Reading the diagrams

By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated November 13, 2026 · How we check our content

Short answer: Diagram questions show a simple road layout with lettered vehicles. Read the question text first: it states every control and condition that matters.

Key points

• A is usually you. Other vehicles are B, Q or E; pedestrians are P.
• Arrows show the direction each road user is travelling.
• Signs, lights and notes in the diagram are part of the question.
• If the text and picture seem to disagree, the written scenario is the one to follow, and please report it.

Law or advice?

Diagrams are study aids. The legal rule is the one explained in the answer.

Example

In a diagram, A is northbound and B is coming from the right at an intersection with no signs. A yields to B.

Checked against the Government of Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), used under the Open Government Licence – Alberta. Laws change, so check alberta.ca for the current rules before you rely on a number. Sources: Alberta Driver’s Guide, page 59: Intersections.

Check yourself

Try these 6 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.

1. Question 1 · Road Scenarios

   

   A and B stop at an all-way stop at the same time. A is on B's right. Who normally goes first?

   1. A. Whichever driver starts moving first
   2. B. Whichever driver has the larger vehicle
   3. C. B, because B is on A's left
   4. D. A, because A is on B's right

   Show answer

   Answer: D. A, because A is on B's right

   When two drivers arrive at an all-way stop together, the driver on the right usually goes first. Neither should move unless it is safe.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 59: All way stopReviewed October 2026Report an error

2. Question 2 · Road Scenarios

   

   At an intersection with no signs or signals, B is approaching on A's right. What should A do?

   1. A. Go first if A's road looks wider
   2. B. Yield to B and cross only when it is safe
   3. C. Speed up so B has to slow down
   4. D. Go first, because A is travelling straight

   Show answer

   Answer: B. Yield to B and cross only when it is safe

   At an intersection with no signs or signals, you must yield to a vehicle approaching from your right.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 59: Uncontrolled right sideReviewed October 2026Report an error

3. Question 3 · Road Scenarios

   

   A faces a stop sign with no stop line or marked crosswalk. Where should A stop?

   1. A. Before entering the intersection, clear of where people cross
   2. B. Halfway onto the crossing path to look
   3. C. In the middle of the intersection, where the view is better
   4. D. Past the edge of the cross street

   Show answer

   Answer: A. Before entering the intersection, clear of where people cross

   With no stop line or crosswalk, stop before the intersection, leaving room for pedestrians who may cross there.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 59: Stopping at signs and signals with no stop line or crosswalkReviewed October 2026Report an error

4. Question 4 · Road Scenarios

   

   At an uncontrolled T intersection, B is on the stem, on A's right, and their paths conflict. Who should yield?

   1. A. B, because B's road ends
   2. B. A, because B is on A's right
   3. C. A and B both stop and negotiate
   4. D. Whoever is going faster

   Show answer

   Answer: B. A, because B is on A's right

   At an uncontrolled T intersection, the driver on the right has the right-of-way, even on the road that ends.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 60: Uncontrolled T exceptionReviewed October 2026Report an error

5. Question 5 · Road Scenarios

   

   A is merging onto a highway from an acceleration lane. B is on the main road. What is correct?

   1. A. A and B share responsibility for a safe merge
   2. B. A has priority because A is merging
   3. C. B must always stop to let A in
   4. D. A must always stop at the end of the ramp

   Show answer

   Answer: A. A and B share responsibility for a safe merge

   Alberta describes ordinary merging as a shared responsibility. Neither driver has automatic priority.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 73: Alberta merge cooperationReviewed October 2026Report an error

6. Question 6 · Road Scenarios

   

   Emergency vehicle E comes up behind A with its siren on. The right edge is clear. What should A do?

   1. A. Stop right where A is in the lane
   2. B. Speed up to stay ahead of E
   3. C. Pull over to the right edge and stop
   4. D. Move to the left lane so E can pass on the right

   Show answer

   Answer: C. Pull over to the right edge and stop

   On a two-way road, pull over to the right edge and stop to let the emergency vehicle pass.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 85: Emergency on two way roadReviewed October 2026Report an error

Next: Reading signs by shape and colour. Sign shape and colour tell you what kind of message is coming before you can read it. Regulatory signs give orders, warning signs describe what's ahead, and temporary orange signs mark work zones.