Course Certification

1. 20 hours
2. 10 hours
3. Driving school submits results to Ministry of Transportation
4. Driving school will notify you once certification process has been completed
5. Local Service Ontario office to purchase your Driver’s Licence History Search

Rules of the Road

Stop Signs
- sidewalk: stop before stop sign + yield ROW to pedestrians, then inch forward to turn
right
- no sidewalk: stop right at the edge of intersection

Four Way Stop Sign

- Vehicle that stops first, goes first
- 2 vehicles that arrive at the same time = right vehicle goes first
- after pedestrian crosses, roll slightly forward to show your intent

Yield Signs
- usually in merging roads

With-Flow Reserved Lanes

- double broken white lines + diamond
- enter diamond lane and leave with diamond lane
- turning right = turn signal, check and change out
- if you enter the diamond lane, you must turn right

Lane Markings
white lines = same direction
yellow = opposite direction
- broken = cars can pass in either direction
- solid + broken = cars pass in one direction (broken line)
- solid double = no passing

never drive on left of solid yellow unless

- left turning
 - carpool lane
- instructed to do so

double double yellow lines = never cross unless there is designated opening

Signal Intersections
- most intersections allow turning while light is red once you’ve stopped + yielded ROW
- flashing yellow = slow down but don’t stop
- flashing red = same as stop sign controlled intersection
- congested traffic = get all the way through intersection before entering

Lane Changes
1. signal
2. check mirror in direction you want to go
3. change lanes when safe to do so

- traffic in that lane has ROW

- change one at a time

Scanning
- look 10-15 seconds down the road
- intersections = check for cars and their intention even if you have the ROW
- check rear-view mirror when slowing down

Following Distance
- 3-second rule = wait for car to cross chosen object then start counting to 3
- increase time depending on conditions

Passing
- passing requires seeing a third of a mile ahead
- if you can’t always assume there’s a car coming
- if there’s any doubt, do not pass
- make sure there’s enough space when passing
- when you can see both headlights of car you passed, there’s enough room to come back
to lane

Hazardous Conditions
- if you can’t see 100 feet in front = not safe to drive faster than 30 miles per hour
- slow down at night
 - don’t look directly into oncoming headlights (helps to look to right edge of lane)
- slow down around terrain

Vehicle Handling
Right Turns
- with parked car (within 30 metres): turn into next lane nearest to the right if there’s not
traffic
- Towns and villages: some have white line (shoulder) stay to left of white line

Left Turns
- Always shoulder check
- Yield to pedestrians
- Avoid speeding up
- do not turn when vehicle is also making a right turn
- always check for oncoming traffic
- one vehicle turning at a time
- keep wheels straight when going into intersection

When two lanes can turn:

- same lane turning into
- watch for other vehicles who don’t stay in their lane

one-way street
- move closest to left curb
- turn into closest if lane is blocked

two-way street
- turn into lane closest to centre line

two-way to one-way
- turn from closest to centre lane into leftmost lane on one-way

Roundabouts and Traffic Circles

- reduce to posted speed or slower
- yield to those in the roundabout
- when there is no traffic on the left, proceed
- you have ROW over vehicles entering
- signal onto street you are exiting before you exit
- do not make a right turn from left lane (do not change lanes)
Traffic Circles **do not change lanes
¼ - enter through outside lane
½ - enter from left (but entering from right side permitted)
¾ - do not enter from right lane + exit by signaling right

Passing
- beware of vehicles parked on the other side
- illegal to pass speed when passing

1. check side and rear-view mirrors

2. signal left
3. check blindspot on your left
4. check that the road is clear
5. once you can see car that you’ve passed in your rear-view, check blind spot on your
right, signal right

- when you’re being passed, move to the right

- beware of wind turbulence from large vehicles

Never pass
- never pass by driving off the road
- never pass by vehicle yielding ROW to road user
- never pass near school during school times/children are near school playground
- on left side if its not clear ahead
- where construction is ahead on highways

Passing on the right is only allowed when

- overtaking vehicle making a left turn
- on one way streets
- streets with marked lanes

Emergency Vehicles Passing

- yield ROW
- move clear of an intersection even if there is red light (safest way possible)
- move to curb if possible
- slow down and proceed with caution on emergency vehicle
- if two lanes are open move to furthest lane possible

Entering Expressway
- check traffic to decide speed right at point (you can stop there before the merge lane)
- keep in mind driver behind you
- touch your brakes lightly to let others know if you aren’t sure
 - use merge lane to match speed
- keep lots of space b/w you and vehicle ahead
- don’t stop in the entrance lane (increases accident)

Leaving an Expressway
- give time to move to rightmost lane
- maintain speed
- then change speed on the exit ramp
- never stop to back out if you miss the ramp, continue onto next exit

ROW Rules
- Uncontrolled intersections: both must slow down, left vehicle yields to right vehicle
- Private entrances to public thoroughfares: stop before crossing sidewalk

