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The NWT knowledge test for a Class 7 learner’s licence is two 20-question multiple-choice tests, one on road rules and one on road signs. You can miss no more than four questions on each, and you have 30 minutes. The Class 5 road test lasts at least 45 minutes in a car you provide. This page covers booking, fees, what the examiner checks and the common reasons people fail.
Key facts
- Knowledge test: 20 rules questions plus 20 signs questions, 30 minutes.
- Pass mark: at least 16 out of 20 on each part (no more than four wrong per part).
- Written exam fee, Class 7 (signs test included): $47. Road test fee, Class 5: $47 (as of November 2026).
- Road test: at least 45 minutes, only you and the examiner in the car, one attempt per day.
- Both tests must be booked and paid in advance, online or at a Driver and Vehicle office.
How many questions are on the NWT knowledge test?
Forty in total, split into two separate tests:
| Part | Questions | Most you can get wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Road rules | 20 multiple-choice | 4 |
| Road signs | 20 multiple-choice | 4 |
Questions come from the NWT Driver’s Manual and cover safe driving practices, driving laws and road signs. If you fail, you must schedule and pay for a new test.
Before the knowledge test
- Book and pay online or at a Driver and Vehicle office.
- Bring valid photo ID, proof of NWT residency and proof of legal name and date of birth.
- Bring glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. A vision screening comes first. If you do not meet the standard, you will be asked for a Report of Visual Functions from a vision specialist.
Study tips by chapter are in the NWT Driver’s Manual study guide.
When can you take the NWT road test?
For the Class 5 road test you must be at least 16 and have completed the 12-month learner stage. On the day, give the examiner your booking receipt and your valid Class 7 licence, and wear your corrective lenses if you need them.
Vehicle requirements for the NWT road test
You supply a two-axle vehicle (not a motorcycle). The examiner checks it first and will refuse to start the test if it is not mechanically safe. A vehicle that must display a dangerous goods placard cannot be used. The vehicle needs:
- Valid licence plate, registration and insurance
- Working headlights, brake lights and signal lights
- Horn and speedometer
- Brakes and park brake
- Unobstructed windshield and working wipers
- Safe tires
- Working driver and passenger doors
- Seats and seatbelts
- Exhaust system and muffler
- Mirrors
- Enough fuel for the test
If the vehicle has air brakes, you need an air brake “Q” endorsement or must pass the air brake practical as well.
What the examiner looks for
- Finding and using the vehicle controls
- Smooth, controlled driving
- Turn signals and hand signals
- Left and right turns
- Correct use of lanes
- Reversing
- Right-of-way judgement with vehicles and pedestrians
- Speed management
- Parallel, hill and angle parking
- Obeying signs and signals
- Good driving habits overall
You will only be asked to do everyday driving tasks, and nothing unsafe or illegal. No passengers or pets are allowed. The only exception is a government official observing the examiner.
Why people fail the NWT road test
The manual lists these, among others:
- Lack of skill and control
- Being unable to perform a manoeuvre
- Difficulty obeying traffic laws
- Too many errors
- A traffic violation
- An unsafe action
The test is also stopped if you do not finish within the time allowed. Afterwards the examiner goes through your errors and how to fix them. If you fail, book another appointment when you are ready. You can take only one practical exam per day.
Practice checklist for the last month
- Shoulder check before every lane change, pull-out and turn. Mirrors alone are not enough.
- Full stops at stop signs, at the stop line or within 3 metres of the cross road if there is no line.
- Parallel park finishing no more than 30 cm from the curb.
- Hill park: wheels left facing uphill with a curb, wheels right facing uphill without a curb and facing downhill.
- Be in your turning lane at least 15 metres before the intersection.
- Keep to 30 km/h in school and playground zones unless posted otherwise.
Common questions
What is the pass mark for the NWT learner’s test?
You can miss up to four questions on each 20-question part, so you need at least 16 on rules and 16 on signs.
How long is the NWT written test?
30 minutes for both parts.
Can I use my own car for the road test?
Yes. You must provide the vehicle, and it must meet the equipment list above.
Can my parent ride along on the road test?
No. Only you and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle.
How soon can I retake a failed road test?
Not on the same day. You can take one practical exam per day. Book again and pay the fee again.
Is there a separate road test to go from Class 5P to full Class 5?
No. After 12 suspension-free months on 5P and at age 17, you upgrade in person at a Driver and Vehicle office.
Back to the full guide: Learning to drive in the Northwest Territories. See also NWT learner and probationary rules.
Sources
- Government of the Northwest Territories, “Book, cancel, or rebook a written or practical examination” (idmv.inf.gov.nt.ca)
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Infrastructure, “Driver’s Manual: A guide to safely operate cars and light trucks”, Chapters 1, 3 and 4 (idmv.inf.gov.nt.ca)
- Government of the Northwest Territories, “Get a driver’s licence for the first time” (idmv.inf.gov.nt.ca)