Lane changes +17Ontario · CDL · English

Observe traffic to identify where and when to change lanes, signal to alert others, maintain safe following distance and adequate target-lane space for the vehicle length, check mirrors and blind spots, and choose a legal location. The change should be deliberate but smooth and steered into the centre of the target lane.

• ✓Signal before the lane change and cancel it when complete
• ✓Ensure the target-lane space is adequate for the vehicle's length and check mirrors and blind spots
• ✓Do not change lanes at intersections, pedestrian crossings, railway crossings, or over solid pavement markings
• ✓Make the change deliberate, smooth and steady, steering into the centre of the target lane
• ✓Operate within 10 km/h of the posted speed limit without exceeding it

Traffic signs use different symbols, colours and shapes for easy identification. Recognizing the standard shapes helps identify their meaning.

• ✓A stop sign is eight-sided, red with white letters — come to a complete stop
• ✓A yield sign is a triangle with white background and red border — let traffic in or near the intersection go first
• ✓A railway crossing sign is X-shaped with white background and red outline — slow down and look both ways
• ✓A school zone sign is five-sided with a fluorescent yellow/green background — slow down and watch for children

Numerous signs regulate trucks including lane restrictions, weight limits, length restrictions and dangerous goods routes.

• ✓Signs indicate no trucks in a lane, or no trucks over 6.5 metres in length in a specified lane
• ✓Weight restriction signs include maximum tonnes, maximum tonnes per axle, and different limits for bridge structures
• ✓Dangerous goods route signs permit or prohibit trucks carrying dangerous goods/hazardous materials
• ✓Trucks over five tonnes must have a valid 407 transponder to use the ETR; trucks must enter inspection stations when signals are flashing

Signs remind drivers to stop for school buses when their signals are flashing, including on multi-lane highways with no centre median.

• ✓Stop for a school bus when its signal lights are flashing
• ✓On a multi-lane highway with no centre median divider, drivers approaching from both directions must stop for a flashing school bus
• ✓A School Bus Loading Zone sign marks where buses load/unload without using red alternating lights and stop arm

Regulatory signs give directions that must be obeyed, usually rectangular or square. A green circle means you may or must do the activity; a red circle with a line means the activity is not allowed.

• ✓A green circle means the activity shown is permitted or required; a red circle with a line through it means it is not allowed
• ✓Do not stop signs mean no stopping even for a moment; do not stand means no stopping except to load/unload passengers; do not park means no stopping except to load/unload passengers or merchandise
• ✓Signs regulate turns, U-turns, right turns on red, one-way travel, and speed limit changes

Look well ahead and check mirrors frequently due to large blind spots. Operate near the posted speed. Adjust following distance for the longer stopping distance of commercial vehicles and avoid driving in others' blind spots. Choose the right-most lane that can be travelled safely.

• ✓Operate within 10 km/h of the posted limit without exceeding it
• ✓Adjust following distance for commercial vehicle stopping distance
• ✓Avoid driving beside or in the blind spot of other vehicles
• ✓Choose the right-most lane that can be travelled safely

Look ahead for exit signs and know the proper exit lane. Signal before slowing while still on the expressway and cancel after. Change lanes deliberately but smoothly if required. Do not slow on the expressway — use the exit lane to slow. Maintain adjusted following distance.

• ✓Signal before slowing while still on the expressway and cancel after
• ✓Do not slow down on the expressway; use the exit lane to slow
• ✓If a lane change is needed, make it deliberate, smooth and steady

A stop sign is eight-sided, red with white letters — come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, sidewalk edge or intersection edge in that order. A school zone sign is five-sided with fluorescent yellow/green background. A yield sign is a triangle with white background and red border. A railway crossing sign is X-shaped with white background and red outline — slow down, look both ways for trains and be prepared to stop.

• ✓Stop sign is eight-sided red - stop at the stop line, then crosswalk, sidewalk edge or intersection edge
• ✓Yield sign is a triangle; let traffic in or near the intersection go first
• ✓Railway crossing sign is X-shaped - slow, look both ways and be prepared to stop

Regulatory signs give directions that must be obeyed, usually rectangular/square. A green circle means you may or must do the activity shown; a red circle with a line through it means the activity is prohibited. Examples include no left turn, no U-turn, no right turn on red, no stopping, no standing, no parking, keep right of island, and speed limit changes.