Zipper Merge
- light traffic: earlier merge
- moderate to heavy traffic: zipper merge (drivers use lanes fully until the end, alternating
into open lane)

Parallel Parking
- judge if space if big enough for car
- stop when rear bumper is in line with front car’s bumper
- leave one metre of space b/w vehicle
- steer sharply to right until 45 degree angle with the curb
- straighten wheels continue backing until right end of front bumper is in line with back end
of front car
- turn sharply to left
- straighten wheels when inside

when exiting:
1. back vehicle
2. move forward slowly
3. signal + check for traffic + shoulder check

Angle Parking
1. signal intention to park
2. check for approaching traffic
3. approach stall 1 car width from parked vehicles
4. match front bumper to parked car’s back bumper
5. steer to the right sharply
6. check either side
7. straighten wheels and drive forward
Baking out:
1. shoulder check sides and rear (make sure it’s clear)
2. if vision is blocked (move back cautiously)

Backing
- think ahead
- be ready to accommodate other road users
- make adjustments for others

1. Inspect Vehicle and area around it

2. Walk around vehicle
3. Back up at very slow speed (no faster than 5km/hour)
4. Manually look in blind spots (shoulder check)

Parking Lot:
- pay attention to rapidly changing environment + speed

Aggressive Driving
Understanding Emotional and Aggressive

Implications and Dangers driving Emotionally Impaired

- overwhelms your rational thoughts
- affects your ability to concentrate
- makes it difficult to focus on driving

Some signs of Stress:

1. low levels of tolerance for others
2. sore back, neck or legs
3. heartburn
4. unexpected weight gain or loss
5. inability to sleep
6. high levels of emotions
7. Irritability and/or dizziness
8. inability to concentrate
9. general feeling or sickness
10. doing or saying things you later regret
11. headache, or migraine
12. inability to remember things
Types of driving conditions that add stress:
1. not doing a walk around prior to your trip
2. Not properly maintaining a vehicle
3. Time constraints (not planning trips)
4. Construction zones
5. rush hour traffic
6. traffic jams
7. weather conditions
8. other people’s driving habits

How Positive and Negative Emotions Can Impair Driving

- increases odds of an accident
- makes you see less of the road

Responding to Emotional and Aggressive Driving Behaviours

- take deep breaths

What Provokes Emotional Driving:

- Vehicle design
- traffic environment
- Attitudes towards driving

Overcome Isolation in Your Vehicle

Isolation Factors:
- Cell Phones
- Music System
- Tinted Windows
- Size of your vehicle

Traffic Environment Factors:

- increase in drivers and vehicles on the road = congested traffic
- hot weather and overheated vehicles
- highly skilled to unskilled drivers
- inadequate infrastructure
- poor traffic flow management

Proactive techniques
1. Consideration for others
2. Patience
3. Planning Ahead
4. Following rules of the road + signalling
 5. not making incidents personal (realizing that drivers make mistakes)
6. Secure everything in your vehicle
7. Understanding your own ability, skills, and limitations

Some Techniques for Reducing Exposure to Potentially Frustrating Driving

Situations:
1. Choose a route that avoids construction zones, school zones, or highly constructed
areas
2. chess a less stressful time of day to drive
3. choose to leave vehicle at home and use other form of transportation
4. plan ahead
5. clean your windshield (looking through dirty windshield is a common causes fatigue)
6. Plan journey with breaks

Tips to Avoid Aggressive Driving

1. ignore unimportant and understand you’re task is not to change other drivers’ behaviours
on the road
2. Stay safe distance from aggressive drivers
3. 3 second rule
4. use horn only when necessary
5. leave passing land and turning lane free for other drivers
6. ensure enough space for merging
7. if driver cuts you off, slow down and give them room
8. if you feel driver behind you is too close, pull over to right lane (allow driver to pass
vehicle)
9. Never stop on the road to talk with a pedestrian or other driver
10. if you have to travel slowly stay on the right/pull over
11. stay far from large vehicles
12. when parking never take more than one parking space

Safe Driving
How to share the road with motorcycles
- You might not always see a signal from them if they throttle
- Allow 3-4 seconds following distance

How to share the road with trains

- Always expect a train
- Look for second train
- If your car gets stuck on the tracks, get everyone out and call emergency railroad
dispatch and give them the unique code (bottom right)
 - If there is no pavement marking or stop bar before the railway crossing, stop at least 1
car’s length away from the nearest rail track

What to do if you run off the pavement

- Stay on shoulder and steer straight
- Apply brakes gently

What to do during blowouts

- Foot off accelerator
- Brake only + move to shoulder when car is controlled
- Let vehicle coast to stop if vehicle swerves to the shoulder
- Drive to safe spot to change tire

How to avoid a head-on collision

- Brake hard
- Never swerve left
- Head for shoulder on right of the road
- Drive into ditch if necessary
- Aim for objects that is capable of energy absorption

How to avoid hitting animals

- October- early january (deers)
- Highbeams during night to see glaring eyes
- Reduce lights and honk
- Do not swerve, brake

