Cheat sheet
Rules of the Road
Speed limits, right of way, signals, lane discipline, G1 restrictions and the rules every driver must know on Ontario roads.
The facts to remember, in one place. Drill them with mock exams and spaced repetition in G1 Knowledge Test.
Download on theApp StoreOntario speed limits
- ◆ Built-up areas (city, town, village): 50 km/h unless otherwise posted.
- ◆ Outside built-up areas: 80 km/h unless otherwise posted.
- ◆ 400-series highways: usually 100 km/h, with some sections posted at 110 km/h.
- ◆ School zones and community safety zones: reduced limits, often when lights are flashing.
- ◆ Speeding fines are doubled in construction zones when workers are present.
G1 driver restrictions
- ◆ You must have zero blood alcohol concentration whenever you drive.
- ◆ An accompanying driver with a full Class G licence (held at least four years) must sit in the front passenger seat.
- ◆ You may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- ◆ You may not drive on 400-series highways unless a licensed driving instructor is with you.
- ◆ Every person in the vehicle must have a working seat belt, and all must be worn.
Right of way and intersections
- ◆ At a four-way stop, if two vehicles arrive together, the one on the right goes first.
- ◆ When a traffic signal is out, treat the intersection as an all-way stop.
- ◆ Turning vehicles must yield to pedestrians crossing the road they are entering.
- ◆ A flashing red light means stop, then proceed when clear; a flashing green allows a protected left turn.
- ◆ You may turn right on red after a full stop when clear, unless a sign prohibits it.
Ontario demerit points
- ◆ Points are added on conviction and stay on your record for two years from the offence date.
- ◆ Novice (G1/G2) drivers face a 30-day suspension at 9 or more points.
- ◆ Novice drivers get a warning letter at 2 points and may be called for an interview at 6.
- ◆ Fully licensed drivers risk suspension at 15 or more points.
- ◆ You start at zero -- points are added for offences, not deducted from a balance.
Blood alcohol limits in Ontario
- ◆ G1, G2, and all drivers aged 21 and under must have a zero blood alcohol concentration.
- ◆ A BAC of 0.05 to 0.08 ("warn range") brings an immediate roadside licence suspension.
- ◆ A BAC of 0.08 or over is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code.
- ◆ Drugs, including cannabis, are treated like alcohol -- novice and young drivers must have zero in their system.
- ◆ Refusing a breath or drug test carries the same penalties as failing it.
Ontario graduated licensing (G1, G2, G)
- ◆ Stage one is G1, earned by passing the vision and knowledge tests.
- ◆ You must hold G1 for 12 months before the G2 road test, or 8 months with an approved driver-education course.
- ◆ Passing the G1 road test gives you a G2 licence with fewer restrictions.
- ◆ After at least 12 months at G2 you can take the G2 (full G) road test.
- ◆ The whole graduated licensing process takes a minimum of about 20 months.
After G1: booking the road test
- ◆ You can book the road test once you have met the minimum G1 holding period.
- ◆ Road tests are booked through DriveTest, online or by phone.
- ◆ The G1 road test covers city and lower-speed driving skills, not highways.
- ◆ You must bring a roadworthy, insured vehicle that you provide.
- ◆ Passing moves you to G2; failing means you can rebook after a short wait.
Seat belts and child seats
- ◆ Everyone in the vehicle must wear a properly fastened seat belt.
- ◆ The driver is responsible for ensuring passengers under 16 are buckled up or in the correct restraint.
- ◆ Rear-facing infant seats are used for the smallest babies.
- ◆ Forward-facing child seats with a tether strap follow, then booster seats.
- ◆ A child can use the seat belt alone once they are big enough for it to fit correctly.
Ontario distracted driving laws
- ◆ You may not hold or use a handheld phone or device while driving.
- ◆ Hands-free use is allowed, but you cannot touch or hold the device.
- ◆ A first conviction brings a fine, demerit points, and a licence suspension.
- ◆ Novice (G1/G2) drivers face an escalating suspension instead of demerit points.
- ◆ You may use a handheld phone only to call 911 in a genuine emergency.
Stopping for school buses
- ◆ When a school bus has its upper red lights flashing, you must stop.
- ◆ Stop at least 20 metres away whether you are behind it or meeting it.
- ◆ On a road without a median you must stop in both directions.
- ◆ On a divided highway, only traffic behind the bus must stop.
- ◆ Passing a stopped school bus carries a heavy fine and 6 demerit points.
Driving through roundabouts
- ◆ Traffic in the roundabout moves counter-clockwise (to the right).
- ◆ Yield to traffic already in the roundabout before you enter.
- ◆ Enter when there is a safe gap -- you do not have to stop if it is clear.
- ◆ Signal right as you approach your exit.
- ◆ Yield to pedestrians and cyclists at the marked crossings.
Turning and signalling
- ◆ Signal at least 30 metres before you turn so others can react.
- ◆ Move into the correct lane well before the intersection.
- ◆ You may turn right on a red light after a full stop, unless a sign forbids it.
- ◆ You may turn left on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
- ◆ Always yield to pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into.
Highway and freeway driving
- ◆ G1 drivers may not drive on 400-series highways unless a licensed driving instructor is with them.
- ◆ Use the on-ramp to match the speed of traffic before you merge.
- ◆ Keep right except when passing slower vehicles.
- ◆ Leave at least a two-second following gap, more at high speed or in poor weather.