• ✓A green circle means the activity shown is permitted or required
• ✓A red circle with a line through it means the activity is prohibited
• ✓Regulatory signs give directions that must be obeyed

Truck signs include: no trucks in a lane; no trucks over 6.5 metres in a lane; heavy trucks permitted (green circle); no heavy trucks; no heavy trucks 7 p.m.-7 a.m.; maximum 10 tonnes; no more than 5 tonnes per axle; bridge weight restrictions by truck type; dangerous goods route permitted (green diamond); dangerous goods prohibited; trucks must enter inspection station when lights flashing; trucks over 5 tonnes need a valid 407 transponder for ETR.

• ✓No trucks over 6.5 metres signs restrict long trucks from indicated lanes
• ✓Weight restriction signs show maximum tonnes total or tonnes per axle
• ✓A green diamond marks a permitted dangerous goods route; a red slash prohibits dangerous goods
• ✓Trucks must enter the inspection station when the lights are flashing

Stop for a school bus when its signal lights are flashing; the 'both directions' sign on undivided multi-lane highways means drivers from both directions must stop. Signs may reserve lanes for buses, taxis, high-occupancy vehicles and bicycles. Slower traffic on multi-lane roads must keep right; keep right except when passing on climbing/passing lanes. A school zone maximum speed applies when yellow lights flash. Community Safety Zone signs mean increased fines.

• ✓Stop for a school bus when its signal lights are flashing
• ✓On undivided multi-lane highways the 'both directions' sign requires stopping from both directions
• ✓Reduced school zone speed applies when the yellow lights are flashing
• ✓Traffic offences in Community Safety Zones carry increased fines

A coupler or its mounting with a loose or missing fastener is a minor defect. A coupler is a major defect when insecure or when fifth-wheel movement exceeds 1/2 in. (13 mm) or pintle-hook/drawbar-eye movement exceeds 3/8 in. (10 mm) forward/rearward. Measure by chalking the fifth wheel, pulling the tractor forward then rearward, and observing the movement.

• ✓A loose or missing coupler fastener is a minor defect
• ✓Fifth-wheel movement over 13 mm or pintle-hook movement over 10 mm is a major defect
• ✓Check for and point out loose or missing coupler fasteners

A coupler or lock that is damaged or not properly locked is a major defect; visually verify the fifth-wheel release handle, exposed mechanism, and locking jaws (or pintle-hook latching/locking mechanism). A missing, wrong-type, or damaged/worn safety chain or cable is a major defect; ensure chains are hooked, crossed (when two), and secured with a secondary hook.

• ✓A damaged or improperly locked coupler is a major defect
• ✓Visually inspect the fifth-wheel locking jaws or pintle-hook locking mechanism
• ✓A missing, wrong or damaged safety chain/cable is a major defect; chains must be crossed and hooked

An occupant, driver or passenger door failing to open is a minor defect (must open in an emergency). Any cab or sleeper door failing to close securely is a major defect (must stay closed while moving). Test each selected door to confirm it opens properly and closes securely.

• ✓A door failing to open in an emergency is a minor defect
• ✓A door failing to close securely while moving is a major defect

A noticeable exhaust leak is a minor defect; exhaust gas entering the occupant compartment is a major defect. Noticeable frame/cargo-body damage is a minor defect, while a visibly shifted, cracked, collapsing or sagging frame member is a major defect. A missing fuel cap is a minor defect; an insecure fuel tank or dripping fuel leak is a major defect.

• ✓Exhaust gases entering the cab is a major defect; a general exhaust leak is minor
• ✓A shifted, cracked or sagging frame member is a major defect
• ✓A missing fuel cap is minor; an insecure tank or dripping fuel leak is a major defect

Broken or damaged attachments for any required mirror or glass are a minor defect; inspect that all external mirrors and attachments are secure. For hydraulic brakes, brake fluid below the indicated minimum with the reservoir less than one-quarter full is a minor defect; know the master-cylinder reservoir location and how to check fluid.

