Ace Your PEI Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You Need to Know
Your journey to driving in Prince Edward Island begins with the written knowledge test, often called the permit test. This is the first official step to getting your Instruction Driver's Permit (Class 7), and passing it shows you have a solid grasp of the traffic laws and signs that keep our roads safe.
The entire test is based on the official PEI Driver's Handbook. The key to success is studying this guide thoroughly. To help you prepare and test your knowledge, we’ve put together 15 practice questions that cover key topics and are similar to what you'll encounter on the real exam.
How to Prepare
Read the PEI Driver's Handbook from cover to cover. Then, use these practice questions to challenge yourself. Choose the best answer for each question before looking at the correct answer and explanation provided below. This will help you identify areas where you need more review. Good luck!
Permit Test Practice Questions
1. A holder of a PEI Instruction Driver's Permit (Class 7) must be accompanied by a supervising driver who has held a Class 5 license for a minimum of: a) 2 years b) 3 years c) 4 years d) 5 years
Answer: d) 5 years Explanation: The supervising driver for a learner in PEI must be highly experienced, holding a valid Class 5 license for at least five years. They must also sit in the front passenger seat.
2. When are you required to use your headlights in PEI? a) Only between sunset and sunrise. b) From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and at any time visibility is less than 60 metres. c) Only when it is raining or foggy. d) Whenever you are driving on a highway with a speed limit over 80 km/h.
Answer: b) From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and at any time visibility is less than 60 metres. Explanation: This rule ensures that you can see the road ahead and that other drivers can see you, especially during twilight hours and in adverse weather conditions like fog or heavy rain.
3. What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean? a) Stop and wait for a green light. b) The light is about to turn red. c) Slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution. d) Yield to all traffic.
Answer: c) Slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution. Explanation: A flashing yellow light is a warning. It indicates you should reduce your speed and be extra alert as you pass through the intersection, yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles if necessary.
4. When a school bus is stopped with its red overhead lights flashing, you must: a) Slow down and pass carefully if no children are visible. b) Stop only if you are driving behind the bus. c) Honk to alert the driver that you are passing. d) Stop at least 6 metres (20 feet) away, whether approaching from the front or rear.
Answer: d) Stop at least 6 metres (20 feet) away, whether approaching from the front or rear. 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 and the bus begins to move. The only exception is on a highway divided by a physical median.
5. Under the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, what is the mandatory Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) for a driver with an Instruction Permit? a) 0.08% b) 0.05% c) 0% d) A trace amount is acceptable.
Answer: c) 0% Explanation: There is a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol for any driver in any stage of the GDL program. Any detectable amount of alcohol in your system is illegal.
6. This sign means: (Image of a yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black arrow curving sharply to the right) a) Winding road ahead. b) Sharp turn to the right ahead. c) Road ends, must turn right. d) Right lane ends.
Answer: b) Sharp turn to the right ahead. Explanation: This is a warning sign. The diamond shape indicates a warning, and the sharp arrow shows the direction of the upcoming curve. You should reduce your speed before entering the turn.
7. Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit in a city, town, or village in PEI? a) 40 km/h b) 50 km/h c) 60 km/h d) 70 km/h
Answer: b) 50 km/h Explanation: The default speed limit in urban areas in PEI is 50 km/h. Always be on the lookout for signs that may indicate a lower speed limit, especially in school zones.
8. If you are parking your vehicle facing downhill on a street with a curb, how should you turn your front wheels? a) Straight ahead. b) To the left (away from the curb). c) To the right (towards the curb). d) It does not matter.
Answer: c) To the right (towards the curb). Explanation: Turning your wheels towards the curb ensures that if your brakes were to fail, the front tire would press against the curb, stopping the car from rolling into traffic.
9. How long must you hold an Instruction Permit before being eligible for a road test if you have NOT taken a certified driver education course? a) 275 days b) 180 days c) 365 days d) 240 days
Answer: c) 365 days Explanation: The standard waiting period at the learner stage is one full year. Completing a certified driver education course can reduce this time to 275 days.
10. What does a solid white line at an intersection signify? a) A suggestion of where to stop. b) A crosswalk for pedestrians. c) The point where you must stop your vehicle before the intersection. d) The edge of the roadway.
Answer: c) The point where you must stop your vehicle before the intersection. Explanation: This is the stop line. For a stop sign or red light, your vehicle must come to a complete stop before this line.
11. A driver with an Instruction Permit is not allowed to drive between what hours? a) 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. b) Midnight and 6 a.m. c) 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. d) 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Answer: d) 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Explanation: Drivers in Stage 1 of the GDL program are subject to a late-night driving curfew.
12. At an uncontrolled intersection (with no signs or signals), if two vehicles arrive at the same time, who has the right-of-way? a) The vehicle on the left. b) The vehicle that is larger. c) The vehicle on the right. d) The vehicle that arrived first by a split second.
Answer: c) The vehicle on the right. Explanation: This is the fundamental rule of right-of-way at uncontrolled intersections. The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
13. How many demerit points are assigned for failing to yield the right-of-way? a) 2 points b) 3 points c) 5 points d) 7 points
Answer: c) 5 points Explanation: Failing to yield is a serious offense because it can directly cause collisions. It carries a significant 5-point penalty.
14. Before changing lanes, you must: a) Check your rearview mirror only. b) Signal your intention and look over your shoulder. c) Signal, check your mirrors, and check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder. d) Speed up so you have room to merge into the next lane.
Answer: c) Signal, check your mirrors, and check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder. Explanation: A safe lane change requires all three actions to ensure the space you are moving into is clear and to communicate your intentions to other drivers around you.
15. A holder of an Instruction Permit may carry passengers who are: a) Anyone, as long as they have a seatbelt. b) Only the supervising driver. c) Only the supervising driver and immediate family members. d) Only one friend under the age of 19.
Answer: c) Only the supervising driver and immediate family members. Explanation: This rule is in place to minimize distractions for the new learner driver.
By studying the handbook and using these questions as a practice tool, you'll be well-prepared to pass your permit test and start your driving journey in Prince Edward Island.
