Section 7: Changing positions

The Ontario driving test evaluates drivers on various skills, including the Changing Positions section.

Ontario Driving Test - Section 7: Changing positions

1 / 25

If a motorcycle in your lane moves to the left or right side of the lane, what should you do?

Follow them closely until they move

Assume they are inviting you to pass in the same lane

Pass them by changing lanes completely

Honk to tell them to move back to the center

2 / 25

What is the purpose of special passing or climbing lanes?

To allow vehicles to make U-turns

To let slower vehicles move right so faster ones can pass in the left lane

To allow vehicles to stop for a rest

To provide an extra lane for emergency vehicles only

3 / 25

What is the general rule for passing streetcars?

You must pass on the left

You are not allowed to pass streetcars

You must pass on the right

You can pass on either side

4 / 25

When passing parked vehicles, what potential hazard should you be especially watchful for?

Vehicles that are parked too close to the curb

Expired parking meters

Vehicles with flat tires

People suddenly opening doors

5 / 25

Under what condition is it permissible to pass a moving snow plow?

On a multi-lane highway

If the plow is moving very slowly

Under no conditions

If the driver signals you to pass

6 / 25

When is it particularly discouraged to change lanes?

In light traffic

In or near an intersection

On a long, straight highway

When driving below the speed limit

7 / 25

On many high-speed roads with three or more lanes, which lane are trucks often not allowed to use?

The middle lane

The far right-hand lane

The far left-hand lane

Any lane they choose

8 / 25

When passing another vehicle at night, when should you switch your headlights from low to high beams?

You should keep them on low beams for the entire pass

Before you start the pass

After you have completely passed the vehicle

As you move alongside the vehicle you are passing

9 / 25

What is the primary definition of 'passing' a vehicle?

Changing lanes to move past a slower vehicle

Following a vehicle closely

Honking to make a vehicle move faster

Driving in the same lane next to another vehicle

10 / 25

Passing on the right can be more dangerous than passing on the left. Why?

It is always illegal

The driver in front may not see you and move to the right at the same time

The right lane has more potholes

The right lane is always slower

11 / 25

According to the text, what is the first step for making a lane change?

Check your mirrors for a space in traffic.

Gently increase your speed.

Signal your intention to move.

Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder.

12 / 25

Why is it dangerous to pass when approaching the crest of a hill or on a curve?

Your vehicle may lose traction

It is harder to signal properly

Speed limits are lower in these areas

Your vision of oncoming traffic is obstructed

13 / 25

What should you do if the vehicle you are trying to pass speeds up?

Honk your horn and continue passing

Stay alongside them until they slow down

Speed up as well to complete the pass

Go back to your original lane

14 / 25

After passing a vehicle, when is it safe to move back into the original lane?

As soon as your front bumper is clear of their front bumper

When the other driver flashes their headlights at you

After you have driven 50 metres past the vehicle

When you can see the entire front of the vehicle you passed in your inside mirror

15 / 25

What is an unlawful and dangerous action to take when another driver is trying to pass you?

Slowing down slightly

Speeding up

Moving to the right side of the lane

Checking your mirrors

16 / 25

What are the two main actions involved in 'changing your position' on the road?

Changing lanes or overtaking and passing

Turning left or right at an intersection

Parking and pulling out

Slowing down and speeding up

17 / 25

Passing is not permitted within what distance of a pedestrian crossover?

50 metres

100 metres

10 metres

30 metres

18 / 25

When changing lanes, how should you adjust your speed?

Apply the brakes lightly.

Speed up rapidly to find a gap.

Maintain the same speed or gently increase it.

Slow down significantly.

19 / 25

Are you permitted to pass on a paved left shoulder?

Yes, if the vehicle ahead is turning right

No, you may not pass on the left shoulder, paved or not

Yes, if the shoulder is wide enough

Only during daylight hours

20 / 25

When a faster vehicle wants to pass you, what is the correct action to take?

Speed up to match their speed

Move to the left lane

Maintain your position in the lane

Move to the right and let it pass in safety

21 / 25

When is passing left of a centreline not permitted, according to the text?

Within 100 metres of a school zone

30 metres from a bridge, viaduct or tunnel

On any road with a posted speed limit over 60 km/h

During rush hour traffic

22 / 25

Under which specific circumstance may you drive on the right shoulder to pass?

Only to pass a vehicle turning left and only if the shoulder is paved

To pass a slow-moving truck

Whenever traffic in the main lane is stopped

Never, it is always illegal

23 / 25

What should you do before beginning any change of position on the road?

Honk your horn to alert others

Be sure you have enough space and time to complete the move safely

Turn on your four-way flashers

Slow down to half the speed limit

24 / 25

What should you specifically check for in your blind spot before a lane change?

Large trucks only

Bicycles and other small vehicles

The color of the car behind you

Road signs and signals

25 / 25

At a streetcar stop where passengers are getting on or off, how much space must you leave behind the rear doors?

At least 10 metres

At least two metres

You do not need to leave space, just slow down

At least one car length

Your score is

This part focuses on a driver’s ability to safely adjust their vehicle’s position within a lane or between lanes. Test-takers must demonstrate proper use of mirrors, signal clearly, and check blind spots before making any movement. They are expected to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and execute lane changes smoothly without abrupt steering. Examiners assess awareness, control, and communication with other road users. Mastery of changing positions is essential for safe driving and reflects good judgment and confidence on Ontario roads.