The Basics of Driving Practice Test

Welcome to your Alberta The Basics Of Driving

What gear should be selected in a vehicle with an automatic transmission when it's being towed?

Park

Neutral

Reverse

Drive

What should be the position of your vehicle after completing parallel parking?

Your vehicle must be parallel with the curb

Your vehicle must be perpendicular to the curb

Your vehicle must be in contact with the curb

None of the above

What steering technique should you employ when navigating a corner?

Hand-over-hand method

Palm-over-palm method

Sliding method

Face-over-face method

What is the proper procedure for initiating movement into your intended parallel parking space?

First, reverse straight very slowly, then steer sharply to the right and continue moving until your steering wheel comes in line with the rear bumper of the vehicle parked in front of your parking space

First, reverse straight very slowly, then steer sharply to the right and continue moving until your rear bumper comes in contact with the curb

First, reverse straight very slowly, then steer slightly to the right and continue moving until your rear bumper comes in contact with the vehicle behind your parking space

First, reverse straight very quickly, then steer sharply to the right while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal completely to skid your vehicle directly into the parking space

What is the reason for adjusting your inside rearview mirror?

Because it can let you see as much behind your vehicle as possible

Because it can let you see as much of the right side of your vehicle as possible

Because it can let you see the passengers sitting behind

Both B and C

What is the recommended distance, as per Transport Canada, to maintain from the steering wheel while adjusting your seat?

25 centimetres

55 centimetres

10 centimetres

15 centimetres

What is the correct method for observing behind when reversing your vehicle in a straight line?

You should look over your left shoulder through the rear window

You should look over your right shoulder through the rear window

You should look through the right side rear view mirror

You should look through the left side rear view mirror

What is the purpose of adjusting the outside rearview mirrors?

Because it reduces the blind spot

Because it lets you see behind your vehicle

Because it lets other drivers see your face

Because it lets you see the lane right next to you

Where are locations where you should avoid parking your vehicle?

On a sidewalk or boulevard

On a crosswalk or any part of it

Within an intersection

All of the above

10.

What's the recommended direction for turning your vehicle’s front wheels when parking facing downhill on the right side of a street, whether there is a curb present or not?

You should turn your front wheel to the right

You should turn your front wheel to the left

You should keep your front wheels straight

None of the above

11.

What occurs when you depress the clutch pedal?

The vehicle slowly starts to run fast

The connection between the vehicle’s engine and the wheel is engaged

The connection between the transmission and the wheel is disengaged

The transmission changes forward to increase the speed

12.

What is the recommended distance between your head and the head restraint if it tilts?

More than 20 centimetres

More than 25 centimetres

Less than 10 centimetres

Less than 50 centimetres

13.

What is the correct way to wear your lap and shoulder belt?

You should wear your lap belt low and over your hips and the shoulder belt on your chest and shoulder

You should wear your lap belt over your stomach and the shoulder belt around your neck

You should wear your lap belt over your hips and shoulder belt under your arm

None of the above

14.

When reversing out of a driveway, which traffic lane should you maneuver your vehicle into?

You should move your vehicle into the nearest traffic lane

You should move your vehicle into a second traffic lane

You should not move out of a driveway in reverse

None of the above

15.

In what circumstances is it unlawful to operate your vehicle in reverse?

Into an intersection

Into a crosswalk

Into a two-way traffic lane

Both A and B

16.

In automatic transmission vehicles, which gear is typically used for regular forward driving?

Neutral

Park

Reverse

Drive

17.

What determines the time and distance required for your vehicle to come to a complete stop after applying the brakes?

Perception time

Reaction time

Braking time

All of the above

18.

What is the ideal positioning of your vehicle within a parking space?

Slightly at the right side of the space

Slightly at the left side of the space

Centred and completely in the stall

None of the above

19.

In the hand-over-hand method of turning right, which hand initiates the turning motion on the steering wheel first?

Your left hand

Your right hand

Your both hands

None of the above

20.

What is the proper way to adjust the head restraint in your vehicle?

So that the centre of the head restraint is level above your head

So that the centre of the head restraint is level with the top of your ears

So that the centre of the head restraint is level below the lower of your ears

So that the top of the head restraint is level with the top of your ears

21.

What considerations should you keep in mind when accelerating your vehicle?

You should accelerate smoothly

You should not accelerate or reduce speed unnecessarily

You should not accelerate so quickly that the vehicle’s tires spin

All of the above

22.

What is the proper procedure for maneuvering your vehicle into a perpendicular parking space to your right?

