Demerit points, suspensions, impaired and distracted driving

1 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.15 or moreAnswer
• B.8 or more
• C.12 or more
• D.20 or more

Explanation: A fully licensed driver who reaches 15 or more demerit points within 2 years is automatically suspended for one month. A cautionary notice comes first, at 8 or more but less than 15 points.

2 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.8 or moreAnswer
• B.15 or more
• C.4 or more
• D.6 or more

Explanation: Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) drivers have a lower limit: 8 or more demerit points within 2 years brings a one-month suspension, compared with 15 for fully licensed drivers.

3 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.They receive a letter about their demerit point standingAnswer
• B.Their licence is suspended for 1 month
• C.Their licence is cancelled and they must restart as a Class 7 learner

Explanation: A GDL driver with 4 to 7 demerit points within 2 years gets a letter warning them of their standing. At 8 or more, the licence is suspended.

4 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.2 years from the date of convictionAnswer
• B.2 years from the date you got the ticket
• C.5 years from the date of conviction
• D.Until you renew your licence

Explanation: Demerit points are applied on your conviction date and stay on your driving record and abstract for 2 years from that date. The conviction date is not the day you received the ticket.

5 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.On the date you pay the ticketAnswer
• B.On the date the officer wrote the ticket
• C.Never — paying a ticket is not a conviction

Explanation: You are convicted when you pay the fine, when a court finds you guilty, or when you fail to appear and are convicted in your absence. Demerit points are recorded from that conviction date, not from the day of the ticket.

6 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.Remove up to 3 points, no more than once every 2 years, if done before reaching the suspension levelAnswer
• B.Erase all the points on your record
• C.Cancel a suspension that has already started

Explanation: An approved defensive driving course can remove a maximum of 3 demerit points, once every 2 years. It only counts if completed before you reach 15 points (full licence) or 8 points (GDL); you cannot appeal a demerit suspension once it happens.

7 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.7Answer
• B.3
• C.4
• D.5

Explanation: Failing to remain at the scene of a collision carries 7 demerit points, the highest in the table, for fully licensed and GDL drivers alike. Failing to report a collision carries 3.

8 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.4Answer
• B.2
• C.6
• D.7

Explanation: Following too closely carries 4 demerit points — the same as failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or speeding by 31 to 50 km/h over the limit.

9 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.None at allAnswer
• B.Less than 0.05
• C.Less than 0.08
• D.One drink per hour

Explanation: Under the IRS ZERO: Novice program there is zero tolerance for any alcohol or drugs for Class 7 and Class 5-GDL drivers. A breach brings an immediate 30-day licence suspension, a 7-day vehicle seizure and a $200 fine plus a 20% victim fine surcharge.

10 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.An immediate 3-day licence suspension, a 3-day vehicle seizure and a $300 fine plus surchargeAnswer
• B.No penalty, because 0.06 is under the legal limit
• C.A lifetime licence suspension

Explanation: IRS WARN applies to a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 and 0.079 or a failed sobriety test. A first occurrence means an immediate 3-day suspension, a 3-day vehicle seizure and a $300 fine plus a 20% surcharge; penalties rise with each repeat.

11 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.90 days with no driving, then a further 12-month suspensionAnswer
• B.24 hours
• C.3 days
• D.30 days

Explanation: IRS FAIL applies at 0.08 or more, or for failing or refusing testing. A first occurrence is a 2-stage suspension — 90 days with no driving, then 12 more months (with the Ignition Interlock Program available) — plus a 30-day vehicle seizure, the Planning Ahead course and a $1,000 fine plus surcharge. Criminal charges can be added.

12 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.A $390 fine and 3 demerit pointsAnswer
• B.A warning only for a first offence
• C.A $100 fine and no demerit points
• D.A $390 fine and 7 demerit points

Explanation: Distracted driving costs a $390 fine and 3 demerit points. If you also commit a moving violation while distracted, you can get 2 tickets: one for the distraction and one for the violation.

13 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.No — the distracted driving law applies even while stopped at a red lightAnswer
• B.Yes, as long as the vehicle is not moving
• C.Yes, but only if the light has just turned red

Explanation: Alberta’s distracted driving law covers all roads and applies even while you are stopped at a red light. If you need to read or send a message, first stop in a safe and legal place.

14 of 14 · Demerit points, alcohol & penalties

• A.Using a phone in hands-free mode, activated by voice or a single touchAnswer
• B.Typing a destination into a GPS while driving
• C.Reading a printed map while driving
• D.Shaving while waiting in traffic

Explanation: Hands-free phone use — the device is not held and is activated by voice or a single touch — is not specifically restricted. Entering information on a GPS, reading printed material and personal grooming are all restricted.