Section 7: Changing positions

The Ontario driving test evaluates drivers on various skills, including the Changing Positions section.

Ontario Driving Test - Section 7: Changing positions

1 / 25

When passing another vehicle at night, when should you switch your headlights from low to high beams?

As you move alongside the vehicle you are passing

Before you start the pass

You should keep them on low beams for the entire pass

After you have completely passed the vehicle

2 / 25

What should you do before beginning any change of position on the road?

Turn on your four-way flashers

Slow down to half the speed limit

Be sure you have enough space and time to complete the move safely

Honk your horn to alert others

3 / 25

What is an unlawful and dangerous action to take when another driver is trying to pass you?

Checking your mirrors

Slowing down slightly

Moving to the right side of the lane

Speeding up

4 / 25

When changing lanes, how should you adjust your speed?

Speed up rapidly to find a gap.

Apply the brakes lightly.

Slow down significantly.

Maintain the same speed or gently increase it.

5 / 25

Why is it dangerous to pass when approaching the crest of a hill or on a curve?

Your vision of oncoming traffic is obstructed

Speed limits are lower in these areas

Your vehicle may lose traction

It is harder to signal properly

6 / 25

Passing is not permitted within what distance of a pedestrian crossover?

50 metres

10 metres

100 metres

30 metres

7 / 25

What is the general rule for passing streetcars?

You must pass on the right

You can pass on either side

You must pass on the left

You are not allowed to pass streetcars

8 / 25

On many high-speed roads with three or more lanes, which lane are trucks often not allowed to use?

Any lane they choose

The far right-hand lane

The middle lane

The far left-hand lane

9 / 25

When a faster vehicle wants to pass you, what is the correct action to take?

Speed up to match their speed

Move to the left lane

Maintain your position in the lane

Move to the right and let it pass in safety

10 / 25

What should you specifically check for in your blind spot before a lane change?

Road signs and signals

Large trucks only

The color of the car behind you

Bicycles and other small vehicles

11 / 25

What is the purpose of special passing or climbing lanes?

To provide an extra lane for emergency vehicles only

To allow vehicles to make U-turns

To allow vehicles to stop for a rest

To let slower vehicles move right so faster ones can pass in the left lane

12 / 25

At a streetcar stop where passengers are getting on or off, how much space must you leave behind the rear doors?

At least one car length

At least 10 metres

At least two metres

You do not need to leave space, just slow down

13 / 25

When passing parked vehicles, what potential hazard should you be especially watchful for?

Vehicles that are parked too close to the curb

Vehicles with flat tires

Expired parking meters

People suddenly opening doors

14 / 25

According to the text, what is the first step for making a lane change?

Check your mirrors for a space in traffic.

Signal your intention to move.

Gently increase your speed.

Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder.

15 / 25

Are you permitted to pass on a paved left shoulder?

Only during daylight hours

Yes, if the shoulder is wide enough

No, you may not pass on the left shoulder, paved or not

Yes, if the vehicle ahead is turning right

16 / 25

When is it particularly discouraged to change lanes?

On a long, straight highway

In or near an intersection

When driving below the speed limit

In light traffic

17 / 25

What are the two main actions involved in 'changing your position' on the road?

Turning left or right at an intersection

Changing lanes or overtaking and passing

Parking and pulling out

Slowing down and speeding up

18 / 25

Under what condition is it permissible to pass a moving snow plow?

On a multi-lane highway

Under no conditions

If the driver signals you to pass

If the plow is moving very slowly

19 / 25

What should you do if the vehicle you are trying to pass speeds up?

Speed up as well to complete the pass

Honk your horn and continue passing

Stay alongside them until they slow down

Go back to your original lane

20 / 25

Passing on the right can be more dangerous than passing on the left. Why?

The driver in front may not see you and move to the right at the same time

The right lane is always slower

The right lane has more potholes

It is always illegal

21 / 25

What is the primary definition of 'passing' a vehicle?

Following a vehicle closely

Honking to make a vehicle move faster

Driving in the same lane next to another vehicle

Changing lanes to move past a slower vehicle

22 / 25

If a motorcycle in your lane moves to the left or right side of the lane, what should you do?

Assume they are inviting you to pass in the same lane

Follow them closely until they move

Pass them by changing lanes completely

Honk to tell them to move back to the center

23 / 25

Under which specific circumstance may you drive on the right shoulder to pass?

Whenever traffic in the main lane is stopped

Only to pass a vehicle turning left and only if the shoulder is paved

To pass a slow-moving truck

Never, it is always illegal

24 / 25

When is passing left of a centreline not permitted, according to the text?

30 metres from a bridge, viaduct or tunnel

Within 100 metres of a school zone

On any road with a posted speed limit over 60 km/h

During rush hour traffic

25 / 25

After passing a vehicle, when is it safe to move back into the original lane?

After you have driven 50 metres past the vehicle

When the other driver flashes their headlights at you

As soon as your front bumper is clear of their front bumper

When you can see the entire front of the vehicle you passed in your inside mirror

Your score is

This part focuses on a driver’s ability to safely adjust their vehicle’s position within a lane or between lanes. Test-takers must demonstrate proper use of mirrors, signal clearly, and check blind spots before making any movement. They are expected to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and execute lane changes smoothly without abrupt steering. Examiners assess awareness, control, and communication with other road users. Mastery of changing positions is essential for safe driving and reflects good judgment and confidence on Ontario roads.