Turning (Right and Left Turns) +7Ontario · CDL · English

A combination vehicle such as a semi-trailer unit has an off-track of the rear wheels of the tractor unit, and an even greater off-track of the rear wheels of the semi. The amount of off-track depends on the length of the combination and the wheel base of the units. Drivers must account for off-track to avoid running rear wheels over curbs and sidewalks.

• ✓The rear wheels of a semi have greater off-track than the rear wheels of the tractor unit
• ✓The amount of off-track depends on the length of the combination and the wheel base of the units
• ✓If possible, do not change lanes to turn

Right turns at intersections require you to lead the turning arc according to the amount of off-track to avoid running rear wheels over curbs and sidewalks. Proceed well into the intersection before beginning the turn. Use more space from the road you are leaving than from the road you are entering. Move close to the left side of your lane, then make the turn using space from the road you are entering.

• ✓Lead the turning arc according to the amount of off-track
• ✓Use more space from the road you are leaving than the road you are entering
• ✓You may have to cross the centre line or travel into the second traffic lane of the street entered
• ✓The critical point is reached when the tractor is at the sharpest point of the turn in relation to the trailer, as vision through your right rear view mirror is limited

You must be aware of and allow for any off-track when making a left turn. Use your left outside mirror to monitor the trailer's path, otherwise the trailer might hit a vehicle or a sign post on an island. Turn in a wide arc before bringing the vehicle back to its proper position just right of the centre line.

• ✓Use your left outside mirror to monitor the trailer's path during left turns
• ✓Turn the vehicle in a wide arc before bringing it back to its proper position just right of the centre line
• ✓As you increase speed and when safe, move to the right lane

When driving a tractor-trailer on a narrow street, you may need to use some or all of the left lane to get around a corner without the rear wheels going up on the curb. When it is necessary to block off another traffic lane, ensure smaller vehicles, motorcycles or cyclists are not attempting to move up along the right side of your vehicle.

• ✓Use extreme caution and ensure the movement can be made safely
• ✓Make sure smaller vehicles, motorcycles or cyclists are not moving up along your right side when blocking a lane

Warning signs alert drivers to dangerous or unusual conditions ahead such as curves, turns, dips or sideroads. They are usually diamond-shaped with a yellow background and black letters or symbols.

• ✓Warning signs are diamond-shaped with yellow background and black symbols
• ✓They warn of hazards such as curves, turns, dips or sideroads ahead

A maximum vertical clearance sign (e.g. 3.9 metres) indicates a structure may not accommodate a tall vehicle; drivers of tall vehicles must choose an alternate route. Other signs advise trucks to slow for curves with a small radius, warn that trucks over 10 tonnes should not use a roadway, or indicate truck/bus/fire truck entrances.

• ✓Tall vehicles must take an alternate route if height exceeds posted maximum vertical clearance
• ✓A truck symbol on the right/left shows which side a truck entrance is on
• ✓Trucks over 10 tonnes may be advised not to use a marked roadway

Signs warn of railway crossings (showing the angle tracks cross the road), snowmobile crossings, deer crossings, bumps/uneven pavement, falling rock, water over the road, pedestrians, and school-related crossings and hidden school bus stops.

• ✓Slow down and be alert for trains at a railway crossing sign
• ✓At a hidden school bus stop, slow down and watch for a bus with flashing red lights
• ✓Follow directions of crossing guards at school crossings

Warning signs alert drivers to dangerous or unusual conditions ahead such as curves, turns, dips or sideroads. They are usually diamond-shaped with a yellow background and black letters or symbols.

• ✓Warning signs are diamond-shaped with yellow background and black symbols
• ✓They warn of curves, turns, dips, sideroads and other hazards ahead

A maximum vertical clearance sign (e.g. 3.9 m) indicates an upcoming structure may not allow room for a tall vehicle, so tall vehicle drivers should choose an alternate route. An OVERHEIGHT sign warns the same condition.

