The knowledge test is the main exam on the way to an Alberta Class 4 licence. Since there is no road test for Class 4 any more, it is the part you actually have to study for.

The format looks familiar if you took the Class 7 test: 30 questions, 25 to pass. The material is very different, though. It covers the whole Commercial Driver's Guide on top of the regular Driver's Guide.

Here is what to expect, from the test rules to how to prepare. All facts come from Alberta government pages and the Spring 2025 Commercial Driver's Guide.

In short

  • The test has 30 multiple choice questions, and you need at least 25 correct.1
  • After six wrong answers the test stops and a fail is recorded.1
  • Questions come from the entire Commercial Driver's Guide and the Driver's Guide: Cars and Light Trucks.1
  • You can take a knowledge test once per day, and you pay for every attempt.2
  • Oral-assisted tests are available for Class 1, 2 and 4.2
Contents
  1. Format and passing mark
  2. What the test covers
  3. Where to take it and what to bring
  4. Fee and retakes
  5. Languages and accessibility
  6. How to prepare
  7. Common questions
  8. Sources

Format and passing mark

The Class 4 knowledge test has 30 multiple choice questions. You must score at least 25 correct responses out of 30 to pass.1 That leaves room for 5 mistakes.

There is one rule that catches people out: when six questions are answered incorrectly, the test is stopped and a fail is recorded.1 You will not get to the end of the test and hope to make up ground with the last questions.

You will be asked about safe driving practices, driving laws and road signs.1

What the test covers

For Classes 2, 3 and 4, the knowledge test is based on the entire Commercial Driver's Guide and the Driver's Guide: Cars and Light Trucks.1 So you need both books, not just the commercial one.

The guide explains which chapters matter for which class. Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10 are base knowledge for all commercial classes. Chapter 6 covers operations unique to certain classes, and chapter 7 on transporting people applies mainly to Class 2 and Class 4.1

For a Class 4 applicant, that means topics such as:

  • commercial licence classes, the medical report and vision requirements (chapter 1)1
  • the National Safety Code and trip inspections, including extra items for Class 4 vehicles and ambulances (chapters 2 and 3)1
  • stopping distances, mirrors, fatigue, reversing a bus and railway crossings (chapters 4 and 5)1
  • emergency vehicles and operating a taxi, limousine or ride for hire vehicle (chapter 6)1
  • passenger management and safety, including vulnerable people and children (chapter 7)1
  • emergencies, collisions and fuelling (chapters 9 and 10)1

If you passed the Class 7 knowledge test years ago, refresh the car and light truck material as well. Road signs and rules of the road are fair game.

Where to take it and what to bring

You can take the knowledge test at most Alberta registry agent offices.1 Bring photo ID.3 To upgrade, you must be at least 18 and hold a full Class 5 licence, and the registry agent also tests your vision.3

The test is only one part of the upgrade. You also need a Driver's Medical Report. See the full list in our guide to getting an Alberta Class 4 licence.

Fee and retakes

A fee is charged for each knowledge test.1 You pay it every time you take the test, and the test can be taken once per day.2 If you fail, you can come back on another day and try again.

Registry agents may add a service fee to the government fee. The maximum charges are set out in the Registry Agent Product Catalogue.3 Ask your registry agent for the current amount.

Languages and accessibility

Oral-assisted tests are available for the Class 1, 2 and 4 knowledge tests, and a professional sign language interpreter is permitted for people with hearing loss.2

Translated tests are offered for Class 7 only.2 The government does not list other languages for the Class 4 test, so plan to take it in English unless your registry agent tells you otherwise.

How to prepare

  1. Read the Commercial Driver's Guide from start to finish, with extra time on chapters 6 and 7.1
  2. Review the Driver's Guide: Cars and Light Trucks, especially signs and right of way.1
  3. Test yourself by topic until you score well above 25 out of 30, so that six misses never happen.

Our Class 4 trainer groups its practice questions by topic, from licences and medical fitness to taxis, ambulances and passenger safety. They are our own questions, written from the Alberta Commercial Driver's Guide 2025. They are not the real test questions, but they cover the same material.

Start a free practice test or browse all Class 4 questions by topic.

Common questions

How many questions are on the Alberta Class 4 knowledge test?

30 multiple choice questions. You need 25 correct to pass.1

What happens if I get six questions wrong?

The test stops and a fail is recorded.1

Is there a separate road test for Class 4?

No. A road test has not been required for Class 4 since February 1, 2023.1

Can I retake the test the same day?

No. A knowledge test can be taken once per day.2

Is the Class 4 test available in other languages?

Translated tests are listed for Class 7 only. Oral-assisted tests are available for Class 4.2

Sources

The Commercial Driver's Guide is the Spring 2025 edition. Fees change, so check with a registry agent.

  1. Government of Alberta: Commercial Driver's Guide (Spring 2025) (open.alberta.ca)
  2. Government of Alberta: Driver's knowledge test (alberta.ca)
  3. Government of Alberta: Obtaining a commercial licence (alberta.ca)