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

Are you permitted to pass on a paved left shoulder?

Yes, if the shoulder is wide enough

Yes, if the vehicle ahead is turning right

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

Only during daylight hours

2 / 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

Your vision of oncoming traffic is obstructed

Speed limits are lower in these areas

3 / 25

When changing lanes, how should you adjust your speed?

Speed up rapidly to find a gap.

Slow down significantly.

Maintain the same speed or gently increase it.

Apply the brakes lightly.

4 / 25

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

As you move alongside the vehicle you are passing

You should keep them on low beams for the entire pass

Before you start the pass

After you have completely passed the vehicle

5 / 25

When is it particularly discouraged to change lanes?

In light traffic

When driving below the speed limit

On a long, straight highway

In or near an intersection

6 / 25

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

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

Slow down to half the speed limit

Turn on your four-way flashers

Honk your horn to alert others

7 / 25

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

Bicycles and other small vehicles

Large trucks only

Road signs and signals

The color of the car behind you

8 / 25

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

Honking to make a vehicle move faster

Driving in the same lane next to another vehicle

Changing lanes to move past a slower vehicle

Following a vehicle closely

9 / 25

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

Vehicles with flat tires

Vehicles that are parked too close to the curb

Expired parking meters

People suddenly opening doors

10 / 25

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

Parking and pulling out

Turning left or right at an intersection

Slowing down and speeding up

Changing lanes or overtaking and passing

11 / 25

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

30 metres from a bridge, viaduct or tunnel

During rush hour traffic

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

Within 100 metres of a school zone

12 / 25

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

10 metres

50 metres

100 metres

30 metres

13 / 25

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

Under no conditions

If the driver signals you to pass

If the plow is moving very slowly

On a multi-lane highway

14 / 25

What is the purpose of special passing or climbing lanes?

To provide an extra lane for emergency vehicles only

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

15 / 25

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

Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder.

Check your mirrors for a space in traffic.

Gently increase your speed.

Signal your intention to move.

16 / 25

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

The right lane is always slower

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

The right lane has more potholes

It is always illegal

17 / 25

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

Go back to your original lane

Speed up as well to complete the pass

Honk your horn and continue passing

Stay alongside them until they slow down

18 / 25

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

Moving to the right side of the lane

Checking your mirrors

Slowing down slightly

Speeding up

19 / 25

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

Whenever traffic in the main lane is stopped

To pass a slow-moving truck

Never, it is always illegal

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

20 / 25

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

When the other driver flashes their headlights at you

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

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

After you have driven 50 metres past the vehicle

21 / 25

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

Honk to tell them to move back to the center

Pass them by changing lanes completely

Assume they are inviting you to pass in the same lane

Follow them closely until they move

22 / 25

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

The far left-hand lane

The far right-hand lane

The middle lane

Any lane they choose

23 / 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

You do not need to leave space, just slow down

At least two metres

At least one car length

24 / 25

What is the general rule for passing streetcars?

You can pass on either side

You are not allowed to pass streetcars

You must pass on the right

You must pass on the left

25 / 25

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

Speed up to match their speed

Maintain your position in the lane

Move to the right and let it pass in safety

Move to the left lane

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.