• ✓A 3.9 m clearance sign means tall vehicles must choose an alternate route
• ✓Overheight signs warn a structure may not provide room for a tall vehicle

Some warning signs advise trucks to slow down around a curve due to its smaller radius. A MAXIMUM 10 tonnes sign advises trucks over 10 tonnes not to use the roadway.

• ✓Trucks should slow down for curves with a smaller radius
• ✓Trucks over 10 tonnes are advised not to use a roadway posting that limit

Signs warn where a divided highway begins (keep right, each road carries one-way traffic), where it ends (two-way traffic on same road ahead, keep right), right lane ends (merge safely to the left), traffic lights ahead, steep hill ahead (use lower gear), and two roads merging into one.

• ✓At a divided highway begins/ends sign, keep to the right-hand road
• ✓When the right lane ends, merge safely with traffic in the left lane
• ✓On steep hill warnings you may need to use a lower gear
• ✓Where two roads merge, both drivers are equally responsible for merging safely

A hidden school bus stop warning means slow down, drive with extra caution, and watch for children and a school bus with flashing red lights. School crossing signs mean watch for children and follow the crossing guard or safety patroller.

• ✓At a hidden school bus stop sign, slow down and watch for a bus with flashing red lights
• ✓At school crossings, follow the directions of the crossing guard or safety patroller

Warning signs indicate narrow bridges, branching roads, upcoming intersections (arrow shows right-of-way direction), roundabouts (reduce speed, counter-clockwise arrows show traffic flow), hidden traffic views, pavement narrowing, and bends/curves of varying severity.

• ✓Reduce speed when approaching a roundabout; traffic flows counter-clockwise
• ✓An intersection sign arrow shows which direction has right-of-way

A sign posted under a curve warning shows the maximum safe speed for that curve. Chevron (arrowhead) signs are posted in groups to guide drivers around sharp curves. Sharp bend/turn signs with checkerboard borders warn of danger and require slowing down.

• ✓The speed sign under a curve warning shows the maximum safe speed for the curve
• ✓Chevron signs are grouped to guide drivers around sharp curves
• ✓Checkerboard borders warn of danger at sharp turns

Signs warn of slippery-when-wet pavement, hazards close to the road edge (downward lines show the safe side to pass), divided highway begins/ends, right lane ends (merge left), lanes merging, and steep hills where a lower gear may be needed.

• ✓Downward lines on a hazard marker show the side on which you may safely pass
• ✓When the right lane ends you must merge safely with traffic on your left
• ✓Use a lower gear when descending a steep hill

These signs warn of an upcoming entrance on the right (or left if the symbol shows it on the left) for trucks, buses or fire trucks. Drivers must be aware of these vehicles entering the roadway.

• ✓Truck/bus/fire truck entrance is on the right unless the symbol is shown on the left
• ✓Be prepared for these vehicles entering the roadway ahead

Signs warn of a narrow bridge, road branching off, intersection ahead (arrow shows which direction has right-of-way), roundabout ahead (counter-clockwise arrows), obstructed side-road view, pavement narrowing, and lane-end merges.

• ✓An intersection arrow shows which traffic direction has the right-of-way
• ✓Roundabout counter-clockwise arrows show the direction of vehicle traffic
• ✓Reduce speed when approaching a roundabout

Signs warn of slight bends, sharp bends/turns and winding roads. A speed tab posted under a curve warning shows the maximum safe speed. Chevron (arrowhead) signs are posted in groups to guide drivers around sharp curves.

• ✓A speed sign under a curve warning shows the maximum safe speed for that curve
• ✓Chevron signs are posted in groups to guide drivers around sharp curves

Signs warn of lift/swing bridges, paved surface ending, bicycle crossings, stop sign ahead (slow down), share the road with oncoming traffic and cyclists, slippery-when-wet pavement, and roadside hazards where downward lines show the side to pass safely.

• ✓Slow down when a stop sign is posted ahead
• ✓On slippery-when-wet pavement, slow down and drive with caution
• ✓On a hazard marker, the downward lines show the side you may safely pass

Signs warn of snowmobile crossings, deer crossings, bumps/uneven pavement (slow down and keep control), and railway crossings (be alert for trains; sign shows the crossing angle). A checkerboard-border arrow warns of a sharp danger turn.

