Driving in roundabouts +11Ontario · CDL · English

Allow extra room alongside large vehicles that may swing wide in roundabouts. A large vehicle may need the full roadway width including the central apron (a mountable raised section of the centre island) and may need to occupy both lanes before entering. If in a roundabout when an emergency vehicle approaches, continue to your exit and pull over beyond the traffic island; if not yet entered, pull right and wait.

• ✓Large vehicles may use the full roadway width including the central apron
• ✓A large vehicle may need to occupy both lanes before entering a roundabout
• ✓In a roundabout with an approaching emergency vehicle, exit first then pull over beyond the traffic island

The driver is responsible for ensuring cargo is evenly balanced and secured against shifting. All loads must be bound, covered or securely fastened so no portion can fall off. Loose or shifting cargo could cause a collision or rollover. Any load overhanging the rear by 1.5 m (5 ft) or more must be marked by a red light when lights are required and otherwise a red flag or marker.

• ✓Cargo must be evenly balanced and secured so no portion can fall off
• ✓Loads overhanging the rear by 1.5 m (5 ft) or more must be marked with a red light or red flag/marker
• ✓The driver is responsible for making sure cargo is properly secured

Cargo must be inspected before driving and re-checked not more than 80 km from where it was loaded. The driver must re-inspect and adjust cargo securement whichever occurs first: a change of duty status, 3 hours of driving, or 240 km driven. Re-inspection is not required if the cargo is sealed and the driver was ordered not to open it, or if inaccessible.

• ✓Re-check cargo not more than 80 km from the loading point
• ✓Re-inspect cargo whichever occurs first: change of duty status, 3 hours driving, or 240 km
• ✓Re-inspection not required for sealed cargo ordered not to be opened or if inaccessible

Ontario has adopted National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 10 for Cargo Securement (developed by CCMTA). Every commercial vehicle carrying cargo must comply. See also Ontario Regulation 363/04 'Security of Loads'.

• ✓Ontario has adopted NSC Standard 10 for Cargo Securement
• ✓Every commercial vehicle carrying cargo must comply with NSC Standard 10
• ✓Ontario Regulation 363/04 governs Security of Loads

Snow may be hard-packed, slippery, rutted or soft. Blowing snow may create whiteouts where snow completely blocks your view. Anticipate conditions and slow down.

• ✓Use low-beam headlights in blowing snow; high beams reflect off ice particles
• ✓Do not stop on the travelled portion of the road — you could cause a chain-reaction collision
• ✓Increase following distance and try to get off the road into a safe parking area when visibility is near zero
• ✓If stuck or stranded, stay with your vehicle, open a window slightly for ventilation, run the motor sparingly and use emergency flashers
• ✓Carry a winter-driving survival kit with warm clothing, food, flashlight, shovel and blanket

As temperatures drop below freezing, wet roads become icy. Shaded areas, bridges and overpasses freeze first. Black ice is a thin layer that makes asphalt look black and shiny.

• ✓Sections of road in shaded areas or on bridges and overpasses freeze first
• ✓If the road looks like black and shiny asphalt, be suspicious of black ice; normal winter asphalt should look gray-white
• ✓If you suspect black ice, slow down and be careful

Snow-removal vehicles have flashing blue lights visible from 150 metres, warning of wide and slow-moving vehicles. Some have wings extending up to three metres to the right.

• ✓Flashing blue lights warn of wide and slow-moving snow-removal vehicles, visible from 150 metres
• ✓Some snow plows have a wing extending as far as three metres to the right
• ✓Do not try to pass between staggered plows on freeways — there is not enough room and the snow ridge can throw your vehicle out of control

Demerit points are recorded for driving-related convictions and stay on your record for two years from the date of the offence. Accumulating too many points can result in suspension. Licences may also be suspended for medical reasons — doctors must report anyone 16+ with a condition affecting safe driving.

