ETS bus operator test: how to prepare
An independent guide for Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) applicants in Edmonton: what the agency asks for, landmarks worth knowing, and free practice questions.
Updated September 30, 2026. Not affiliated with Edmonton Transit Service (ETS).
What ETS asks for
- Applicants need a valid Alberta Class 5 licence or higher (non-probationary and non-graduated) that they have held for the last five consecutive years. (source)
- A five-year commercial driver’s abstract must show no more than three demerits and no more than one moving violation in the last five years. (source)
- The hiring process includes an online map-reading assessment, and ETS advises becoming familiar with local landmarks and directions. (source)
- ETS offers a 29-day paid training program; before it, candidates must get an Alberta air brake endorsement and a Class 2 knowledge/road test permit. (source)
Check the current posting on the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) careers page. Follow it where it differs from this page.
What to practise
Bus operator written tests usually check three skills: reading a route map, knowing traffic signs (see the Alberta Driver’s Guide (2026), chapter 2: traffic control and road signs), and knowing where major Edmonton landmarks are.
Landmarks worth knowing
- Edmonton City Hall is at 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square. (City of Edmonton: City Hall)
- The Legislative Assembly says Government Centre station, served by the Metro and Capital lines, is connected underground to the Legislature pedway. (Legislative Assembly of Alberta: getting here)
- The University of Alberta’s mailing address is 116 Street and 85 Avenue, Edmonton, T6G 2R3. (University of Alberta: contact the University of Alberta)
- Alberta Health Services lists the Royal Alexandra Hospital at 10240 Kingsway NW. (Alberta Health Services: Royal Alexandra Hospital)
- Alberta Health Services lists the University of Alberta Hospital at 8440 112 Street NW. (Alberta Health Services: University of Alberta Hospital)
- Alberta Health Services lists the Grey Nuns Community Hospital at 1100 Youville Drive NW. (Alberta Health Services: Grey Nuns Community Hospital)
- Alberta Health Services lists the Misericordia Community Hospital at 16940 87 Avenue. (Alberta Health Services: Misericordia Community Hospital)
- MacEwan University’s address is 10700 104 Avenue NW. (MacEwan University: contact us)
Six free Edmonton practice questions
Next: how to read a transit route map, and the 12-question practice test.
Common questions
Is this the official ETS study guide?
No. This is an independent guide. Always follow the instructions from Edmonton Transit Service (ETS).
Are these the real test questions?
No. We write our own questions that practise the same skills, using facts checked on official pages.