Practice session
Speed, passing, lanes and freeways
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1 of 38 · Speed limits
Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit within cities and towns in B.C.?
- A.30 km/h
- B.40 km/h
- C.50 km/hAnswer
- D.60 km/h
Explanation: Where no sign says otherwise, the speed limit is 50 km/h within cities and towns. Posted signs always take priority over this default.
2 of 38 · Speed limits
You are driving on a highway outside any city or town and have seen no speed limit sign. What is the limit?
- A.70 km/h
- B.80 km/hAnswer
- C.90 km/h
- D.100 km/h
Explanation: Unless a sign tells you otherwise, the speed limit outside cities and towns is 80 km/h. Remember it is a maximum for ideal conditions, not a target.
3 of 38 · Speed limits
Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the maximum speed in a lane or alleyway within a municipality?
- A.10 km/h
- B.20 km/hAnswer
- C.30 km/h
- D.50 km/h
Explanation: The maximum speed in a lane or alleyway within a municipality is 20 km/h unless otherwise posted. Lanes are narrow, and people and vehicles can appear from garages and yards.
4 of 38 · Speed limits
The posted limit is 80 km/h, but it is raining heavily and visibility is poor. What should you do?
- A.Drive at 80 km/h — the posted limit is always a safe speed
- B.Choose a slower speed; the posted speed is the maximum for ideal conditions onlyAnswer
- C.Drive a little over 80 km/h to get off the road sooner
- D.Turn on your hazard lights and keep to the limit
Explanation: The posted speed is the maximum for ideal conditions only. When roads are slippery or visibility is limited, choose a slower speed that suits the conditions.
5 of 38 · Speed limits
Which statement about choosing your speed is true?
- A.The slowest speed is always the safest
- B.You must always drive exactly at the posted limit
- C.Driving much slower than surrounding traffic can be risky, because other drivers may try to pass youAnswer
- D.Speed only matters on highways
Explanation: Speeding is risky, but the safest speed isn't always the slowest. If you drive much slower than surrounding traffic, frustrated drivers may try to pass you. Aim for a speed that is appropriate for the conditions.
6 of 38 · Speed limits
This school zone sign has a 30 km/h tab and no hours. When does the 30 km/h limit apply?
- A.From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school daysAnswer
- B.24 hours a day, every day
- C.Every day from dawn to dusk
- D.Only when children are visible
Explanation: When the tab under a school zone sign shows only the speed limit, that limit is in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days. If the tab also shows hours, those hours apply instead.
7 of 38 · Speed limits
How do you know you have reached the end of a 30 km/h school zone?
- A.You pass the next intersection
- B.You can no longer see the school
- C.You have driven 500 metres past the sign
- D.You reach the back of the school zone sign on the other side of the streetAnswer
Explanation: The school zone ends when you reach the back of the school zone sign on the other side of the street. Until then, keep to 30 km/h while the limit is in effect.
8 of 38 · Speed limits
When does the 30 km/h limit shown on this playground zone sign apply?
- A.From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days
- B.Every day from dawn to duskAnswer
- C.Only when children are visible
- D.Only on weekends and holidays
Explanation: A playground zone has a 30 km/h limit in effect every day from dawn to dusk — weekends and holidays included. Do not confuse it with school zone hours.
9 of 38 · Speed limits
Near a school, a crossing supervisor signals you to stop. What must you do?
- A.Obey only while the school zone limit is in effect
- B.Treat it as advice and go if no children are crossing
- C.Obey — you must obey school patrols and crossing supervisors at all timesAnswer
- D.Slow down but keep moving
Explanation: When children may be arriving at school, leaving or taking their lunch hour, look well ahead for school patrols and crossing supervisors. You must obey them at all times.
10 of 38 · Speed limits
In good weather and road conditions, what is the minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?
- A.1 second
- B.2 secondsAnswer
- C.5 seconds
- D.1 car length
Explanation: Leave at least 2 seconds of space in front in good weather and road conditions. Tailgating is a major cause of crashes: if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly, you have no time to stop safely.
