Comprehensive Ontario G1 Study Guide
Intersections are the most common sites for collisions. These rules ensure predictable movement.
Four‑Way Stops:
If two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Rationale: Establishes a clear, fair order and prevents hesitation collisions.
Uncontrolled Intersections:
If there are no signs/lights, you must yield to the vehicle on your right.
Rationale: Creates a consistent rule where no controls exist.
T‑Intersections:
Traffic on the through road has right‑of‑way.
Rationale: The road that ends must yield to avoid side‑impact crashes.
Left Turns on Red:
Allowed only when turning from a one‑way street onto another one‑way street, after a full stop and yielding.
Rationale: Traffic flow is predictable in one‑way systems.
Right Turns on Red:
Permitted after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it.
Rationale: Ensures safe merging into cross‑traffic.
Clearing the Intersection:
If you are waiting to turn left and the light turns red, complete your turn when safe.
Rationale: Prevents blocking the intersection.
Blocking Traffic:
Never enter an intersection—even on a green light—if traffic is backed up and you cannot clear it.
Rationale: Prevents gridlock and side‑impact collisions.
Flashing Red Light:
Treat as a stop sign.
Rationale: Ensures safe entry into the intersection.
Flashing Yellow Light:
Proceed with caution.
Rationale: Alerts drivers to potential hazards.
Green Arrow:
You may turn in the direction of the arrow; oncoming traffic is stopped.
Rationale: Provides a protected turn.
Red Arrow:
No turns allowed.
Rationale: Prevents conflicts with crossing traffic.
Stale Green Light:
A green light that has been green for a long time—prepare to stop.
Rationale: Anticipates a change to amber.
Ontario law prioritizes the safety of those with less protection than a car.
Red Flashing Lights:
You must stop in both directions. On a divided highway, only traffic behind the bus stops.
Rationale: Children may cross unpredictably.
Amber Lights:
These warn that the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop.
Rationale: Gives drivers time to react.
At PXOs and school crossings, wait until pedestrians fully cross the road.
Rationale: These crossings give pedestrians full legal priority.
At regular crosswalks, yield until they clear your lane.
Rationale: Ensures safe passage.
Maintain at least 1 metre when passing.
Rationale: Prevents sideswipe injuries.
Cyclists may use left‑turn lanes.
Rationale: They follow the same rules as vehicles.
When a streetcar stops for passengers (and there is no safety island), stop 2 metres behind the rear doors.
Rationale: Passengers exit directly into traffic.
Pull to the right and stop immediately when sirens/lights are active.
Rationale: Clears a path for emergency response.
When passing a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights, slow down and move over a lane if safe.
Rationale: Protects workers on the roadside.
Identified by an orange triangle.
Rationale: Warns drivers of speeds under 40 km/h.
Managing space is your best defense against accidents.
Default Speeds:
50 km/h in cities/towns
80 km/h outside built‑up areas
100 km/h on most highways
Rationale: Limits reflect road design and pedestrian density.
Minimum Speed:
Do not drive so slowly that you block traffic.
Rationale: Prevents rear‑end collisions.
Following Distance:
2 seconds in ideal conditions
4 seconds in rain, fog, or snow
Rationale: More time is needed to stop on slippery roads.
Lane Change Sequence:
Mirror → Signal → Shoulder Check → Change → Cancel Signal
Rationale: Ensures blind spots are checked before moving.
Passing on the Right:
Only allowed on multi‑lane roads or if the car ahead is turning left. Never use the shoulder.
Rationale: Shoulders are not designed for travel.
High Beams:
Switch to low beams within 150 m of oncoming vehicles or 60 m when following someone.
Rationale: Prevents blinding other drivers.
Reserved (HOV) Lanes:
Marked with a diamond; for buses, taxis, carpools, cyclists.
Rationale: Supports efficient traffic flow.
Bicycle Lanes:
Do not drive or park in them.
Rationale: Protects cyclists.
Parking rules ensure visibility and access for emergency services.
Fire Hydrants: No parking within 3 metres.
Rationale: Firefighters need access.
Railway Crossings: No parking within 15 metres.
Rationale: Prevents obstruction.
Intersections/Crosswalks/Stop Signs: No parking within 9 metres.
Rationale: Ensures visibility.
Parallel Parking: Must be within 30 cm of the curb.
Rationale: Prevents blocking traffic.
On bridges or in tunnels
Rationale: Emergency access and visibility.
On highway shoulders (except emergencies)
Rationale: High‑speed traffic makes shoulders dangerous.
Uphill with a curb: Turn wheels Away (Left) from the curb.
Downhill (or no curb): Turn wheels Toward (Right) the edge of the road.
