Need to pass a driver’s test, learn about driving in Ontario, or just get some driving tips? The Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver’s Handbook is the place to start. The handbook is a comprehensive guide to driving in and around Ontario. Follow this link to find a free online version of the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook. If you don’t want to read the whole thing just yet, here’s your place to start. Kruzee rounded up 8 tips, tricks, and tidbits you might not know from the MTO Driver’s Handbook.
8 tips, tricks, and tidbits you might not know from the MTO Driver’s Handbook:
- Ontario has 12 license classes. These include trucks, buses, and ambulances. While most people are familiar with the core graduated licensing system, there’s an entire set of license types for other motor vehicles besides passenger cars.
- A motorcycle license is the only one you can get without a regular G license. Looking to get your M license but don’t have your G license yet? Good news! Ontario actually allows you to go for your M license without needing a G license first, given how different driving a motorcycle and a passenger car are.
- Bicycles are considered vehicles. Though you don’t need a license to ride one, you still have to follow the rules of the road. Cyclists need to signal, follow traffic signals, and obey speed limits, just like any other vehicle.
- An eye exam is required to get a license. Along with passing a knowledge test, the MTO requires a vision test to get your G1 license in Ontario. If you require glasses, make sure to bring them to your G1 exam, since you’ll need to use them for the vision test. If you fail the vision test, you’ll have to come back another day with an appropriate set of glasses.
- Doctors and optometrists have to report anyone with a medical condition making them unable to drive to the government. The handbook says you should report any change in medical condition if it affects your ability to drive. Failure to do so may be punishable by law.
- The G2 road test is actually called the G1 exit test. While you might hear most people refer to the test as the G2, in official documents like the MTO handbook you’ll see it referred to as the G1 exit test. The G road test is also referred to as the G2 exit test.
- You can’t use automatic parking systems, back up cameras, lane monitoring, or cruise control during the road test. The road test is designed to test your driving skills without aid, and these are all considered digital aids. Be sure to practice driving without the use of these aids.
- If your road test is declared “out-of-order” you lose 50% of your fee. This can happen if your vehicle doesn’t meet ministry standards for a road test or if there’s another reason the examiner determines you can’t do
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