National Safety Code Standard 2 - Knowledge and Performance Tests (Drivers) - January 2020

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Eden

National Safety Code Standard 2 establishes requirements intended to ensure driver applicants have the foundational knowledge and practical driving skills needed for safe vehicle operation on Canadian roads. The standard explains why knowledge and performance testing support common transportation policy goals, including improved road safety and efficient movement across borders. It describes how knowledge testing verifies awareness of road laws and practices, and how performance testing assesses skill through task execution, informed by AAMVA guidance on perceptual, attentional, and motor abilities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages68

Reading Time2 h 51 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Principles

Structure of the Standard

Use of the Standard

The authority for the CCMTA standards

Part 1: A model for knowledge and performance testing

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Definitions

Chapter 3: Chapter Template

Part 2: Knowledge testing

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Test construction

Chapter 3: Testing administration

Chapter 4: Higher class vehicles (classes

National Safety Code Standard 2: Knowledge and Performance Tests (Drivers) January 2020 ISBN: 978-1-927993-51-4 Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators 1111 Prince of Wales Drive, Suite 404 Ottawa, Ontario K2C 3T2 T: 613.736.1003 F: 613.736.1395 E: [info@ccmta.ca](info@ccmta.ca)[ccmta.ca](ccmta.ca) FOREWARD The purpose of this standard is to ensure that applicants possess the fundamental knowledge and driving skills for the type of vehicle to be safely operated on Canadian roads. Knowledge and performance testing are seen as essential elements of a common transportation policy, contributing to improving road safety and facilitating the free movement of persons across borders both east to west, and north to south. There is a generally accepted hypothesis that the more difficult the licencing tests, the more preparation, study and practice will occur; leading to safer driving or enhanced performance.1 Research has shown that a licence testing program aimed at critical knowledge requirements can reduce crash risk.2 The rationale behind knowledge testing is to ensure that new drivers are aware of basic road laws and practices before taking to the road. This premise is based on the belief that this will promote safe operation and efficient road use3. The purpose of a performance/skill/practical/road test is to assess an applicant’s level of skill required to operate a motor vehicle safely. Driving skills are inferred from performance in carrying out various tasks. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) guidelines (2007) define a driving skill as an “ability that requires both knowledge and practice for its attainment”(p. 24); differentiating them from other basic skills such as sensory, attentional, perceptual, cognitive and psychomotor. Three key categories are identified in the AAMVA guidelines: • Perceptual – ability to perceive characteristics of various highway traffic environments e.g. judging gaps, identifying hazards. • Attentional – ability to focus and shift attention e.g. monitoring traffic ahead and to the side in a merge. • Motor – ability to manipulate controls to maneuver the vehicle e.g. rotating steering wheel in relation to intended motion of the vehicle and its path when turning a corner (p.24) . The Canadian model requires some level of constitutional independence, mutual recognition of licencesand reciprocity. Given the importance of individual means of transport, possession of a driving licence duly recognized by member jurisdictions promotes free movement of people and more efficient movement of goods. Knowledge and performance testing are two elements of the driver licensing system that contribute to the achievement of these goals. 1 AAMVA. (2007) . Guidelines for Knowledge & Skill Test Development. 2 Ibid. 3 Watson, B., Fresta, J. Whan, H., McDonald, J. Dray, R., Beuermann, C. & Churchward, R. (1996) . Enhancing Driver Management in Queensland. Land Transport and Safety Division, Queensland Transport, Brisbane. Haire, E., Williams, Allan F.;& Freusser, David F. (2011) . Driver License Testing of Young Novice Drivers. NHTSA: Washington, D.C. This standard is the result of a comprehensive process and reflects CCMTA’s commitment to: • anchor its standards on the best-evidence available as articulated in Principle 1 below • focus on a principled approach to driver licensing standards, and to • respond to jurisdictional need for flexibility to address unique needs. These guidelines and standards reflect Canadian jurisdictions’ continuing commitment to public safety while allowing the maximum driving privilege possible. TABLE OF CONTENTS BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................................................1 Principles ..................................................................................................................................

FAQs

What is the purpose of National Safety Code Standard 2?

It ensures applicants possess fundamental knowledge and driving skills for the safe operation of the type of vehicle on Canadian roads.

Why are knowledge tests important in the driver licensing process?

They aim to ensure new drivers understand basic road laws and practices before driving, supporting safe operation and efficient road use.

How does performance testing evaluate driving skills?

It assesses an applicant’s ability required to operate a motor vehicle safely by inferring driving skills from performance in carrying out various tasks.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Eden