How to avoid using cell phone behind the wheel

- Put it on silent and stow it out of reach

How to manage passengers while driving

- Assign seats and roles

Winter Driving
- run-off-the-road more likely to happen
- Deadliest time on Canadian roads = second half of the year

Preparing for challenging conditions

1. Heavy Snow
2. Blizzards
3. Black Ice
 4. Freezing Rain

Driving techniques for severe or unpredictable settings

- Inform your friends about your route
- Always try to stay on main road
- Check weather reports and road conditions before leaving
- Plan for unforeseen weather changes
- Carry a winter emergency kit and winter survival kit
- Fill your tank before leaving town
- Carry a spare key separate from your regular set of keys

- Front-wheel-drive vehicles perform better on slick roads

- Back end of rear-wheel-drive vehicles tends to slide from side-to-side on icy roads
- Four-wheel-drive and sport-utility vehicles provide better traction when starting out
- Pick-up trucks with rear-wheel-drive are prone to rear-wheel skids on slippery surfaces

Low Temperature:
- Check your tire pressure monthly
- use winter tires for best traction
- all-season and summer tires begin to lose elasticity at temperatures below 7 degrees
Celsius
- Four matching tires will improve vehicle handling
- wide tires not suitable for winter driving

Advantages of using nitrogen to fill tires:

- nitrogen reduces the deterioration of the tire and rim
- Nitrogen reduces the changes in tire pressure due to changes in temperature
- keep your tires properly inflated

Preparing for winter driving:

- ensure 360-degree visibility in your vehicle
- vehicle’s tailpipe and wheels are clear of snow
- Low beams are more effective in fog or heavy snow since they allow you to see
further
- Adjust settings in your vehicle
- “defrost”
- “fresh air Intake”
- idle the vehicle with the heater on the “floor mode: as you clear the vehicle’s
exterior
- do not drive with the heater in “Recirculation” mode (fogs up inside of the
windows
- clean off footwear to have proper contact with the brake and accelerator pedals

Tips for driving in Winter:

 - maintain a proper hand position
- 9&3
- thumbs outside the steering wheel
- use smooth and controlled movements when you steer on icy surfaces
- allow yourself at least three times the normal following distance to stop
- never use cruise control on wet or icy roads
- extremely cold temperatures cause engine fluids to thicken
- under snowy or icy conditions, your following distance on a highway should be minimum
8 seconds

What to do in case of emergencies

Considering while approaching areas prone to slippery surfaces:
- brake early and slow down
- accelerate gradually
- be ready to shift to neutral or step on the clutch

Pumping your brakes:

- not recommended for slippery road surfaces
- an emergency-braking method that’s 50% effective

Threshold Braking
- most efficient braking technique on ice and snow
- keep heel on the floor
- step on brake pedal halfway
- release pressure off the brake once the vehicle wheels threaten to lock up
- gently reapply the brake
- practice on an open road before emergency

Sudden Braking on snow-covered/icy roads

- ABS
- keep firm pressure on the pedal until the vehicle stops
- never pump the brake to stop on a slippery surface
- don’t remove your foot from the pedal until the vehicle comes to a stop
- without ABS
- shift to neutral to summarize
- keep your heel on the floor

never pump brakes on icy roads

Dealing with Skids

Front wheel: steer where you want to go: take your foot off the brakes and gas and straighten
the front wheels until they begin to grip the road
Rear-wheel skidding: get off the brakes and gas and steer in the direction you want to go until
vehicle follows direction

Four-wheel skidding: usually happens when driving too fast for road conditions
- if hard or panic brake caused it : take your foot off the pedal
- if caused by accelerations: slowly move foot from accelerator
- set at either declutch (for manual) or in neutral
- steer in direction you want to go
- release clutch (manual) or shift into drive (automatic) when travelling into right direction

Winter Survival Kit:

- blanket
- booster cables
- cell phone
- compass and maps
- fire extinguisher
- flashlight and batteries (keep batteries in a separate container to avoid corrosion
- fuel-line anti-freeze
- ice scraper and brush
- knife and hatchet
- a tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, wrench, and duct tape, tow chains or straps)
- water and high-energy food (chocolate bars, power bars, etc)

If about to be hit from the read:

- apply the brakes
- firmly press head against head restraints
- anticipate being pushed forewarn and steer toward low-hazard areas

If about to be hit from the side

- adjust your speed or steer so you will be hit behind the rear wheels
- avoid being hit on the driver’s door where there’s minimal crash protection
- use skidding techniques

Head-on collision:
- reduce speed quickly
- choose an off-road path or veer into an energy-absorption object such as shrubbery,
young trees, or snow banks to reduce the force of the impact
- steer so that you strike or are hit at an angle with a glancing blow
- try to swerve to the right side of the road