Move slowly parallel to the curb until your front bumper is even with the left side of the vehicle parked to the right side of your parking space, then turn sharply to the right and only straighten your wheels at about the midpoint of the space and stop when comes in contact with the curb

Move slowly parallel to the curb until your rear bumper is even with the right side of the vehicle parked to the right side of your parking space, then turn sharply to the right and come to a complete stop before coming in contact with the curb

Move slowly parallel to the curb until your front bumper is even with the right side of the vehicle parked to the right side of your parking space, then turn slightly to the right and come to a complete stop when your vehicle is halfway in the space

None of the above

23.

What's the significance of understanding the time and distance required for your vehicle to come to a complete stop after applying the brakes?

Because it can help avoid errors in judgment while stopping that can lead to a collision

Because it can help you stop your vehicle much more quickly

Because it can prevent your tires from skidding

Because it may help you park your vehicle in any condition

24.

What is the correct positioning of your vehicle before maneuvering into the parallel parking space adjacent to the vehicle in front of it?

That the rear bumper of your vehicle is in line with the rear bumper of that vehicle, with about one metre of space between the two vehicles.

That the rear bumper of your vehicle is in line with the front bumper of that vehicle, with about one metre of space between the two vehicles.

That the front bumper of your vehicle is in line with the rear bumper of that vehicle, with about two metre of space between the two vehicles.

That the front bumper of your vehicle is in line with the front bumper of that vehicle, with about two metre of space between the two vehicles.

25.

What's the reason for turning your vehicle's front wheels to the right when parking facing uphill on the right side of a street without a curb?

Because if the vehicle starts to move it will go off the road and not into traffic

Because if the vehicle starts to move it will go into traffic and not off the road

Because it is a requirement of a parking gear

Because it prevents your vehicle from getting unlocked by any other means

26.

What gear should you select when navigating hills or various road conditions, such as slush, loose gravel, snow, sand, or ice, in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission?

Park

Reverse

Third, second, and first

Neutral

27.

What factors should you keep in mind when exiting any parking space?

You should be aware of the vehicle parked in front of you

You should be aware of the traffic signal’s status, if it’s green

You should be aware of traffic approaching from the rear

You should be aware of the vehicle parked behind you

28.

What is the minimum distance you should maintain from the edge of the intersecting roadway when parking your vehicle?

2 metres

Within 5 metres

Within 10 metres

Within 7 metres

29.

What is the minimum distance you should maintain from a stop sign or yield sign when parking your vehicle?

20 metres

15 metres

10 metres

5 metres

30.

In which gear will the vehicle's engine refuse to start?

Third, second, and first

Drive

Reverse

All of the above

31.

According to the law, the wheels of a parked vehicle in a parallel parking space must not extend more than ________ distance from the curb.

20 centimetres

30 centimetres

40 centimetres

50 centimetres

32.

What's the rationale behind always turning your vehicle's front wheels to the right when parking facing downhill on the right side of a street?

Because if the vehicle starts moving it will go into traffic and not off the road

Because if the vehicle starts moving it will go off the road and not into traffic

Because if the vehicle starts moving it will collide with the vehicle behind it

None of the above

33.

Which lights illuminate when a vehicle with an automatic transmission is shifted into Reverse gear?

The white or clear lights at the rear of the vehicle

The white lights at the front of the vehicle

The signalling lights at the side of the vehicle

None of the above

34.

What's the recommended direction for turning your vehicle’s front wheels when parking facing uphill on the right side of a street without a curb?

You should turn your front wheels to the left

You should turn your front wheels to the right

You should keep your front wheels straight

None of the above

35.

What is the proper hand placement technique for the steering wheel?

So that your hands remain slightly bent when positioned on it

So that your hands remain straight when positioned on it

So that the steering wheel comes above the level of your hands

None of the above

36.

If you imagine the steering wheel as a clock, where should your hands be positioned?

Your right hand should be at about 12 o’clock and your left hand at about 6 o’clock

Your right hand should be at about 3 o’clock and your left hand at about 9 o’clock

Your right hand should be at about 7 o’clock and your left hand at about 1 o’clock

None of the above

37.

Where are locations on a roadway outside of urban areas where you should avoid parking your vehicle?

On the roadway, parking lane, or shoulder of a primary highway

Where there is a clear passage for other motor vehicles

Where your vehicle can be seen for 60 meters along the roadway in both directions

All of the above

38.

What factors should you ensure when positioning your vehicle in an angled parking space?