- ◆ Signal and check your blind spot before every lane change.
Sharing the road with others
- ◆ When passing a cyclist you must leave at least one metre of space.
- ◆ Large trucks have big blind spots -- if you cannot see the driver’s mirror, they cannot see you.
- ◆ Trucks and buses take much longer to stop, so never cut in front of them.
- ◆ Pull over and stop for approaching emergency vehicles with lights and sirens.
- ◆ Motorcycles are small and easy to miss -- look twice before turning or changing lanes.
Emergency vehicles and the move-over law
- ◆ When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right and stop.
- ◆ Do not block intersections while waiting -- clear the way if you can.
- ◆ The move-over law requires you to slow down and, if safe, change lanes for stopped emergency or tow vehicles with their lights on.
- ◆ On a road with two or more lanes in your direction, move into a farther lane to pass.
- ◆ Never follow an emergency vehicle closely to get through traffic.
Following distance and stopping
- ◆ Keep at least a two-second gap to the vehicle ahead in good conditions.
- ◆ Double the gap to four seconds or more in rain, snow, or fog.
- ◆ Total stopping distance is your reaction distance plus braking distance.
- ◆ Stopping distance grows sharply as speed increases.
- ◆ Tailgating gives you no room to react if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
Fatigue and drowsy driving
- ◆ Drowsiness slows your reactions and judgement much like alcohol does.
- ◆ Yawning, heavy eyelids, and drifting in your lane are warning signs of fatigue.
- ◆ The only real cure for fatigue is to stop and sleep -- not coffee or fresh air.
- ◆ Pull off at a rest area or safe spot the moment you feel drowsy.
- ◆ Plan regular breaks and avoid driving at times you would normally be asleep.
Collisions and reporting
- ◆ You must stop at the scene of any collision you are involved in.
- ◆ Give your name, address, licence and insurance details to others involved.
- ◆ Help anyone who is injured and call emergency services if needed.
- ◆ Report a collision to police when there are injuries or significant damage.
- ◆ Leaving the scene of a collision is a serious criminal offence.
Vehicle lights and signals
- ◆ Turn on your headlights from half an hour before sunset to half an hour after sunrise.
- ◆ Use headlights, not just daytime running lights, in rain, snow, or fog.
- ◆ Switch to low beams within 150 metres of an oncoming vehicle.
- ◆ Drop to low beams within 60 metres when following another vehicle.
- ◆ Use turn signals well before every turn and lane change.
Passing and overtaking
- ◆ Pass only when you can see far enough ahead to return safely to your lane.
- ◆ A solid yellow line on your side means you must not pass.
- ◆ Signal, check your blind spot, and pass on the left of the vehicle ahead.
- ◆ You may pass on the right only in limited cases, such as a one-way road.
- ◆ Never exceed the speed limit to complete a pass.
Cannabis and drug-impaired driving
- ◆ G1, G2, and drivers aged 21 and under must have zero drugs in their system.
- ◆ Cannabis impairs reaction time, judgement, and coordination behind the wheel.
- ◆ Drug-impaired driving carries the same penalties as alcohol-impaired driving.
- ◆ Even prescription or over-the-counter medicines can impair your driving.
- ◆ Refusing a roadside drug test carries the same penalties as failing it.
Driver hand signals
- ◆ Left turn: left arm extended straight out the window.
- ◆ Right turn: left arm out and bent upward at the elbow.
- ◆ Stop or slow: left arm out and bent downward at the elbow.
- ◆ Use hand signals if your turn-signal lights stop working.
- ◆ Cyclists use these same signals to show their intentions to drivers.
Changing lanes safely
- ◆ Check your mirrors, then signal, then check your blind spot before moving.
- ◆ Your mirrors do not show the blind spot -- turn your head to check.
- ◆ Change only one lane at a time and leave a safe gap.
- ◆ Do not change lanes in an intersection or where a solid line forbids it.
- ◆ Cancel your signal once the lane change is complete.
Work zone safety
- ◆ Obey the reduced speed limit posted through the work zone.
- ◆ Speeding fines are doubled in a construction zone when workers are present.
- ◆ Follow the directions of a traffic-control person and their STOP/SLOW paddle.
- ◆ Slow down and, where required, move over for roadside work vehicles.
- ◆ Watch for lane shifts, narrowed lanes, and sudden stops in traffic.
Animals on the road
- ◆ Wildlife is most active and hardest to see at dawn, dusk, and after dark.
- ◆ Slow down and scan the ditches and roadside where wildlife signs are posted.
- ◆ If one animal crosses, expect others to follow.
- ◆ Brake firmly and stay in your lane rather than swerving into oncoming traffic.
- ◆ Use high beams on dark rural roads when no other vehicles are near.
Reversing and backing up
- ◆ Check all around the vehicle before you begin to reverse.
- ◆ Turn your head and look directly through the rear window as you back up.
- ◆ Reverse slowly and only as far as you need to.
- ◆ Never back up on a freeway or in an intersection.
- ◆ Yield to any pedestrians or vehicles while you are reversing.
Basic vehicle maintenance
- ◆ Keep tyres properly inflated and replace them when the tread is worn.
- ◆ Have your brakes checked regularly and act on any unusual noise or pull.
- ◆ Make sure all lights, signals, and the horn work before driving.
- ◆ Keep your windshield, mirrors, and washer fluid clear for good visibility.
- ◆ A poorly maintained vehicle can fail a safety standards inspection.