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

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

To reduce uneven tire wear and fuel consumption

To prevent fluid leaks

To ensure the steering wheel is straight

To improve the performance of the cruise control

2 / 30

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

Honk to alert other drivers of your presence

Wait for all traffic to stop completely

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

Proceed quickly to clear the intersection

3 / 30

Why should you avoid starting your vehicle unnecessarily?

It drains the battery quickly.

It uses up a significant amount of transmission fluid.

It can damage the vehicle's aerodynamics.

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

4 / 30

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

Soot and water vapour

Oxides of carbon and sulphur

Carbon dioxide and gasoline

Hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen

5 / 30

Why is it recommended to avoid driving during rush hours?

It causes more wear on your tires.

It increases the risk of acid rain.

There are more smog alerts during rush hour.

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

6 / 30

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

Hydrocarbons

Oxides of nitrogen

Soot

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

7 / 30

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

The depletion of the ozone layer

Acid rain damaging forests

Soot particles absorbing sunlight

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

8 / 30

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

30 seconds

5 minutes

10 seconds

1 minute

9 / 30

What is a suggested way to cut distractions while driving?

Only listen to talk radio

Plan your route while you are driving

Don't overcrowd the vehicle or play loud music

Use a hands-free phone

10 / 30

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

Drive slowly in the right lane

Don't drive

Drink coffee and proceed with your trip

Listen to loud music to stay awake

11 / 30

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

It can damage the fuel gauge.

It makes the vehicle too heavy.

It reduces the engine's efficiency.

Spilled fuel releases harmful vapours.

12 / 30

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

Slow down and check your GPS

Check your rearview and side mirrors only

Look in your mirror and over your shoulder

Honk your horn and flash your lights

13 / 30

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

Only for vehicles, not pedestrians

The lanes to your left and right

Only the road directly in front of you

All directions, including sidewalks and paths/trails

14 / 30

What is a benefit of keeping your tires properly inflated?

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

It helps the air conditioning run more efficiently.

It makes the engine warm up faster.

It improves the vehicle's aerodynamics.

15 / 30

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

Open the windows instead of using vents

Remove roof racks when not in use

Keep heavy baggage in the vehicle

Drive with the tailgate down on a truck

16 / 30

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

Opening your windows and driving in the fast lane

Following a large truck and using your high beams

Topping off your fuel tank and removing your mirrors

Using your vehicle’s overdrive gear and cruise control

17 / 30

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

Cars release a different type of carbon dioxide.

Car engines are less efficient than truck engines.

Cars burn fuel at a higher temperature.

So many people own cars and drive them so often.

18 / 30

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

A dirty air filter

Worn spark plugs or dragging brakes

Low windshield washer fluid

An overly loud stereo system

19 / 30

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

A two-second space

One car length

10 meters

A five-second space

20 / 30

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

Move it to the front of the vehicle

Secure it on a roof rack

Remove it from the vehicle

Store it in the back seat

21 / 30

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

Obey the speed limits

Don't drink and drive

Keep a two-second space

Always wear your seatbelt

22 / 30

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

Turn on your interior lights

Slow down

Follow other vehicles more closely

Use your cruise control

23 / 30

What is a major health hazard caused by smog?

Respiratory ailments

Hearing loss

Digestive problems

Skin conditions

24 / 30

What combines with water vapour to form acid rain?

Carbon dioxide and ground-level ozone

Gasoline and diesel fumes

Hydrocarbons and soot

Oxides of sulphur and nitrogen

25 / 30

What is an environmentally friendly alternative for short trips?

Carpooling

Walking or cycling

Driving during off-peak hours

Taking a bus

26 / 30

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

At low speeds

At high speeds

In city and stop-and-go traffic

During cold weather

27 / 30

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

Using your turn signals early

Driving in the right-most lane

Making sudden lane changes

Yielding the right-of-way

28 / 30

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

Renting a larger vehicle

Flying in an airplane

Driving at night

Public transit

29 / 30

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

Leave for your destination at the last possible minute

Combine several errands into one trip

Check the stock market before you leave

Always take the shortest route, regardless of traffic

30 / 30

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

Ignore them unless they are large

Have them checked by a specialist

Try to patch them yourself with tape

Top off the fluid more frequently

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.