Section 6b: Changing directions

The Ontario driving test assesses a driver’s ability to perform safe maneuvers, including the critical skill of Changing Directions.

Ontario Driving Test - Section 6b: Changing directions

1 / 30

What should you NOT do when entering a roundabout?

Enter when there is an adequate gap

Do visual checks of all vehicles

Adjust your speed or stop at the yield sign

Enter directly beside a vehicle already circulating

2 / 30

If you are in the inside lane of a roundabout and miss your exit, what should you do?

Make a sharp turn to the exit

Stop and reverse

Continue around until you meet your exit again

Change lanes immediately

3 / 30

During the second step of a three-point turn, after shifting into reverse, what should you do?

Keep the steering wheel straight while backing up

Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left while backing up

Signal a right turn and turn the steering wheel sharply to the right while backing up

Signal a left turn and back up quickly

4 / 30

What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches before you have entered a roundabout?

Follow the emergency vehicle into the roundabout

Pull over to the right if possible and wait for it to pass

Enter the roundabout quickly to get out of the way

Stop at the yield line and wait

5 / 30

It is illegal to drive in reverse on a divided road with a speed limit of more than:

70 km/h

60 km/h

80 km/h

50 km/h

6 / 30

What is the first step to making a U-turn as described in the text?

Signal a left turn and turn sharply

Stop in your lane and wait for traffic to clear

Check traffic and find a gap

Signal a right turn, check mirrors, and pull over to the right

7 / 30

It is illegal to make a U-turn unless you can see at least how far in both directions?

150 metres

100 metres

200 metres

50 metres

8 / 30

What is the primary purpose of splitter islands at the entry points of modern roundabouts?

To display advertisements

To increase the speed of entering traffic

To deflect and slow traffic, and provide pedestrian refuge

To provide a rest area for drivers

9 / 30

What is the first thing you should do before backing up your vehicle?

Check that the way is clear behind you

Turn sideways in your seat

Remove your seatbelt

Put the gear selector in reverse

10 / 30

What is described as the simplest and safest way to turn around?

Driving around the block

A U-turn

A three-point turn

Reversing into a driveway

11 / 30

Where should a three-point turn begin?

From the left side of the road

From the far right side of the road

From the center of the road

From any position, as long as it's safe

12 / 30

When turning as you reverse, what part of your vehicle requires extra attention to avoid a collision?

The undercarriage

The rear bumper

The roof

The front end

13 / 30

Who has the right-of-way at a roundabout?

Vehicles already in the roundabout

The vehicle that arrives first

Large vehicles like trucks and buses

Vehicles entering the roundabout

14 / 30

If you are reversing straight back or to the right, how should you position yourself to see?

Look straight ahead through the front windshield

Look only in your mirrors

Turn your body and head to the left and look over your left shoulder

Turn your body and head to the right and look over your right shoulder

15 / 30

What is a key concern when exiting a roundabout from the left (inside) lane?

Vehicles on the right that continue to circulate

Vehicles entering the roundabout from the left

The speed of the vehicle behind you

Pedestrians crossing into the central island

16 / 30

When should you use your right-turn signal to indicate you are exiting a roundabout?

Just before you reach your desired exit

As soon as you enter the roundabout

Once you have passed the exit before the one you want

You do not need to signal when exiting

17 / 30

Which of the following locations is illegal for making a U-turn?

In a school zone

On a curve in the road

On a residential street

At a traffic light

18 / 30

What is the first movement in a three-point turn after checking that the way is clear?

Reverse slowly across the road

Stop and wait for more space

Move forward, turning the steering wheel sharply left

Move forward, turning the steering wheel sharply right

19 / 30

Is it permissible to change lanes while inside a roundabout?

Yes, but only to move to an outer lane for an exit

No, unless directed by a police officer

No, you should not change lanes while in the roundabout

Yes, if you signal properly

20 / 30

Under what circumstances is it acceptable to stop while inside a roundabout?

To let another vehicle enter

To check a map

If you miss your exit

Only to avoid a collision

21 / 30

What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches while you are already in a roundabout?

Exit at your intended exit and then pull over

Continue circling until it passes

Stop immediately in the roundabout

Pull over next to the central island

22 / 30

According to the text, when are you permitted to remove your seatbelt?

While driving at low speeds

While making a three-point turn

You are never permitted to remove your seatbelt

While backing up, if needed to see properly

23 / 30

In what direction should you travel once inside a roundabout?

Counter-clockwise

The direction with the least traffic

Clockwise

The direction of your final exit

24 / 30

How do modern roundabouts differ from older 'traffic circles'?

They give right-of-way to entering traffic

They are larger and allow for higher speeds

They require traffic to merge and weave

They use features like splitter islands to slow traffic

25 / 30

When preparing to enter a roundabout, which direction should you pay special attention to for oncoming traffic?

To your right

To your left

Behind you

Straight ahead

26 / 30

Why should you allow extra room for large vehicles like trucks and buses in a roundabout?

They travel faster than cars

Their brake lights are often hard to see

They may have to swing wide or use more than one lane

They have the absolute right-of-way

27 / 30

What is an 'apron' in the context of a modern roundabout?

A pedestrian refuge on a splitter island

A designated waiting area for cyclists

A mountable portion of the centre island for large vehicles

The painted line indicating where to yield

28 / 30

When backing up, who should you be especially careful to look for?

Traffic signs

Potholes

Children and cyclists

Large trucks

29 / 30

On what type of road is a three-point turn typically necessary?

A one-way street

A narrow road

A multi-lane highway

A wide road

30 / 30

What must you do before moving forward after removing your seatbelt to reverse?

Honk your horn

Signal your intention

Check your mirrors

Buckle up again

Your score is

This section requires candidates to demonstrate proper techniques for making turns, U-turns, and lane changes. Drivers must signal their intentions clearly, check their mirrors, perform shoulder checks, and yield to other road users as needed. Examiners look for smooth steering, appropriate speed, and full awareness of surroundings. Successfully changing directions shows competence and confidence behind the wheel. Mastery of these skills ensures the safety of both the driver and others and is a core part of passing Ontario’s road test.