Ace Your NWT Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You Need to Know
The first official hurdle on your journey to getting a driver's license in the Northwest Territories is the Class 7 written knowledge test. Passing this test demonstrates that you have a solid understanding of the traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices outlined in the NWT Basic Driver's Manual. This knowledge is the foundation for becoming a safe and confident driver.
To help you study and gauge your readiness, we’ve created a list of 15 practice questions that reflect the style and content of the real exam. The official test is divided into two parts: 20 multiple-choice questions on road rules and 20 on road signs. Use these practice questions to challenge yourself and identify any areas that need more review.
How to Prepare
The single best way to prepare is to thoroughly read and understand the official NWT Driver's Manual. Once you feel comfortable with the material, use these practice questions as a self-test. For each question, choose the answer you believe is correct, then compare it with the correct answer and detailed explanation provided below. Good luck!
Permit Test Practice Questions
1. A Class 7 Learner's Licence holder in the NWT is not permitted to drive between what hours? a) 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. b) Midnight and 5:00 a.m. c) 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. d) There is no curfew.
Answer: c) 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Explanation: Drivers in the first stage of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program are subject to a late-night driving curfew to minimize risk during their learning period.
2. What is the maximum number of passengers a Class 7 Learner can have in the vehicle? a) One, who must be the supervising driver. b) Only immediate family members. c) The supervising driver and one other person. d) As many as there are seatbelts.
Answer: a) One, who must be the supervising driver. Explanation: To minimize distractions for a new learner, the law strictly prohibits any passengers other than the single, qualified supervising driver.
3. This sign means: (Image of a yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black truck symbol on a steep downward slope) a) Trucks entering highway ahead. b) Steep hill ahead, be prepared to slow down. c) No trucks allowed on this hill. d) Truck runaway lane ahead.
Answer: b) Steep hill ahead, be prepared to slow down. Explanation: This is a warning sign. The diamond shape indicates a hazard, and the symbol warns all drivers, especially those in heavy vehicles, of a steep downgrade ahead. You should select a lower gear and be prepared to brake.
4. When approaching a stop sign, a driver must: a) Slow down and proceed if the way is clear. b) Stop only if there is other traffic. c) Come to a complete stop at the stop line, or before the crosswalk or intersection. d) Stop and then inch forward to get a better view.
Answer: c) Come to a complete stop at the stop line, or before the crosswalk or intersection. Explanation: A stop sign requires a complete cessation of movement. You must stop fully before the marked line or, if there is no line, before entering the crosswalk or intersection space.
5. A supervising driver for a Class 7 learner must have a full Class 5 license with a minimum of how many months of experience? a) 12 months b) 18 months c) 24 months d) 36 months
Answer: c) 24 months Explanation: The supervising driver must be experienced. The NWT requires them to have held a full (non-probationary) Class 5 license for at least 24 months.
6. What does a flashing red traffic light at an intersection signify? a) The light is broken. b) Stop and wait for a green light. c) The same as a stop sign. d) Emergency vehicles are approaching.
Answer: c) The same as a stop sign. Explanation: A flashing red light means you must come to a complete stop and only proceed when it is safe to do so, yielding to other traffic and pedestrians as you would at a stop sign.
7. Under the GDL program, what is the mandatory Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for a driver with a Class 5P (Probationary) license? a) 0.08% b) 0.05% c) 0.02% d) 0%
Answer: d) 0% Explanation: There is a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol for any driver in any stage of the GDL program (Class 7 and Class 5P).
8. If you are parking your vehicle facing uphill on a street with a curb, you should turn your front wheels: a) Straight ahead. b) To the right (towards the curb). c) To the left (away from the curb). d) It does not matter.
Answer: c) To the left (away from the curb). Explanation: This is often remembered as "up, up, and away." Turning your wheels away from the curb ensures that if your vehicle's brakes were to fail, it would roll back and the front tire would be stopped by the curb, preventing it from rolling into traffic.
9. When must you use your headlights? a) Only when it is completely dark outside. b) From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and at any other time visibility is poor. c) Only when you are driving faster than 50 km/h. d) Whenever you are 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, heavy rain, or snow, to ensure you can see and be seen.
10. At an uncontrolled intersection (with no signs or signals), if two vehicles arrive at the same time, who must yield the right-of-way? a) The vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. b) The vehicle that is larger must yield. c) The vehicle on the right must yield to the vehicle on the left. d) The vehicle that signals first has the right-of-way.
Answer: a) The vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. Explanation: This is the fundamental "yield to the right" rule at uncontrolled intersections. The driver on the right has the right-of-way.
11. This sign means: (Image of a square sign with a red circle and slash over a black 'P') a) Parking permitted. b) Pay for parking. c) No parking. d) Park parallel to the curb.
Answer: c) No parking. Explanation: This is a regulatory sign. The red circle with a slash through an image universally means the activity shown is prohibited.
12. When a school bus is stopped with its red overhead lights flashing on an undivided road, what must drivers do? a) Slow down to 30 km/h and pass with caution. b) Drivers approaching from the rear must stop; oncoming traffic can proceed slowly. c) All drivers, approaching from either the front or the rear, must stop. d) Honk your horn to alert the bus driver before passing.
Answer: c) All drivers, approaching from either the front or the rear, must stop. Explanation: This is a critical law to protect children. All traffic in both directions must stop a safe distance from the bus and not proceed until the lights stop flashing.
13. A Class 7 Learner must hold their license for a minimum of how long before being eligible for a road test? a) 6 months b) 9 months c) 12 months d) 18 months
Answer: c) 12 months Explanation: The learner stage of the GDL program requires a full year of supervised practice before a driver can apply for their probationary license.
14. What is the minimum age to obtain a Class 7 Learner's Licence in the NWT? a) 14 b) 15 c) 16 d) 17
Answer: b) 15 Explanation: The Northwest Territories allows individuals to begin the GDL program at the age of 15.
15. If your driver's license is suspended, you must: a) Continue driving but only during daylight hours. b) Surrender your license to the authorities and not drive at all. c) Only drive with a supervising driver. d) Apply for a temporary permit immediately.
Answer: b) Surrender your license to the authorities and not drive at all. Explanation: Driving with a suspended license is a serious criminal offense with severe penalties, including fines and jail time. You must stop driving completely and surrender your license.