That the left front bumper of your vehicle is not too close to the parked vehicles on either side

That the right rear bumper of your vehicle is not too close to the parked vehicles on either side

That the rear bumper of your vehicle is not longer than the parked vehicles on either side

Both A and B

39.

Which direction should you indicate with your turn signal when exiting a parallel parking space?

Right turn signal

Left turn signal

Both A and B

None of the above

40.

Why is it recommended to turn your vehicle’s front wheels to the left when parking facing uphill on the right side of a street with a curb?

Because it prevents your vehicle from rolling into traffic if it starts to move

Because it is a part of moving your vehicle into parking gear

Because it allows your vehicle to roll into traffic if it starts to move

Because left-turned wheels act as a parking brake

41.

What is the correct way to adjust the head restraint in your vehicle?

So that the centre of the head restraint is level above your head

So that the centre of the head restraint is level with the top of your ears

So that the centre of the head restraint is level below the lower of your ears

So that the top of the head restraint is level with the top of your ears

42.

What is the significance of a white reverse light on a vehicle?

That this vehicle is in reverse gear and it may move backwards

That this vehicle is in drive gear and it may move forward

That this vehicle is about to take a left or right turn

That this vehicle is slowing down or stopping

43.

What is the correct procedure for exiting an angled parking space?

Start reversing slowly, then turn the steering wheel sharply to the right as your front bumper clears the rear bumper of the vehicle to your left and continue moving until your vehicle becomes parallel with the curb

Start reversing slowly, then turn the steering wheel sharply to the left as your front bumper clears the rear bumper of the vehicle to your left and continue moving until your vehicle becomes parallel with the curb

Start reversing slowly, then turn the steering wheel sharply to the right as your rear bumper clears the rear bumper of the vehicle to your left and continue moving until your vehicle becomes parallel with the curb

None of the above

44.

What factors should you consider when stopping or braking your vehicle?

When stopping, begin braking early

Release pressure on the accelerator before applying the brake to reduce your speed

For smooth braking, release the pressure on the brake pedal and then reapply it just before the stop

All of the above

45.

What is the proper positioning of your vehicle before maneuvering into the parallel parking space adjacent to the vehicle in front of it?

That the rear bumper of your vehicle is in line with the rear bumper of that vehicle, with about one metre of space between the two vehicles.

That the rear bumper of your vehicle is in line with the front bumper of that vehicle, with about one metre of space between the two vehicles.

That the front bumper of your vehicle is in line with the rear bumper of that vehicle, with about two metre of space between the two vehicles.

That the front bumper of your vehicle is in line with the front bumper of that vehicle, with about two metre of space between the two vehicles.

46.

What guidelines should you adhere to when reversing your vehicle in a straight line?

You should reverse slowly while covering your brake pedal

You should glance at the front to be sure that the front of your vehicle does not contact anything

You should turn your steering wheel no more than a quarter turn in the same direction

All of the above

47.

When you decide to come to a complete stop, why should you begin braking early?

Because if you brake too late, your braking distance may not be sufficient

Because if you brake too late, you may skid your tires

Because if you brake too late, you may cause extra wear on the clutch

None of the above

48.

What precaution should you take when navigating corners in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission?

That your vehicle is in the proper gear for the speed of the turn

That your foot is completely off the clutch pedal

That your foot is completely off the gas pedal

Both A and B

49.

What gear should you select when navigating hills or various road conditions, such as slush, loose gravel, snow, sand, or ice, in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission?

Park

Reverse

Third, second, and first

Neutral

50.

What considerations should you bear in mind when vacating any parking space?

You should yield the right-of-way as you back out

You should look carefully behind your vehicle when backing out

You should move slowly and be prepared to stop if necessary

All of the above

51.

How can you prevent your parked vehicle from rolling downhill?

You should set your vehicle’s park brake

You should set your transmission in park or lower gear

You should park your vehicle at an angle from the curb

Both A and B

52.

What steps should you take before maneuvering into your intended parallel parking space?

You should check behind you for traffic

You should check if the parking space is large enough for your vehicle

You should check whether the sidewalk contains pedestrians or not

Both A and B

53.

What is the proper method for repositioning the steering wheel from a turned position?

By hand-over-hand method

By letting it slide back into its position

By pushing the button in the centre of it

Either A or B

54.

What does the image below signify?

The driver is moving or turning left

The driver is moving or turning right

The driver is slowing or stopping

The driver is parking

55.

What's the reason for always turning your vehicle's front wheels to the right when parking facing downhill on the right side of a street?