Stranded:
- call for help
- blizzard conditions:
 - do not leave car for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards
- remove snow from tailpipe
- retrieve the survival kit from the trunk, or greet rescuers, exit using the door away
from traffic
- stay awake and alert
- do not stay in one position for too long
- exercise to keep blood flowing
- keep warm
- run the heater only for short periods (5 minutes every half hour to generate heat
and keep the batteries charged
- keep the heating system on the fresh air setting with fan on
- draw attention to vehicle
- keep vehicle clear of snow
- use lights sparingly bc overuse leads to batteries run down
- tie a brightly coloured cloth to radio antenna to make vehicle more visible in
daylight
- use hazard lights or honk horn occasionally
- Morse code (3 short honks, 3 longer honks, 3 short honks)
- keep window open a bit on side sheltered from the wind
- stay calm
- don’t do any heavy lifting, pushing or shoveling
- to minimize possibility
- Winterize vehicle in the fall
- Follow maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual
- If you’ve been rocking the vehicle and the vehicle remains stuck,
do not rock for prolonged periods
- Check owner’s manual
- In bad weather, let someone know
- ask yourself: “Is this trip necessary?”

Stuck in Snow:
- Check if you are “hung up” on snow that is packed under your vehicle
- shovel the snow from under the vehicle
- if still unable to get free create an exit for your vehicle by slowly “rocking” the
vehicle
- press gently on accelerator to ease vehicle foreword (about a yard
without spinning the wheels)
- release when vehicle will no longer go forward
- when vehicle stops its backward motion, apply gentle pressure to the
accelerator
- repeat in rapid succession
- if the vehicle remains stuck after two or three attempts at rocking, try to
increase traction. do this by shoveling down to the ground, spreading
traction material to the front and back of the wheels, and rocking again
 - keep the front wheels pointed straight to minimize resistance and shift to
second gear in a manual transmission or to low in an automatic
transmission. Don’t stand in front or back of the drive wheels as objects
thrown up by them could injure you

Tips to avoid wildlife accidents:

- look well ahead
- scan in areas known to be populated by wildlife
- increase following distance
- drive to conditions
- reduce speed prior to turning a curve
- reduce your speed when reaching the crest of a hill or in a wildlife-populated areas
- use extra caution in the morning and evening hours
- when you see one animal slow down, be mindful one deer is usually followed by others
- leave room when driving by an animal
- watch for animals in rural and urban areas

Carbon Monoxide Warning

- avoid the risk when stranded
- present in exhaust fumes
- almost impossible to detect
- potentially fatal when inhaled within a confined area
- be aware of enclosed areas when warming up your vehicle
- partially open a window on side sheltered from the wind to supply you with fresh air
- make sure the tail pipe is not blocked
- if snow is falling or blowing, check that the exhaust pipe is clear before running the
engine

Proactive Driving
Part 1:

How to Drive Proactively

- be knowledgeable, alert, patient, and considerate

Strategies:
- consciously and continually evaluating the driving environment
- our role in it
- our relationship with other road users
- being mentally and physically ready to focus on driving
Causes and Consequences of Poor Driving, Collisions, Risk Factors
coming from Outside your Vehicles, the impacts of Substance-Impaired
Driving, and Other Types of Impaired Driving

Common Causes:
- Speeding: lengthens stopping distances
- Lack of Courtesy: precursors to aggressive driving or spark it in others
- Driving Too Slowly: due to inexperience, nervousness, etc

More Common Causes:

- Aggression
- Fatigue
- Internal Distractions
- Impatience
- Emotions
- Lack of Knowledge

Collisions
- stay alert
- do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- follow traffic controls
- give the ROW
- Maintain safe following distance
- keep distance from unsafe drivers
- remain aware of your surroundings

- smaller car occupants are more likely to suffer serious injury or death than a large
vehicle (greater mass = more absorption)
- occupants being struck in a T-bone collision lack energy absorbing structure between
them => fatal injuries

3 Parts of Collisions
1. Vehicle - faster stops exert greater amounts of force on the occupants of the vehicle
2. People or Objects inside the vehicle collide with each other or with the interior of the
vehicle
3. Inside the body as soft tissue moves until it hits a solid body part (organs may rip away
from location or be crushed => severe injury or death)

How to Manage Risks on the Road and about Using SIPDE Approach to
Driving, Basic Driving Maneuvers, Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings,
as well as Methods for Negotiating Intersections

1. Scan around vehicle

 a. look far ahead, behind and sides (use mirrors)
b. stay aware of everything within two-second radius of vehicle
c. stay aware of blind spots
d. the bigger the vehicle, the bigger the blind spots
e. have a good mental map of the area around you
2. Avoid Tailgating (yourself and other tailgaters)
a. look for well-lit, public place where you can safely pull over and allow the driver to
pass you
b. If a driver follows you, call or signal for help while staying inside your vehicle with
the doors locked. call assistance at police or fire station if necessary
c. always be sure to find out the locations in your area
3. Brake Properly
a. avoid large variations in brake pressure
b. also avoid resting your other food on the brake pedal as this will turn the brake
light on and make other drivers confused
c. keep brake pedal depressed for as long as you are at a stop
4. Having a Good Field of Vision
a. Avoiding other drivers’ blind spots and leave as much space as you can
b. early identification of multiple hazards
5. Be aware of Over-Reacting Response
a. drivers going at high speeds may be susceptible to losing control of their vehicles
and overcorrecting the steering wheel in panic