• ✓Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the offence date
• ✓Too many demerit points can lead to licence suspension
• ✓Doctors must report medical conditions that may affect safe driving

Commercial drivers (classes A-F, CVOR vehicles, road-building machines) must have zero presence of alcohol or drugs when driving. Impaired driving is a crime even if the vehicle is not moving. Police may require breath samples, field sobriety tests, drug-recognition evaluations, or oral fluid/urine/blood samples; failing or refusing means a Criminal Code charge. Drivers 21 and under must have zero blood alcohol.

• ✓Commercial drivers must have zero alcohol or drugs in their system when driving
• ✓Refusing or failing a breath/sobriety demand results in a Criminal Code charge
• ✓Drivers 21 and under must have a zero blood alcohol level

Drugs in all forms — cannabis, illegal, prescription and over-the-counter — can impair driving through dizziness, blurred vision, nausea or drowsiness. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before driving on medications; drugs and alcohol together can be dangerous even days later.

• ✓Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair driving; check with a doctor or pharmacist
• ✓Drugs combined with alcohol can be dangerous even several days later

You drive a test route with varied traffic situations, always driving safely and responsibly while wearing your seat belt. Obey all signs, signals and laws and complete without accident or violation. If a situation is not present, you may be asked to simulate it by describing what you would do.

• ✓Wear your seat belt and obey all traffic signs, signals and laws at all times
• ✓Complete the test without an accident or moving violation
• ✓Follow examiner directions; simulate a situation by explaining your actions if it does not occur
• ✓Situations include turns, intersections, lane changes, driving along, curves, expressway, roadside stop/start

You are overdriving your headlights when your stopping distance is farther than you can see with headlights, giving insufficient room to stop safely. Reflective signs can mislead you. For glare, look up, beyond and slightly right of oncoming lights at night. Use low beams within 150 m (500 ft.) of an oncoming vehicle or when following within 60 m (200 ft.). Switch to low beams on curves and hilltops on country roads.

• ✓Do not overdrive your headlights - stopping distance must not exceed what you can see
• ✓Use low-beam headlights within 150 metres (500 ft.) of an oncoming vehicle
• ✓Use low beams when following a vehicle within 60 metres (200 ft.)

The best action is to avoid driving in fog; delay if there is a warning. If caught: slow down gradually, turn on the full lighting system, use low beams (high beams reflect off moisture), use fog lights with low beams, avoid passing and lane changes, use the right edge as a guide, increase following distance, and pull completely off into a safe parking area if too dense. Do not stop on the travelled road or speed up suddenly.

• ✓Use low-beam headlights in fog; high beams reflect off moisture and reduce visibility
• ✓Use the right edge of the road as a guide rather than the centre line
• ✓Do not stop on the travelled portion of the road - pull off into a safe parking area
• ✓Do not speed up suddenly even if the fog seems to be clearing

Rain makes roads slippery, especially with the first drops. Excess water or too much speed causes hydroplaning where tires ride on top of water and control becomes difficult. Keep good tires with deep tread and slow down when wet. Increase following distance to avoid spray. Avoid puddles that may hide potholes, obstruct vision or drown the engine, and can make brakes less effective.

• ✓Slow down when the road is wet to prevent hydroplaning
• ✓Maintain good tires with deep tread
• ✓Leave more space between vehicles to avoid spray and allow stopping
• ✓Avoid driving through puddles which can hide potholes and reduce brake effectiveness

Avoid driving on flooded roads as water may prevent brakes from working. If you must, test brakes afterward to dry them by stopping quickly and firmly at 50 km/h. The vehicle should stop in a straight line without pulling, and the pedal should feel firm, not spongy. If pulling or spongy pedal persists after drying, repair immediately.

