Alberta Class 7 License Practice Test

What can impair a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely?

1. Alcohol only

2. Drugs from any source

3. Fatigue only

4. Environmental factors only

The correct answer is: Drugs from any source

The ability to operate a vehicle safely can be significantly impaired by drugs from any source. This includes both illegal substances and legal medications. Impairment can affect a driver's reaction time, coordination, judgment, and decision-making abilities. Different drugs have different effects, with some slowing down the central nervous system, while others may cause increased impulsiveness or hallucinations. Drugs can be found in various forms—prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illicit substances—all of which can compromise the mental and physical faculties necessary for safe driving. Alcohol is one type of drug that can lead to impairment, but it is important to recognize that there are many other substances that can also have detrimental effects. Additionally, some drugs may remain in a person's system and affect their driving abilities long after the initial use. The other choices (alcohol only, fatigue only, and environmental factors only) focus too narrowly on specific causes of impairment. They fail to encompass the broader array of influences that can impair driving ability, making it essential to acknowledge that any drug can contribute to unsafe driving conditions.