50 topics · Updated 2026-09-17
Confirm all gauges and indicators are normal and working properly. On air-brake vehicles, confirm the air pressure gauge works and is within the normal operating range.
After the exterior inspection, enter the vehicle and perform the in-cab check. You must point to or touch all items and fully explain what you are inspecting. You start the vehicle to perform the checks. You are not required to list minor or major defects during this portion.
Confirm the driver seat is secure, seat belts are secure and in good condition, the windshield is clear with no obstructions or glass damage, and mirrors are properly adjusted.
Confirm heaters and defrosters work in all positions. Confirm the steering wheel is securely attached, responds normally, and has no excessive free play. Confirm wipers and washer fluid work normally.
A driver must have 10 hours off-duty in a day, cannot drive more than 13 hours in a day, and cannot drive after 14 hours on-duty. After at least 8 hours off-duty, a driver cannot drive after 16 hours has elapsed.
Operators designate a seven-day (70-hour) or 14-day (120-hour) cycle. On the 14-day cycle, a driver cannot drive after 70 hours without taking 24 consecutive hours off-duty. All drivers need at least 24 consecutive off-duty hours in the preceding 14 days. Reset requires 36 hours off (7-day) or 72 hours off (14-day).
Hours-of-service regulations (O. Reg. 555/06) apply to drivers of commercial motor vehicles over 4,500 kg and to buses/school buses. Exemptions include vehicles 4,500 kg or under, short-term leased vehicles, farm/forest product carriers, tow trucks, motor homes, transit buses, and emergency vehicles.
There are four duty-time categories: off-duty (not sleeper berth), off-duty in a sleeper berth, on-duty driving, and on-duty not driving. On-duty activities include driving, inspecting/cleaning/repairing, travelling as co-driver (not in sleeper), loading/unloading, and waiting at inspections.
A daily log may be handwritten, computer generated or by recording device and must include driver name, date, co-drivers, cycle, odometer readings, plate numbers, operator info, duty status times/locations, total distance and signature. A log is not required if driving within a 160 km radius, returning to the same location, and working for only one operator that day.
Good drivers reduce delay on hills by staying right and allowing following traffic to pass. Activate hazard lights when unable to keep traffic speed. Never use left-turn signals to tell following motorists it is safe to pass — it is against the law and confuses other drivers who may think you are signalling a left turn or lane change.
When trucks pull onto a highway after a stop, leave intervals allowing sufficient space. Commercial motor vehicles must maintain a minimum distance of at least 60 metres (200 ft.) between themselves and other vehicles on a highway at speeds exceeding 60 km/h (40 mph), except when overtaking and passing.
Speed limiter requirements apply to commercial vehicles manufactured in 1995 or newer with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (MGVWR) of 11,794 kg (26,000 lbs.) or more with an electronically controlled engine. The speed-limiting system must be set to no more than 105 km/h (65 mph). Buses, mobile cranes, motor homes, ambulances, cardiac-arrest emergency vehicles and fire apparatuses are exempt.
Avoid switching on turn signals and immediately pulling into close, dense traffic. Do not pass another large vehicle on a multi-lane highway when the speed difference is so small that it obstructs following traffic unreasonably. Drivers who use their vehicle's size to intimidate others (bluffing) create serious hazards.
Confirm all gauges and indicators are normal and working. On air-brake vehicles, confirm the air pressure gauge works properly and is within the normal operating range.
After the exterior inspection, the candidate enters the vehicle, starts it, and performs the in-cab check. Candidates must point to or touch each item and explain what they are inspecting, but are not required to list minor or major defects during this portion.
Confirm the driver seat and seat belts are secure and in good working condition, the windshield is clear with no obstructions or damage, and mirrors are properly adjusted.
Confirm the heater and defroster work in all positions, the steering wheel is securely attached with no excessive free play, and windshield wipers and washer fluid work normally.
The driver seat must be properly positioned and lock in place to control the vehicle. Seat belts must be worn correctly and be in good working condition.
Know how to operate wipers and washers and test them periodically. Recognize when blades no longer clear the windshield adequately. Weather conditions determine when a wiper failure becomes a major defect.
After the in-cab check, you find and inspect two randomly generated items from Schedule 1. For each you must demonstrate the inspection, explain the possible defects, and describe your action for minor and/or major defects.
Know what emergency equipment is required for your type of transport and how to check it. Verbally identify the location of emergency flares, lamps or reflectors.
The heater/defroster must always be available to keep the windshield clear of condensation. Test all directional positions.
A clear view around the vehicle is essential. Inspect required mirrors and windows for cracks or damage that reduce the driver's required view and ensure mirrors are adjusted.
To start: engage parking brake, depress clutch, place transmission in neutral, turn on power and operate starter, increase engine speed if needed, and check oil pressure. On air brake vehicles, the air-pressure gauge must show sufficient pressure and the warning buzzer/light must be off before moving.
Apply steady pressure then ease off as the vehicle slows, releasing just before a stop to avoid jerk. Do not fan brakes except on slippery pavement (threshold braking). Avoid excessive braking on long downgrades; use engine braking and the same gear descending as climbing. Stop immediately if the low air-pressure warning operates.
In a combination, trailer and truck brakes apply together via the foot valve (balanced braking). Trailer brakes can be applied independently by the hand valve. If the tractor jackknifes (rear wheels slide sideways), apply trailer brakes only. If trailer rear wheels slide, release all brakes and gradually apply the accelerator.
Spring brakes work for parking or emergencies when service brakes fail, applying automatically when air pressure drops below about 414 kPa (60 psi). If brakes fail on a level road, downshift and use engine braking; use emergency brakes for shorter stops and do not drive again until repaired.
