Road Signs in Ontario
Ontario road signs are grouped by shape and colour — each combination has a specific meaning. Knowing these patterns helps you read signs instantly, even if you've never seen one before.
Octagon (8 sides) — Red
STOP — come to a complete stop
Triangle (point down) — Red & White
YIELD — slow down, give way
Diamond — Yellow
WARNING — hazard ahead
Rectangle — White & Black
REGULATORY — rules you must follow
Rectangle — Green or Blue
GUIDE — directions & distances
Pentagon — Yellow
SCHOOL ZONE — 40 km/h
G1 Test Tip: Road signs make up 14 of the 40 questions on the Ontario G1 knowledge test. Focus on regulatory signs (white/black) and warning signs (yellow/diamond) — they appear most often.
Traffic Lights
Traffic lights control the flow of vehicles and pedestrians. In Ontario, you must know what every light colour and arrow means — including flashing lights.
🔴 Red Light
Stop completely behind the stop line. Do not enter the intersection. You may turn right on a red light after a complete stop — unless a sign says "No Turn on Red."
🟡 Yellow (Amber) Light
Prepare to stop. A yellow light means the signal is about to turn red. Only proceed if stopping safely is not possible — do not speed up to beat the light.
🟢 Green Light
Proceed when safe. You still must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and vehicles already in the intersection.
🟢 Green Arrow
You may move in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped. Yield to pedestrians.
🔴 Flashing Red
Treat as a STOP sign. Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.
🟡 Flashing Yellow (Amber)
Treat as a WARNING. Slow down and proceed with caution.
🚶 Walk Signal
Pedestrians may cross. Drivers turning must yield to pedestrians.
🚫 Don't Walk / Hand Signal
Pedestrians should not start crossing. Drivers may proceed if the light is green.
Right of Way Rules
"Right of way" means who gets to go first. In Ontario, right of way is never something you can demand — it's something you give to others. These rules prevent collisions at intersections and crosswalks.
At a 4-way stop
The first vehicle to stop goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.
At an uncontrolled intersection
Yield to vehicles already in the intersection. If arriving at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right.
Turning left
Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning left at any intersection.
Entering a roundabout
Yield to vehicles already inside the roundabout. Enter when there is a safe gap.
Pedestrians at crosswalks
Always yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Stop and wait until they have completely crossed your lane.
Emergency vehicles
Pull over to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle with lights/sirens is approaching. Do not block intersections.
School buses (flashing red lights)
Stop at least 20 metres away from a school bus with flashing red lights on a two-lane road. Do not pass until the lights stop.
Merging onto a highway
Vehicles merging onto a highway must yield to traffic already on the highway.
Speed Limits in Ontario
Speed limits in Ontario are the maximum speed under ideal conditions. In bad weather, heavy traffic, or near schools, you must drive slower than the posted limit.
Urban/City Roads
Default when no sign is posted in a city or town
School Zones
When children are present — watch for school zone signs
Community Safety Zones
Fines are doubled in these zones
Rural Roads / Highways
Default outside cities unless posted otherwise
400-Series Highways
Maximum on most Ontario 400-series highways
Construction Zones
Fines are doubled — workers present
Important: Driving too slowly can also be dangerous and is considered a traffic offence in Ontario. Always drive at a speed appropriate for conditions — not significantly below the posted limit without reason.
Distracted Driving Laws
Ontario has some of the strictest distracted driving laws in Canada. Using a handheld device while driving is illegal — even at a red light or in stopped traffic.
Handheld devices are banned
IllegalYou cannot hold or use a phone, tablet, GPS, or any handheld electronic device while driving. This includes texting, calling, scrolling, or even holding the device.
Hands-free is allowed
AllowedYou may use a phone in hands-free mode (e.g., Bluetooth, mounted GPS). The device must be mounted and you must not touch it while driving.
Penalties for first offence
FineFine of $615–$1,000, 3 demerit points, and a 3-day licence suspension for new drivers (G1/G2).
Penalties for repeat offences
SevereFines up to $3,000, 6 demerit points, and a 30-day licence suspension. Novice drivers (G1/G2) face stricter penalties.
Other distractions
CautionEating, grooming, reading, or any activity that takes your attention off the road can result in a careless driving charge.
Alcohol & Cannabis Rules
Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of death on Ontario roads. The rules are strict — and even stricter for G1 and G2 drivers.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
Cannabis & Driving
- Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal — same as alcohol impairment.
- G1 and G2 drivers must have zero cannabis in their system while driving.
- Cannabis can impair your driving for hours after use — even after you feel "normal."
- Police can use roadside drug tests to detect cannabis impairment.
- Penalties include fines, licence suspension, and criminal charges.
Parking Rules in Ontario
Parking rules are tested on the G1 exam and are important for the G2 road test. Know where you can and cannot park, and how to park properly.
