- Based on 2025 NS commercial driver's licence manual
- Updated for April 2025
FREE Nova Scotia Class 1 Licence Test
Demand for Class 1 truckers is high in Nova Scotia’s fisheries and seafood transport sector. Class 1 trucks transport fresh seafood from processing plants to distribution centres and to airports and the Port of Halifax for export worldwide. Nova Scotia has also become a key transportation hub, leveraging the Port of Halifax, Halifax Stanfield International Airport, and the province’s strategic location as the gateway to Atlantic Canada. This role has increased the demand for Class 1 drivers skilled in intermodal and containerized transport. How can you take advantage?To apply for a Class 1 commercial driver’s licence in Nova Scotia, you must be at least 19 years old (one year older than in some other provinces), hold a full Class 5 driver’s licence, pass a vision screening test, and submit a medical examination report completed by your doctor.After you submit the medical report, you must pass an official knowledge exam on the theory of operating Class 1 vehicles. The Class 1 knowledge test will likely include questions on road signs, commercial driving laws, safe Class 1 operating techniques, air brakes, cargo securement, and pre-trip inspections. The passing score is 80%.Once you pass the Class 1 knowledge test, you may obtain a Class 1 learner’s licence, which will allow you to practice commercial driving under supervision.Because practically all Class 1 vehicles in NS have air brakes, you must also obtain an Air Brake endorsement. To get this endorsement, you must pass the official Air Brake knowledge test and the Air Brake practical test. You must obtain this endorsement before you take the road test for your Class 1 licence.We offer tools to ensure you pass the Class 1 knowledge exam – on your first try!This Nova Scotia Class 1 Knowledge practice test, the first of three such tests we offer, covers the basics of operating Class 1 vehicles (with air brakes). It consists of 25 multiple-choice questions on air brake systems, braking, coupling, dashboard gauges, pre-trip inspections, traffic signs, and vehicle weight.Our AI Assistant stands ready to help you with any practice question. If you get stuck on a question, ask our AI Assistant to give you a hint, rephrase the question, or answer your own questions about commercial driving. If you still miss the question, the AI Assistant will provide you with the correct answer and an explanation.Be sure to try our other Nova Scotia Class 1 Knowledge practice tests, too!
- Perfect for first-time and renewal commercial applicants, and those adding endorsements
- Triple-checked for accuracy
What you need to know
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
Ensuring the accuracy and quality of our program is paramount. Learn more about our rigorous standards in our Commitment to Accuracy article.
What to expect on the official exam
25
questions
20
correct answers to pass
80
passing score
Our commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests
Explore our rigorous, multi-tiered verification process that ensures each question mirrors the official manual for unparalleled accuracy.
Written by Andrei Zakhareuski Updated over a week ago
At Tests.ca, we understand the importance of reliable and accurate practice tests to help you prepare for your driver's knowledge exam. That's why we've developed a meticulous process to create and continually update our practice questions, ensuring they reflect the most current driving laws and regulations.
Here's an inside look at how we maintain the highest quality in our practice tests.
Content Creation and Verification Process
- Alignment with Official Driving Handbooks:
Every question we develop is based on the most recent version of each province's official driving manual. Our team regularly monitors each province's official website for the latest updates to ensure our practice tests are always aligned with the most current information. - Community Feedback Integration:
We leverage feedback from our vast community of users to understand which topics are most frequently tested. This helps us focus on the areas that are most relevant and beneficial for your preparation. - Expert Content Creation:
Our in-house editor, Steven, who has extensive experience in driver education, crafts each question with precision. He conducts a thorough review of each question against the official manuals to ensure accuracy. - Rigorous Review Process:
Once Steven has finalized a set of questions, our team conducts a joint review session. This second level of scrutiny involves content accuracy, proofreading, and fact-checking to eliminate any errors. - User Feedback Mechanism:
After a question goes live on our site, we keep the lines of communication open. Each question features a feedback button, inviting users to report any issues or errors. This continuous feedback loop allows us to address and rectify any concerns promptly. - Responsive Updates:
In line with our commitment to accuracy, we quickly update our practice questions to reflect any changes in the provincial government manuals. Additionally, we update the free electronic copy of the state's driver's license manuals on our site, typically within a few days after the government publishes them.
Our thorough quality control process ensures that you have access to practice tests that are as accurate and up-to-date as possible. We believe in the power of well-prepared drivers and are dedicated to providing you with the best study tools to help you succeed on your driver's knowledge exam.
More resources
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List of questions (classic view)
- What must you do at a stop sign with a painted stop line?
- Over-braking with a trailer can sometimes lead to
- What does this sign tell you?
- When is a pre-trip inspection required?
- What gauges should you check after starting your vehicle?
- Which valves make up the tractor protection system?
- When coupling a tractor to a semitrailer,
- What does this sign mean?
- In an air brake system, what is brake lag time?
- What does this sign mean?
- Before driving down a grade (hill), you should
- When inspecting the brake chambers, you should check for which of the following?
- The supply line is also called
- When brakes become overheated, they also become
- Which belts should you check during your pre-trip inspection?
- What is the purpose of the National Safety Code?
- What is a normal reaction time for a driver?
- Most manufacturers of commercial vehicles recommend draining the moisture and oil from an air brake system on a ________ basis.
- What is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?
- Which of these is not a part of a drum brake?
- What is the purpose of the slider on a trailer?
- What is the most common cause of air loss in a trailer?
- What is brake lag time?
- What does this sign mean?
- Why is it important to know which parts of the air brake system exhaust air?
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