Traffic Control Awareness Course for Guards 2026
This course is for security guards who guide vehicles in parking lots, at events, at construction gates or at site entrances. It explains who is allowed to direct traffic on public roads, how to stay visible, where to stand and how to signal clearly. It is an awareness course, not traffic control person (flagger) training.
Quick answer
This free course has about 15 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
What you will learn
- Explain who may direct traffic on public roads and in parking areas
- Choose the right high-visibility clothing and night equipment
- Pick a safe position with an escape route
- Give clear, deliberate signals and coordinate by radio
- Guide vehicles and pedestrians safely in parking lots and at events
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: C. Police and trained, authorized traffic control people
Only police and trained, authorized people direct traffic on public roads; a uniform alone gives no power.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: A. A WorkSafeBC-approved program with a knowledge test and a practical assessment
BC requires an approved program that includes knowledge and practical competency assessments.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: D. Only in parking or holding areas
A traffic assistant directs vehicles only in parking or holding areas, after workplace training.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: D. Ask whether you have the training and authority to do it
Directing traffic on public roads requires proper training and authority under provincial rules.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: A. Disobey a STOP or SLOW sign shown by a traffic-control person
Ontario's driver's handbook says it is an offence to disobey STOP or SLOW signs displayed by a traffic-control person or firefighter.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: C. Follow and support their instructions without giving conflicting signals
Conflicting signals confuse drivers; support the police.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: A. Class 3, meeting CSA Z96-15
BC requires Class 3 high-visibility apparel meeting CSA Z96-15.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: C. Fluorescent yellow-green or orange-red
High-visibility apparel uses a fluorescent yellow-green or orange-red background with reflective striping.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: C. High-visibility headgear with reflective tape
BC requires high-visibility headgear with retroreflective tape.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: A. Half an hour after sunset
BC defines darkness as half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: A. A flashlight with a red signalling wand, with spare batteries
At night they carry a flashlight with a red wand and keep spare batteries handy.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: C. By street lights or temporary lighting that does not blind drivers
BC requires street lighting or temporary lighting that does not cause excessive glare.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: D. On the shoulder or curb, or in a lane closed by cones or barriers
BC requires a position on the shoulder, curb or a closed lane, never in an open travel lane.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: A. So you can get out of the way if a driver does not stop
An unobstructed escape route is required in case a vehicle does not stop.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: C. 70 km/h
BC does not allow traffic control persons where the speed limit exceeds 70 km/h.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: D. No more than 150 m
The ahead sign must be no more than 150 m from the first traffic control person unless that is impracticable.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: A. Toward oncoming traffic
Facing traffic lets you see drivers and react if one does not stop.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: C. Precisely and deliberately so their meaning is clear
BC requires precise and deliberate signals so drivers understand them.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: C. Make eye contact so you know they have seen you
Eye contact confirms the driver has seen and understood you.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: A. No, they must not direct traffic against a sign or signal
BC prohibits directing traffic against a traffic control signal, sign or device.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: B. An effective way to communicate, with one person coordinating changes
BC requires effective communication between traffic control persons and one coordinator for flow changes.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: B. Only after detours, barriers and other controls are not enough
BC requires isolating the work zone and using devices first, with traffic control persons used only when those are not enough.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: B. Fire lanes and emergency access routes
Emergency vehicles need clear access at all times.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: C. Directly behind a reversing vehicle
Drivers often cannot see people behind a reversing vehicle.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: D. Note the plate, description and direction, and report it
Do not put yourself in front of a moving vehicle; record and report instead.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- In BC, a traffic control person must complete a WorkSafeBC-approved training program with knowledge and practical assessments, and be designated by the employer.
- In BC, a traffic assistant may direct vehicles only in parking or holding areas, after workplace training.
- BC does not allow traffic control persons where the speed limit is over 70 km/h, or standing in an open intersection or travel lane.
- BC traffic control persons wear Class 3 high-visibility apparel meeting CSA Z96-15 and high-visibility headgear.
- In Ontario, drivers must follow traffic-control people, and it is an offence to disobey STOP or SLOW signs they display.
Frequently asked questions
Can a security guard direct traffic on a public road?
Generally no, unless the guard is trained and authorized as a traffic control person under provincial rules, or is assisting police under their direction. Guards usually guide vehicles only on private property such as parking lots.
What is the difference between a traffic control person and a traffic assistant?
In BC, a traffic control person has approved training and controls traffic on roads near work zones. A traffic assistant only directs vehicles in parking or holding areas and needs workplace training.
What hi-vis do I need for traffic work?
Follow your employer and provincial rules. In BC, traffic control persons wear Class 3 apparel meeting CSA Z96-15 plus high-visibility headgear, and carry a flashlight with a red wand at night.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.