How to Reduce Damage to Your Vehicle in a Non-Preventable Collision

1. Avoid head-on Collisions
2. Control your vehicle by driving rather than skidding off the road
3. if possible aim for a soft or pliable surface
4. hit objects moving in your direction rather than anything stationary or oncoming
5. attempt to hit stationary objects with a glancing blow
6. in general, move to the right, away from oncoming traffic, to dodge problems

External Risk Factors

- state of the road
- gravel roads (in rural areas)
- urban areas with highly developed streets and wide avenues
- well-maintained highways
- weather conditions
- rain, sleet, hail, and snow reduce friction and visibility
- wind (blowing smoke and blizzards)
- temperature and moisture (fog and heat-related issues -> frost-covered windows)
- lighting, sunlight and darkness
- animals
- try not to swerve away from Small animals (damage from other objects while
swerving > damage from collision with small animal)
 - large animals:
- brake hard,
- look for an escape route,
- release the brake and steer to opening on road,
- either counter steer and brake to stay on the roadway,
- or alternatively, reapply the brake and avoid a roll-over by stopping either
in the ditch or on the shoulder
- other road users
- never pass a driver near a crosswalk
- school bus: stay well behind the bus + allow other drivers to see the alternating
flashing red light
- look for motorcycle’s headlight + leave them extra space
- keep 150m space b/w your vehicle and emergency vehicles

Part 2:

Impaired Driving
- prescribed medication and illegal drugs can also affect driver’s abilities

Effects:
- reduced concentration
- impaired judgement
- impaired vision
- reduces field of vision
- blurred or double vision
- develops type of tunnel vision with narrowed peripheral vision
- driver’s eyes have harder time to adapt to darkness + more sensitive to glare
than during day + take longer to recover
- impaired balance, coordination, and motor skills
- slows down reflexes
- psychological effects
- reduced ability to judge distances, speed, and motion
- diminished ability to hear
- false sense of confidence

Alcohol Consumption:
- when alcohol goes into a person’s body, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and
goes directly to the brain
- BAC level shows the amount of alcohol present in 100ml volume of blood
- Example: 0.10 of BAC means body contains 0.10 ml of alcohol for every 100 ml
of blood
- only time can help with becoming sober
- hangover is a sign that impairment may still be continuing
 - Avoid drinking than taking medication for the after effects

Different Types of Drugs:

- Cannabis
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- Narcotics
- Hallucinogens

What to do when on the road with an impaired driver

- stay as far as possible
- avoid passing vehicle

Other Types of Impairment

- emotions
- stress (adrenaline rush, muscle tension, rapid breathing, jitteriness, extreme
fatigue, pains and sweats, increased heart rate)
- avoid drinking
- plan trip to avoid stressful driving conditions
- plan your route and get directions
- aggressive driving
- avoid offending other drivers
- don’t engage in fights with other drivers

- fatigue (factors include: boredom, eyestrain, warm temperatures, lack of sleep, large and
heavy meals and the time of day)
- sleep pattern affects driving: fewer hours of sleep => more likely to crash
- when feeling tired:
- get a good night’s sleep
- avoid driving during the night
- stay alert by listening to the radio
- avoid taking anything that makes you drowsy
- symptoms: driving too quickly/slowly, reduced awareness, memory lapse, drifting
- be careful about how much caffeine you ingest (only works for 30 min
after consuming)
- eat light and healthy foods
- hydrate (dehydration increases feelings of fatigue)

- inattention or distraction
- tips to regain focus:
- look further ahead and to the side as a challenge
- search for signs on and to the sides of the road
 - play mental games (looking for directional signs or for debris on the
surface

- physical factors including illness, injury, or disease

- coughing or sneezing
- pain or discomfort from injury/disease
- when physical, sensory, or cognitive shortfalls in functions or abilities are
significant and permanent, they are often called disabilities
- adaptive equipment or use certain behavioural strategies to help cope

Managing Risks of Driving + Reducing Risk: Risk perception helps prevent collision
- Maintain your vehicle properly
- make a habit of conducting safety checks as soon as you get into your vehicle
- ensure you can see and be seen
- anticipate behaviour of other drivers
- drive only when you are fit to do so
- develop driving skills, especially in risk perception and risk management

Critical Motor and Cognitive Skills

- kinetic skills (handling a vehicle)
- motor skills (for accurate timing and precise movements)
- critical cognitive skills (decision-making and assessment of personal risk)

Fatigue Management
Part 1:

Implications
- accidents related tend to happen at night, in the early morning, or in mid-afternoon
- longer hours of driving in the dark + driving b/w midnight and 6am
- crashes related to fatigue are more frequent in roads and highways than in the city
- combines with other impairments too
- can intensify effects of alcohol, medication, and illness, as well as distractedness
and moodiness
- a single blink for a drowsy driver can take up to a second
- research shows that 24-hour period without sleep can impair cognitive-psychomotor
abilities to the same degree as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.1

