Ontario M1 Test key terms

The legal priority to proceed first when two or more road users reach the same point at the same time. Failing to yield it can cause collisions and demerit points.

A crossing of two or more roads with no stop signs, yield signs, or traffic lights. Drivers must slow down, look both ways, and give way to traffic already in the intersection.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles stop completely and proceed in the order they arrived, with ties going to the vehicle on the right.

A downward-pointing triangular sign telling drivers to slow down and let other traffic or pedestrians go first. You only need to stop if crossing traffic makes it necessary.

An eight-sided red sign with white lettering. A driver must come to a complete halt behind the line or crosswalk, check for traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when safe.

A solid white line painted across a lane at an intersection or crosswalk. Vehicles must stop before this line at a stop sign or red light rather than creeping past it.

A marked or unmarked section of road where pedestrians cross. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and must not pass a vehicle stopped at one.

A crossing area near a school, often marked with yellow signs and flashing lights, where a crossing guard may direct children. Drivers must obey the guard and slow down.

A yellow vehicle carrying students. When its red lights flash and stop arm extends, traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a median strip.

A raised or painted strip dividing opposing traffic lanes. A physical median can allow traffic on the far side to continue past a stopped school bus or emergency vehicle.

A marked strip of roadway intended for a single line of vehicles. Drivers should keep within their lane and change lanes only after checking mirrors and blind spots.

An acceleration lane that lets vehicles joining a highway build speed and blend into traffic. Drivers entering must yield to vehicles already on the main road.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. Drivers must shoulder-check before changing lanes or backing up to avoid hitting someone hidden there.

A quick glance over your shoulder toward the blind spot before turning or changing lanes. It supplements mirror checks and helps confirm the space beside you is clear.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. At least two seconds in good conditions gives time to react; increase it in rain, snow, darkness, or when following large trucks.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle, leaving little room to stop. It is unsafe and aggressive, and it reduces the leader's ability to brake gradually.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment a hazard appears until it is fully stopped. It combines perception, reaction, and braking distance and grows with speed.

The maximum legal speed for a road, shown on black-and-white signs. Drivers must never exceed it and should drive slower when weather, traffic, or road conditions demand.

A work area on or beside a road, marked by orange signs and often reduced speed limits. Fines for speeding are doubled when workers are present.

A temporary sign with an arrow directing traffic around a closed road or work zone. Drivers must follow the marked route instead of continuing on the usual path.

A rectangular sign with a black arrow showing traffic flows in only one direction. Drivers must not enter the road facing oncoming traffic.

A red circle with a white horizontal bar, placed where traffic may not proceed. It often marks the wrong end of a one-way road or an exit ramp.

Driving against the direction of traffic on a one-way road or divided highway. It is extremely dangerous and commonly caused by entering an off-ramp by mistake.

A signal using red, yellow, and green lamps to control traffic. Red means stop, green means proceed when clear, and yellow warns that the light is about to change.

A signal meaning traffic must stop fully behind the stop line. Turning right on red is allowed only where permitted, after stopping and yielding to others.

The yellow signal warning that the light will soon turn red. Drivers should stop if they can do so safely rather than speeding up to beat the change.

A turn permitted from a one-way road onto another one-way road after a full stop, unless a sign forbids it. The driver must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

A circular intersection where traffic flows counter-clockwise around a centre island. Entering vehicles yield to traffic already in the circle and do not stop unless required.

A place where a road crosses train tracks, marked by a crossbuck sign or signals. Drivers must slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is approaching.

A white X-shaped sign with black lettering marking a railway crossing. Drivers must yield to trains, and if there is more than one track a smaller sign says so.

A fire truck, ambulance, or police car responding with lights and siren. Drivers must pull to the right and stop until it has passed, unless in an intersection.

A person travelling on foot, including someone using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. They have priority at crosswalks and when crossing with a signal.

Penalties added to a driver's record for convictions such as speeding or failing to yield. Accumulating too many can lead to licence suspension.

A lane used to overtake slower vehicles, usually the left lane on a multi-lane highway. Drivers should move back right after completing the pass.

A yellow diamond-shaped sign that alerts drivers to a hazard ahead, such as a curve, hill, or crossing. It tells you to adjust speed or be prepared to react.

A sign that states a rule or legal requirement, such as a speed limit, stop, or no-parking order. Drivers must obey it; shapes are often rectangular with black or red markings.