The Northwest Territories knowledge test
Before you can hold a Class 7 learner's licence, you must pass a written knowledge test. In the Northwest Territories it is made up of two separate 20-question tests, one on the rules of the road and one on road signs.
All the questions are based on the NWT Driver's Manual, so careful study of that manual is the most reliable way to pass first time.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can describe the two parts of the NWT knowledge test.
- You can state how many questions you are allowed to get wrong in each part.
- You can plan your study around the chapters of the NWT Driver's Manual.
- You can explain how to book the test and what happens if you fail.
What you need to know and understand
- The test has two parts: 20 multiple-choice questions on road rules and 20 on road signs.
- You may miss no more than four questions in each part.
- Driver and Vehicle Services lists the test time as 30 minutes.
- Questions are based on the NWT Basic Driver's Manual.
- The exam must be booked and paid for in advance, online or in person.
- If you fail, you must schedule and pay for a new test.
- A vision screening is done as part of getting your learner's licence.
How the test is built
Think of it as two short tests rather than one long one. The rules part asks about safe driving practices and the laws you must follow, such as right of way, speed limits and impaired driving. The signs part shows road signs and asks what they mean.
Because each part is marked on its own, a perfect score on signs cannot make up for a weak score on rules. You need at least 16 out of 20 on each.
What to study in the manual
- Chapter 1: licence classes, GDL stages and learner conditions.
- Chapter 2: sign shapes and colours, regulatory, warning and guide signs, signals and pavement markings.
- Chapters 4 and 5: stop signs, four-way stops, traffic circles, turns, passing and merging.
- Chapters 6 to 8: night driving, skids, collisions, following distance, school buses, emergency vehicles and railway crossings.
- Chapter 9: impaired driving, distracted driving and demerit points.
Booking, test day and retakes
Exam fees are set by Driver and Vehicle Services and the published amounts have changed, so check the current fee when you book. The deeper guide to the NWT knowledge test and road test has more on test day.
- Book and pay for the written exam online or at a Driver and Vehicle office.
- Bring valid photo ID, proof of residency and proof of legal name and date of birth.
- Bring glasses or contacts if you need them.
- Work steadily and read every question carefully; the official test time is listed as 30 minutes.
- If you do not pass, book and pay for a new test and keep studying the areas you found hard.
Common mistakes
- Studying signs only. The rules part is separate and must be passed on its own.
- Guessing numbers from other provinces. Learn the NWT figures, such as the 90 km/h default on primary highways outside settlements.
- Rushing. Read each question and all four options carefully before choosing; the test is timed, but hurrying causes avoidable mistakes.
- Skipping Chapter 9. Questions on zero alcohol for new drivers and demerit points come up often.
Test yourself: The Northwest Territories knowledge test
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Go deeper
Sources: Book, cancel, or rebook a written or practical examination, Government of the Northwest Territories, Driver and Vehicle Services; Driver's Manual (Basic): a guide to safely operate cars and light trucks, revised August 2022, Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Infrastructure. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your province or territory.