The People Most at Risk for Driving While Tired

- commercial drivers
- shift workers
 - teens

Indications that Warn of Drowsy Driving

- dry and tired eyes
- poor concentration
- restlessness
- drowsiness
- slow reaction times
- tendency to over steer
- slow or erratic responses (missing turns or drifting b/w lanes, reduced awareness of
surroundings)
- signs of reduced awareness
- vehicle seems to appear out of nowhere
- you cannot remember the last few km you’ve driven
- you cannot remember if you are driving either too quickly or too slowly
- micro-sleep: short, sudden, and unexpected moments of deep sleep often lasting 4 or 5
seconds
- they happen to drivers who are significantly sleep deprived so that the brain
takes the sleep it needs
- eyes may be open or closed

Part 2:

How Fatigue and its Effects Influence Driving Ability

- as people spend more time on a task:
- they become increasingly fatigued
- their reaction times slow down
- ability to concentrate and make good judgements decreases
- the likelihood of falling asleep behind the wheel increases
- for longer drives: taking breaks for eating and stretching about every two hours

Environment:
- warm vehicle => increases drowsiness
- physical comfort => more susceptible to daydreaming/falling asleep
- low and monotonous drone of vehicle engine => use mental stimulation

Compromises Abilities in these ways:

- slows down reaction times, thus increasing the chance of a collision, especially at
highway speeds
- reduces alertness and the driver’s ability to recognize hazards or to complete basic tasks
such as merging into traffic and changing lanes
- decreases concentration and the ability to process and integrate information quickly,
while decreasing short-term memory and causing a decline in driver performance
Natural ways to repay a sleep debt:
- sleeping longer than usual
- sleeping more deeply
- large sleep debt, the body will snatch brief naps to rest whenever the opportunity
presents itself
- large sleep debt: brain will eventually get to involuntary micro sleep stage

How to Prevent Drowsy Driving due to Fatigue

- pay attention to circadian rhythm and your sleep debt:

1. plan your driving for the hours of the day you are normally awake
2. avoid driving at times you tend to be sleepy
3. rather than driving through the night, plan a place to stay overnight to get some rest
4. before a long journey, get enough rest

- how to eat and drink for a good night’s sleep

1. avoid caffeinated beverages

2. avoid having more than a glass of wine before bed (alcohol can disturb your sleep)
3. have a small evening snack
a. possibly a glass of milk/piece of fruit, avoiding anything very sweet or heavy

How to Manage if you Must Drive while Fatigued

Increase alertness
1. stop vehicle + stretch and get some exercise
2. have a light snack or beverage, avoiding sugary drinks or snacks
3. talking with a passenger
4. listening to a stimulating radio program, such as a talk/interview show, call-in show (not
music)
5. adjusting the climate control in your vehicle to a cool temperature
6. for long journeys, avoid the recirculating air function, as the air can be too warm and
moist, besides lacking oxygen content
7. share the driving duties with someone else, allowing the resting driver to nap
- remember that having sleeping passengers can have a sedating effect + cannot
monitor driver’s wakefulness or keep the driver awake (should be avoided)
8. Upbeat music
9. take alternate routes to stimulate the senses
10. isometric exercises
 11. engage in commentary driving (talking out loud about what you see and hear along the
road ahead of you
12. physical sensations
- light slaps or pinches
- rubbing arm or leg
13. drinking water
14. keeping cool in vehicle
15. exercising

Fuel Efficiency
Hybrid-Electric Vehicles
- increase efficiency of vehicle + lower CO2 emissions
- use both .. to drive the wheels
- fuel (internal combustion engine - gasoline/diesel/biofuel)
- provide motive power + help charge the batteries of the vehicle
- electricity (electric motor(s))
- located in different places in vehicle depending on the manufacture
- both motors are connected to a transmission and out to the driven wheels

- contains batteries that store and distribute energy

- don’t need to be plugged in
- last for the entire lifespan of the vehicle

- series of computers make decisions about where power is coming from

- analyze the state of the system and figure out what you want them to do

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV)

- quiet + lower fuel cost + smaller efficient internal combustion
- regular hybrid vehicle with a larger battery pack that can be charged by plugging into the
grid
- offers an extended all-electric range capability
- primary power is electric (first in line)
- combustion takes over when more power is needed
- need to be plugged in to gain minimum 70km electric-only range
- can operate without being plugged in (charging from electrical power grid/charge at
home)

Transmission Technologies
- Gears (the more the merrier)
- there is a gear for every scenario
- offer 7/8/9 to create optimized efficiency => better fuel efficiency
 - CVT (continuously variable transmissions)
- no gears
- finds best possible ratios
- two clutches interact with one belt
- choices are infinite’
- no traditional shifts
- Dual Clutch
- more efficient than traditional automatics
- two clutch packs instead of torque converter
- one for even numbered gears
- the other for odd
- preselects gear ratio sooner
- deliver 6-9 fuel efficiency
- Idle Stop-Start vehicle
- more robust starter motor
- conserves energy when idling then restarts when releasing the brakes + pressing
accelerator
- uses regenerative braking and sophisticated capacitor to store electricity

