Alberta Road Signs: Class 7 Knowledge Test, Work Zones & 30 km/h School and Playground Zones

What is the speed limit in an Alberta school or playground zone, what does a flashing green traffic light mean, and what happens to speeding fines in a construction zone when workers are present? Alberta school zones are generally 30 km/h on school days during the posted zone times, while playground zones are generally 30 km/h from 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset every day, unless local signs set different times. Speeding fines are doubled in construction zones when workers are present. Alternating amber lights on a school bus mean be ready to stop; flashing red lights mean stop as required. Alberta uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, and the Class 7 knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions with 25 correct answers required to pass and may be taken once per day at a registry agent office.

1. Why Road Signs Matter in Alberta

Alberta roads stretch from Calgary's urban interchange network north through Edmonton's Henday loop, east on the Trans-Canada to Medicine Hat, and north on Highway 2 through Red Deer. Alberta operates a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program: Class 7 Learner after the knowledge test, Class 5-GDL Probationary after the road test, then full non-GDL Class 5 after meeting the probationary requirements. Since April 1, 2023, an advanced road test is not required to exit GDL. The Class 7 knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions, requires 25 correct answers to pass, and can be taken once per day at a registry agent office.

2. Road Sign Shapes and Colours in Alberta

The Alberta Driver's Guide uses sign shape, colour, symbols, and wording to distinguish regulatory, warning, construction, school, and guide signs. On Highway 2 between Calgary and Edmonton, on mountain approaches along the Trans-Canada, or on rural county roads, shape and colour register before text is readable. Know these Alberta road sign shapes and meanings before your Class 7 knowledge test.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)		Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond		Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory instruction or restriction; obey the posted requirement
Rectangle (horizontal)		Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route
Pentagon (5-sided)		School area or zone; watch for children and obey any accompanying maximum-speed sign
Diamond (orange)		Construction, maintenance, or temporary work-zone condition; slow down and obey the posted direction or warning
Square (blue)		Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Square (brown)		Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it

3. Alberta Regulatory Signs

Regulatory signs carry legal force under Alberta traffic law. Violations may result in fines and, depending on the offence, demerit points. A Class 5-GDL licence is suspended at 8 demerit points, and a driver must be suspension- and demerit-free for the final 12 months before exiting GDL. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, designated lane signs, and permissive and prohibitive signs are all tested on the Class 7 knowledge exam.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop and yield before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding

Speed Limit Sign

Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right

No Right Turn Sign

Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left

One Way Sign

All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way

Keep Right Sign

Move to the right side of the island or obstruction

Do Not Pass Sign

Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again

No Turn on Red Sign

Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Straight or Turn Right Sign

From this lane you may only go straight or turn right

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic

No Parking Sign

Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby

No Trucks Sign

Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route

No Bicycles Sign

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

Reserved Parking Sign

Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot

Four Way Stop Sign

Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

Traffic must stop except for the permitted right-turn movement; right-turning traffic must still yield as required

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn

Lane Use Control Sign

Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation

4. Alberta Warning Signs

Yellow diamond-shaped warning signs alert you to hazards ahead. they do not prohibit anything, but ignoring them causes accidents. Common on rural Alberta highways through the Alberta foothills, mountain, and northern rural highway corridors.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is ahead; slow down

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down

Winding Road

Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly

Slippery When Wet

Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance

Deer Crossing

Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

School Area / Zone

Children may be present; obey any accompanying maximum-speed sign and posted zone times

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic

Merging Traffic

Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry

Added Lane

An additional lane begins ahead; traffic entering from the side has its own lane

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears

Left Lane Ends

Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes

Road Narrows

Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered

Low Clearance

Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed

Bump

A bump is ahead; reduce speed before reaching it

Dip

Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out

Loose Gravel

Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes

Shoulder Drop Off

Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic

Cross Road

Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop

T Intersection

Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right

Side Road

A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left

Highway Intersection Ahead

A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield

Road Entering Curve

A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering

Roundabout

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right

Truck Rollover

Trucks must slow significantly; high rollover risk on this curve

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Recommended speed for the curve or condition ahead; reduce speed appropriately

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop

5. Guide Signs and Highways in Alberta

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Alberta Provincial Highway Marker

You are on an Alberta provincial highway; note the number

Secondary Highway Marker

You are on a secondary highway; note the number for navigation

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

This lane leads to the exit; move out of it if you are not exiting

Kilometre Marker

Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use

Services Sign

Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop

Hospital Sign (H)

Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care

Diesel

Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it

Park / Recreation Sign

Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

6. Traffic Signals in Alberta

Flashing red is treated like a stop sign. Flashing yellow is treated like a yield sign. Alberta also uses a flashing green traffic light: drivers may proceed straight, turn left, or turn right without stopping because opposing traffic faces red, but they must still yield to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in the intersection.

