The Ultimate Nunavut Driving Test Cheat Sheet: Pass With Confidence
Your Nunavut road test is the final step to getting your Class 5 licence. For that crucial last-minute review, this "cheat sheet" boils down the most important rules, maneuvers, and numbers your examiner will be looking for. Use this to walk into your test feeling prepared and confident.
Nunavut by the Numbers: Critical Data to Remember
Your examiner will expect you to know these numbers from the Nunavut Driver's Manual.
- 30 km/h: The maximum speed limit in a School Zone when children are present.
- 30-50 km/h: The standard speed limit in most communities unless otherwise posted. Always watch for signs.
- 70 km/h: A common speed limit for gravel roads outside of communities. Always adjust your speed for the road conditions.
- 3 seconds: The recommended minimum following distance on paved roads in good weather.
- 4-6 seconds: The recommended following distance on gravel roads.
- 3 metres: You may not park within 3 metres of a fire hydrant.
- 6 metres: You may not park within 6 metres of a crosswalk or intersection.
- 15 metres: The minimum distance you must stop from a school bus with flashing red lights.
Key Maneuvers: What Your Examiner Expects
Your road test is a demonstration of your control over the vehicle, especially in unique Northern conditions.
Parallel Parking
This is a required maneuver to test your precision.
- Position: Pull up next to the front car/marker, about 1 metre away.
- Reverse: Look over your shoulder. Back up slowly. When your rear wheels are even with the rear of the other car, turn your wheel fully to the right.
- The 45-Degree Angle: Back up until your car is at a 45-degree angle to the curb.
- Straighten & Final Turn: Straighten your wheel and back up until your front bumper clears the car in front. Then, turn the wheel fully to the left.
- Center: Straighten out. You must be reasonably close to the curb without hitting it.
Uncontrolled Intersections
Extremely common in Nunavut. Mastering this is crucial.
- The Rule: At an intersection with no signs or lights, you must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right.
- Scanning: Slow down on approach and scan thoroughly: left, centre, right, and left again before proceeding.
- First to Arrive: If you are the first vehicle at the intersection, you may proceed with caution after scanning.
Hill Parking
- Uphill with a curb: Turn your wheels AWAY from the curb (left).
- Downhill with a curb: Turn your wheels TOWARD the curb (right).
- No curb (uphill or downhill): Turn your front wheels TOWARD the edge of the road (right).
- Always set your parking brake firmly.
Gravel Road Driving
Your examiner will be watching to see if you can handle this common Northern road type.
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed before you hit the gravel.
- Smooth Control: Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, or hard acceleration, as these can cause you to skid.
- Increase Following Distance: Stay well back from the vehicle in front to avoid rock chips and driving in a dust cloud.
Automatic Fails & Critical Errors
These are actions that will likely result in an immediate failure of your road test.
- Any Dangerous Action: Causing another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian to take evasive action.
- Examiner Intervention: If the examiner has to physically grab the wheel or give you a strong verbal warning.
- Speeding in a School Zone.
- Failing to Stop for a School Bus with its flashing red lights activated.
- Lack of Observation: Repeatedly failing to perform shoulder checks (blind spot checks) for every lateral movement.
- Failing to Yield: Not yielding correctly at an uncontrolled intersection or to a pedestrian is a critical mistake.
- Losing Control: Skidding on gravel due to excessive speed, or bumping the curb hard during a parking maneuver.
This cheat sheet is your guide to the key testing points. The best preparation is to combine this knowledge with hours of real-world practice in all Nunavut conditions. Stay calm, drive safely, and good luck!