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

Why is it recommended to avoid driving during rush hours?

It causes more wear on your tires.

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

It increases the risk of acid rain.

There are more smog alerts during rush hour.

2 / 30

What is a suggested way to cut distractions while driving?

Use a hands-free phone

Only listen to talk radio

Plan your route while you are driving

Don't overcrowd the vehicle or play loud music

3 / 30

What is an environmentally friendly alternative for short trips?

Taking a bus

Carpooling

Driving during off-peak hours

Walking or cycling

4 / 30

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

Combine several errands into one trip

Leave for your destination at the last possible minute

Check the stock market before you leave

Always take the shortest route, regardless of traffic

5 / 30

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

30 seconds

10 seconds

5 minutes

1 minute

6 / 30

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

Opening your windows and driving in the fast lane

Using your vehicle’s overdrive gear and cruise control

Following a large truck and using your high beams

Topping off your fuel tank and removing your mirrors

7 / 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

8 / 30

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

Flying in an airplane

Driving at night

Public transit

Renting a larger vehicle

9 / 30

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

Look in your mirror and over your shoulder

Slow down and check your GPS

Check your rearview and side mirrors only

Honk your horn and flash your lights

10 / 30

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

Driving in the right-most lane

Making sudden lane changes

Yielding the right-of-way

Using your turn signals early

11 / 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

Hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen

Soot and water vapour

12 / 30

Why should you avoid starting your vehicle unnecessarily?

It drains the battery quickly.

It can damage the vehicle's aerodynamics.

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

It uses up a significant amount of transmission fluid.

13 / 30

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

Car engines are less efficient than truck engines.

So many people own cars and drive them so often.

Cars release a different type of carbon dioxide.

Cars burn fuel at a higher temperature.

14 / 30

What combines with water vapour to form acid rain?

Hydrocarbons and soot

Gasoline and diesel fumes

Oxides of sulphur and nitrogen

Carbon dioxide and ground-level ozone

15 / 30

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

Ignore them unless they are large

Try to patch them yourself with tape

Top off the fluid more frequently

Have them checked by a specialist

16 / 30

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

Always wear your seatbelt

Keep a two-second space

Obey the speed limits

Don't drink and drive

17 / 30

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

Drive with the tailgate down on a truck

Remove roof racks when not in use

Open the windows instead of using vents

Keep heavy baggage in the vehicle

18 / 30

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

To ensure the steering wheel is straight

To prevent fluid leaks

To improve the performance of the cruise control

To reduce uneven tire wear and fuel consumption

19 / 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

Move it to the front of the vehicle

Store it in the back seat

20 / 30

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

A five-second space

10 meters

A two-second space

One car length

21 / 30

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

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

Proceed quickly to clear the intersection

Honk to alert other drivers of your presence

Wait for all traffic to stop completely

22 / 30

What is a benefit of keeping your tires properly inflated?

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

It improves the vehicle's aerodynamics.

It makes the engine warm up faster.

It helps the air conditioning run more efficiently.

23 / 30

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

Only for vehicles, not pedestrians

All directions, including sidewalks and paths/trails

The lanes to your left and right

Only the road directly in front of you

24 / 30

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

Low windshield washer fluid

Worn spark plugs or dragging brakes

An overly loud stereo system

A dirty air filter

25 / 30

What is a major health hazard caused by smog?

Hearing loss

Skin conditions

Respiratory ailments

Digestive problems

26 / 30

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

Soot particles absorbing sunlight

Acid rain damaging forests

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

The depletion of the ozone layer

27 / 30

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

In city and stop-and-go traffic

At high speeds

At low speeds

During cold weather

28 / 30

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

Hydrocarbons

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Soot

Oxides of nitrogen

29 / 30

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

It reduces the engine's efficiency.

It can damage the fuel gauge.

Spilled fuel releases harmful vapours.

It makes the vehicle too heavy.

30 / 30

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

Listen to loud music to stay awake

Drink coffee and proceed with your trip

Drive slowly in the right lane

Don't drive

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.