Because if the vehicle starts moving it will go into traffic and not off the road

Because if the vehicle starts moving it will go off the road and not into traffic

Because if the vehicle starts moving it will collide with the vehicle behind it

None of the above

56.

What factors can influence your vehicle's stopping time and distance?

Road and weather conditions

Your vehicle’s speed

Condition of your vehicle’s brakes and tires

All of the above

57.

What steps should you take before starting the engine of a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission?

You should press down the clutch pedal completely

You should put the gear lever into the neutral position

You should press down the gas pedal completely

Both A and B

58.

What areas around and inside your vehicle should you check as you approach it?

You should check for children, pedestrians, and anything else in its path

You should check your vehicle’s tires for proper inflation

You should check for fluid leaks around and under your vehicle

All of the above

59.

What steps should you take before reversing your vehicle out of a driveway?

You should walk around the vehicle and check for possible dangers

You should check the nearest crosswalk for pedestrians

You should check the traffic signal if it’s green

None of the above

60.

What is the purpose of a white reverse light on a vehicle?

That this vehicle is in reverse gear and it may move backwards

That this vehicle is in drive gear and it may move forward

That this vehicle is about to take a left or right turn

That this vehicle is slowing down or stopping

61.

According to Transport Canada's recommendation, how much distance should you maintain from the steering wheel while adjusting your seat?

25 centimetres

55 centimetres

10 centimetres

15 centimetres

62.

What actions should you take before transitioning from the right side of the road to signal your entry into traffic?

You should use your hands to indicate your move

You should use your right turn signal

You should use your left turn signal

None of the above

63.

When is it appropriate to use your signal lights?

When you are moving away from the curb or parking lane

When you are turning left or right

When you are changing lanes

All of the above

64.

What is the minimum distance you should maintain between your vehicle and a fire hydrant when parking?

5 metres

10 metres

15 metres

20 metres

65.

What is the most common type of parking utilized in parking lots?

Parallel parking

Angle parking

Perpendicular parking

All of the above

66.

What actions should you take before driving?

You should lock the doors and fasten your seatbelts

You should adjust your seat and head restraint and seat back

You should adjust your outside and inside rearview mirrors

All of the above

67.

What steps should you take before maneuvering into your intended parallel parking space?

You should check behind you for traffic

You should check if the parking space is large enough for your vehicle

You should check whether the sidewalk contains pedestrians or not

Both A and B

68.

What's the purpose behind the brake lights activating whenever you apply the brake in your vehicle?

To alert other drivers that you are stopping or slowing

To alert other drivers that you are reversing or backing

To alert other drivers that you are changing the lane

Both A and B

69.

What is the purpose of the clutch pedal in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission?

It functions to connect and disconnect the vehicle’s engine and transmission

It functions to overdrive the vehicle’s engine

It functions to effectively stop the vehicle immediately

It functions to smoothly accelerate the vehicle from a stop

70.

What is the correct way to adjust the inside rearview mirror?

So that the face of a person sitting behind is framed properly within the mirror

So that the rear window of your vehicle is framed within the mirror

So that the roof of the vehicle is framed within the mirror

Both A and B

71.

What are the potential hazards associated with reversing out of a parking space?

Because it is difficult to see traffic as you move out of the space

Because your steering wheel will not turn right during reversing

Because the signal light will not be operable during reversing

Because it is easy to steer wheels during reversing

72.

What is the recommended way to operate the accelerator in your vehicle?

You should gradually press it and then hold it at the proper position for the selected speed

You should immediately press it completely to get a good start and keep it pressed to keep going

You should completely press it right away and then gradually release it to move the vehicle

None of the above

73.

Why is threshold braking necessary when you need to stop abruptly?

Because it stops your vehicle without locking the wheels

Because it is the braking method that has the maximum braking efficiency

Because it allows you to steer your vehicle while braking

All of the above

74.

What is the recommended method for adjusting your outside rearview mirrors?

So that your vehicle remains out of the side view mirror

So that you can see the rear window of your vehicle framed within the mirror

So that you can see your vehicle in a small portion of the side view mirror closest to the vehicle

None of the above

75.

What is the appropriate method for entering an angled parking space on the right when there are vehicles parked on either side of it?

First, drive parallel to the curb, then turn sharply to the right when seeing along the left side of the vehicle parked on the right of the parking space and at about the midpoint of it straighten your vehicle and continue moving until your front bumpers make light contact with the curb

First, drive parallel to the curb, then turn slightly to the right when your front bumper comes in line with the right rear bumper of the vehicle parked on the right of the parking space and come to a complete stop at about the midpoint of the parking space

First, drive parallel to the curb, then turn sharply to the right when seeing the right rear bumper of the vehicle parked on the right of the parking space and comes to a complete stop when your front b

You can enter anyway you want

76.