• ✓At railway crossing signs, be alert for trains and note the crossing angle
• ✓Slow down and keep control over bumps and uneven pavement
• ✓A checkerboard border warns of danger at a sharp turn

Signs show maximum safe speed on a ramp, warn to share the road with pedestrians, watch for fallen rock and be ready to avoid collision, and warn of water flowing over the road.

• ✓Ramp speed signs show the maximum safe speed for that ramp
• ✓Watch for and be prepared to avoid fallen rock or water over the road

Brake fluid is required for the hydraulic brake system to operate. Loss of brake fluid can cause brakes to malfunction or fail completely. During inspection, open the hood and check the brake-fluid reservoirs.

• ✓Minor defect: brake fluid level is below the minimum mark set by the manufacturer
• ✓Major defect: reservoir is less than one-quarter full
• ✓Major defect: a brake-fluid leak is noticeable

Brake fluid is required for the hydraulic brake system to operate. A low fluid level or leak can cause brakes to malfunction or fail. Candidates must distinguish between minor and major defect thresholds based on the reservoir level relative to manufacturer markings.

• ✓Minor defect: brake fluid level is below the manufacturer's minimum mark
• ✓Major defect: brake-fluid reservoir is less than one-quarter full
• ✓During inspection, open the hood and confirm fluid is above minimum and reservoir is at least one-quarter full

Loss of brake fluid from a leak can cause brakes to malfunction or fail completely. A noticeable brake fluid leak is a major defect. Inspect reservoirs and surrounding areas visually for any evidence of leaking fluid.

• ✓Major defect exists when a brake fluid leak is noticeable
• ✓Inspect brake-fluid reservoirs to ensure there is no brake-fluid leak

Open the hood and inspect brake-fluid reservoirs to confirm the system has adequate fluid and no leaks before operating the vehicle.

• ✓Ensure brake fluid is above the minimum required level
• ✓Ensure there is no brake-fluid leak
• ✓Ensure reservoir is not less than one-quarter full

Ontario licences are classified by vehicle type. Class A allows driving any tractor-trailer combination and also class D and G vehicles. Class D allows a motor vehicle exceeding 11,000 kg gross/registered weight or any truck/combination provided towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg, plus class G vehicles. Class G covers cars, vans, small trucks or combinations up to 11,000 kg with towed vehicle not over 4,600 kg.

• ✓Class A permits any tractor-trailer combination and also class D and G vehicles
• ✓Class D permits vehicles over 11,000 kg with towed vehicle not over 4,600 kg, plus class G
• ✓Class A does NOT permit driving a bus carrying passengers, a motorcycle or moped
• ✓A 'Z' air brake endorsement is required to operate any air brake equipped motor vehicle

Class A vehicles have either full or restricted configuration. Full requires a truck/tractor and trailer combination with MGVWR of at least 4600 kg AND a full air brake system on both truck/tractor and trailer. Restricted requires the same MGVWR but the trailer is not equipped with air brakes. Testing on a non-full vehicle results in an AR (A Restricted) licence.

• ✓Full Class A requires MGVWR of at least 4600 kg and full air brakes on both units
• ✓Restricted Class A requires MGVWR of at least 4600 kg but trailer has no air brakes
• ✓A driver testing on a non-full Class A vehicle receives an AR licence and cannot operate a full Class A vehicle

An applicant for a class A or D driver's licence must meet age, licence, knowledge, vision, medical and road test requirements. As of May 11, 2026, applicants must also provide documentation verifying Ontario residency, legal presence in Canada, and work eligibility.

• ✓Must be at least 18 years of age
• ✓Must hold a valid Ontario class G or higher licence or equivalent
• ✓Must pass a knowledge test, meet vision standards and provide a satisfactory medical certificate
• ✓Must demonstrate driving competence on a road test in the appropriate vehicle type

On the road test, drivers demonstrate a daily inspection and name/describe equipment condition. Class A applicants also demonstrate uncoupling/coupling and backing of combination vehicle units. All applicants drive in traffic and handle the vehicle safely. Bring wheel chocks/blocks if the vehicle has air brakes.

