Prince Edward Island Class 7 Numbers Cheat Sheet: What the Old Handbook Gets Wrong
Facts verified: November 7, 2026
The 65 rows below were checked against the Highway Traffic Act, its Demerit Point System, Graduated Driver Licensing and Seat Belt regulations, and the Prince Edward Island Driver's Handbook and GDL information booklet, all published on princeedwardisland.ca.
One naming point first. Prince Edward Island calls the learner permit Class 7, and Class 5 only arrives at Stage 2. That is why this sheet is Class 7 and not the Class 5 label used elsewhere.
The handbook PDF is dated 2022 in its file name, but its text is the Spring 2011 revision. Where it disagrees with the Act, the sheet gives the Act's value and says what the handbook claims. The biggest gap is the hand-held device rule. Our question bank taught $250 to $400 and 3 demerit points. The Act's schedule says $500 to $1,200, with $500 on a ticket, and the Demerit Point System Regulations say 5 points.
The roadside alcohol rules had the same problem. A reading of 50 mg or more brings a 7-day suspension, not 24 hours. A second licence-surrender request within three years is 30 days (not 24 months), and a third is 90 days. The 24-hour suspension belongs to graduated drivers and drivers under 22 who show any alcohol. The old handbook text says 24 hours for any WARN or FAIL reading, which the current Act no longer supports.
Two more answers were split between law and advice. The Act requires 30 m of signalling before a turn or stop, while the 150 m in our bank is the handbook's advice for highways. For booster seats, the regulation requires a weight of 18 kg or more, an age of 9 or less and a height under 145 cm, all three together. The handbook says "or".
The handbook also says the maximum speed is 80 km/h unless a sign says otherwise. The Act sets 100 km/h by day and 90 km/h at night in other locations. The handbook teaches a 5 m stop at rail crossings too, but no statute or regulation states that distance, so that row rests on the handbook alone.
Of the 65 rows, 57 have two independent official sources and 8 rest on one, flagged on the page with the reason. None is unsourced. Some numbers were left out because we did not source them to a statute or regulation: the 0.45 m gap when starting to parallel park, the 45 degree parking angles, the stopping-distance multiples on snow, and the studded tire dates.
Once the figures are in your head, check them against real questions in the free Prince Edward Island practice test.
Prince Edward Island Class 7 Instruction Permit (Stage 1 of the Graduated Driver Licensing program) · Numbers reference
Every number the Prince Edward Island Class 7 Instruction Permit (Stage 1 of the Graduated Driver Licensing program) knowledge test can ask you for, in one place, checked against the official sources and built to print.
Showing all 65 numbers
Speed limits and defaults
3 numbers| Value | Rule |
|---|---|
| 50 km/h | Default speed limit in an urban district with no lower limit postedA lower limit set by a municipality or by regulation applies instead. The Act sets 60 km/h in a business district, 80 km/h on unpaved highways, 100 km/h by day and 90 km/h at night elsewhere. The handbook says the maximum is 80 km/h unless a sign says otherwise, which does not match the Act's 100 km/h by day and 90 km/h at night in other locations. |
| 60 km/h | Speed limit when entering and passing through a designated school zoneApplies only where signs mark the entrance and exit of the zone, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, September to June. |
| 40 km/h | Speed linked to the slow-moving vehicle sign (orange and red triangle)The Act requires the sign on equipment designed for, and normally travelling at, less than 40 km/h. The handbook words it as a vehicle that cannot go faster than 40 km/h. Both use 40 km/h as the line. |
Distances
7 numbers| Value | Rule |
|---|---|
| 3 seconds | Minimum following interval under normal conditionsCount from the moment the vehicle ahead passes a fixed marker. |
| 4 seconds | Following interval when pulling a trailer |
| At least 30 m (100 ft) | Distance before a turn or stop at which you must begin signallingThe legal minimum is 30 m. The handbook advises signalling at least 150 m (500 ft) before turning or stopping on highways where traffic moves faster.Our question bank and the official source disagree here. The official value is published. |
| 150 m (500 ft) | Distance from an oncoming vehicle within which you must switch to low beamsApplies during the hours when lights are required. |
| 60 m (200 ft) | Distance behind another vehicle within which you must use low beamsNot required while you are overtaking and passing. |
| At least 5 m (15 ft) | Minimum distance from the nearest rail when a crossing signal warns of a trainThe handbook gives this rule for any railway crossing where a signal warns of a train. |
| At least 1 m from the curb | Distance from the curb that cyclists are entitled to ride, according to the handbookDo not confuse this with the 1 m clearance a driver must leave when passing a bicycle (Highway Traffic Act s. 155.1 (3)). |
Parking prohibitions
5 numbers| Value | Rule |
|---|---|
| 2.5 m (8 ft) | Do not park within this distance of the point on the curb opposite a fire hydrant |
| 6 m (20 ft) | Do not park within this distance of the approach side of a crosswalkParking on the crosswalk itself is also prohibited. |
| 12 m (40 ft) | Do not park within this distance upon the approach to a flashing beacon, stop sign or traffic signal |
| 15 m (50 ft) | Do not park within this distance of the nearest rail of a railway crossing |