• ✓Avoid flooded roads - water may prevent brakes from working
• ✓Test brakes after water by stopping quickly and firmly at 50 km/h
• ✓A spongy or pulling brake after drying means take the vehicle for repair immediately

Skids happen when tires lose grip, most often on slippery surfaces and from driving too fast. To avoid, drive at reduced speed and operate controls smoothly; braking or accelerating while steering can push tires closer to a skid. If skidding, do not panic, ease off accelerator or brake, on very slippery surfaces slip into neutral if possible, continue steering in the direction you want to go, avoid oversteering, and brake gently once control returns.

• ✓Most skids result from driving too fast for road conditions
• ✓In a skid, ease off the accelerator or brake and steer in the direction you want to go
• ✓On a very slippery surface, slip the transmission into neutral if possible
• ✓Be careful not to oversteer and brake gently once you regain control

ABS senses wheel speed during braking and reduces brake force to a wheel showing potential lock, preventing skid and loss of steering. ABS does not shorten stopping distance. Drivers may feel pulsations in the pedal when braking hard — do not release the pedal during emergency braking. With ABS, press the pedal hard and let the system control wheel lock-up.

• ✓ABS prevents wheel lock and loss of steering control but does not shorten stopping distance
• ✓Do not release the brake pedal during emergency braking with ABS despite pulsations
• ✓With ABS press the brake pedal hard and allow the system to control wheel lock-up

Threshold braking is for vehicles without ABS. Brake as hard as possible until a wheel begins to lock up, then release pressure slightly to release the wheel and re-apply, applying maximum braking without a skid. Do not pump the brakes. Continue until you reach the desired speed.

• ✓Threshold braking is practised in vehicles not equipped with ABS
• ✓Brake hard, release slightly when a wheel begins to lock, then re-apply
• ✓Do not pump the brakes during threshold braking

Slow down on rutted snow and avoid sudden steering, braking or accelerating. In blowing snow/whiteouts use low beams (high beams reflect off ice particles), increase following distance, avoid passing, and pull off if visibility is near zero. If stranded, stay with the vehicle, open a window slightly, run the motor sparingly and use flashers. Carry a winter survival kit. Watch for black ice — shiny asphalt that should normally look gray-white; bridges and overpasses freeze first.

• ✓Use low-beam headlights in blowing snow; high beams reflect off ice particles
• ✓If stranded in severe weather, stay with your vehicle and run the motor sparingly
• ✓Carry a winter-driving survival kit (warm clothing, food, flashlight, shovel, blanket)
• ✓Watch for black ice on shiny asphalt; bridges and overpasses freeze first

Snow-removal vehicles have flashing blue lights visible from 150 metres warning of wide, slow-moving vehicles. Some snow plows have a wing extending up to three metres to the right. On freeways plows may be staggered clearing all lanes. Do not try to pass between staggered plows — there is not enough room and the ridge of wet snow can throw your vehicle out of control.

• ✓Snow plow flashing blue lights are visible from 150 metres
• ✓Snow plow wings can extend up to three metres to the right
• ✓Never try to pass between staggered snow plows on a freeway

Commercial drivers (classes A–F) must have zero presence of alcohol or drugs when driving a commercial vehicle, a CVOR-required vehicle, or a road-building machine. Presence of drugs/alcohol brings serious penalties including suspensions, monetary penalties, criminal charges and jail time.

• ✓Commercial drivers must have zero presence of alcohol or drugs behind the wheel
• ✓Zero tolerance applies to class A-F vehicles, CVOR vehicles and road-building machines
• ✓Violations bring suspensions, monetary penalties and possible criminal charges

Driving impaired by alcohol or drugs is a crime; you can be charged even if the vehicle is not moving. Police can require breath samples, standardized field sobriety tests, drug-recognition evaluations, and oral fluid, urine or blood samples. Refusing or failing any demand results in a Criminal Code charge. Drivers 21 and under must have a blood alcohol level of zero.

