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 a suggested way to cut distractions while driving?

Don't overcrowd the vehicle or play loud music

Plan your route while you are driving

Use a hands-free phone

Only listen to talk radio

2 / 30

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

An overly loud stereo system

Worn spark plugs or dragging brakes

Low windshield washer fluid

A dirty air filter

3 / 30

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

Top off the fluid more frequently

Ignore them unless they are large

Try to patch them yourself with tape

Have them checked by a specialist

4 / 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

Acid rain damaging forests

The depletion of the ozone layer

5 / 30

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

Topping off your fuel tank and removing your mirrors

Following a large truck and using your high beams

Using your vehicle’s overdrive gear and cruise control

Opening your windows and driving in the fast lane

6 / 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

7 / 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

8 / 30

What is a major health hazard caused by smog?

Skin conditions

Digestive problems

Respiratory ailments

Hearing loss

9 / 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.

10 / 30

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

Making sudden lane changes

Driving in the right-most lane

Yielding the right-of-way

Using your turn signals early

11 / 30

What is a benefit of keeping your tires properly inflated?

It helps the air conditioning run more efficiently.

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

It makes the engine warm up faster.

It improves the vehicle's aerodynamics.

12 / 30

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

Keep a two-second space

Don't drink and drive

Always wear your seatbelt

Obey the speed limits

13 / 30

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

Drive slowly in the right lane

Listen to loud music to stay awake

Don't drive

Drink coffee and proceed with your trip

14 / 30

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

Oxides of carbon and sulphur

Carbon dioxide and gasoline

Soot and water vapour

Hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen

15 / 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

16 / 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.

17 / 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

18 / 30

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

Secure it on a roof rack

Remove it from the vehicle

Store it in the back seat

Move it to the front of the vehicle

19 / 30

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

Always take the shortest route, regardless of traffic

Leave for your destination at the last possible minute

Check the stock market before you leave

Combine several errands into one trip

20 / 30

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

To prevent fluid leaks

To ensure the steering wheel is straight

To reduce uneven tire wear and fuel consumption

To improve the performance of the cruise control

21 / 30

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

The lanes to your left and right

Only for vehicles, not pedestrians

All directions, including sidewalks and paths/trails

Only the road directly in front of you

22 / 30

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

At high speeds

During cold weather

At low speeds

In city and stop-and-go traffic

23 / 30

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

Proceed quickly to clear the intersection

Wait for all traffic to stop completely

Honk to alert other drivers of your presence

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

24 / 30

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

Look in your mirror and over your shoulder

Check your rearview and side mirrors only

Slow down and check your GPS

Honk your horn and flash your lights

25 / 30

What is an environmentally friendly alternative for short trips?

Driving during off-peak hours

Walking or cycling

Taking a bus

Carpooling

26 / 30

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

It can damage the fuel gauge.

It reduces the engine's efficiency.

It makes the vehicle too heavy.

Spilled fuel releases harmful vapours.

27 / 30

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

Driving at night

Flying in an airplane

Renting a larger vehicle

Public transit

28 / 30

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

Turn on your interior lights

Follow other vehicles more closely

Use your cruise control

Slow down

29 / 30

Why is it recommended to avoid driving during rush hours?

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

It causes more wear on your tires.

There are more smog alerts during rush hour.

It increases the risk of acid rain.

30 / 30

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

10 seconds

5 minutes

1 minute

30 seconds

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.