• ✓All applicants must demonstrate a daily inspection naming items and their condition
• ✓Class A applicants must demonstrate uncoupling, coupling and backing of the combination
• ✓Bring wheel chocks or blocks if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes

There are nine classes of dangerous goods. Drivers transporting dangerous goods must receive training from their current employer, who determines the training level required and issues a certificate upon completion. This certificate must be carried when transporting dangerous goods.

• ✓There are nine classes of dangerous goods
• ✓Training is provided by the current employer who determines the level required
• ✓A certificate must be carried when transporting dangerous goods

When applying for a class A or D licence, a completed satisfactory ministry medical certificate must be provided. Medical practitioners and optometrists are legally required to report conditions that might affect safe operation. Applications are refused if the condition does not meet Highway Traffic Act standards.

• ✓A completed satisfactory ministry medical certificate is required for class A or D application
• ✓Medical practitioners/optometrists must report conditions affecting safe driving
• ✓Applications are refused if physical/medical condition does not meet HTA standards

CVOR tracks the safety performance of truck and bus operations in Ontario. A CVOR certificate is required for trucks with plated/actual weight over 4,500 kg and buses designed for 10+ passengers. It applies to Ontario, US and Mexico plated vehicles travelling in Ontario. Original application fee is $255.

• ✓CVOR certificate required for trucks over 4,500 kg or buses designed for 10 or more passengers
• ✓CVOR record items remain for five years from the offence date
• ✓The ministry may suspend or cancel CVOR certificate, plates and permits for unacceptable records

Commercial motor vehicles are restricted to 2.6 m (8.5 ft) width, 4.15 m (13.6 ft) height including loads, and combinations to 23 m (75.5 ft) length. Semi-trailers are limited to 14.65 m (48 ft) or 16.2 m (53 ft) if special requirements are met. Gross weight cannot exceed maximums under Part VII of the HTA.

• ✓Maximum width is 2.6 metres (8.5 ft); maximum height is 4.15 metres (13.6 ft)
• ✓No combination may exceed 23 metres (75.5 ft) except approved double-trailer combinations
• ✓Semi-trailers limited to 14.65 m or 16.2 m if special requirements met
• ✓Drivers, operators and shippers are all responsible for the vehicle weight

Combination vehicles like semi-trailers have off-track where the rear wheels follow a tighter path than the tractor's front wheels. The amount of off-track depends on the length of the combination and the wheelbase of the units. When making right turns you must lead the turning arc according to the amount of off-track to avoid running rear wheels over curbs and sidewalks.

• ✓Lead the turning arc according to the amount of off-track when turning right
• ✓The amount of off-track depends on the length of the combination and wheelbase
• ✓Rear wheels of a semi have greater off-track than the tractor's rear wheels

You may need to proceed well into the intersection before beginning the turn. It is better to use more space from the road you are leaving than the road you are entering. Move as close to the left side of your lane as possible, then make the turn using space from the road you are entering. Depending on vehicle type and lane width, you may have to cross the centre line or travel into the second lane of the street entered.

• ✓Use more space from the road you are leaving than the road you are entering
• ✓Move as close to the left side of your lane as possible before turning
• ✓You may need to proceed well into the intersection before beginning the turn

On narrow streets a tractor-trailer may need to use some or all of the left lane to get around a corner without the rear wheels going on the curb. Use extreme caution. When you must block another lane, ensure smaller vehicles, motorcycles or cyclists are not moving up along your right side. The critical point is when the tractor is at the sharpest point of the turn, because vision through your right rearview mirror is limited.

• ✓Check that smaller vehicles, motorcycles or cyclists are not moving up on your right when blocking a lane
• ✓The critical point is reached when the tractor is at the sharpest point of the turn
• ✓Vision through the right rearview mirror is limited during a sharp right turn

If possible, do not change lanes to turn. If you must use portions of an alternate lane to make a steep turn, it is your responsibility to ensure it is done safely and without interfering with traffic.