• ✓You can be charged for being impaired behind the wheel even if not moving
• ✓Refusing or failing a breath, sobriety or sample demand is a Criminal Code offence
• ✓Drivers 21 and under must have a zero blood alcohol level

The demerit point system encourages better driver behaviour. Convictions for driving offences record demerit points that stay on your record for two years from the offence date. Accumulating too many points can lead to licence suspension.

• ✓Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the offence date
• ✓Accumulating too many demerit points can suspend your licence

Doctors must report anyone 16 or older with a condition affecting safe driving (e.g. stroke, heart condition, dizziness) to the Ministry. Your licence may be suspended until medical evidence shows no safety risk.

• ✓Doctors must report medical conditions affecting safe driving for anyone 16 or older
• ✓A licence may be suspended until medical evidence shows no safety risk

Police can stop any driver and require breath tests, roadside screening or physical coordination tests; failure or refusal brings Criminal Code charges. All drugs — cannabis, illegal, prescription or over-the-counter — can impair driving, and drug/alcohol combinations can be dangerous even days later. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about side effects before driving.

• ✓Police may require breath, screening or coordination tests at any stop or spot check
• ✓If you cannot give breath, police may require a blood sample
• ✓Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair driving; check side effects

The candidate drives a route with varied traffic situations, driving safely and lawfully while wearing a seat belt. The examiner scores specific manoeuvres and general driving behaviour. If a situation is unavailable, the candidate may be asked to simulate and describe what they would do.

• ✓Drive safely and responsibly, wear your seat belt, and obey all signs, signals and laws
• ✓Complete the test without an accident or moving violation
• ✓Manoeuvres include left/right turns, intersections, lane changes, driving along, curves, expressway, and roadside stop/start
• ✓You may be asked to simulate a traffic situation by describing what you would do

Drowsiness is a causal factor in many collisions. Tired drivers can be as impaired as drunk drivers, with slower reaction times. Collisions involving drowsiness tend to occur between 2 a.m.-6 a.m. and 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

• ✓Warning signs include difficulty keeping eyes open, head tilting forward, wandering mind, frequent yawning, and drifting into other lanes
• ✓If you have any warning sign, pull off the road, park in a safe secure place and take a nap
• ✓Stimulants like caffeine are never a substitute for sleep — the only safe driver is a well-rested, alert driver
• ✓Shift workers, people with sleep disorders and commercial vehicle operators are at greater risk

Driving while using non-hands-free cellular phones and viewing display screens unrelated to driving is prohibited. Drivers can face fines and be charged with careless or dangerous driving.

• ✓Using non-hands-free cell phones and viewing display screens unrelated to driving is prohibited
• ✓Commercial drivers have a permanent exemption for a two-way radio if the microphone is securely mounted within easy reach
• ✓Even with driver-assistance features, you must remain in care and control of your vehicle and able to take over immediate control
• ✓Pull over and park to use a cell phone

Aggressive-driving behaviours such as tailgating, speeding and cutting in can lead to road-rage conflicts. Avoid becoming angry and do not retaliate.

• ✓Do not compete with or retaliate against other drivers, and do not take their mistakes personally
• ✓Avoid honking unnecessarily; a light tap is usually sufficient
• ✓If threatened, stay in your vehicle with doors locked, call police, and use horn and signals to attract attention
• ✓If followed, do not drive home — drive to a police station or busy public place

Be extra careful in construction zones and where people work on or near the road. Obey warning signs and reduced speed limits which reflect increased hazards.

• ✓In a construction zone, do not change lanes, be ready for sudden stops and watch for workers and equipment
• ✓Obey all warning signs, people and devices directing traffic
• ✓Slow down and pass with caution near roadside assistance, disabled vehicles, surveyors and utility workers; move over a lane if safe

Crashes involving animals like moose and deer are a growing problem. Animal-crossing signs warn of danger, especially during dusk-to-dawn hours when wildlife is most active.

