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

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

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

The depletion of the ozone layer

Acid rain damaging forests

Soot particles absorbing sunlight

2 / 30

Why is it recommended to avoid driving during rush hours?

It increases the risk of acid rain.

It causes more wear on your tires.

There are more smog alerts during rush hour.

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

3 / 30

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

Topping off your fuel tank and removing your mirrors

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

4 / 30

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

A two-second space

10 meters

A five-second space

One car length

5 / 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

Keep a two-second space

Don't drink and drive

Always wear your seatbelt

6 / 30

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

Store it in the back seat

Secure it on a roof rack

Remove it from the vehicle

Move it to the front of the vehicle

7 / 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.

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.

8 / 30

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

Public transit

Flying in an airplane

Driving at night

Renting a larger vehicle

9 / 30

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

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Oxides of nitrogen

Soot

Hydrocarbons

10 / 30

What is a benefit of keeping your tires properly inflated?

It improves the vehicle's aerodynamics.

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

It makes the engine warm up faster.

It helps the air conditioning run more efficiently.

11 / 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

Honk your horn and flash your lights

Slow down and check your GPS

12 / 30

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

Honk to alert other drivers of your presence

Proceed quickly to clear the intersection

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

Wait for all traffic to stop completely

13 / 30

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

In city and stop-and-go traffic

During cold weather

At low speeds

At high speeds

14 / 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

15 / 30

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

It can damage the fuel gauge.

Spilled fuel releases harmful vapours.

It reduces the engine's efficiency.

It makes the vehicle too heavy.

16 / 30

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

30 seconds

1 minute

10 seconds

5 minutes

17 / 30

What is an environmentally friendly alternative for short trips?

Carpooling

Driving during off-peak hours

Taking a bus

Walking or cycling

18 / 30

Why should you avoid starting your vehicle unnecessarily?

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

It uses up a significant amount of transmission fluid.

It can damage the vehicle's aerodynamics.

It drains the battery quickly.

19 / 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

Only listen to talk radio

Use a hands-free phone

20 / 30

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

Keep heavy baggage in the vehicle

Open the windows instead of using vents

Drive with the tailgate down on a truck

Remove roof racks when not in use

21 / 30

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

An overly loud stereo system

Low windshield washer fluid

Worn spark plugs or dragging brakes

A dirty air filter

22 / 30

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

Have them checked by a specialist

Top off the fluid more frequently

Try to patch them yourself with tape

Ignore them unless they are large

23 / 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

Don't drive

Drive slowly in the right lane

24 / 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

25 / 30

What is a major health hazard caused by smog?

Respiratory ailments

Digestive problems

Skin conditions

Hearing loss

26 / 30

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

Use your cruise control

Turn on your interior lights

Slow down

Follow other vehicles more closely

27 / 30

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

Yielding the right-of-way

Making sudden lane changes

Driving in the right-most lane

Using your turn signals early

28 / 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

All directions, including sidewalks and paths/trails

Only for vehicles, not pedestrians

29 / 30

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

To prevent fluid leaks

To reduce uneven tire wear and fuel consumption

To improve the performance of the cruise control

To ensure the steering wheel is straight

30 / 30

What combines with water vapour to form acid rain?

Gasoline and diesel fumes

Oxides of sulphur and nitrogen

Carbon dioxide and ground-level ozone

Hydrocarbons and soot

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.