Alberta lane reversal signals: a solid red X means do not enter or remain in that lane; move safely to a lane showing a downward green arrow. A downward green arrow means you may travel in that lane. These signals are used on reversible lanes where the direction of traffic can change.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop completely; unless a sign prohibits it, a right turn on red is allowed after stopping and yielding, and a left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto a one-way street

Steady Yellow

Prepare to stop; stop before the stop line or crosswalk unless you are too close to stop safely

Steady Green

Proceed through the intersection; when turning left, yield to oncoming traffic, and when turning, yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk

Green Arrow with Green Light

You may proceed without yielding in the arrow direction; movements permitted by the solid green light may also proceed when safe and legal

Green Arrow with Red Light

Proceed without stopping only in the direction of the green arrow

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear

Flashing Yellow

Proceed with caution after yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles within the intersection

Flashing Red Beacon

Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Flashing Green Light

Proceed straight, left, or right without stopping; opposing traffic faces red, but yield to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in the intersection

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase ending; finish if started, do not begin

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield sign. Flashing green = you may proceed straight, left, or right without stopping while still yielding to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in the intersection.

7. Alberta Pavement Markings

Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. Alberta pavement markings also identify passing zones, lane-use restrictions, crosswalks, stop lines, reserved lanes, arrows, and other road symbols.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate opposing traffic; single or double solid yellow lines normally mean passing is not permitted, except that a single solid yellow line may be crossed to pass within an urban area when it is safe

White lines

Separate traffic moving in the same direction

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Pass only from the broken-line side when it is safe; do not pass from the solid side

Double solid yellow lines

Passing is not allowed in either direction; stay in your lane

Broken white line

You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line

Lane changing is not permitted across a solid white lane line

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Center Turn Lane

For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel

Center Turning Lane (sign)

For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

You must follow the arrow direction from this lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it

Stop Here on Red

Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it

Crosswalk lines

Pedestrian crossing zone; always yield to pedestrians here

Broken white line (pavement)

You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line (pavement)

Lane changing is not permitted across a solid white lane line

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not enter or drive through this area; it is off-limits to traffic

Bicycle lane marking

Reserved for cyclists only; do not drive or park in this lane

Reserved Lane Diamond

The diamond identifies a reserved lane; follow the accompanying signs showing which vehicles may use it and when

Key test point: Yellow lines separate opposing traffic and white lines separate same-direction traffic. Broken lines permit crossing when safe. Solid white lane lines may not be crossed to change lanes; solid yellow lines restrict passing, with Alberta allowing safe passing across a single solid yellow line within an urban area.

8. Alberta Work Zone Signs

Orange signs with black symbols or lettering identify construction, maintenance, and other temporary work-zone conditions. Drivers must obey work-zone traffic-control devices and flag persons. In Alberta, speeding fines are doubled in construction zones when workers are present.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic; obey their signals

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead; merge early

Road Closed

Road is completely closed; follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them

• You must obey a flaggers directions even if they conflict with existing signs or signals.
• Speed limits posted in work zones must be obeyed; the doubled-speeding-fine rule applies when workers are present.
• Alberta doubles speeding fines in construction zones when workers are present.
• Never drive through or around a closed lane barrier. wait for a flagger or follow detour signs.

Key test point: Orange signs identify construction, maintenance, utility, or other temporary work-zone conditions. Reduce speed as required and follow the posted traffic-control devices.

9. Railway Crossing Signs in Alberta

Alberta railway crossings use advance warning signs before the tracks and a red-outlined crossbuck at public crossings. The crossbuck means drivers must yield to trains, and a number plate below it indicates multiple tracks.