Rationale: Prevents rolling into traffic.
Prohibited:
On hills or curves where you cannot see 150 metres in both directions
At railway crossings
Near bridges or tunnels
At intersections with traffic lights
Rationale: Visibility and traffic flow concerns.
High‑speed roads require faster decision‑making and more space.
Entering a Highway:
Use the acceleration lane to match speed, signal, shoulder check, and merge.
Rationale: Smooth merging prevents sudden braking.
Exiting a Highway:
Signal early; slow down only in the deceleration lane.
Rationale: Prevents sudden slowdowns.
Passing Large Trucks:
Pass quickly; avoid lingering beside them.
Rationale: Trucks have large blind spots.
Truck Blind Spots:
If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
Rationale: Ensures safe positioning.
Weather and emergencies require calm, controlled responses.
Skids: Steer in the direction of the skid.
Rationale: Aligns tires with direction of travel.
Hydroplaning: Ease off gas; do not brake.
Rationale: Regains traction safely.
Brake Failure: Pump brakes; use parking brake if needed.
Rationale: Builds pressure in brake lines.
Headlight Failure: Pull over immediately.
Rationale: You are invisible to others.
Winter Driving: Slow down; increase following distance; use winter tires.
Rationale: Ice reduces traction.
These are low‑risk violations but still show unsafe habits.
Improper right turn
Rationale: Turning incorrectly disrupts traffic flow.
Improper left turn
Rationale: Prevents collisions with oncoming traffic.
Improper opening of vehicle door
Rationale: Protects cyclists and passing vehicles.
Failure to signal
Rationale: Signals communicate your intentions to others.
Driving unnecessarily slowly
Rationale: Slow driving can cause rear‑end collisions.
Backing on a highway
Rationale: High‑speed roads are unsafe for reversing.
These violations significantly increase collision risk.
Running a red light
Rationale: Intersections are high‑risk zones.
Running a stop sign
Rationale: Prevents right‑of‑way collisions.
Failure to obey a police officer
Rationale: Officers direct traffic for safety.
Failure to yield right‑of‑way
Rationale: Prevents side‑impact crashes.
Improper passing
Rationale: Passing unsafely risks head‑on collisions.
Driving while holding a hand‑held device
Rationale: Distracted driving is a major collision cause.
Failure to slow/ move over for emergency vehicles
Rationale: Protects roadside workers.
These behaviors show dangerous judgment.
Following too closely (tailgating)
Rationale: Reduces reaction time and increases rear‑end crashes.
Failure to stop for a school bus (amber lights)
Rationale: Children may enter the roadway suddenly.
These are high‑risk behaviors that endanger lives.
Careless driving
Rationale: Shows disregard for road safety.
Racing / Stunt driving
Rationale: Extremely dangerous speeds and maneuvers.
Failing to stop for a school bus (red lights)
Rationale: Children are boarding/exiting.
Driving 50 km/h or more over the limit
Rationale: High‑speed crashes are often fatal.
Failing to stop at a railway crossing (school bus or vehicle carrying passengers)
Rationale: Trains cannot stop quickly.
Penalties are stricter because novice drivers are still learning.
2–5 points: Warning letter
Rationale: Early correction prevents future violations.
6–8 points: Mandatory interview
Rationale: Ensures the driver understands the risks.
Failure to attend → License suspension
9+ points: 60‑day suspension
Rationale: High point totals show unsafe driving patterns.
After suspension:
Points reset to 4
Another suspension → possible license cancellation
6–8 points: Warning letter
9–14 points: Mandatory interview
15+ points: License suspension
Rationale: High point totals indicate dangerous driving behavior.
Separate from demerit points — these apply to violations of G1/G2 license conditions.
Rationale: Immediate consequence for unsafe behavior.
Rationale: Repeated violations show poor judgment.
Rationale: Driver must restart the learning process.
These offences can result in instant roadside suspensions, vehicle impoundment, or court penalties.
Immediate 30‑day license suspension
14‑day vehicle impoundment
Possible jail time
Rationale: Extremely dangerous behavior.
Immediate roadside suspension
Zero tolerance for G1/G2
Rationale: Impairment slows reaction time and judgment.
Same penalties as impaired driving
Rationale: Ensures compliance with safety checks.
Total = 6 points
➡️ Mandatory interview
➡️ Failure to attend → Suspension
➡️ Automatic 60‑day suspension
➡️ 3 demerit points
➡️ 30‑day novice suspension (separate penalty)
➡️ 6 points
➡️ Heavy fine
➡️ Insurance increase
➡️ Immediate 30‑day suspension
➡️ Vehicle impoundment
➡️ Court summons