To keep a parked unit in position: set parking brakes and block the unit with chocks/blocks at the front and back of the rear wheel on one or both sides. Never use the trailer hand valve or tractor protection valve to hold a parked unit.
Come to a complete stop for all stop signs and red lights, stopping at the stop line, then crosswalk, then sidewalk edge, then intersection edge as applicable. Shift into a lower gear before descending long steep hills. When climbing a steep hill with reduced speed, continue driving and activate four-way flashers throughout the ascent.
Railway crossings are marked with red and white 'X' signs. Slow down, listen and look both ways before crossing. If a train is coming, stop at least 5 m from the nearest rail or gate. Buses and other public vehicles must stop at unprotected crossings; school buses must stop at all crossings. A train can take up to two kilometres to stop.
Stop whenever approaching a stopped school bus with upper alternating red lights flashing, whether behind or approaching from the front. From behind, stop at least 20 metres away. On a divided road with a median, only vehicles behind the bus must stop. Remain stopped until the arm folds and lights stop flashing.
Rear wheels follow a shorter path than front wheels; the longer the wheelbase, the greater the off-track. On curves, lead the turning arc. A right curve requires keeping front wheels close to the left of the lane; a left curve requires keeping front wheels close to the right edge to prevent rear wheels crossing lanes or dropping off pavement.
When starting to move, gradually release the clutch and parking brake, speeding the engine to prevent stalling. Check brakes within at least 15 m (50 ft) of starting. Start in the lowest appropriate gear, avoid shock-loading the driveline, and do not slip the clutch excessively.
Used on tandem rear axle vehicles, the differential lock has lock/unlock positions and is normally kept unlocked. Use lock only when wheels may slip; it transmits power equally to both axles. Do not activate the lock when wheels are actually spinning.
Drivers should identify improperly performing brakes. For hydraulic brakes with power assist, pump the pedal to eliminate assist, apply moderately, start engine (pedal should drop slightly and stop); if it keeps dropping or doesn't drop, take out of service. For brakes without power assist, apply and hold; a steady drop means take out of service.
Where a school-crossing guard displays a red and white stop sign, stop before the crossing and remain stopped until all people including the guard have cleared the entire roadway and it is safe to proceed. Violations bring substantial fines and three demerit points.
At pedestrian crossovers, drivers and cyclists must stop and allow pedestrians to cross, proceeding only once pedestrians and guards are safely on the sidewalk. Do not pass any vehicle within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover, and never pass a vehicle stopped to allow pedestrians to cross.
Larger vehicle drivers must know the vehicle's height and width and obey clearance signs on bridges and underpasses. The maximum height in Ontario is 4.15 metres. Road repairs, rough roads, ice and floods may reduce otherwise adequate clearance.
Most smaller-vehicle drivers do not understand large-vehicle handling; a tractor-trailer needs twice the stopping distance of a car and takes longer to reach speed. Do not follow too closely. Be courteous when being passed by slowing to let faster vehicles fit in front. Signal intentions clearly. Watch for drivers who move into your turning space — proceed slowly, observe the rear and check before completing turns.
Cyclists ride about one metre from the curb but may use any part of the lane for safety (avoiding obstacles, crossing tracks at 90°, or discouraging unsafe passing). When passing a cyclist allow at least one metre and change lanes when possible. When turning right, check mirrors and the right blind spot. When turning left, stop and wait for oncoming bicycles. Stop behind bike boxes, not in them. Check for cyclists before opening doors when parked.
Motorcycles, limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds are harder to see due to size and may make sudden moves. They may drive close to the right edge but have the right to use the whole lane. Since many motorcycle turn signals do not automatically shut off, be careful turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle with its signal on — confirm it is actually turning.
Bus bays include mid-block indented bays, indentations before/after intersections, and bus-stop areas between parking areas. When a bus in a bus bay flashes its left-turn signals to leave and you are approaching in the adjacent lane, you must allow the bus to re-enter traffic.
Farm machinery moves slowly (max 40 km/h, less when towing). It is often oversized, making it hard for the driver to see behind. Farmers may turn directly into fields and be on roads after dark during planting/harvest. Farm machinery must display an orange and red slow-moving vehicle sign on the rear. Slow down, stay well back and do not pass until safe.
Pay special attention to pedestrians, including jaywalkers. A ball bouncing into the road may be followed by a child. Drive slowly in school zones, residential areas and where children may play. Give seniors and pedestrians with disabilities extra caution. Persons using mobility devices are treated as pedestrians and, without a sidewalk, travel along the left shoulder facing traffic. Pass streetcar safety islands at reasonable speed.
The driver seat must position properly to control the vehicle and must stay in the set position. Seat belts must be secure and functional. A damaged or non-locking seat is a minor defect; an insecure, missing or malfunctioning seat/tether belt is a major defect.
Wipers and washers must be tested periodically to ensure availability. Control/system malfunction and damaged/missing blades are minor defects. When weather requires their use and they fail to clear the driver's-side swept area, it is a major defect.
After the in-cab check, the candidate finds and inspects two randomly generated items from Schedule 1. For each, demonstrate the inspection, explain the possible defects, and describe the action to take upon finding a minor or major defect.
Required emergency equipment such as flares, lamps or reflectors must be present, working and secure. Candidates must know what equipment their transport type requires. Missing, damaged or defective equipment is a minor defect.
The heater/defroster must always be available to keep the windshield clear of condensation. A system that operates incorrectly is a minor defect. Test the fan in all directional positions.
A clear view of conditions around the vehicle is essential. Required mirror or window glass that is cracked, broken, damaged, missing or maladjusted and reduces visibility is a minor defect.
Test your knowledge with exam-style Ontario CDL questions.
Start free practice →