• ✓Broken/damaged attachments for required mirrors or glass are a minor defect
• ✓Brake fluid below minimum with reservoir under one-quarter full is a minor defect
• ✓Inspect that external mirrors and attachments are secure and undamaged

Look well ahead and check mirrors constantly due to large blind spots. Because commercial vehicles have increased stopping distances, maintain adequate following distance and avoid driving beside or in the blind spots of other vehicles. Use the right-most lane that can be travelled safely.

• ✓Operate within 10 km/h of the posted speed limit without exceeding it
• ✓Adjust following distance for increased stopping distance and avoid others' blind spots
• ✓Choose the right-most lane that can be travelled safely to keep hazards to the left

Look ahead for exit signs, know the proper exit lane, and check ahead, behind and to the side. Signal before slowing while still on the expressway lane. Do not slow on the expressway itself—use the exit lane to slow down—and adjust following distance for the vehicle's stopping distance.

• ✓Signal before slowing while still on the expressway lane and cancel it after
• ✓Do not slow down on the expressway; use the exit lane to slow down
• ✓Any required lane change to the exit lane must be deliberate, smooth and steady

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 in a day. After at least 8 hours off-duty, a driver cannot drive after 16 hours has elapsed. Four duty status categories: off-duty (not sleeper berth), off-duty in sleeper berth, on-duty driving, and on-duty not driving.

• ✓A driver must have 10 hours off-duty in a day
• ✓A driver cannot drive more than 13 hours or after 14 hours on-duty in a day
• ✓After at least 8 hours off-duty, a driver cannot drive after 16 hours has elapsed

Hours-of-service rules apply to drivers of commercial motor vehicles over 4,500 kg gross/registered weight, and buses/school buses. Exemptions include vehicles at or under 4,500 kg (except buses), leased vehicles for under 30 days, tow trucks, motor homes, emergency and police vehicles, ambulances, and two/three-axle vehicles carrying primary farm/forest/sea/lake products.

• ✓Hours of service apply to commercial vehicles over 4,500 kg and to buses/school buses
• ✓Vehicles at or under 4,500 kg (other than buses) are exempt
• ✓Tow trucks, motor homes, ambulances and emergency vehicles are exempt

Operators designate a cycle: 7-day (max 70 on-duty hours) or 14-day (max 120 on-duty hours, no driving after 70 hours without 24 consecutive hours off). All drivers need at least 24 consecutive hours off in the preceding 14 days. To reset/switch: 7-day cycle requires 36 consecutive hours off; 14-day cycle requires 72 consecutive hours off.

• ✓7-day cycle: cannot drive after 70 on-duty hours; 14-day cycle: cannot drive after 120 hours
• ✓Must have at least 24 consecutive hours off-duty in the preceding 14 days
• ✓Reset requires 36 consecutive hours off (7-day) or 72 consecutive hours off (14-day)

A daily log (handwritten, computer or recording device) must contain driver's name, date, co-drivers, start time, cycle, odometer readings, plate numbers, operator name/address, duty status times/locations, total distance and signature. A driver is exempt from a log if they drive solely within 160 km of the start location, return there at day's end, and work for only one operator that day.

• ✓A daily log must include duty status start/end times, locations, odometer readings and signature
• ✓No daily log needed if driving within 160 km radius, returning to start, and working for one operator
• ✓If exempt from a log, the operator must keep a record of the driver's duty status and hours

Adjust speed to safely negotiate a curve before entering to avoid hard braking. Because large vehicles off-track, approach from an outside lane position to keep rear wheels from cutting across the curve. Maintain a constant visual search, checking mirrors for off-tracking rear wheels.

• ✓Adjust speed before the curve to avoid hard braking within it
• ✓Approach from an outside lane position to prevent rear wheels cutting the curve
• ✓Check mirrors for off-tracking of rear wheels and anticipate adjustments early

Look ahead and in mirrors while accelerating on the on-ramp; the onus is on you to merge safely. Signal early and keep it on until in the new lane. Adjust following distance and stay within lane markings. Use the acceleration lane to reach close to expressway speed. Merge deliberately and smoothly.

