Section 6b: Changing directions

The Ontario driving test assesses a driver’s ability to perform safe maneuvers, including the critical skill of Changing Directions.

Ontario Driving Test - Section 6b: Changing directions

1 / 30

What is a key concern when exiting a roundabout from the left (inside) lane?

Pedestrians crossing into the central island

The speed of the vehicle behind you

Vehicles entering the roundabout from the left

Vehicles on the right that continue to circulate

2 / 30

Under what circumstances is it acceptable to stop while inside a roundabout?

To let another vehicle enter

To check a map

Only to avoid a collision

If you miss your exit

3 / 30

What is an 'apron' in the context of a modern roundabout?

A pedestrian refuge on a splitter island

A mountable portion of the centre island for large vehicles

The painted line indicating where to yield

A designated waiting area for cyclists

4 / 30

When should you use your right-turn signal to indicate you are exiting a roundabout?

As soon as you enter the roundabout

You do not need to signal when exiting

Just before you reach your desired exit

Once you have passed the exit before the one you want

5 / 30

It is illegal to drive in reverse on a divided road with a speed limit of more than:

70 km/h

80 km/h

60 km/h

50 km/h

6 / 30

What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches while you are already in a roundabout?

Exit at your intended exit and then pull over

Continue circling until it passes

Pull over next to the central island

Stop immediately in the roundabout

7 / 30

How do modern roundabouts differ from older 'traffic circles'?

They are larger and allow for higher speeds

They give right-of-way to entering traffic

They require traffic to merge and weave

They use features like splitter islands to slow traffic

8 / 30

When backing up, who should you be especially careful to look for?

Large trucks

Traffic signs

Children and cyclists

Potholes

9 / 30

In what direction should you travel once inside a roundabout?

The direction with the least traffic

Counter-clockwise

Clockwise

The direction of your final exit

10 / 30

When preparing to enter a roundabout, which direction should you pay special attention to for oncoming traffic?

To your right

To your left

Behind you

Straight ahead

11 / 30

What is the first step to making a U-turn as described in the text?

Signal a right turn, check mirrors, and pull over to the right

Check traffic and find a gap

Stop in your lane and wait for traffic to clear

Signal a left turn and turn sharply

12 / 30

Which of the following locations is illegal for making a U-turn?

At a traffic light

On a curve in the road

In a school zone

On a residential street

13 / 30

Is it permissible to change lanes while inside a roundabout?

No, unless directed by a police officer

Yes, if you signal properly

Yes, but only to move to an outer lane for an exit

No, you should not change lanes while in the roundabout

14 / 30

It is illegal to make a U-turn unless you can see at least how far in both directions?

50 metres

200 metres

100 metres

150 metres

15 / 30

If you are reversing straight back or to the right, how should you position yourself to see?

Turn your body and head to the right and look over your right shoulder

Look only in your mirrors

Turn your body and head to the left and look over your left shoulder

Look straight ahead through the front windshield

16 / 30

What must you do before moving forward after removing your seatbelt to reverse?

Check your mirrors

Buckle up again

Signal your intention

Honk your horn

17 / 30

What is the first thing you should do before backing up your vehicle?

Check that the way is clear behind you

Remove your seatbelt

Turn sideways in your seat

Put the gear selector in reverse

18 / 30

What is the first movement in a three-point turn after checking that the way is clear?

Move forward, turning the steering wheel sharply left

Move forward, turning the steering wheel sharply right

Reverse slowly across the road

Stop and wait for more space

19 / 30

What should you NOT do when entering a roundabout?

Adjust your speed or stop at the yield sign

Enter directly beside a vehicle already circulating

Do visual checks of all vehicles

Enter when there is an adequate gap

20 / 30

According to the text, when are you permitted to remove your seatbelt?

While backing up, if needed to see properly

While driving at low speeds

You are never permitted to remove your seatbelt

While making a three-point turn

21 / 30

If you are in the inside lane of a roundabout and miss your exit, what should you do?

Stop and reverse

Change lanes immediately

Continue around until you meet your exit again

Make a sharp turn to the exit

22 / 30

On what type of road is a three-point turn typically necessary?

A one-way street

A wide road

A narrow road

A multi-lane highway

23 / 30

Who has the right-of-way at a roundabout?

Large vehicles like trucks and buses

The vehicle that arrives first

Vehicles already in the roundabout

Vehicles entering the roundabout

24 / 30

What is described as the simplest and safest way to turn around?

Driving around the block

Reversing into a driveway

A U-turn

A three-point turn

25 / 30

During the second step of a three-point turn, after shifting into reverse, what should you do?

Keep the steering wheel straight while backing up

Signal a right turn and turn the steering wheel sharply to the right while backing up

Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left while backing up

Signal a left turn and back up quickly

26 / 30

What is the primary purpose of splitter islands at the entry points of modern roundabouts?

To increase the speed of entering traffic

To display advertisements

To deflect and slow traffic, and provide pedestrian refuge

To provide a rest area for drivers

27 / 30

When turning as you reverse, what part of your vehicle requires extra attention to avoid a collision?

The front end

The undercarriage

The roof

The rear bumper

28 / 30

Why should you allow extra room for large vehicles like trucks and buses in a roundabout?

They travel faster than cars

They may have to swing wide or use more than one lane

They have the absolute right-of-way

Their brake lights are often hard to see

29 / 30

Where should a three-point turn begin?

From any position, as long as it's safe

From the center of the road

From the far right side of the road

From the left side of the road

30 / 30

What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches before you have entered a roundabout?

Stop at the yield line and wait

Pull over to the right if possible and wait for it to pass

Follow the emergency vehicle into the roundabout

Enter the roundabout quickly to get out of the way

Your score is

This section requires candidates to demonstrate proper techniques for making turns, U-turns, and lane changes. Drivers must signal their intentions clearly, check their mirrors, perform shoulder checks, and yield to other road users as needed. Examiners look for smooth steering, appropriate speed, and full awareness of surroundings. Successfully changing directions shows competence and confidence behind the wheel. Mastery of these skills ensures the safety of both the driver and others and is a core part of passing Ontario’s road test.