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear

Stop Line

Stop here completely when required before proceeding

• Advance warning signs tell you to look, listen, and reduce speed because you may have to stop for a train.
• The red-outlined crossbuck at a public railway crossing means you must yield to trains. If more than one track is present, a sign indicates the number of tracks.
• Stop when a train is visible or sounding a signal and approaching within 500 metres of the crossing. At flashing red railway signals, the nearest driver must stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail.
• If a STOP sign controls the railway crossing, stop between 5 and 15 metres from the nearest rail.
• Never enter the crossing unless you can clear the tracks completely. After one train passes, check every track for another train before proceeding.

Key test point: The Alberta railway crossbuck means yield to trains. When flashing red railway lights operate, stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail and remain stopped until the signals stop and the tracks are clear.

10. Alberta School and Playground Zone Signs

What is the difference between an Alberta school zone and playground zone? A school sign with a maximum-speed sign creates a school zone; the default 30 km/h limit applies on school days from 8:00-9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and 3:00-4:30 p.m. unless different municipal times are posted. A playground sign with a maximum-speed sign creates a playground zone; the default 30 km/h limit applies every day from 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset, unless different times are posted. Passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction is prohibited while either zone is in effect.

School Area / Zone Sign

The school sign marks a school area; with a maximum-speed sign it creates a school zone

School Speed Limit

30 km/h unless otherwise posted; use the posted school-zone times, which may vary by municipality

Playground Zone

30 km/h unless otherwise posted; normally in effect every day from 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• School-zone times are normally 8:00-9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and 3:00-4:30 p.m. on school days. Municipal bylaws may set different times, which must be posted beneath the sign.
• Playground-zone restrictions are normally in effect every day from 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset. Municipalities may post different times.
• In both school and playground zones, the speed limit is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted, and you may not pass or attempt to pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction while the zone is in effect.
• Alternating amber school-bus lights mean be ready to stop. On an undivided highway, when the bus stops with alternating red lights and the stop arm displayed, traffic from both directions must stop about 20 metres from the bus.
• On a highway physically divided by a median, traffic approaching from the opposite side may proceed with caution; vehicles behind the bus must stop.

Key test point: A school sign with a maximum-speed sign creates a school zone; without the speed sign it is a school area. The same zone-versus-area distinction applies to playground signs.

11. Pedestrian and Bike Signs in Alberta

Alberta crosswalks may be marked or unmarked, and pedestrians have the right-of-way in a crosswalk unless a peace officer or traffic-control device directs otherwise. Alberta does not set a province-wide one-metre passing rule for motorists in this context; drivers should leave cyclists a safe distance and pass at a moderate speed.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• Crosswalks can be marked or unmarked. Unmarked crosswalks exist at intersections unless a sign states otherwise, and drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• When passing a cyclist, leave a safe distance and pass at a moderate speed. Check local municipal bylaws for any additional passing-distance requirements.
• A dedicated bike lane is for cyclists and cannot be used by other motorists. A sharrow is a bicycle-and-chevron pavement marking for a shared-use lane, not a dedicated bike lane.

Key test point: Alberta recognizes both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk unless directed otherwise by a peace officer or traffic-control device.

12. How to Prepare for the Alberta Class 7 Knowledge Test

• Study the shapes first. If you can identify a sign by shape alone, you have already narrowed it down significantly.
• Use the official Alberta Driver's Guide. The Government of Alberta publishes the Driver's Guide for cars and light trucks covering traffic control signs, signals, pavement markings, and rules of the road.
• Practice with flashcards. Quiz yourself on sign images, not just text descriptions.
• Do not confuse warning and regulatory. Yellow diamonds warn; white rectangles regulate. That distinction shows up on the test.
• Know school zones versus playground zones. Both are generally 30 km/h unless otherwise posted, but their default operating times are different and municipalities may post different times.
• Know Alberta flashing signal rules. Flashing red = stop sign, flashing yellow = yield sign, and flashing green allows straight, left, or right movement without stopping while still yielding to lawful pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection.
• Learn yellow vs white lines. Yellow = opposing traffic. White = same-direction traffic. Simple rule, frequently tested.
• Know orange work-zone signs. Orange signs identify construction, maintenance, utility, or other temporary conditions; follow the posted warning or direction.
• Know the Class 7 test format. The Alberta knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions, requires 25 correct answers to pass, and can be taken once per day.
• Alberta-specific tip: Deer crossing signs are especially common on rural highways through the Alberta foothills, mountain, and northern rural corridors. slow down, these are active wildlife zones.