• ✓Reduce speed in darkness, rain and fog; scan the road shoulder to shoulder and watch for shining eyes
• ✓If you see an animal, slow down and sound your horn; do not try to drive around it as movements are unpredictable
• ✓Do not park on the shoulder to watch an animal; stay in your vehicle
• ✓If you hit a deer or moose, report it to local police or the Ministry of Natural Resources and do not move the injured animal

The Class A road test includes a Daily Inspection test, uncoupling/coupling (Class A), backing skills (offset or alley dock), and on-road driving. To pass you must demonstrate safe operation, commit no moving violations, and meet component criteria: one error allowed on daily inspection, up to two errors total for uncoupling/coupling with no more than 5 pull-ups, and up to 30 errors on-road/backing with backing completed in under 10 minutes.

• ✓Coupling must be completed using not more than 5 pull-ups; up to 2 errors total allowed
• ✓Only one error is allowed on the daily inspection test
• ✓Up to 30 errors allowed on-road/backing; backing must be completed in under 10 minutes
• ✓No moving violations are permitted

For all Class A and any Class D road test with air brakes, you must bring wheel chocks/blocks, a means of keeping time in seconds, a means of holding the brake pedal applied, and a device for measuring pushrod stroke. Missing any item makes the test out of order and you must pay 50% of the fee to reschedule. You must also provide a valid Daily Inspection Report, the applicable schedule, and ensure valid inspection stickers.

• ✓Bring wheel chocks, a timer, a brake-pedal holder and a pushrod-stroke measuring device
• ✓Missing required items voids the test and requires paying 50% of the fee to reschedule
• ✓Provide a valid completed Daily Inspection Report and applicable schedule before the test

The Class A or D road test includes a daily inspection test, uncoupling/coupling (Class A), a backing skills test (offset backing or alley dock), and an on-road driving test (turns, intersections, lane changes, driving along, expressway, curves, roadside stop/start).

• ✓The road test has daily inspection, coupling (Class A), backing and on-road components
• ✓Backing is either offset backing or alley dock (90-degree backing)

To pass you must demonstrate safe operation, commit no moving violations, and meet each component's criteria: daily inspection allows errors on only one item; uncoupling/coupling (Class A) allows up to two errors total and coupling in no more than 5 pull-ups; on-road and backing skills allow up to 30 errors, with backing completed in under 10 minutes.

• ✓No moving violations are allowed during the road test
• ✓Daily inspection allows errors on only one item
• ✓Coupling must use no more than 5 pull-ups; up to two coupling errors allowed
• ✓On-road and backing allow up to 30 errors; backing must finish in under 10 minutes

For Class A (including AR) and any Class D road test with air brakes, you must bring wheel chocks/blocks, a means to keep time in seconds, a means to hold the brake pedal applied, and a device to measure pushrod stroke. Missing items make the test out of order and require paying 50% of the fee to reschedule. You must also present a valid completed Daily Inspection Report, the applicable schedule, and valid annual inspection stickers.

• ✓Bring wheel chocks, a timer, a brake-pedal holder and a pushrod stroke measuring device
• ✓Missing required items voids the test and costs 50% of the fee to reschedule
• ✓Provide a valid Daily Inspection Report, applicable schedule and inspection stickers

When approaching a turn, monitor surrounding traffic and visually search the intersection. Select the correct lane (making a lane change if needed), signal early, gradually slow, select an appropriate gear, and plan the correct pathway into and out of the intersection.

• ✓Conduct a visual search for vehicles, pedestrians and objects on approach
• ✓Select the correct lane and signal as soon as appropriate
• ✓Choose a gear appropriate for speed and load within normal RPM range

If stopping, make a smooth full stop without rolling forward or backward. Stop in the proper legal position leaving reasonable space ahead. Keep wheels straight while waiting. Check left, ahead, right and behind before entering.

