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

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

2 / 30

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

Look straight ahead through the front windshield

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

3 / 30

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

Stop in your lane and wait for traffic to clear

Signal a left turn and turn sharply

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

Check traffic and find a gap

4 / 30

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

The rear bumper

The roof

The undercarriage

The front end

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

50 km/h

60 km/h

6 / 30

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

Straight ahead

Behind you

To your left

To your right

7 / 30

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

Vehicles already in the roundabout

Large vehicles like trucks and buses

The vehicle that arrives first

Vehicles entering the roundabout

8 / 30

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

While backing up, if needed to see properly

You are never permitted to remove your seatbelt

While driving at low speeds

While making a three-point turn

9 / 30

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

Continue circling until it passes

Pull over next to the central island

Stop immediately in the roundabout

Exit at your intended exit and then pull over

10 / 30

What should you NOT do when entering a roundabout?

Adjust your speed or stop at the yield sign

Enter when there is an adequate gap

Enter directly beside a vehicle already circulating

Do visual checks of all vehicles

11 / 30

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

Continue around until you meet your exit again

Make a sharp turn to the exit

Change lanes immediately

Stop and reverse

12 / 30

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

To increase the speed of entering traffic

To provide a rest area for drivers

To deflect and slow traffic, and provide pedestrian refuge

To display advertisements

13 / 30

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

They use features like splitter islands to slow traffic

They are larger and allow for higher speeds

They require traffic to merge and weave

They give right-of-way to entering traffic

14 / 30

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

If you miss your exit

To check a map

Only to avoid a collision

To let another vehicle enter

15 / 30

Is it permissible to change lanes while inside a roundabout?

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

No, unless directed by a police officer

Yes, if you signal properly

No, you should not change lanes while in the roundabout

16 / 30

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

Vehicles entering the roundabout from the left

Pedestrians crossing into the central island

The speed of the vehicle behind you

Vehicles on the right that continue to circulate

17 / 30

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

A three-point turn

Driving around the block

Reversing into a driveway

A U-turn

18 / 30

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

They have the absolute right-of-way

Their brake lights are often hard to see

They travel faster than cars

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

19 / 30

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

A one-way street

A multi-lane highway

A wide road

A narrow road

20 / 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 right

Reverse slowly across the road

Move forward, turning the steering wheel sharply left

Stop and wait for more space

21 / 30

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

Children and cyclists

Potholes

Traffic signs

Large trucks

22 / 30

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

Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left while backing up

Signal a left turn and back up quickly

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

Keep the steering wheel straight while backing up

23 / 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

24 / 30

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

Enter the roundabout quickly to get out of the way

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

Follow the emergency vehicle into the roundabout

Stop at the yield line and wait

25 / 30

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

A mountable portion of the centre island for large vehicles

A designated waiting area for cyclists

The painted line indicating where to yield

A pedestrian refuge on a splitter island

26 / 30

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

Signal your intention

Buckle up again

Check your mirrors

Honk your horn

27 / 30

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

150 metres

100 metres

200 metres

50 metres

28 / 30

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

Remove your seatbelt

Turn sideways in your seat

Check that the way is clear behind you

Put the gear selector in reverse

29 / 30

Where should a three-point turn begin?

From any position, as long as it's safe

From the left side of the road

From the far right side of the road

From the center of the road

30 / 30

In what direction should you travel once inside a roundabout?

Clockwise

The direction with the least traffic

The direction of your final exit

Counter-clockwise

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.