1 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.Half a second
• B.One car length
• C.Five seconds
• D.Two secondsAnswer

Explanation: A safe following distance is at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. The two-second rule is a minimum and applies only to ideal conditions — leave extra space in bad weather, behind motorcycles or large trucks, or when carrying a heavy load.

2 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.About 12 to 15 seconds aheadAnswer
• B.About 2 seconds ahead
• C.Only as far as the vehicle directly ahead
• D.About 1 minute ahead

Explanation: Look 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle so you can spot hazards early and have time to react smoothly.

3 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.Only before turning or changing lanes
• B.Once every minute
• C.Every 5 seconds or soAnswer
• D.Only when you hear a vehicle behind you

Explanation: Check your mirrors roughly every 5 seconds so you always know what is around and behind you.

4 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.To make eye contact with the driver behind you
• B.To see vehicles in the blind spot that mirrors do not showAnswer
• C.To confirm your turn signal is working
• D.Because the law requires it only on highways

Explanation: Mirrors leave blind spots beside and behind your vehicle. A quick glance over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move is the only way to check them.

5 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.From half an hour before sunset to half an hour after sunriseAnswer
• B.From sunset to sunrise only
• C.From one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise
• D.Only when street lights are on

Explanation: Headlights are required from one-half hour before sunset until one-half hour after sunrise, and at any time you cannot see clearly for 150 metres, such as in fog, rain or snow.

6 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.Within 300 metres of an oncoming vehicle
• B.Only when the other driver flashes their lights
• C.Only once you are within 30 metres of an oncoming vehicle
• D.Within 150 metres of an oncoming vehicle or 60 metres behind anotherAnswer

Explanation: Dim your high beams within 150 metres of an oncoming vehicle and whenever you are following another vehicle within 60 metres, so you do not blind the other driver.

7 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.High beams, to see farther
• B.Low beamsAnswer
• C.Parking lights only
• D.Hazard lights instead of headlights

Explanation: Use low beams in fog. High beams reflect off the water droplets and make it harder to see.

8 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.Long straight stretches in full sun
• B.Uphill stretches
• C.Bridges and overpassesAnswer
• D.The centre lane of a highway

Explanation: As temperatures drop below freezing, sections of road in shaded areas or on bridges and overpasses freeze first. If the road ahead looks like black and shiny asphalt, be suspicious — it may be covered by black ice.

9 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.Drink strong coffee and keep driving
• B.Take a break from driving every few hoursAnswer
• C.Open the window and turn up the radio
• D.Drive faster so the trip ends sooner

Explanation: On a long trip, take a break from driving every few hours. Tired drivers can be as impaired as drunk drivers. Caffeine, an open window or a louder radio are never a substitute for sleep — always avoid driving when you feel drowsy.

10 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.A fine of $150 to $500 and 2 demerit points
• B.A fine of $400 to $2,000 and 6 demerit points
• C.A warning letter only
• D.A fine of $615 to $1,000, 3 demerit points and a 3-day suspensionAnswer

Explanation: A first distracted-driving conviction for a driver with a full licence brings a fine of $615 out of court (up to $1,000 if you fight the ticket and lose), 3 demerit points and a 3-day suspension. Novice (G1/G2) drivers pay the same fines but receive no demerit points — instead a 30-day suspension for a first conviction.

11 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.Using fog lights and high beams at the same time
• B.Driving so fast that you cannot stop within the distance your headlights light upAnswer
• C.Leaving your high beams on when another vehicle is coming
• D.Driving with your headlights on during the day

Explanation: You are overdriving your headlights when your stopping distance is longer than the distance you can see — so whatever appears in the light is already too close to stop for. Reflective signs make it worse by suggesting you can see farther than you really can. The answer is to slow down at night, especially on unlit roads.

12 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.Down at your own dashboard until the vehicle has passed
• B.At the centre line, to hold your position on the road
• C.Up and beyond, slightly to the right of the oncoming lightsAnswer
• D.Straight at the headlights, so you can judge the gap

Explanation: Look up and beyond, and slightly to the right of the oncoming lights: the glare falls outside your line of sight while the road ahead stays in it. Prevent glare in the first place by using low beams within 150 metres of an oncoming vehicle, and within 60 metres of one you are following.

13 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.Keep your sunglasses on so the exit does not dazzle you
• B.Speed up so you spend less time in the dark
• C.Switch on your high beams and hold your speed
• D.Slow down, take off your sunglasses and turn on your headlightsAnswer

Explanation: Your eyes need a moment to adjust to the drop in light, so slow down as you go in, take off your sunglasses and switch on your headlights — which also makes you visible to everyone else inside.