• ✓Make a smooth full stop; do not roll backward or forward
• ✓Stop in the proper legal position with reasonable space ahead
• ✓Keep wheels straight while waiting to turn
• ✓Check left, ahead, right and behind before entering the intersection

Monitor traffic ahead, beside, and in mirrors. Keep a two-handed grip and minimize gear changes during the crossing. Complete the turn at an appropriate speed, respond correctly to right-of-way, and follow the correct path for your vehicle's size (not too wide or short).

• ✓Maintain a two-handed grip and minimize/avoid unnecessary gear changes during the crossing
• ✓Take your right-of-way when appropriate to avoid impeding traffic
• ✓Follow a path appropriate for the vehicle's size and length

Make regular traffic checks. Turn into the lane corresponding to your starting lane, choosing one that permits travel without forced lane changes. Cancel signals, accelerate smoothly, and after a left turn move to the lane offering safest unimpeded through travel.

• ✓Turn into the lane corresponding to the lane you started in
• ✓Cancel signals so other drivers are not confused
• ✓Accelerate smoothly and evenly so as not to delay traffic
• ✓After a left turn, move to the safest unimpeded lane for through traffic

Drowsiness is a growing cause of collisions; tired drivers can be as impaired as drunk drivers. Collisions occur most between 2-6 a.m. and 2-4 p.m., with shift workers and commercial operators at greater risk. Warning signs include difficulty keeping eyes open, head tilting, wandering mind, frequent yawning, not remembering recent kilometres, missing signals, drifting into lanes or off the road. Pull off, park safely and nap. Stimulants and caffeine are never a substitute for sleep.

• ✓Tired drivers can be as impaired as drunk drivers
• ✓If you show drowsiness warning signs, pull off and park in a safe place to nap
• ✓Stimulants and caffeine are never a substitute for sleep

Using non-hands-free cell phones and viewing display screens unrelated to driving is prohibited, with fines and penalties, and possible careless or dangerous driving charges. Commercial drivers have a permanent exemption for two-way radios if the microphone is securely mounted within easy reach. Even with driver-assistance features you must stay in care and control, monitoring the environment and ready to take over.

• ✓Using non-hands-free cell phones and viewing unrelated display screens while driving is prohibited
• ✓Commercial drivers may use a two-way radio if the microphone is securely mounted within reach
• ✓Even with driver-assistance features you must remain in care and control of the vehicle

Aggressive behaviours like tailgating, speeding and cutting in frustrate others and can lead to road rage. Combat stress, don't compete or retaliate, don't try to educate other drivers, don't take mistakes personally, and avoid unnecessary horn use. If threatened, stay in your vehicle with doors locked, call police, use horn and signals, and if followed drive to a police station or busy place — not home.

• ✓Do not compete with or retaliate against other drivers
• ✓If threatened, stay in your vehicle with doors locked and call police
• ✓If you believe you are being followed, drive to a police station or busy public place, not home

Be extra careful in construction zones. Obey warning signs, people and devices directing traffic; lower speed limits increase worker safety. Do not change lanes, be ready for sudden stops and watch for workers and equipment. For other roadside workers or disabled vehicles, slow down, pass with caution and move over a lane when safe.

• ✓Obey lower posted speed limits and all traffic-directing signs and people in construction zones
• ✓Do not change lanes and be ready for sudden stops in a construction zone
• ✓Slow down and move over a lane when safe to pass roadside workers or hazards

Animal crashes (mainly moose and deer) are a growing problem. Reduce speed in darkness, rain and fog; stay alert and scan shoulder to shoulder; watch for shining eyes; use high beams when safe. If you see an animal, slow down, sound your horn, watch for other animals and don't try to drive around it. To watch an animal, pull completely off the road. Stay in your vehicle. Report hitting a deer or moose to police or the Ministry of Natural Resources.

• ✓Reduce speed in darkness, rain and fog when animals may be present
• ✓Do not try to drive around an animal - their movements are unpredictable
• ✓Stay in your vehicle; getting out increases your chance of being hit
• ✓Report hitting a deer or moose to police or the Ministry of Natural Resources