Section 13: Driving efficiently

The Ontario driver knowledge test features a “Driving Efficiently” section to teach new drivers about responsible and eco-friendly driving habits.

Ontario Driving Test - Section 13: Driving efficiently

1 / 30

If you are in doubt at an intersection, what does the handbook suggest you do?

Proceed quickly to clear the intersection

Let the other driver go first - yield the right-of-way

Honk to alert other drivers of your presence

Wait for all traffic to stop completely

2 / 30

Which of the following maintenance issues can substantially increase fuel consumption?

A dirty air filter

An overly loud stereo system

Worn spark plugs or dragging brakes

Low windshield washer fluid

3 / 30

Which of the following is listed as a risky driving behavior to avoid?

Yielding the right-of-way

Driving in the right-most lane

Making sudden lane changes

Using your turn signals early

4 / 30

Which of the following is NOT a pollutant mentioned as being given off by gasoline and diesel vehicles?

Hydrocarbons

Soot

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Oxides of nitrogen

5 / 30

Before entering an intersection, what areas should you check for traffic?

The lanes to your left and right

Only the road directly in front of you

Only for vehicles, not pedestrians

All directions, including sidewalks and paths/trails

6 / 30

What is a major health hazard caused by smog?

Digestive problems

Hearing loss

Respiratory ailments

Skin conditions

7 / 30

What is the primary reason for having your vehicle's alignment checked regularly?

To improve the performance of the cruise control

To ensure the steering wheel is straight

To reduce uneven tire wear and fuel consumption

To prevent fluid leaks

8 / 30

What is the recommended action if you are tired, upset, or sick?

Drink coffee and proceed with your trip

Listen to loud music to stay awake

Don't drive

Drive slowly in the right lane

9 / 30

What combines with water vapour to form acid rain?

Hydrocarbons and soot

Carbon dioxide and ground-level ozone

Gasoline and diesel fumes

Oxides of sulphur and nitrogen

10 / 30

What is a benefit of keeping your tires properly inflated?

It reduces your fuel bill, emissions, and tire wear.

It makes the engine warm up faster.

It improves the vehicle's aerodynamics.

It helps the air conditioning run more efficiently.

11 / 30

What two actions are required to properly check your blind spot before changing lanes?

Check your rearview and side mirrors only

Look in your mirror and over your shoulder

Slow down and check your GPS

Honk your horn and flash your lights

12 / 30

For longer trips, what is presented as an environmentally friendly alternative to driving alone?

Public transit

Driving at night

Renting a larger vehicle

Flying in an airplane

13 / 30

Despite giving off less carbon dioxide than larger vehicles, why are cars responsible for nearly half the carbon dioxide from all transportation?

Cars burn fuel at a higher temperature.

Cars release a different type of carbon dioxide.

So many people own cars and drive them so often.

Car engines are less efficient than truck engines.

14 / 30

How can you maintain your vehicle's aerodynamics at high speeds?

Drive with the tailgate down on a truck

Keep heavy baggage in the vehicle

Remove roof racks when not in use

Open the windows instead of using vents

15 / 30

According to the '10 ways' list, what should you do when road and weather conditions are poor?

Slow down

Follow other vehicles more closely

Turn on your interior lights

Use your cruise control

16 / 30

What is an environmentally friendly alternative for short trips?

Walking or cycling

Driving during off-peak hours

Carpooling

Taking a bus

17 / 30

What is the first tip on the list of '10 ways you can help make Ontario’s roads the safest'?

Don't drink and drive

Keep a two-second space

Obey the speed limits

Always wear your seatbelt

18 / 30

Why should you avoid “topping-off” the tank when refueling?

It can damage the fuel gauge.

Spilled fuel releases harmful vapours.

It makes the vehicle too heavy.

It reduces the engine's efficiency.

19 / 30

When is using your air conditioning more fuel-efficient than opening your windows?

During cold weather

At low speeds

In city and stop-and-go traffic

At high speeds

20 / 30

What is the maximum recommended time to idle your vehicle before turning it off?

1 minute

10 seconds

30 seconds

5 minutes

21 / 30

What two pollutants react in sunlight to form ground-level ozone, also known as smog?

Soot and water vapour

Carbon dioxide and gasoline

Hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen

Oxides of carbon and sulphur

22 / 30

According to the text, what is the primary cause of global warming?

Too much carbon dioxide and other gases trapping heat in the atmosphere

Soot particles absorbing sunlight

The depletion of the ozone layer

Acid rain damaging forests

23 / 30

What is one way to plan ahead to drive more efficiently?

Check the stock market before you leave

Leave for your destination at the last possible minute

Combine several errands into one trip

Always take the shortest route, regardless of traffic

24 / 30

Why should you avoid starting your vehicle unnecessarily?

It drains the battery quickly.

It uses up a significant amount of transmission fluid.

A large burst of pollutants is emitted when a cold engine is started.

It can damage the vehicle's aerodynamics.

25 / 30

What should you do with any fluid leaks found on your vehicle?

Try to patch them yourself with tape

Ignore them unless they are large

Top off the fluid more frequently

Have them checked by a specialist

26 / 30

What is the recommended minimum following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead?

One car length

A two-second space

A five-second space

10 meters

27 / 30

What is a suggested way to cut distractions while driving?

Use a hands-free phone

Plan your route while you are driving

Don't overcrowd the vehicle or play loud music

Only listen to talk radio

28 / 30

What two things can help improve fuel efficiency on the freeway?

Following a large truck and using your high beams

Using your vehicle’s overdrive gear and cruise control

Topping off your fuel tank and removing your mirrors

Opening your windows and driving in the fast lane

29 / 30

What should you do with unnecessary weight in your vehicle to improve efficiency?

Remove it from the vehicle

Secure it on a roof rack

Move it to the front of the vehicle

Store it in the back seat

30 / 30

Why is it recommended to avoid driving during rush hours?

There are more smog alerts during rush hour.

It causes more wear on your tires.

It increases the risk of acid rain.

It takes less time, uses less fuel, and releases fewer emissions.

Your score is

This part of the test emphasizes smooth acceleration and braking, maintaining steady speeds, and reducing unnecessary idling. It also covers proper tire maintenance, vehicle load management, and planning routes to avoid traffic congestion. Understanding these principles not only helps you pass the test but also saves fuel, lowers emissions, and reduces wear on your vehicle. Efficient driving is essential for both personal savings and the protection of Ontario’s environment for future generations.