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SAAQ Class 1 heavy-vehicle test: 10 free questions with answers

Ten practice questions on the heavy-vehicle licence (licensing, safety walk-around, loads, driving), with the answer under each one.

Good to know: the heavy-vehicle knowledge test is the same kind of exam for classes 1, 2 and 3, with a 75% pass mark. These questions are original, written from the guide “Conduire un véhicule lourd”. Details: Class 1 knowledge test: what to expect. For air brakes, see the mention F questions.

These questions are original (not official SAAQ questions); the answer is shown under each question.

Question 1

Which licence class is required to drive a bus designed for more than 24 passengers?

  1. A Class 2
  2. B Class 6A
  3. C Class 3
  4. D Class 5
Answer

Answer: A — Class 2

Class 2 is the class that allows driving a bus for more than 24 passengers. Class 3 covers straight trucks and expressly excludes this type of bus.

Source: SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule lourd (10e éd.), chap. 1, « Permis de conduire », p. 26

Question 2

What identification must a school bus carry when it is used to transport a sports team rather than students?

  1. A The « Écoliers » (School) marking
  2. B The « Nolisé » (Chartered) marking
  3. C The « Spécial » (Special) marking
  4. D No marking at all
Answer

Answer: C — The « Spécial » (Special) marking

The bus must then carry the « Spécial » marking. It is no longer subject to the same rules as when it carries students.

Source: SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule lourd (10e éd.), chap. 1, « Transport de personnes », p. 24

Question 3

Which technique is necessary to use a non-synchronized manual transmission safely?

  1. A Shifting into Park
  2. B Double-clutching
  3. C Locking the differential
  4. D Compression braking
Answer

Answer: B — Double-clutching

Without synchronizers to change gears without grinding, double-clutching is required. Mastering it takes good timing and many hours of practice.

Source: SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule lourd (10e éd.), chap. 2, « Types de transmissions », p. 53

Question 4

If a vehicle's speed doubles, how many times more braking power is needed, in theory, to keep the same stopping distance?

  1. A Twice as much
  2. B Three times as much
  3. C The same as before
  4. D Four times as much
Answer

Answer: D — Four times as much

The braking effort varies with the square of the increase in speed: speed doubled, power quadrupled. The brakes then also produce four times more heat.

Source: SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule lourd (10e éd.), chap. 2, « Système de freinage », p. 60

Question 5

Where must the safety-check report be kept?

  1. A At the operator's office
  2. B At the SAAQ
  3. C On board the vehicle
  4. D At the driver's home
Answer

Answer: C — On board the vehicle

The driver must keep the report up to date and keep it on board the vehicle. Any minor or major defects observed are also recorded in it.

Source: SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule lourd (10e éd.), chap. 3, « Conduite d'un véhicule lourd », p. 80

Question 6

A load extends more than one metre beyond the rear of your vehicle. What must you install at its end during the day?

  1. A A steady white light visible from behind
  2. B An orange beacon, day and night
  3. C A red flag or a reflective sign
  4. D A rigid sign marked « Long »
Answer

Answer: C — A red flag or a reflective sign

Beyond one metre, a red flag or a reflective sign is placed at the end of the load. At night, a red light must be added.

Source: SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule lourd (10e éd.), chap. 3, « Conseils pour bien disposer le chargement dans le véhicule », p. 113

Question 7

You are approaching a stopped tow truck with its flashing lights on. What does the safety corridor require?

  1. A Keep your speed and stay in the same lane
  2. B Speed up to leave the area as fast as possible
  3. C Honk to warn the people on site
  4. D Slow down, then change lanes if it is safe
Answer

Answer: D — Slow down, then change lanes if it is safe

You must slow down and move as far as possible from the stopped vehicle by changing lanes, after checking it is safe. If circumstances require, you stop.

Source: SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule lourd (10e éd.), chap. 3, « Le corridor de sécurité », p. 83

Question 8

For how many months is the dangerous goods transport training certificate valid?

  1. A 24 months
  2. B 36 months
  3. C 12 months
  4. D 48 months
Answer

Answer: B — 36 months

The certificate issued by the employer is valid for 36 months. It states the training areas covered and its expiry date.

Source: SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule lourd (10e éd.), chap. 3, « Les règles relatives au transport des matières dangereuses », p. 113

Question 9

What is the maximum speed at which a road train driver must travel?

  1. A 80 km/h
  2. B 100 km/h
  3. C 90 km/h
  4. D 70 km/h
Answer

Answer: C — 90 km/h

The regulation sets the maximum speed at 90 km/h taking into account the road train's size, its stability and road geometry.

Source: SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule lourd (10e éd.), chap. 3, « Train routier et train double », p. 125

Question 10

Which position follows the three-point contact method for climbing into the cab of a heavy vehicle?

  1. A One hand on the steering wheel and one foot on the step
  2. B No hand gripping and both feet on the step
  3. C Only one hand gripping and both feet supported
  4. D Both hands gripping and both feet lifted off the step
Answer

Answer: C — Only one hand gripping and both feet supported

The three points of contact are either two hands gripping and one foot supported, or one hand gripping and both feet supported. The steering wheel should also be avoided as a support.

Source: SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule lourd (10e éd.), chap. 4, « Monter dans le véhicule et en descendre », p. 149

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Practice questions from an independent product, current as of 2026-11-01. If in doubt, the official text prevails: check saaq.gouv.qc.ca.