14 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.No — cruise control should not be used in snow or other bad weatherAnswer
• B.Yes — a steady speed is what prevents skids
• C.Yes, but only above 80 km/h
• D.Only if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes

Explanation: Do not use cruise control in snow or other inclement weather. On a slippery road it holds — or restores — speed at exactly the moment you should be easing off, and sudden accelerating, braking or steering is what starts a skid.

15 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.Drive faster for a while to blow the water off
• B.Where it is safe, test the brakes by stopping quickly and firmly at 50 km/hAnswer
• C.Nothing — brakes are sealed, so water cannot reach them
• D.Pump the brakes hard while driving at highway speed

Explanation: Water makes brakes less effective, so dry them out: where it is safe, stop quickly and firmly at 50 km/h and check that the vehicle stops in a straight line without pulling to one side. A spongy pedal, or pulling that is still there once the brakes are dry, means the vehicle needs repair immediately.

16 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.The tail lights of the vehicle ahead, kept close
• B.None — stop where you are until the fog lifts
• C.The right edge of the roadAnswer
• D.The centre line, to keep clear of the ditch

Explanation: Steer by the right edge of the road rather than the centre line, which keeps your eyes — and your vehicle — away from oncoming traffic. Slow down, use low beams, leave more following distance, and never stop on the travelled part of the road: you would become the first link in a chain-reaction collision. If the fog is too dense, pull completely off into a safe parking area.

17 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Brake hard until the vehicle stops
• B.Steer in the opposite direction from the skid
• C.Ease off the pedals and steer where you want the front to goAnswer
• D.Shift into park to stop the wheels

Explanation: Do not panic. Ease off the accelerator or brake, slip the transmission into neutral on a very slippery surface if you can, and continue to steer in the direction you wish to go. Be careful not to oversteer; once you regain control you can brake very gently and smoothly.

18 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.The brakes lock and the vehicle stops more quickly
• B.The tires ride on top of the water and control becomes very difficultAnswer
• C.The engine stalls because water enters the exhaust
• D.The steering gets heavier but grip improves

Explanation: If there is too much water or you are going too fast, your tires may ride on top of the water, like water skis. This is called hydroplaning, and control becomes very difficult. Make sure you have good tires with deep tread, and slow down when the road is wet.

19 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Press the pedal firmly and hold it down while steeringAnswer
• B.Pump the pedal rapidly
• C.Press lightly so the wheels do not lock
• D.Apply the parking brake instead

Explanation: Vehicles with ABS provide controlled braking on slippery surfaces automatically: press the brake pedal hard and let the system control wheel lock-up while you steer. Expect pulsations in the pedal and do not release it. In a vehicle without ABS, use threshold braking — brake as hard as you can without locking a wheel — and do not pump the brakes.

20 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Turn off the ignition immediately
• B.Shift into park
• C.Steer into the nearest ditch
• D.Pump the brake pedal, then apply the parking brake gently but firmlyAnswer

Explanation: Try pumping the brake pedal to temporarily restore hydraulic brake pressure. If that does not work, apply the parking brake gently but firmly while holding the release button. If you do stop, do not drive away — call for help.

21 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Turn off the ignition while moving
• B.Pull the parking brake hard
• C.Turn on your hazard lights, shift to neutral and stop as soon as you safely canAnswer
• D.Reach down and free the pedal by hand

Explanation: First try to lift the pedal by slipping your foot under it — never reach down with your hands while the vehicle is moving. If that does not work, turn on your hazard lights, shift to neutral and stop as soon as you safely can, preferably off the road. Then turn off the ignition, do not drive away and call for help.

22 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas and let the vehicle slowAnswer
• B.Brake as hard as you can right away
• C.Steer sharply toward the shoulder
• D.Speed up to keep the vehicle stable

Explanation: Blowouts can cause tremendous steering and wheel vibration, but do not be alarmed. Take your foot off the gas pedal to slow down, steer the vehicle firmly in the direction you want to go, and bring the vehicle to a stop off the road.

23 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Brake hard and steer back onto the road at once
• B.Ease off the gas, steer straight, then steer back gently when slowedAnswer
• C.Accelerate and swing back onto the pavement
• D.Stop on the shoulder and wait for help

Explanation: Do not brake hard or jerk the wheel. Ease off the accelerator, keep the vehicle straight, and when you have slowed down, steer gently back onto the pavement.

24 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Only if the other driver refuses to exchange information
• B.Only if a vehicle cannot be driven away
• C.If anyone is injured or the damage appears to exceed $5,000Answer
• D.Only if the collision happened on a highway

Explanation: You must report a collision to police when anyone is injured or the damage to vehicles or property appears to exceed $5,000. Exchange names, addresses, licence, insurance and plate details, and never move an injured person.

