SAAQ Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Quebec's zero-tolerance policy, which drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of exactly 0%?
- All drivers regardless of age
- Drivers under age 22 and novice licence holders (Correct answer)
- Only commercial truck drivers
- Drivers with more than 2 demerit points
Correct answer: Drivers under age 22 and novice licence holders
Quebec's zero-tolerance rule applies to drivers under 22 and those holding a learner's or probationary licence.
Question 2: A driver is stopped and found to have a BAC between 0.05% and 0.079%. What is the immediate consequence in Quebec?
- No penalty applies at this level
- A 3-day licence suspension and vehicle impoundment (Correct answer)
- A $300 fine only
- Immediate criminal charges
Correct answer: A 3-day licence suspension and vehicle impoundment
A BAC in the 'warning range' (0.05–0.079%) triggers an immediate 3-day administrative licence suspension and vehicle impoundment.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes how cannabis affects driving ability compared to alcohol?
- Cannabis only impairs reaction time, not judgment
- Cannabis does not affect driving since it is legal in Canada
- Cannabis impairs coordination, reaction time, and judgment similarly to alcohol (Correct answer)
- Cannabis improves focus and is safer than alcohol for driving
Correct answer: Cannabis impairs coordination, reaction time, and judgment similarly to alcohol
Cannabis impairs multiple driving-related functions including coordination, reaction time, and decision-making.
Question 4: After consuming alcohol, what is the ONLY reliable way to become sober enough to drive safely?
- Drinking coffee or energy drinks
- Eating a large meal
- Taking a cold shower
- Waiting for time to pass (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Waiting for time to pass
Only time allows the body to metabolize alcohol; coffee, food, and cold showers do not accelerate the process.
Question 5: A police officer suspects drug-impaired driving. Under Canadian law, what test can the officer demand?
- A standard breathalyzer test only
- A Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) and oral fluid sample (Correct answer)
- A blood test administered at the roadside
- A written questionnaire about drug use
Correct answer: A Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) and oral fluid sample
Police can demand an SFST and an approved oral fluid drug screener at the roadside to detect drug impairment.
Question 6: Which statement about prescription medications and driving is TRUE?
- Prescription drugs never cause impairment because a doctor prescribed them
- Some prescription medications can impair driving and their use while driving may be illegal (Correct answer)
- Only illegal drugs can lead to impaired driving charges
- Pharmacists are not required to warn patients about driving risks
Correct answer: Some prescription medications can impair driving and their use while driving may be illegal
Many prescription medications, including sedatives, opioids, and antihistamines, can impair driving ability.
Question 7: In Quebec, if a driver accumulates a second BAC offence at 0.08% or higher within 10 years, what licence reinstatement requirement applies?
- Completion of a defensive driving course
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (Correct answer)
- A road test re-examination only
- No additional requirements beyond the suspension period
Correct answer: Installation of an ignition interlock device
Repeat alcohol offenders in Quebec must install an ignition interlock device as a condition of licence reinstatement.
SAAQ Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving 2
Under Quebec's zero-tolerance policy, which drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of exactly 0%?