11 of 38 · Speed limits
You are driving on a high-speed road in good weather. What following distance should you keep?
- A.1 second
- B.2 seconds
- C.3 secondsAnswer
- D.6 seconds
Explanation: Increase your following distance from 2 seconds to 3 seconds on high-speed roads. The faster you go, the more distance you cover before you can react and stop.
12 of 38 · Speed limits
It is snowing and the road is slippery. What following distance should you keep?
- A.2 seconds
- B.3 seconds
- C.4 secondsAnswer
- D.1 second
Explanation: Increase your following distance to 4 seconds in bad weather conditions or on uneven or slippery roads, where it takes longer to stop.
13 of 38 · Speed limits
You are following a motorcycle. What following distance should you allow?
- A.At least 3 secondsAnswer
- B.At least 1 second
- C.Half the distance you would leave behind a car
- D.No special distance — motorcycles are faster than cars
Explanation: Allow at least 3 seconds behind a motorcycle, which can stop very quickly, or behind a large vehicle that could block your view of the road ahead.
14 of 38 · Speed limits
How can you check your following distance?
- A.Count the car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead
- B.Pick a fixed object; when the vehicle ahead passes it, count seconds until you reach itAnswer
- C.Watch the brake lights of the vehicle ahead
- D.Check your speedometer
Explanation: Pick an object ahead that will not move. When the vehicle in front passes it, count “one thousand and one, one thousand and two…”. If you reach the object as you say “three”, you are keeping a three-second following distance.
15 of 38 · Speed limits
You see a hazard ahead. About how long passes before your vehicle even begins to slow down?
- A.Almost no time — braking is instant
- B.About 5 seconds
- C.About three-quarters of a second to see and think, plus another three-quarters of a second to actAnswer
- D.About 10 seconds
Explanation: It takes about three-quarters of a second to see-think and another three-quarters of a second of do (getting your foot onto the brake). Only then does the vehicle begin to slow — which is why you need enough space in front.
16 of 38 · Speed limits
What is “total stopping distance”?
- A.The distance your vehicle travels after you press the brake
- B.The distance between you and the vehicle ahead
- C.The length of the skid marks after a hard stop
- D.The distance from the moment you notice a hazard until your vehicle stopsAnswer
Explanation: Total stopping distance runs from the moment you notice a hazard until the moment your vehicle stops: the see, think and do time plus the braking itself. Braking distance depends on your speed, your vehicle and the road conditions.
17 of 38 · Speed limits
Another driver is tailgating you. What is a good way to respond?
- A.Brake sharply to warn them
- B.Slow down slightly to increase your space in front, or let them passAnswer
- C.Speed up to get away from them
- D.Move closer to the vehicle in front
Explanation: You can't control the space behind you, but you can slow down slightly to increase your space in front, so any stop can be more gradual. You can also move into another lane or pull over and let the tailgater pass.
18 of 38 · Speed limits
A yellow sign warns of a sharp curve ahead. What is the best way to handle the curve?
- A.Keep your speed and brake firmly in the middle of the curve
- B.Slow down before the curve and avoid braking in itAnswer
- C.Speed up into the curve for better grip
- D.Shift to neutral and coast through
Explanation: Slow down before you enter a curve, to a speed that lets you go through without braking. Braking in the curve can make you skid; as you reach the middle, straighten the wheels and accelerate gently to leave the curve.
19 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
On a multi-lane highway, which lane should you normally travel in?
- A.The far-left lane
- B.One of the right-hand lanesAnswer
- C.Whichever lane has the fewest vehicles
- D.It makes no difference
Explanation: On a multi-lane highway, travel in one of the right-hand lanes. This matters most if you are driving more slowly than other vehicles or signs tell you to keep out of the left lane.
20 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
You are driving exactly at the speed limit in the left lane of a multi-lane highway. Which statement is true?
- A.Because you are at the limit, you may stay in the left lane as long as you like
- B.Faster drivers must wait behind you
- C.Staying in the left lane can lead others to pass on the right, which may be less safeAnswer
- D.You must speed up to match faster traffic
Explanation: Driving at the speed limit doesn't mean you should stay in the left lane. Doing so may cause other drivers to pass on the right, which may not be as safe as passing on the left.