Engine Technologies
- Direct injection systems allow for better control of the fuel air mixture + reduces fuel
consumption by 1% to 3%
- inject fuel into the engine at a higher pressure compared to the conventional
systems
- Cylinder Deactivation systems (CDS) - typically used in eight or six cylinder engines
- shut down half of the engine cylinders when not needed
- reduces fuel consumption 4-10%
- Turbocharging
- more air and fuel
- less work from piston
- force air into engine cylinders
- smaller displacement to produce as much as larger one => reduces fuel
consumption
- Variable valve timing (VVT)
- adjust timing (more flexible)

Car Care
Car Maintenance
Noises to never ignore when driving:
- Snapping, popping or clicking noise when you turn
- means rubber boots in joints may damage => broken axie => unsafe car
 - take to mechanic to replace CV joint
- rattling in the hubcap
- means lug nut is loose in hubcap
- take to mechanic
- Squealing under the hood
- means serpentine belt (drives your power steering pump) is stretched or worn

How to Jump Start your Car

1. always carry thick jumper cables in your car
2. ask someone to help you
3. turn off both cars with parking brakes on
4. remove any plastic cap so that nodes are properly exposed
5. firmly clamp red cable on positive dead battery + good battery
6. black clamp on good battery and other on unheated/unpainted surface on car
a. do not clamp on battery, fuel system or any electrical or moving part (may create
sparks or shock you)
7. ask other driver to start their engine
8. wait for a few minutes and start your car
9. if it doesn’t start right away, let it charge a few minutes and try again
10. let your battery charge for 5 minutes
11. unclamp in reverse order
12. keep car running for 30 minutes to make sure it holds the charge

- average lifespan of batteries 2-5 years

How to Get Better Gas Mileage

- lightening load
- check tire pressure every month
- use right grate of oil (user manual)
- often change oils, filters and spark plugs
- avoid excessive acceleration and braking
- avoid idling
- be aware of speed

How to Check Your Car Fluids

- 1-2 month check
OIL
- locate dipstick => remove, wipe clean, dip again, remove
- make sure oil is at the indicated level on dipstick
- if below minimum mark - add oil
- consult owner’s manual, make sure you have the right oil
- find oil cap, remove, use a funnel to add oil in small amounts
- check dipstick again
WINDSHEILD WIPER FLUID
- look for windshield graphic on white container
- if level is less than ¾ full, pour more fluid
- never fill with water
BRAKE FLUID
- sign: if ABS signal comes on
- check owner’s manual
- you may need to pump the brake for opening fluid reservoir
- can be found on driver’s side
- near rear of engine compartment
- you should be able to see level without opening the cap
- work safely but quickly (can deteriorate in 50 minutes)
- don’t get any on your paint
- if fluid is dark, take it to mechanic

How to Change a Flat Tire

- firm grip on wheel
- do not slam on brakes
- engage parking brake
- prevent wheels from rolling with wheel chocks?
- grab spare tire, tire iron and jack + wheel lock key if you use one
- loosen lug nuts without removing them
- follow instructions on manual for placing the jack
- lift car until flat tire is slightly off the ground
- remove lug nuts and flat, and replace with spare tire
- undersized spares can only go on the rear
- if flat at the front, remove rear wheel and replace it at the front
- tighten lug nuts with hands, lower the car, and tighten with lug ranch as much as
possible (in a criss-cross pattern)
- head to shop to have them properly replaced
- check air pressure on spare tire to keep them from going flat

[Link]

Review Demerit Points

[Link]

- go on driver’s record
- stay there for 2 years unless a judge overturns the conviction in court
- applies in Canada + New York and Michigan
- small penalties generally apply in cases where forgetfulness or general carelessness is
likely the cause of the fault
 - it is illegal in ontario to use the high beams or brights within 150 metres of an oncoming
vehicles or sixty metres behind one going in the same direction because of the issue of
blinding people

Driving Test
[Link]

[Link]

BOOKING A ROAD TEST

To book a road test appointment, you will need to provide:
● your valid Ontario driver’s licence number + (2 pieces of ID)
● a preferred location for taking the test
● a second and third choice of location
● a preferred date and time
You can book, cancel or reschedule a road test appointment:
● online
● by phone at 647-776-0331 or 1-888-570-6110
● at any DriveTest Centre
You need to cancel a test at least 48 hours ahead of your appointment to avoid a cancellation
fee.