• ✓Do not change lanes to turn if possible
• ✓If using portions of an alternate lane, you must ensure it is done safely without interfering with traffic

Truck driving in Ontario is governed by the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and its regulations covering the driver, vehicle, equipment, weight and passengers. Key regulations include Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections (199/07), Hours of Service (555/06), Safety Inspections (611), and Security of Loads (363/04). The Dangerous Goods Transportation Act regulates transport of dangerous goods.

• ✓The HTA and its regulations govern driver, vehicle, equipment, weight and passenger numbers
• ✓The Dangerous Goods Transportation Act regulates documentation, handling, safety markings and driver certification
• ✓There are nine classes of dangerous goods

Drivers transporting dangerous goods must receive training from their current employer, who determines the level required. Upon completion, the employer issues a certificate that must be carried when transporting dangerous goods.

• ✓Drivers must receive dangerous goods training from their current employer
• ✓The employer issues a certificate that must be carried when transporting dangerous goods
• ✓There are nine classes of dangerous goods ranging from corrosives to environmentally hazardous materials

A Class A licence allows driving any tractor-trailer combination where towed vehicles exceed 4,600 kg total gross weight. Holders may also drive Class D and G vehicles. It does not permit driving a bus carrying passengers, a motorcycle or a moped.

• ✓Class A allows driving any tractor-trailer combination
• ✓Class A holders may also drive Class D and G vehicles
• ✓Class A does not permit driving a bus carrying passengers, motorcycle or moped

A Class D licence allows driving a motor vehicle exceeding 11,000 kg gross weight or registered gross weight, or any truck/combination provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg. Holders may also drive Class G vehicles. It does not permit a bus with passengers, motorcycle or moped.

• ✓Class D allows a motor vehicle exceeding 11,000 kg gross or registered gross weight
• ✓Towed vehicle must not exceed 4,600 kg for Class D
• ✓Class D holders may also drive Class G vehicles

A 'Z' air brake endorsement is required on a driver's licence to operate any air brake equipped motor vehicle.

• ✓A 'Z' endorsement is required to operate any air brake equipped motor vehicle
• ✓The Z endorsement applies to any class of licence

Class G allows driving any car, van or small truck, or combination of vehicle and towed vehicle up to 11,000 kg provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg. A pickup towing a house trailer over 4,600 kg is still Class G if total combined weight does not exceed 11,000 kg.

• ✓Class G combination limit is 11,000 kg total with towed vehicle not over 4,600 kg
• ✓A pickup and trailer combined under 11,000 kg is deemed Class G even if trailer exceeds 4,600 kg

Planning your route in advance may eliminate the need for backing. Drive around the block to avoid backing around a corner. Drive out into traffic rather than backing into traffic. Prior to backing, take proper precautions and examine the area into which you must back.

• ✓Prior to backing: turn off phone/radio, open windows, activate four-way flashers and sound horn
• ✓Exit the vehicle and walk around to examine the area, looking for overhead obstacles, wires, side clearances, pedestrians or objects
• ✓Use both rearview mirrors and keep in mind the blind spot on the rear
• ✓Back-up alarm devices do not relieve the driver's responsibility when reversing

The easiest and safest backing manoeuvre is straight backing; use this approach whenever possible. Position the tractor and trailer in line with the direction you want to take, ensure wheels are straight and centred, and watch both mirrors while backing slowly.

• ✓Pull ahead and position the tractor and trailer in line with the direction you want it to take
• ✓Ensure front and rear wheels are straight and centred
• ✓Watch both mirrors while backing slowly in a straight line
• ✓If the trailer drifts left or right, align the vehicle accordingly

When performing an alley dock, backing from the driver's side is recommended. Position your vehicle so the trailer is angled in the direction you want it to take, then turn the steering wheel hard to the right while backing slowly.