21 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
On a freeway with more than 2 lanes in each direction, which lane should you drive in?
- A.The left lane
- B.The centre lane or a right-hand laneAnswer
- C.The shoulder when traffic is slow
- D.Any lane, changing often to keep moving
Explanation: On a freeway with more than 2 lanes in each direction, drive in the centre lane or a right-hand lane. That leaves the left lane for higher-speed traffic and passing vehicles.
22 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
When may you pass another vehicle on the right?
- A.Whenever the vehicle ahead is going slower than the limit
- B.Whenever there is a paved shoulder
- C.Never — passing on the right is always illegal
- D.Only on a roadway with 2 or more lanes, or when a driver ahead is turning leftAnswer
Explanation: You may pass on the right only on a roadway that has 2 or more lanes, or if a driver ahead is turning left — and never by using the shoulder. Pass on the left only when it is safe and lane markings permit.
23 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
You are passing a slow truck on a highway posted at 100 km/h. May you go over 100 km/h to finish the pass sooner?
- A.Yes, briefly exceeding the limit is allowed when passing
- B.No — keep within the speed limit when passingAnswer
- C.Yes, by up to 20 km/h
- D.Yes, if the truck speeds up
Explanation: The speed limit still applies while you pass. Before passing, make sure you can do it safely and legally, within the limit and where the pavement markings allow it.
24 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
Another driver is passing you. What should you do?
- A.Speed up so the pass ends sooner
- B.Move toward the centre line to discourage the pass
- C.Don't speed up; slow down if needed to make room for them to get back into your laneAnswer
- D.Flash your high beams to warn them
Explanation: It's illegal to speed up while someone is trying to pass you. Help the other driver get back into your lane by slowing down and making room.
25 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
You want to move into the next lane, and a cyclist is already travelling in it. Who has the right-of-way?
- A.You do, because you are the larger vehicle
- B.You do, as long as you signalled first
- C.Whoever is going faster
- D.The cyclist — the vehicle already in the lane has the right-of-wayAnswer
Explanation: If you move into another vehicle's lane, that vehicle has the right-of-way — whether it's a car, a motorcycle or a bicycle. Other traffic shouldn't have to change direction or slow down for you.
26 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
The centre marking is a solid yellow line beside a broken yellow line, and the solid line is on your side. May you pass?
- A.Yes, whenever it is safe
- B.No — you may pass only when the broken line is on your sideAnswer
- C.Yes, if the vehicle ahead is below the limit
- D.Only by passing on the right
Explanation: Where a broken yellow line runs beside a solid one, you may pass only when it is safe and the broken line is on your side. With the solid line on your side, do not pass.
27 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
What does a double solid yellow centre line mean?
- A.Passing is allowed with extra caution
- B.The lane is reversible
- C.No passing allowedAnswer
- D.Passing is allowed when safe
Explanation: A double solid yellow line means no passing is allowed in either direction. Yellow lines divide traffic moving in opposite directions, so the traffic on the other side is coming toward you.
28 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
In B.C., what does a single solid yellow centre line mean?
- A.No passing under any circumstances
- B.Passing is allowed with extra cautionAnswer
- C.The road is one-way
- D.Parking is not allowed
Explanation: In B.C., a single solid yellow line means passing is allowed, but with extra caution. Do not confuse it with a double solid yellow line, which means no passing.
29 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
What does a solid white line between two lanes going in the same direction mean?
- A.Do not change lanesAnswer
- B.Lane changes are allowed when safe
- C.Traffic on the other side is coming toward you
- D.Passing is allowed with extra caution
Explanation: White lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. A solid white line means do not change lanes; a broken white line means you may change lanes when it is safe.
30 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
Which statement about changing lanes at an intersection is true?