• ✓The onus is on you to merge safely; you do not have the right-of-way
• ✓Signal early and do not cancel until in the new lane
• ✓Use the acceleration lane to reach as close to expressway speed as possible
• ✓Do not exceed the posted ramp advisory speed
• ✓Merge deliberately and smoothly, avoiding sudden lateral movements

To start: engage the parking brake, depress the clutch and place transmission in neutral, turn on power and operate the starter, increase engine speed if needed, check for adequate engine oil pressure. On air brake vehicles, the air-pressure gauge should register sufficient pressure before moving and the warning buzzer/light must be off.

• ✓Engage parking brake, depress clutch and place transmission in neutral before starting
• ✓Check for adequate engine oil pressure after starting
• ✓On air brake vehicles, air pressure must be sufficient and the warning buzzer/light off before moving

When starting to move, gradually release the clutch while releasing the hand control valve or parking brake, speeding up the engine gradually on some vehicles to prevent stalling. Check the brakes immediately after underway, within at least 15 m (50 ft). Start in the lowest appropriate gear.

• ✓Gradually release the clutch while releasing the parking brake and speeding up the engine
• ✓Check the brakes within at least 15 metres (50 ft) of getting underway
• ✓Start moving in the lowest appropriate gear

Be familiar with shift patterns and study the manufacturer's manual. Do not shock-load the drive line by abruptly releasing the clutch; apply power gradually with heavy loads uphill. Do not let the clutch slip excessively (overheating/damage). With a clutch brake, do not depress the pedal fully except at a stop.

• ✓Do not shock-load the drive line by abruptly releasing the clutch pedal
• ✓Do not allow the clutch to slip excessively, which overheats and damages it
• ✓With a clutch brake, do not depress the pedal fully when shifting except at a stop

The inter-axle differential lock is used on vehicles with tandem rear axles, controlled by a lever/valve with lock and unlock positions. Normally keep it in unlock. Use lock only when approaching conditions where wheels may slip; it transmits power equally to both axles. Avoid unnecessary use (tire wear, axle strain) and never activate it when wheels are actually spinning.

• ✓Normally keep the inter-axle differential lock in the unlock position
• ✓Use lock only when approaching conditions where wheels may slip
• ✓Never activate the differential lock when the wheels are actually spinning

Apply steady pressure at the beginning of a stop, ease off as the vehicle slows, release slightly just before stopping to avoid jerk, then reapply to hold. Do not fan brakes except on slippery pavement (threshold braking). Fanning reduces air pressure and serves no purpose on dry pavement; fanning on long downgrades can drop air pressure below minimum.

• ✓Apply steady pressure then ease off as the vehicle slows
• ✓Do not fan brakes except on slippery pavement (threshold braking)
• ✓Fanning on a long downhill grade may reduce air pressure below the minimum needed

Avoid excessive brake use on long downgrades since overheated brakes are dangerously inefficient. Use engine braking as the principal means of controlling speed on long grades. Use the same gear descending as climbing and select the gear before descending. If the low air-pressure warning operates, stop immediately in the safest place and correct the loss before proceeding.

• ✓Use engine braking as the principal means of controlling speed on long grades
• ✓Use the same gear descending a grade as climbing it, selecting it before descending
• ✓If the low air-pressure warning operates, stop immediately and correct the loss before proceeding

In a truck-tractor and semi-trailer, trailer brakes apply with truck brakes via the foot valve (balanced braking, equal pressure). Trailer brakes apply independently via the hand valve. Over-braking on wet/curved surfaces causes skidding/jackknifing. If the tractor jackknifes (rear wheels slide sideways) apply the trailer brakes only; if the trailer rear wheels slide, release all brakes and gradually accelerate.

• ✓Balanced braking applies equal pressure to trailer and truck via the foot valve
• ✓If the tractor is jackknifing, apply the trailer brakes only
• ✓If trailer rear wheels slide sideways, release all brakes and gradually apply the accelerator

Spring brakes work for parking and when service brakes fail, applying automatically when air pressure drops below a set level (normally 414 kPa / 60 psi). If brakes fail on a level road, downshift and use engine braking; if shorter stopping is needed use tractor/trailer emergency brakes. Do not drive again until repairs are made.