Where You CAN Park
- ✓ On the right side of the road, facing the direction of traffic
- ✓ In marked parking spaces
- ✓ At least 15 m from a fire hydrant
- ✓ At least 9 m from an intersection (unless signed)
Where You CANNOT Park
- ✗ In front of a fire hydrant (within 3 m)
- ✗ On a sidewalk or boulevard
- ✗ In a bus stop or taxi zone
- ✗ Blocking a driveway or laneway
- ✗ On a bridge or in a tunnel
- ✗ Within 30 m of a railway crossing
- ✗ In a no-parking or no-stopping zone
Parallel Parking — Step by Step
- 1Signal and pull up alongside the car in front of the space (about 1 metre away)
- 2Reverse slowly, turning the wheel sharply toward the curb
- 3When your rear bumper is level with the rear car's bumper, straighten the wheel
- 4Continue reversing, then turn the wheel away from the curb to straighten
- 5Pull forward to centre yourself in the space — within 30 cm of the curb
Lane Changes & Merging
Improper lane changes are one of the most common reasons for failing the G2 road test. Follow these steps every single time you change lanes.
Check your mirrors
Look in your rearview mirror, then your side mirror on the side you're moving to.
Signal early
Turn on your signal at least 30 metres before changing lanes in a city. On a highway, signal earlier.
Shoulder check
Physically turn your head and look over your shoulder to check the blind spot. This is the most commonly missed step on the G2 test.
Move smoothly
If it's safe, move into the new lane gradually and smoothly — no sudden jerks.
Cancel your signal
Turn off your signal after completing the lane change.
G2 Test Warning: Missing a shoulder check is an automatic fail on the G2 road test. The examiner is watching specifically for this. Make it a habit every single time.
Highway Driving in Ontario
Highway driving is tested on the G (full licence) test. Ontario's 400-series highways have specific rules you must follow. Confidence and smooth driving are key.
Entering the highway
Use the on-ramp to accelerate to highway speed before merging. Signal, shoulder check, and merge smoothly when there is a safe gap. Do not stop on the on-ramp.
Lane discipline
Keep right except to pass. The left lane is for passing only — do not cruise in the left lane. Move back to the right after passing.
Following distance
Maintain at least a 3-second following distance at highway speeds. In rain, snow, or fog, increase to 6 seconds or more.
Speed
The maximum speed on most Ontario 400-series highways is 100 km/h. Adjust your speed for weather and traffic conditions.
Exiting the highway
Signal well in advance. Move to the right lane early. Decelerate on the off-ramp — not on the highway itself.
Passing
Only pass on the left. Check mirrors, signal, shoulder check, pass, signal again, shoulder check, and return to the right lane when safe.
Emergency stops
If your vehicle breaks down, pull as far right as possible. Turn on hazard lights. Stay in your vehicle if possible and call for help.
Most Common Driving Test Mistakes
These are the mistakes that cause the most G1 and G2 test failures in Ontario. Know them — and make sure you don't make them.
Rolling stop at a stop sign
Your wheels must be completely still. Count "one-one-thousand" after stopping.
Missing shoulder check
Physically turn your head before every lane change and merge. Always.
Not yielding to pedestrians
Slow down at every crosswalk. Be ready to stop even when you have the right of way.
Driving too slowly
Drive at or near the posted speed limit under normal conditions.
Signalling too late
Signal at least 30 m before turning. Signal before you start braking.
Not checking mirrors regularly
Check mirrors every 5–8 seconds and before every braking action.
Parking too far from the curb
Park within 30 cm of the curb. Practice until it's consistent.
Forgetting to cancel the signal
After every turn or lane change, confirm your signal is off.
Braking too hard or too late
Brake gradually and early. Smooth braking shows control.
Not adjusting for weather
Slow down in rain, snow, or fog. Increase following distance.
Test Tips — G1, G2 & G
G1 Knowledge Test Tips
- Study the Ontario Driver's Handbook — all G1 questions come from it.
- Focus on road signs (14 questions) and rules of the road (14 questions).
- Take at least 3 practice tests before your real exam.
- You need 32/40 (80%) to pass. Don't rush — read each question carefully.
- Bring valid ID and your application form to the DriveTest centre.
- The test is on a computer — no paper. Read each question twice before answering.
G2 Road Test Tips
- Practice on the roads near your DriveTest centre — examiners use set routes.
- Always do a full shoulder check before lane changes and merges.
- Come to a complete stop at every stop sign — wheels fully still.
- Drive at the posted speed limit — not significantly below it.
- Signal early: at least 30 m before turning.
- Stay calm. One small mistake won't fail you — multiple minor faults will.
G Full Licence Test Tips
- The G test includes highway driving — practice on 400-series highways.
- Keep right except to pass. The examiner watches lane discipline closely.
- Merge confidently at highway speed — don't stop on the on-ramp.
- Maintain a 3-second following distance at all times.
- Signal and shoulder check before every lane change on the highway.
- Exit the highway smoothly — decelerate on the off-ramp, not the highway.
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