| Within 30 cm (300 mm, 12 in) | Maximum distance of the wheels from the curb when parkedApplies where there is a curb, parked on the right side of the highway and parallel to it. |
Demerit points by offence
6 numbers| Value | Rule |
|---|---|
| 12 points | Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights |
| 9 points | Driving while racing with another motor vehicle |
| 6 points | Speeding 30 km/h or more but less than 60 km/h over the posted limitThe regulations also set 9 points for 60 to under 80 km/h over and 12 points for 80 km/h or more over. The handbook table leaves out the 9 point band. |
| 3 points | Speeding less than 30 km/h over the posted limit |
| 3 points | Failing to report an accident |
| 5 points | Driving while holding or using a hand-held communication deviceThe handbook still prints 3 points for this offence. The regulations give 5.Our question bank and the official source disagree here. The official value is published. |
Demerit point thresholds and consequences
11 numbers| Value | Rule |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 points | Experienced driver: demerit points that bring a warning letterA driver who is not a newly licensed driver. The regulation words it as six or more but less than nine points. |
| 9 to 11 points | Experienced driver: demerit points that require a driving record interviewThe driver must show cause why the licence should not be suspended. |
| 12 points: 3-month suspension | Experienced driver: demerit points that bring a 3-month suspensionThe suspension is 12 months where the 12 points come from the serious offences listed in s. 13 (3) (a), such as Criminal Code driving offences. |
| 2 years | How long points stay on the driving record before they are struckCounted from the date of the conviction. |
| 3 points | Points removed by successfully completing an approved defensive driving courseFor drivers with 3 to 11 demerit points, and only once in any 24 months. The handbook calls the three points merit points; the regulation deducts three demerit points. |
| Within 6 months | Time allowed to complete the Driver Improvement Course after reinstatementRequired of drivers suspended under the Demerit Point System, not of drivers suspended for other reasons. |
| 1 year | Probation period after a licence suspension under the Demerit Point SystemStarts when the suspension ends. |
| Another 3 months | Added suspension for a conviction while on probation (moving offence or improper parking)The added suspension is 12 months if the conviction is for one of the serious offences listed in s. 17 (a). |
| 1-month suspension at any demerit points | Instruction permit (Stage 1 driver): suspension after any demerit pointsTwelve points from an offence under HTA s. 176 (3) (b) (v) or (3.1) (b) (v) (80 km/h or more over the limit) or s. 202 (1) (school bus) means a 3-month suspension (s. 13 (1.2)); a Criminal Code offence listed in items 1 to 4b of the Schedule means 12 months (s. 13 (2)). A suspension adds 30 days to the minimum time on the permit. |
| 6 points or more | Stage 2 driver: demerit points in the first year that bring a 1-month suspensionSix or more points within 12 months. The driver is also placed on probation. |
| 9 points or more | Stage 3 driver: demerit points in the second year that bring a 1-month suspensionNine or more points within 24 months. The driver is also placed on probation. |
Suspension, cancellation and impoundment periods
10 numbers| Value | Rule |
|---|---|
| 7 days | Roadside suspension when a breath sample shows 50 mg or more of alcohol per 100 mL (WARN range)A graduated driver or a driver under 22 who shows any alcohol gets a 24-hour roadside suspension instead (s. 277.9 (4)). The old handbook text says 24 hours for WARN or FAIL.Our question bank and the official source disagree here. The official value is published. |
| 30 days | Roadside suspension for a second request within three years (50 mg or more)The window is three years, not 24 months. A third request within three years brings 90 days (s. 277.1 (3.5)).Our question bank and the official source disagree here. The official value is published. |
| 90 days, starting 7 days after the notice | Administrative driving prohibition after an impaired driving chargeThe notice acts as a temporary licence for 7 days, then the 90-day prohibition begins. It can be reviewed by the Registrar if requested within 7 days. |
| 24-hour suspension plus 90-day prohibition | Graduated driver or driver under 22 found with alcohol in the bloodCharged under the Criminal Code and cancelled for longer if the reading is 0.08 or more, or the driver refuses. |
| 1 year | Licence cancellation for a first impaired driving conviction (including refusal)A conviction for refusing a breath demand carries the same cancellation as a BAC over 0.08. Time under an administrative prohibition is deducted. |
| 3 years | Licence cancellation for a second impaired driving convictionA third or later conviction brings a 5 year cancellation. |
| 1 month first offence, 3 months second or later | Stage 2 or 3 driver convicted of a seat belt or passenger offenceAlso applies to the passenger limit offences (HTA s. 92.1) and hand-held offences (s. 291.1). The provincial guides state the periods as 30 days and 90 days. |
| 12 months | Suspension after a dangerous driving conviction under the Demerit Point SystemAlso 12 months for criminal negligence, motor manslaughter and failing to stop at the scene of an accident. |