• ✓Spring brakes apply automatically when air pressure drops below ~414 kPa (60 psi)
• ✓If brakes fail on level road, downshift and use engine braking to slow
• ✓Do not drive the vehicle again until repairs have been made

For hydraulic brakes with power assist: with engine stopped, pump the pedal several times to eliminate assist, apply moderately, start the engine (pedal should drop slightly and stop). If it continues dropping or does not drop, take out of service and inspect professionally. Without power assist: apply moderately and hold; a steady drop means take out of service.

• ✓With power assist, the pedal should drop slightly and stop when the engine starts
• ✓A pedal that continues to drop means the vehicle must be taken out of service
• ✓Without power assist, a steady pedal drop means take the vehicle out of service

Approach monitoring traffic, slow gradually with an appropriate gear, and signal (not too early). Stop as far right as possible, parallel and close to the curb without hitting it. Keep service brakes applied until the parking brake is set, cancel the turn signal, activate four-way flashers, and secure the vehicle.

• ✓Park parallel and close to the curb/edge without hitting the curb
• ✓Keep service brakes applied until the parking brake is activated
• ✓Cancel the turn signal and activate four-way flashers
• ✓Secure the vehicle against any movement

Place the vehicle in the correct gear and release the brake before pulling forward. Cancel four-way flashers and activate the left-turn signal to warn traffic, cancelling it once in the driving lane. Check ahead, left, right and mirrors — especially in the merge direction — then accelerate and merge properly.

• ✓Place in correct gear and release the brake before pulling forward
• ✓Cancel flashers and activate left-turn signal; cancel it once in the lane
• ✓Check ahead, left, right and mirrors, especially toward the merge
• ✓Accelerate and merge without interfering with traffic flow

Approaching a roadside stop, monitor traffic, slow gradually with an appropriate gear, and signal at the right time. Stop as far to the right as possible, parallel and close to the curb without hitting it, keeping service brakes applied until the parking brake is set. Cancel the turn signal, activate four-way flashers, and secure the vehicle.

• ✓Park parallel and close to the curb without hitting it, far to the right to minimize disruption
• ✓Keep service brakes applied until the parking brake is activated
• ✓Cancel the turn signal and activate four-way flashers when stopped, then secure the vehicle against movement

To start moving, place the vehicle in the correct gear and release the brake before pulling forward. Cancel four-way flashers and activate the left-turn signal to warn traffic, cancelling it once in the driving lane. Check ahead, left, right and mirrors before and after merging into traffic.

• ✓Place the vehicle in the correct gear and release the brake before pulling forward
• ✓Cancel four-way flashers and activate the left-turn signal, cancelling it once in the driving lane
• ✓Observe traffic ahead, left, right and in mirrors, especially in the direction of the merge

To keep a unit in position when parked: set parking brakes, block the unit with chocks/blocks on the rear wheel (front and back) on one or both sides. Under no circumstances should a driver use the trailer hand valve or tractor protection valve to hold a parked unit.

• ✓Set parking brakes and block the rear wheel with chocks front and back
• ✓Never use the trailer hand valve or tractor protection valve to hold a parked unit

See stops ahead, check mirrors, brake early and stop smoothly. Use your right foot for both pedals. Come to a complete stop for all stop signs and red lights: at the stop line if marked, else at the crosswalk, else the edge of the sidewalk, else the edge of the intersection. Downshift before going downhill; use the same gear downhill as uphill.

• ✓Come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, sidewalk edge, or intersection edge in that order
• ✓Downshift before starting downhill; use the same gear downhill as uphill
• ✓When climbing a steep hill with reduced speed, activate four-way flashers throughout the ascent

Throughout the road test you are scored on observation, traffic checks, lane usage, speed, spacing, clutch/gear use, brake/accelerator smoothness, steering and turn signals. Constantly monitor mirrors, choose the right-most safe lane, use smooth manoeuvres, and cancel non-self-cancelling signals manually.

