Chapter 7-1: Proactive driving

The Alberta driver’s knowledge test includes a critical section on proactive driving. This section emphasizes anticipating potential hazards and making safe decisions before issues arise.

Alberta Driving Test - Chapter 7-1: Proactive driving

1 / 25

The best way to avoid last‑second lane changes is to:

Plan your route and be in the proper lane well in advance of your exit or turn

Slow to a stop on the highway and then signal

Change lanes quickly at the last moment

Wait until you see your exit sign and then immediately cut across lanes

2 / 25

How often should you glance in your rear view mirrors under normal conditions?

Every 8 to 12 seconds

Only when changing lanes

Once every minute

Only when you hear a horn behind you

3 / 25

If you need to make or receive a call or text, you should:

Slow down but stay in your lane while using your phone

Use your knees to steer while you type

Hold the phone low so police cannot see it

Stop in a safe and legal place before using your phone

4 / 25

Fixed hazards are:

Hazards that appear only at night

Temporary hazards caused by weather

Permanent conditions and situations along the roadway

Hazards found only on highways

5 / 25

Which of the following is also listed as a prohibited distraction?

Texting or e-mailing

Using the horn

Wearing a seatbelt

Turning on your headlights

6 / 25

If another vehicle is following you too closely, you should:

Safely reduce your speed slightly to encourage them to pass

Speed up to increase the gap

Ignore them and maintain the same speed without adjustment

Brake suddenly to warn them

7 / 25

When driving in rural areas, your visual lead time should be:

The same as in urban areas

At least 20 to 25 seconds

No more than 15 seconds

At least 5 to 10 seconds

8 / 25

Which of the following is a variable hazard?

A hill

A curve in the road

A hidden driveway

School children and other pedestrians

9 / 25

When stopping behind another vehicle in traffic, you should:

Leave only a few centimetres to prevent other vehicles from cutting in

Always keep your wheels turned toward the curb

Stop as close as possible to the vehicle ahead

Leave enough space so you could change lanes without reversing

10 / 25

Drivers of large vehicles, such as motor homes, are advised to:

Use only a one-second following distance

Use a minimum four-second following distance

Follow at the standard two-second distance

Drive closer to reduce wind drag

11 / 25

If you miss your exit or turn on a roadway, you should:

Stop in your lane and turn around

Make a U-turn immediately, regardless of traffic

Reverse on the roadway to go back

Continue to the next exit or intersection

12 / 25

To check that you are at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front, you should:

Use a fixed object ahead and count “one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two”

Only check your speedometer

Time yourself with a watch over 100 metres

Count how many vehicles are between you and the one ahead

13 / 25

The recommended action if you must turn sharply to avoid something in your lane is to:

Stop in the middle of your lane immediately

Stay on your side of the yellow line if possible

Close your eyes and hope for the best

Cross the yellow line without checking oncoming traffic

14 / 25

Having a space cushion means:

Staying only one metre behind the vehicle in front

Driving as close as possible to the vehicle ahead to reduce wind resistance

Using the shoulder lane whenever possible

Leaving enough space around your vehicle to stop or steer around hazards safely

15 / 25

Under the Traffic Safety Act, which of the following is considered a distracting activity that can lead to fines and demerits?

Talking to a passenger

Using a hand-held cell phone

Listening to the radio

Adjusting the rear-view mirror

16 / 25

Programming or entering information into which device is specifically mentioned as a distraction?

Turn signal switches

GPS units

Headlight controls

Windshield wipers

17 / 25

Variable hazards are:

Only related to vehicle mechanical problems

Always permanent and unchanging

Only related to road design

Hazards that change through the day

18 / 25

When driving in an urban area, you should look ahead:

At least 3 to 5 seconds

Only as far as the next intersection

At least 12 to 15 seconds

Exactly 10 seconds

19 / 25

When conditions are less than ideal (such as poor weather), you should:

Increase your following distance

Maintain the same following distance as in ideal conditions

Speed up to pass vehicles more quickly

Decrease your following distance

20 / 25

The two-second rule:

Works only on highways

Works only below 60 km/h

Works at any speed

Works only in good weather

21 / 25

Which of the following is a fixed hazard?

Emergency vehicles

School children

Intersections

Icy road surfaces

22 / 25

Proactive driving is best described as:

Reacting only after a collision has happened

Trusting that other drivers will always follow the rules

Anticipating possible hazards and taking action to reduce or avoid danger before it occurs

Driving as fast as conditions allow

23 / 25

Which of the following is an example of a personal distraction that is prohibited while driving?

Checking your fuel level

Wearing sunglasses

Personal grooming

Adjusting the seat before starting to drive

24 / 25

Regarding the use of cellular phones while driving, you should:

Use a hands‑free phone as much as you like

Use a hand‑held phone only for short calls

Text only at red lights

Not use a cellular phone or other electronic devices while driving

25 / 25

Under normal road and weather conditions, your minimum following distance should be:

Three car lengths behind the vehicle ahead

Half a second behind the vehicle ahead

Two seconds behind the vehicle ahead

One second behind the vehicle ahead

Your score is

Proactive driving requires constant awareness of the road, other vehicles, and changing conditions. Drivers are encouraged to maintain a safe following distance, scan intersections, and check blind spots regularly. The test assesses knowledge of defensive driving strategies, proper signaling, and effective communication with other road users. Understanding these principles helps reduce accidents and keeps everyone safer. Mastery of proactive driving is essential for passing the knowledge test and for becoming a responsible, confident driver in Alberta.

Taking your time with the Alberta Learners Practice Test questions is crucial. Focus on understanding the correct answers and the reasons behind them. Regular practice helps you become comfortable with the material. Aim to explain everything from memory without referring to your notes to build a strong understanding. Keep up the effort!