Chapter 3-1: Pre-drive basics

The Alberta Class 7 driver knowledge test includes a vital section called “Pre-drive basics.” This section assesses your understanding of essential safety checks before operating a vehicle.

Alberta Driving Test - Chapter 3-1: Pre-drive basics

1 / 20

What is the main purpose of a properly adjusted head restraint?

Make the seat look more stylish

Replace the need for a seat belt

Greatly reduce the risk of head and neck injuries in collisions and sudden movements

Allow you to rest while driving

2 / 20

When moving away from the right side of a two-way road and entering traffic, what should you do?

Turn on your hazard lights instead

Use your left turn signal to indicate you are entering traffic

Use your right turn signal

Not signal if no one is behind you

3 / 20

How should you adjust your inside rear view mirror?

So the rear window is framed within the mirror, showing as much behind you as possible

So you see mainly the back of your head

So it points toward the front seats

So you can see mostly the ceiling of the vehicle

4 / 20

How should the lap belt of your seat belt be worn?

Across your stomach

Low and snug over your hips

Under your legs

Loosely over your thighs

5 / 20

How should your elbows be positioned when your hands are on the steering wheel?

Slightly bent

Resting on your knees

Fully straight and locked

Pressed firmly against your body

6 / 20

What is the recommended hand position on the steering wheel?

One hand at 12 o’clock and the other on your lap

Both hands at the top (12 o’clock)

Both hands at the bottom (6 o’clock)

Left hand at about 9 o’clock and right hand at about 3 o’clock

7 / 20

Why is it important to lock your doors before driving?

To make the air conditioning work better

To prevent the windows from opening

To improve fuel economy

To prevent unwanted entry and reduce doors opening in a collision

8 / 20

What is the recommended order of basic habits before driving?

Adjust seat, adjust mirrors, lock doors, fasten seat belt, adjust head restraint

Lock doors, adjust seat/seat back, adjust head restraint, adjust mirrors, fasten seat belt

Lock doors, fasten seat belt, adjust seat, adjust mirrors, adjust head restraint

Fasten seat belt, adjust mirrors, lock doors, adjust seat, adjust head restraint

9 / 20

For an adjustable head restraint, where should the centre of the head restraint be positioned?

Level with the top of your ears

Level with the middle of your back

Level with your eyes

Level with your neck

10 / 20

Before entering your vehicle, what should you do first to ensure safety around the vehicle?

Walk around the vehicle to check for children, pedestrians, obstacles, and leaks

Honk the horn twice

Turn on your hazard lights

Open the hood and check the engine

11 / 20

Just before you start moving your vehicle, what should you do?

Rely on other drivers to avoid you

Signal and move without checking mirrors

Look only in the inside mirror

Check your intended path, check inside and outside mirrors, then do a shoulder check

12 / 20

How far should you sit from the steering wheel according to the recommendation?

As close as possible for better control

At least 10 centimetres (4 inches) away

At least 50 centimetres (20 inches) away

At least 25 centimetres (10 inches) away

13 / 20

When doing a walk-around check while parked along a roadway, how should you walk?

Directly in the middle of the road

On the far side of the vehicle, away from traffic, without looking

With your back to traffic so you can focus on the car

In a direction that lets you see traffic coming toward you in the lane next to you

14 / 20

In a standard transmission vehicle, what must you be able to do from your seating position?

Operate the clutch with either foot

Reach the gearshift with your right hand only

Push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor

Press the clutch halfway down

15 / 20

When positioning yourself in the driver’s seat, what must you be sure of regarding visibility?

You can see over the steering wheel and your view of the instrument panel is not blocked

You cannot see the instrument panel to avoid distraction

You can only see the top half of the windshield

You mainly see the hood of your vehicle

16 / 20

How should the shoulder belt be worn correctly?

Over your chest and shoulder

Across your neck

Behind your back

Under your arm

17 / 20

How should you adjust your outside rear view mirrors to reduce blind spots?

So they show only the side of your own vehicle

So you can see your own vehicle in a small portion of the mirror closest to the vehicle

So they face slightly downward at the ground

So you cannot see any part of your own vehicle

18 / 20

On the left side of a one-way road, which signal should you use when moving out to enter traffic?

Your right turn signal

Your left turn signal

No signal is needed on a one-way road

Only your brake lights

19 / 20

Are you required to wear a seat belt in a vehicle equipped with air bags?

Yes, you are still required to wear your seat belt

Only in the front passenger seat

No, air bags replace the need for seat belts

Only on highways

20 / 20

How much space should ideally be between the back of your head and the head restraint?

At least 30 centimetres (12 inches)

Less than 10 centimetres (four inches)

About 20 centimetres (eight inches)

As much space as possible

Your score is

Topics include properly adjusting mirrors and seats, ensuring seatbelts are fastened, and confirming that all passengers are secure. The test also covers checking for obstacles around the vehicle, ensuring proper tire inflation, and verifying that lights and signals function correctly. Mastering pre-drive basics is crucial for new drivers, as these steps help prevent accidents and ensure everyone’s safety on the road. Thorough preparation increases your chances of passing the knowledge test.

Challenge yourself by thoroughly working through the Alberta Class 7 practice test questions. Repeat this process until you can confidently explain the concepts in detail from memory, without needing to refer to your notes.