• ✓Operate within 10 km/h of the posted limit without exceeding it
• ✓Maintain a two-handed grip on the wheel as much as possible
• ✓Always use the clutch to avoid drivetrain damage
• ✓Adjust following distance and avoid passing too closely
• ✓Manually cancel turn signals since most commercial vehicles are not self-cancelling

While travelling toward an intersection or railway crossing, monitor traffic ahead and to the sides and rear through the mirrors to stay aware of changing conditions.

• ✓Monitor traffic ahead, beside and to the rear through mirrors near intersections/railway crossings
• ✓Constantly monitor mirrors to observe approaching vehicles and vehicle tracking

Throughout the test, drivers are scored on observation, intersection/railway traffic checks, lane usage, speed, spacing, clutch/gears, brakes/accelerator, steering, and turn signals. These reflect continual awareness, smooth control, and correct signalling in a commercial vehicle.

• ✓Constantly monitor mirrors to observe approaching vehicles and where the vehicle is tracking
• ✓Operate within 10 km/h of the posted speed limit without exceeding it
• ✓Always use the clutch properly to avoid drivetrain stress and gear wear
• ✓Maintain a two-handed grip on the wheel except when operating controls or shifting
• ✓Turn signals on most commercial vehicles are not self-cancelling and must be cancelled manually

Railway crossings are marked with red and white 'X' signs. A train can take up to two kilometres to stop under full emergency braking. Slow down, listen and look both ways. If a train is coming, stop at least five metres from the nearest rail or gate. Never race a train, never drive around/under/through a lowering or raised gate, and avoid stopping on tracks.

• ✓If a train is coming, stop at least five metres from the nearest rail or gate
• ✓Never drive around, under or through a railway gate/barrier while down, lowering or raising
• ✓A train can take up to two kilometres to stop under full emergency braking

Buses and other public vehicles must stop at railway crossings not protected by gates, signal lights or a stop sign. School buses must stop at railway crossings whether or not protected, but do not use the upper alternating red lights for these stops. Watch for these buses and be prepared to stop behind them. If trapped on a crossing, get everyone out and away and contact authorities.

• ✓School buses must stop at all railway crossings whether or not protected
• ✓School buses do not use upper alternating red lights when stopping at railway crossings
• ✓If trapped on a crossing, get everyone out and away from the vehicle immediately

Large trucks are prohibited from HOV lanes regardless of occupancy. Commercial motor vehicles must carry two or more people AND be less than 6.5 metres in total length. Buses and emergency vehicles are exempt from occupancy rules; green-plate vehicles qualify with any occupancy.

• ✓Large trucks are not permitted in HOV lanes regardless of occupants
• ✓Commercial vehicles need 2+ people and must be under 6.5 metres total length
• ✓Buses may use HOV lanes anytime regardless of occupants; emergency vehicles are exempt

HOV lanes move more people in fewer cars, reduce emissions, and save fuel. They are open 24/7 and reserved for qualifying vehicles. The lane is separated by a striped buffer zone that is illegal and unsafe to cross. Improper use can result in a ticket.

• ✓HOV lanes are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• ✓Reserved for vehicles with 2+ people, buses, licensed taxis, green-plate vehicles, airport limousines, motorcycles, HOT permit holders and emergency vehicles
• ✓It is illegal and unsafe to cross the striped buffer pavement markings
• ✓Improper use can be ticketed; you must re-enter general lanes at the next entry/exit zone

HOV lanes are designated for vehicles with a specified number of occupants and offer travel-time savings while moving more people. Large trucks are not permitted regardless of occupancy. The lane is separated by a striped buffer that is illegal and unsafe to cross.

• ✓HOV lanes are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• ✓Large trucks are not permitted on HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants
• ✓Commercial motor vehicles must have two or more people and be less than 6.5 metres long to use the HOV lane
• ✓It is illegal and unsafe to cross the striped buffer zone; improper use can be ticketed
• ✓Buses and emergency vehicles are exempt; green-plate vehicles may use it with any number of occupants