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 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

Pedestrians crossing into the central island

The speed of the vehicle behind you

2 / 30

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

Buckle up again

Check your mirrors

Signal your intention

Honk your horn

3 / 30

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

They use features like splitter islands to slow traffic

They are larger and allow for higher speeds

They give right-of-way to entering traffic

They require traffic to merge and weave

4 / 30

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

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

Look only in your mirrors

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

Look straight ahead through the front windshield

5 / 30

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

Check that the way is clear behind you

Put the gear selector in reverse

Remove your seatbelt

Turn sideways in your seat

6 / 30

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

Stop immediately in the roundabout

Pull over next to the central island

Exit at your intended exit and then pull over

Continue circling until it passes

7 / 30

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

Signal a left turn and turn sharply

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

Stop in your lane and wait for traffic to clear

Check traffic and find a gap

8 / 30

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

Behind you

To your right

To your left

Straight ahead

9 / 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

Yes, if you signal properly

No, you should not change lanes while in the roundabout

10 / 30

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

Driving around the block

Reversing into a driveway

A three-point turn

A U-turn

11 / 30

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

Move forward, turning the steering wheel sharply right

Stop and wait for more space

Move forward, turning the steering wheel sharply left

Reverse slowly across the road

12 / 30

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

To check a map

To let another vehicle enter

If you miss your exit

Only to avoid a collision

13 / 30

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

You do not need to signal when exiting

Just before you reach your desired exit

Once you have passed the exit before the one you want

As soon as you enter the roundabout

14 / 30

In what direction should you travel once inside a roundabout?

The direction of your final exit

Clockwise

The direction with the least traffic

Counter-clockwise

15 / 30

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

The roof

The front end

The undercarriage

The rear bumper

16 / 30

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

While making a three-point turn

You are never permitted to remove your seatbelt

While driving at low speeds

While backing up, if needed to see properly

17 / 30

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

Potholes

Children and cyclists

Large trucks

Traffic signs

18 / 30

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

The painted line indicating where to yield

A mountable portion of the centre island for large vehicles

A pedestrian refuge on a splitter island

A designated waiting area for cyclists

19 / 30

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

Signal a left turn and back up quickly

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

Keep the steering wheel straight while backing up

Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left while backing up

20 / 30

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

Vehicles entering the roundabout

Large vehicles like trucks and buses

Vehicles already in the roundabout

The vehicle that arrives first

21 / 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

Stop at the yield line and wait

Enter the roundabout quickly to get out of the way

22 / 30

Where should a three-point turn begin?

From the left side of the road

From any position, as long as it's safe

From the far right side of the road

From the center of the road

23 / 30

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

At a traffic light

On a residential street

On a curve in the road

In a school zone

24 / 30

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

A multi-lane highway

A wide road

A narrow road

A one-way street

25 / 30

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

Continue around until you meet your exit again

Stop and reverse

Change lanes immediately

Make a sharp turn to the exit

26 / 30

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

200 metres

100 metres

50 metres

150 metres

27 / 30

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

70 km/h

50 km/h

60 km/h

80 km/h

28 / 30

What should you NOT do when entering a roundabout?

Adjust your speed or stop at the yield sign

Enter directly beside a vehicle already circulating

Enter when there is an adequate gap

Do visual checks of all vehicles

29 / 30

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

To increase the speed of entering traffic

To provide a rest area for drivers

To deflect and slow traffic, and provide pedestrian refuge

To display advertisements

30 / 30

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

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

They travel faster than cars

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.