Stop after the line. b) Stop with your front tires on the line. c) Stop before the line. d) Slow down and prepare to stop.
Answer: c) Stop before the line. Explanation: A solid white stop line indicates the position where you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop for a stop sign or a red light.
3. What is the mandatory Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) for a driver in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program? a) 0.08% b) 0.05% c) A trace amount is permitted. d) 0%
Answer: d) 0% Explanation: There is a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol for any driver in the GDL program (both Class 7 and Class 5N). Any detectable amount of alcohol in your system is a violation.
4. A diamond-shaped sign with a yellow background is a: a) Regulatory sign b) Guide sign c) Warning sign d) School zone sign
Answer: c) Warning sign Explanation: Diamond-shaped signs are used to warn drivers of upcoming hazards or changes in road conditions, such as a sharp curve, a slippery surface, or an upcoming intersection.
5. Under the GDL program, a Newly Licensed (Class 5N) driver is not permitted to drive between what hours? a) 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. b) 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. c) Midnight and 5:00 a.m. d) 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Answer: c) Midnight and 5:00 a.m. Explanation: The Newly Licensed phase includes a nighttime driving curfew, prohibiting driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a qualified supervising driver.
6. When approaching a flashing yellow traffic light, you should: a) Stop and wait for a green light. b) Speed up to clear the intersection quickly. c) Slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution. d) Treat it as a stop sign.
Answer: c) Slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution. Explanation: A flashing yellow light is a warning. It means you should slow down, be extra alert, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.
7. When must you use your vehicle's headlights? a) Only when it's completely dark. b) From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and at any other time visibility is poor. c) Only when it is raining. d) Whenever you are driving on a highway.
Answer: b) From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and at any other time visibility is poor. Explanation: Headlights are required during these specific times and in any conditions of poor visibility, like fog, rain, or snow, where you cannot clearly see for 60 metres (200 feet).
8. If two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time, who has the right-of-way? a) The vehicle that is larger. b) The vehicle on the left. c) The vehicle that signals first. d) The vehicle on the right.
Answer: d) The vehicle on the right. Explanation: If two vehicles stop simultaneously at a four-way stop, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.
9. When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing, drivers approaching from both directions must: a) Slow down and pass with caution. b) Stop at least 20 metres away. c) Stop only if they are behind the bus. d) Honk to alert the bus driver.
Answer: b) Stop at least 20 metres away. Explanation: This is a critical safety rule. When a school bus's red lights are flashing, you must stop a safe distance away (at least 20 metres or about 4-5 car lengths) and not proceed until the lights stop flashing and the bus begins to move.
10. When parking downhill on a road with a curb, you should turn your front wheels: a) To the left (away from the curb). b) Straight ahead. c) To the right (towards the curb). d) It doesn't matter.
Answer: c) To the right (towards the curb). Explanation: Turning your wheels towards the curb ensures that if your brakes fail, the car will roll into the curb and stop, instead of rolling into traffic. The easy way to remember is: "Up, up, and away" (uphill with a curb, turn wheels away). For all other situations, turn them to the right.
11. What is the minimum safe following distance behind another vehicle under ideal conditions? a) One car length. b) The two-second rule. c) Five car lengths. d) The four-second rule.
Answer: b) The two-second rule. Explanation: The two-second rule provides a safe buffer for you to react and stop if the vehicle ahead of you brakes suddenly. This distance should be increased in poor weather or road conditions.
12. Before changing lanes, a driver must: a) Signal and check the rearview mirror. b) Look over their shoulder to check the blind spot. c) Signal, check mirrors, and check the blind spot. d) Speed up to match the traffic in the other lane.
Answer: c) Signal, check mirrors, and check the blind spot. Explanation: A safe lane change requires all three actions to ensure the space is clear and to communicate your intentions to other drivers.
13. A newly licensed driver (Class 5N) can have how many passengers in the front seat? a) Zero. b) One. c) Two, if they are family members. d) As many as there are seatbelts.
Answer: b) One. Explanation: A Class 5N driver is restricted to having only one passenger in the front seat.
14. A circular green traffic light means you may: a) Go straight or turn right only. b) Turn left without yielding. c) Proceed if the way is clear. d) Speed up to clear the intersection.
Answer: c) Proceed if the way is clear. Explanation: A solid green light means you may proceed, but you must still yield to pedestrians and other vehicles already lawfully in the intersection. If turning left, you must yield to oncoming traffic.
15. To exit the Graduated Driver Licensing program, a driver must hold a Class 5N license for a probationary period of: a) 12 months b) 18 months c) 24 months d) 36 months
Answer: c) 24 months Explanation: A driver must maintain a Class 5N license for a minimum of 24 months and complete an approved defensive driving or driver education course to become a fully licensed Class 5 driver.
By studying the handbook and using these questions as a guide, you'll be well-prepared to pass your permit test and start your journey as a driver in Nova Scotia.