• ✓Backing from the driver's side is recommended for an alley dock
• ✓Turn steering wheel hard to the right while backing slowly
• ✓Look out driver's window to monitor trailer while checking mirrors
• ✓If the turn is too early or sharp, turn wheels slightly left; if too late or wide, turn wheels to the right

There are two types of offset backing: driver side (offset back to the left) and passenger side (offset back to the right). Drive straight forward until in a straight line, then turn the wheel fully and back up while watching the mirror.

• ✓Turn the wheel all the way to the left angling the trailer toward the destination
• ✓Back up while watching the right mirror until the outside edge of the tractor tires lines up with the middle of the landing gear
• ✓Stop and turn the wheel to the right as far as possible, then back up until the tractor is straight and in line with the trailer
• ✓Straighten the wheels and look out both mirrors while slowly backing toward the destination

A responsible guide can help by watching the area into which you are backing and keeping an eye on your blind-spot zone. The guide should stand where they can see you and the area to the rear of your vehicle clearly.

• ✓The guide should stand in a position to see you and the area to the rear of your vehicle clearly
• ✓The guide should warn you if pedestrians or vehicles move into your path
• ✓Back-up alarm devices do not relieve the driver's responsibility

Planning your route in advance may eliminate the need for backing. Drive around the block to avoid backing around a corner. Drive out into traffic rather than backing into traffic. You are responsible for all precautions when backing into a driveway. Before backing: turn off phone/radio, open windows, activate four-way flashers and sound horn. Exit and walk around to examine the area for overhead obstacles, wires, side clearances, pedestrians and objects. Use both rearview mirrors and remember the rear blind spot.

• ✓Plan routes to avoid backing; drive out into traffic rather than back into it
• ✓Before backing: turn off phone/radio, open windows, activate four-way flashers and sound horn
• ✓Exit and walk around to examine the area for overhead obstacles, wires and clearances
• ✓Use both rearview mirrors and keep in mind the rear blind spot

Straight backing is the easiest and safest backing manoeuvre and should be used whenever possible. Pull ahead and position the tractor and trailer in line with the direction you want to take, ensure front and rear wheels are straight and centred, watch both mirrors while backing slowly in a straight line, and align the vehicle if the trailer drifts left or right.

• ✓Straight backing is the easiest and safest backing manoeuvre - use whenever possible
• ✓Ensure front and rear wheels are straight and centred before backing
• ✓Watch both mirrors and back slowly, correcting if the trailer drifts

When performing an alley dock, backing from the driver's side is recommended. Position the vehicle so the trailer is angled in the direction you want it to take, turn the steering wheel hard to the right while backing slowly, and look out the driver's window to monitor the trailer while checking mirrors. If the turn is too early or sharp, turn the wheels slightly left; if too late or wide, turn the wheels to the right.

• ✓Back from the driver's side when performing an alley dock
• ✓Angle the trailer toward the destination and turn the wheel hard right while backing slowly
• ✓Correct: too early/sharp turn wheels left; too late/wide turn wheels right

There are two types of offset backing: driver side (offset back to the left) and passenger side (offset back to the right). Drive straight forward until in a straight line, turn the wheel all the way to the left angling the trailer toward the destination, back up watching the right mirror until the outside edge of the tractor tires lines up with the middle of the landing gear, stop and turn the wheel right as far as possible, back until the tractor is straight and in line with the trailer, then straighten the wheels and back slowly toward the destination watching both mirrors.

• ✓Two types: driver side (left) and passenger side (right)
• ✓Line up the outside edge of the tractor tires with the middle of the landing gear
• ✓Straighten the wheels and watch both mirrors when backing to the destination

A responsible guide can watch the area into which you are backing and keep an eye on your blind-spot zone. The guide should stand where they can see both you and the area behind the vehicle clearly and warn you of pedestrians or vehicles. Back-up alarm devices do not relieve the driver's responsibility when reversing.

• ✓A guide should stand where they can see both you and the rear area clearly
• ✓Back-up alarm devices do not relieve the driver's responsibility when reversing