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 two-second rule:

Works at any speed

Works only in good weather

Works only below 60 km/h

Works only on highways

2 / 25

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

At least 5 to 10 seconds

The same as in urban areas

At least 20 to 25 seconds

No more than 15 seconds

3 / 25

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

Drive closer to reduce wind drag

Use only a one-second following distance

Follow at the standard two-second distance

Use a minimum four-second following distance

4 / 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”

Count how many vehicles are between you and the one ahead

Only check your speedometer

Time yourself with a watch over 100 metres

5 / 25

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

Speed up to pass vehicles more quickly

Increase your following distance

Maintain the same following distance as in ideal conditions

Decrease your following distance

6 / 25

When stopping behind another vehicle in traffic, you should:

Always keep your wheels turned toward the curb

Stop as close as possible to the vehicle ahead

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

Leave enough space so you could change lanes without reversing

7 / 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

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

Using the shoulder lane whenever possible

8 / 25

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

Once every minute

Every 8 to 12 seconds

Only when you hear a horn behind you

Only when changing lanes

9 / 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

Close your eyes and hope for the best

Stay on your side of the yellow line if possible

Cross the yellow line without checking oncoming traffic

10 / 25

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

Reverse on the roadway to go back

Continue to the next exit or intersection

Stop in your lane and turn around

Make a U-turn immediately, regardless of traffic

11 / 25

Which of the following is a fixed hazard?

School children

Emergency vehicles

Icy road surfaces

Intersections

12 / 25

Which of the following is a variable hazard?

A hill

A hidden driveway

School children and other pedestrians

A curve in the road

13 / 25

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

Exactly 10 seconds

At least 3 to 5 seconds

At least 12 to 15 seconds

Only as far as the next intersection

14 / 25

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

Turning on your headlights

Wearing a seatbelt

Using the horn

Texting or e-mailing

15 / 25

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

Wearing sunglasses

Checking your fuel level

Personal grooming

Adjusting the seat before starting to drive

16 / 25

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

Adjusting the rear-view mirror

Talking to a passenger

Using a hand-held cell phone

Listening to the radio

17 / 25

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

Change lanes quickly at the last moment

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

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

18 / 25

Fixed hazards are:

Hazards found only on highways

Permanent conditions and situations along the roadway

Temporary hazards caused by weather

Hazards that appear only at night

19 / 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

Hold the phone low so police cannot see it

Use your knees to steer while you type

Stop in a safe and legal place before using your phone

20 / 25

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

Two seconds behind the vehicle ahead

Three car lengths behind the vehicle ahead

One second behind the vehicle ahead

Half a second behind the vehicle ahead

21 / 25

Variable hazards are:

Only related to vehicle mechanical problems

Hazards that change through the day

Only related to road design

Always permanent and unchanging

22 / 25

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

GPS units

Headlight controls

Turn signal switches

Windshield wipers

23 / 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

24 / 25

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

Speed up to increase the gap

Brake suddenly to warn them

Ignore them and maintain the same speed without adjustment

Safely reduce your speed slightly to encourage them to pass

25 / 25

Proactive driving is best described as:

Driving as fast as conditions allow

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

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!