What precautions should you take before opening the door of your vehicle parked parallel to the curb?

You should look for the traffic passing in the nearest lane

You should look for the pedestrians walking at the nearest crosswalk

You should look for the traffic lights if it is green

You should look for the traffic at the nearest intersection

77.

Why is it essential for you to understand the time and distance required for your vehicle to come to a complete stop after braking?

Because it can help avoid errors in judgment while stopping that can lead to a collision

Because it can help you stop your vehicle much more quickly

Because it can prevent your tires from skidding

Because it may help you park your vehicle in any condition

78.

What is the minimum distance you should maintain between your vehicle and a fire hydrant when parking?

5 metres

10 metres

15 metres

20 metres

79.

What are the individual-specific factors that can vary between people and impact stopping time and distance?

Person’s visual search skills and decision-making ability

Person’s alertness and level of fatigue

Person’s use of alcohol or other drugs

All of the above

80.

Is it permissible to park your vehicle on a bridge, underpass, or their approaches?

Yes, it is allowed

No, it is not allowed

It depends on bridges or underpasses

None of the above

81.

What steps should you take to adjust the driver’s seat before driving?

So that you can easily see over the steering wheel

So that the steering wheel does not block your view of the instrument panel

So that you can easily push pedals to the floor

All of the above

82.

In which gear does the vehicle's engine typically start?

Park

Neutral

Reverse

Both A and B

83.

Even if there are no visible vehicles around, do you still need to signal when approaching an intersection where you intend to turn left?

No, turn signals are only required when there are other vehicles around.

No, turn signals are optional in Alberta.

Yes, you must activate your turn signals well in advance.

Yes, you must use your turn signals even if only briefly.

84.

What considerations should you bear in mind regarding the speed of your vehicle?

You should adjust your vehicle’s speed according to the weather, road, and traffic conditions

You should never exceed the posted speed limit

You should keep the same pace as the traffic to reduce the risk of being in a collision

All of the above

85.

What steps should you take before driving your parked vehicle?

You should check to be sure that your intended path of travel is clear

You should check your inside and outside rearview mirrors

You should do a shoulder check to be sure that your blind spots are clear

All of the above

86.

In which scenario would you need to engage the clutch pedal?

When starting the vehicle’s engine

When changing from one gear to another gear

Just before coming to a stop

All of the above

87.

What steps should you take when reversing your vehicle to the left or right?

You should use both hands on the steering wheel at about 9 and 3 o’clock

You should turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the rear of the vehicle to go

You should look over your respective shoulders when turning, with frequent glances to the front

All of the above

88.

What's the recommended direction for turning your vehicle’s front wheels when parking facing uphill on the right side of a street with a curb?

You should turn your front wheels to the left

You should turn your front wheels to the right

You should keep your front wheels straight

None of the above

89.

What does the term "riding the clutch" mean?

Leaving the gas pedal unnecessarily

Leaving the clutch pedal unnecessarily

Pressing the brake pedal unnecessarily

None of the above

90.

What's the importance of regularly checking your vehicle's speedometer while driving?

To be sure of your vehicle’s speed, if it’s exceeding the posted limit

To be sure of your vehicle’s blind spots, if there is another vehicle in it

To be sure of your vehicle’s turn signals, if any is remained ON

To be sure of your vehicle’s fuel, if it’s running out

91.

What is the minimum distance you should maintain from the nearest side of a marked crosswalk when parking your vehicle?

2 metres

5 metres

7 metres

10 metres

92.

Where should your focus be directed while reversing your vehicle?

You should look behind your vehicle

You should look at the left side of your vehicle

You should look at the right side of your vehicle

You should look at the front of your vehicle

Time’s up

Build a strong foundation for your learner’s licence with The Basics of Driving practice quiz for Alberta. This test covers essential beginner topics from the Alberta Driver’s Guide, including vehicle control, speed management, safe stopping distances, lane positioning, and everyday driving habits you must understand to pass the knowledge exam.

This quiz is part of the full Alberta Learners Practice Test series. After mastering the basics, continue learning with quizzes like Intersections & Turns, Sharing the Road, and Responsible Driving.

Questions are taken from the official Alberta Driver’s Guide. For more detailed study material, you may also review the Government of Alberta’s online handbook.

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