- A.Don't do it — you could confuse other drivers and cause a crashAnswer
- B.It's fine as long as you signal first
- C.It's allowed whenever the light is green
- D.It's the best place to change lanes, because traffic is slow
Explanation: Don't change lanes at an intersection: you could confuse other drivers and cause a crash. Get into the lane you need before you reach the intersection.
31 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
A sign warns that a highway passing lane is about to end. Which statement is true?
- A.Vehicles in the right lane must stop to let others merge
- B.Vehicles in the right lane and the passing lane must merge before the passing lane endsAnswer
- C.Only drivers in the passing lane need to adjust
- D.The passing lane continues as a shoulder you may drive on
Explanation: Passing lanes let slower vehicles keep right so faster vehicles can pass safely on the left. Keep right unless you are passing, and when the lane is about to end, vehicles in both lanes must merge before it ends.
32 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
You are driving next to a lane that ends ahead, and a driver in that lane needs to merge. What should you do?
- A.Speed up to close the gap
- B.Keep your speed — merging drivers must wait
- C.Help by adjusting your speed or changing lanesAnswer
- D.Stop in your lane to let them in
Explanation: If you are in a lane that ends, adjust your speed within the limit and wait for a safe gap. If you are driving next to a lane that ends, help the merging traffic by adjusting your speed or changing lanes.
33 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
At a freeway entrance, what is the acceleration lane for?
- A.Stopping to wait for a gap
- B.Slowing down before you merge
- C.Matching your speed to the speed of traffic on the freewayAnswer
- D.Passing slow vehicles on the ramp
Explanation: The acceleration lane, divided from the freeway by a solid white line, is where you match your speed to freeway traffic. Then use the merging area, beside a broken white line, to find a safe gap. Avoid stopping in either — you could be rear-ended.
34 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
How should you leave a freeway?
- A.Slow down on the freeway before you reach the exit lane
- B.Signal, keep your speed until you are in the exit lane, then slow down graduallyAnswer
- C.Brake hard as you cross into the exit lane
- D.Cross several lanes at the last moment
Explanation: Plan ahead so you can move to the right lane in plenty of time. Signal your intention, maintain your speed until you enter the exit lane, and then slow down gradually for the lower speed limits ahead.
35 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
You are in the right lane of a freeway, and a driver is trying to merge from an entrance lane. How can you help?
- A.Move into the left lane if it is safe, or adjust your speed to leave a gapAnswer
- B.Speed up so they can merge behind you
- C.Stay beside them so they know where you are
- D.Sound your horn
Explanation: It's not always easy for merging drivers to find a safe gap. Help them by pulling into the left lane if it is safe, or by adjusting your speed to leave a large enough gap for them to move into.
36 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
Who may use a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane like the one marked by this sign?
- A.Any vehicle during rush hour
- B.Buses and carpool vehicles carrying at least the number of people shown on the signsAnswer
- C.Only buses
- D.Trucks and slow-moving vehicles
Explanation: HOV lanes are reserved for buses and carpool vehicles; on some roads motorcycles, bicycles and taxis may use them too. Signs tell you where the lanes begin and end, when they operate and the minimum number of people who must be in the vehicle. Most HOV lanes operate 24 hours a day.
37 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
Your vehicle carries enough people to use the HOV lane. Where should you enter and exit it?
- A.Anywhere, as long as you signal
- B.Only at intersections
- C.Across the solid lines when traffic is light
- D.Where broken lines mark a crossing pointAnswer
Explanation: Enter and exit an HOV lane only where broken lines show a crossing point, and take care: traffic in these lanes sometimes travels faster than regular traffic, so make sure there is enough room.
38 of 38 · Passing, lanes & freeways
This sign warns that the street you are turning onto has a reserved lane, and you are not entitled to use it. Which lane should you turn into?
- A.Into the reserved lane, then move out when it is safe
- B.Into the lane next to the reserved laneAnswer
- C.Into any lane, as long as you signal
- D.Into the far-left lane only
Explanation: Turn into the lane next to the reserved lane, unless you are entitled to drive in the reserved lane and want to use it. To turn right off a street with a reserved lane, move into it only where permitted and when safe.