25 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Turn on the hazard lights and stop safely off the road, then call for helpAnswer
• B.Drive on slowly to the next lit area
• C.Follow the tail lights of the vehicle ahead
• D.Use the high beams instead

Explanation: Check the switch first, and if the lights stay out, put on the hazard lights and bring the vehicle to a safe stop off the road, then call for help. Driving at night without lights is both dangerous and illegal — pressing on to somewhere better lit is not an option.

26 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.At the first sign of trouble — do not wait for it to stallAnswer
• B.At the next exit, however far it is
• C.Only once the vehicle will no longer move
• D.In the left lane, where there is more room

Explanation: Begin pulling over at the first sign of trouble, while the engine still answers. Check your mirrors, put the hazard lights on, come off the gas and reach the nearest shoulder — a vehicle that stalls in a live freeway lane is far harder to move than one you parked deliberately.

27 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Raise the hoodAnswer
• B.Get out through the door away from traffic
• C.Turn on the hazard lights
• D.Call for help yourself if you have a phone

Explanation: Do not raise the hood. Get out through the door away from traffic if you can, then stay in the vehicle with the doors locked while you wait. The 400-series freeways and the QEW are patrolled by the OPP, so staying put is the plan, not a last resort.

28 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and ask them to call police or your auto clubAnswer
• B.Get out and discuss the problem with them
• C.Accept a lift to the nearest service station
• D.Walk along the shoulder to find a phone

Explanation: Wait inside the vehicle with the doors locked. If someone stops, ask them through the window to call the police or your automobile club; if you have a phone, call yourself. Help arrives shortly on a patrolled freeway, and the shoulder is no place to be standing.

29 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Turn off all engines, put on the emergency flashers, and set up warning signalsAnswer
• B.Move the injured people to the roadside
• C.Light a flare beside the damaged vehicles so they are visible
• D.Leave the scene to fetch help in person

Explanation: Kill the engines, switch on the flashers and warn approaching drivers. Keep matches, cigarettes and flares away from the vehicles while fuel may be leaking; and unless there is a danger of fire, leave injured people where they are and stay with them until help arrives. Every driver involved must stay at the scene.

30 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Move them as far off the road as possibleAnswer
• B.Leave them exactly where they stopped, for the investigation
• C.Move only the vehicle that was not at fault
• D.Wait for a tow truck before moving anything

Explanation: If the vehicles are drivable, move them well off the road — it does not affect the officer’s investigation, and on a busy or high-speed road leaving them in a lane is the more dangerous choice. Then exchange information: that is required by law even when damage is under $5,000 and no report is needed.

31 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.Your name and address only
• B.Your name and address, the registered owner’s name and address, the plate and permit number, and the insurance cardAnswer
• C.Whatever you choose to give, until you have spoken to a lawyer
• D.Only your insurance policy number

Explanation: You must give all possible help to the police and to anyone whose vehicle was damaged: your name and address, the name and address of the registered owner, the vehicle plate and permit number, and the liability insurance card. Collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses while they are still there, and photograph the scene if it is safe to do so.

32 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.No — below the reporting threshold nothing is required
• B.Yes — the collision must be reported to the police like any other
• C.Yes — you must still exchange information with the other driver, even though no police report is neededAnswer
• D.Only if you intend to make an insurance claim

Explanation: Below $5,000 in damage and with no injuries, the collision does not have to be reported to the police — but the law still requires you to exchange information with anyone whose vehicle was damaged. Above $5,000, or with any injury, it must be reported. Contact your insurer as soon as possible if you intend to claim.

33 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions

• A.The operator’s name and licence number, and where your vehicle is being takenAnswer
• B.Only that the towing fee is agreed in advance
• C.Nothing — your insurer will trace the vehicle later
• D.That the police have approved the towing company

Explanation: Get the name and licence number of the tow truck operator and company, and make sure you understand where your vehicle is being towed. A vehicle that leaves the scene to an address you never wrote down is the part of a collision that goes wrong days afterwards, long after everyone has gone home.

34 of 34 · Safe driving

• A.Your reaction time is slower at night.
• B.You cannot see as far ahead at night.Answer
• C.Some drivers unlawfully drive with parking lights only.
• D.The roadways are more apt to be slippery at night.

Explanation: Even with headlights on you cannot see as far ahead at night as you can by day, so the posted maximum can easily be faster than you could stop within. Slow down at night, especially on unlit roads.