| 6 months, added after the existing period | Added period for a conviction of driving while disqualifiedApplies where the licence was suspended or cancelled under s. 261 or s. 316. |
| 30 days | Vehicle impoundment for driving while suspended or cancelled (first impoundment)60 days if the owner had another vehicle impounded under the same rule in the previous 2 years. A peace officer may impound where the driver was convicted of driving while suspended in the past 2 years. |
Fines
1 number| Value | Rule |
|---|---|
| $500 to $1,200 | Fine range for driving while holding or using a hand-held communication deviceThe minimum fine is $500, which is also the amount on a ticket. A Stage 1, 2 or 3 driver is also barred from any hand-held device by the GDL Regulations.Our question bank and the official source disagree here. The official value is published. |
BAC and zero-tolerance thresholds
6 numbers| Value | Rule |
|---|---|
| 0.08% (80 mg per 100 mL) | Criminal BAC limit for fully licensed driversA reading of 80 mg or more within three hours of driving triggers an administrative driving prohibition as well as the Criminal Code charge. |
| 0.05% (50 mg per 100 mL) | Blood alcohol level where provincial roadside penalties beginA reading of 50 mg or more but under 100 mg is the WARN range on a roadside screening device. |
| 0.00% (zero) | BAC limit for Stage 1, 2 and 3 driversApplies at every stage regardless of age. Blood drug concentration must also be zero. |
| About 2 years (Stage 2, 1 year, then Stage 3, 1 year) | How long the zero BAC rule applies to a new driver after the first Class 5 licenceDrivers under 22 are also held to zero by HTA s. 277.8 whatever their stage. The old handbook text says "less than three years".Our question bank and the official source disagree here. The official value is published. |
| Under 0.05% (under 50 mg per 100 mL) | BAC limit for the accompanying driver of a Stage 1 driver |
| At least every 60 days | Ignition interlock device: required calibration and service intervalThis is a program rule, not a suspension length. |
Graduated licensing timeline
11 numbers| Value | Rule |
|---|---|
| 3 stages | Number of stages in the Graduated Driver Licensing program |
| Class 7 | Licence class of the instruction permit (Stage 1)Class 5 is the full licence reached through Stages 2 and 3. |
| 16 years | Minimum age to apply for an instruction permitUnder 18 needs written consent from a parent. |
| 2 years | Validity of an instruction permit from the date of issue |
| 365 days, or 275 days with driver education | Minimum time holding the permit before the first road testThe 275 days applies to a driver who completed an approved driver education program in the province. A permit suspension adds 30 days. |
| 4 years | Years the accompanying driver must have held a valid licenceThe accompanying driver must also sit beside the Stage 1 driver and have a BAC under 50 mg per 100 mL. |
| 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. | Hours when a Stage 1 driver (and an unaccompanied Stage 2 driver) may not driveA Stage 2 driver may drive in those hours with a fully licensed driver beside them who has held a licence for 4 years and has a BAC under 50 mg per 100 mL. |
| 21 years or older | Age from which the 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. restriction does not applyApplies to Stage 1 and Stage 2 drivers aged 21 or older. |
| 1 passenger who is not immediate family | Passengers allowed for a Stage 2 driverImmediate family members may also ride, but never more passengers than seat belts. A Stage 3 driver is limited only by seat belts. |
| No more than 4 | Passengers a Stage 1 driver in an approved driver education course may carry, not counting the instructorThe accompanying driver must be a licensed driving instructor. |
| Stage 2 (Class 5 with restrictions) | Stage entered after passing the road testStage 3 follows automatically after one year at Stage 2. |
Occupant restraint thresholds
5 numbers| Value | Rule |
|---|---|
| All passengers under 16 | Passengers the driver must make sure are secured in a child restraint or wearing a seat beltPassengers 16 and older are responsible for wearing their own belt. |
| 10 kg (22 lb) and 1 year of age | Infants must ride rear-facing until they reach this weightA child is an infant if under 10 kg or under one year old, so rear-facing continues until both limits are reached. |
| 10 to under 18 kg (22 to 40 lb) | Toddlers: weight range requiring a child restraint seat |
| 18 kg or more, aged 9 or less, and under 145 cm | Booster seat required for a child who meets all of these limitsThe handbook describes the group as 18 to 36 kg with a height under 145 cm or an age under ten. The regulation requires all three conditions.Our question bank and the official source disagree here. The official value is published. |
| Under 12 | Children under this age should ride in the back seatThis is advice ("should"), not a legal requirement in the sources read. |
Other provinces
Cheat sheets for the other graduated licensing streams.
- Alberta Class 7: every number on one page
- British Columbia Class 7L: every number on one page
- Manitoba Class 5L: every number on one page
- New Brunswick Class 7: every number on one page
- Newfoundland and Labrador Class 5: every number on one page
- Nova Scotia Class 7: every number on one page
- Northwest Territories Class 7: every number on one page
- Nunavut Class 7: every number on one page
- Ontario G1: every number on one page
- Quebec Learner's Licence: every number on one page
- Saskatchewan Class 7: every number on one page
- Yukon Class 7: every number on one page
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