- Come 30 minutes before driving test

Book a road test online

Find a DriveTest Centre
Road Test Fact Sheet & Checklist

Left and Right Turns

1. Traffic Check
- use mirrors
- look over shoulder

2. Lane - move to far left/right lane

3. Signal before slowing down for a turn

- exception: wait to signal until you are beyond side roads or driveways between
your vehicle and the intersection where vehicles are waiting to enter the road

4. Slow down speed steadily

- manual transmission: option is to downshift to a lower gear while slowing down
 - never coast while pressing down on the clutch pedal

5. Space - keep a 3 second gap

Stopping
- might be done when turning
- when either street is blocked
- or facing a stop sign or a red light
1. Stop
- drive forward slightly to check for traffic or to begin the turn
- do not back up if you must stop a second time past the stop line

2. Space
- if you come to a stop behind another vehicle at an intersection, be sure to allow
enough space for pulling out and passing without the need to back up

3. Stop Line
- stop behind stop line
- or stop at the crosswalk (if there is no stop line) whether or not it is marked

4. Wheels
- keep wheels straight while waiting to make a left/right turn
- if an intersection where you intend to turn right has curved sidewalks, direct your
vehicle to follow the curb to avoid having another vehicle coming between you
and the curb

Completing the turn

1. Check for Traffic
- make eye-contact with anyone who crosses your path where ROW is doubtful
- check blindspot before turning in case another vehicle overtakes you at that point
- take care to ensure that other road users are not forced to take evasive actions
to avoid your vehicle when they have the ROW

2. Use Both Hands

3. Shifting Gears
- avoid shifting gears while turning with manual transmission
- shift when vehicle begins moving but before it moves far into the turn
- you are allowed to shift if in intersection with more than four lanes
- remaining in the same gear will be easier

4. Speed
- move foreword within four to 5 seconds
 - keep vehicle steady in the beginning
- but move faster as you complete the turn

5. Turning Wide/Short
- turn into lane without crossing over curbs or lane markings

Completing the Turn - Entering Intersecting Road

1. Move to Corresponding Lane
- right-hand turn where right lane isn’t available: move to next available lane

2. Traffic Check
- use your mirrors

3. Speed
- fast acceleration may be necessary in heavy traffic
- for vehicles with manual transmissions, shifting gears as you increase speed is
necessary

Stop at an intersection
1. Traffic Check
2. Reduce Speed
- downshift to a lower gear as you slow down is an option in manual transmission
vehicles
- do not coast while pressing on the clutch pedal

3. Maintain 3-second following distance

- even when slowing down

Stopping and waiting to Enter the Intersection

1. Full stop, drive forward slowly to check for space (do not back up if u stop a second
time)
2. On. stopping behind another vehicle leave enough space to be able to pull out and pass
if necessary
3. Use stop line

Driving Through and Intersection

1. Check for traffic
2. Use Both Hands
3. Gears
4. Traffic check
5. Move ahead within four to five seconds
Intersections that may not require a stop
- Traffic check
- Maintain speed unless you see a possibility of other traffic crossing the intersection in
front of you

Freeway

Entering a Freeway
1. Check for traffic
2. Signal as soon as drivers on the freeway are likely to be able to see your vehicle on the
ramp
3. Monitor other traffic to avoid being in other driver’s blind spot
4. Merge with freeway traffic in a smooth gradual movement to the freeway lane
5. Cancel signal

Driving Along the Road

1. Check for traffic every 5-10 seconds
2. Look for obstacles twelve to fifteen seconds ahead
3. Keep out of another driver’s blindspots

Exiting (when vehicle is on far right-hand side of the freeway)

1. Same procedure as entering but exiting lol

Roadside Stop

The Approach
1. Check mirrors for possible hazards
2. Check for signs indicating if the move is legal
3. If any pedestrians or traffic can potentially overtake your vehicle on the right, check your
right blindspot immediately before you pull over
4. Signal before you slow down/where you plan to stop to avoid confusion
5. Manual: downshift to lower gear while slowing down
6. Stop with your vehicle parallel to the curb within 30 cm of it/pull vehicle over as much as
possible if there is no curb (do not block any entrances/traffic)

After Stopping:
1. Switch off right signal
2. Turn on hazard lights
3. Park (neutral for manual if engine is still going to run/low gear or reverse if engine is off)
(wheels against the curb if uphill)
Resume Driving:
1. Start engine
2. Signal left
3. Check for traffic
4. Accelerate smoothly
5. Cancel signal

Going Around a Curve

1. Look for road speeds
2. Slow down for curve with 30 metres to it
3. Look as far as possible around the curve
4. Reduce speed even more in blind curves where you are unable to see around the entire
curve
5. Slowly accelerate when you are approaching end of curve
6. Do not shift gears in a manual

Business Section (straight sections with a few businesses)

1. Check left and right
2. Check mirrors every 5-10 minutes or more often in heavy traffic
3. Drive in the best lane (centre/curb lane)
4. Always scan 12 to 15 seconds to help you decade dangerous situations or change lanes
to avoid obstacles in your path
5. 3-second following distance
6. Leave enough space so you can see vehicle’s rear wheels

Residential Section
- Same as business section

Buy/Sell Used Vehicle

[Link]
[Link]