Free Drivers Education Video - How to prepare and pass the written test

Free Drivers Education Video -

Learn how to pass the written test with this free 30 minute video training session.

The training includes sample animations of correct driving techniques and an extensive testing section.

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Learning Objectives

Topics Covered in Part 1 - Right of Way, Four Way Stop and Turns

Right of Way

Scenario 1 of 3
When approaching an intersection that is not controlled by traffic lights, stop or yield signs, or a police officer, you must yield right of way to traffic on your right-hand side.

Scenario 2 of 3
When turning left at an intersection, you must yield right of way to any vehicles coming toward you before you proceed.

Scenario 3 of 3
When entering a highway from any side road or driveway, you must always yield right of way to traffic on the main highway, as well as to pedestrians about to cross. On a highway where there is a passing lane, the traffic in the through lane has the right of way when both lanes merge.

Four Way Stop

Scenario 1 of 1
At an intersection where stop signs are located on all four corners, the first vehicle to come to a full stop should be allowed to proceed first.

When two vehicles arrive at such an intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the right-hand side has the right of way and should proceed through the intersection first.

If you are behind a vehicle that has stopped at a stop sign, you must also come to a full stop at the stop sign when that vehicle has moved on.

Remember

If you are not sure who has the right of way, it is safer to yield the right of way to the other driver. It is better to avoid a collision than to insist on having the right of way.

Never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a stop sign, traffic light or crosswalk.

Always yield right of way to emergency vehicles when they have their lights flashing and the siren on. Pull to the right as far as possible and stop. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Turns

Scenario 1 of 9

To make a right turn:

You must signal your intention to make a right turn before approaching the intersection.

Move into the lane closest to the right side of the road.

Come to a complete stop.

Yield right of way to pedestrians and other traffic - Make sure you check YOUR blind spot before turning.

Proceed into the right lane of the highway on which you wish to travel.

Scenario 2 of 9

Left Turns

From a one-way street to another one-way street

When approaching an intersection, you must signal your intention to make a left turn and move into the left lane of the one-way street.

Make sure the way is clear.

Stop and move into the left lane of the one-way street on which you wish to travel.

Scenario 3 of 9

Left Turns

From a one-way street to a two-way street:

When approaching an intersection, you must signal your intention to turn left and move into the left lane of the one-way street.

Make sure the way is clear.

Enter the two-way street to the right of the centerline, in the lane closest to the centerline.

Scenario 4 of 9

Left Turns

From a two-way street to a one-way street

When approaching an intersection, you must signal your intention to turn left and move into the left lane of the two-way street (the lane closest to the centerline).

Make sure the way is clear.

Proceed into the left lane of the one-way street.

Scenario 5 of 9

Left Turns

From a two-way street to another two-way street

When approaching an intersection, you must signal your intention to turn left and move into the lane immediately to the right of the center lane.

You may proceed through the intersection onto the lane immediately to the right of the centerline on that two-way street, when the way is clear.

Scenario 6 of 9

Left Turns

From a two-way street to another two-way street (Double left turns):

Where signs or lights indicate that two lanes of traffic may turn left, you must move into one of the lanes, proceed through the intersection and complete the turn in the same lane.

Scenario 7 of 9

2-Point Turns

If you need to turn around on a narrow road, it is best to wait until you can make the turn using a side road.

Drive past the side road, turn on your right signal and stop your vehicle to the extreme right side of the road.

When the way is clear, back up slowly into the side road.

Check again for traffic.

Turn on your left signal and proceed as usual to make a left turn onto the same highway you just left.

Scenario 8 of 9

3-Point Turns

To make a 3-Point Turn on the highway, you must first turn on your right signal and pull off to the extreme right side of the road.

When the way is clear, turn your wheel sharply to the left, cross to the other side of the road and stop your vehicle at the edge.

Put your car in reverse, turn the wheel sharply to the right and back up to the other side of the road.

Complete the turn moving forward in the opposite direction from which you came.

Scenario 9 of 9

U-Turns

A U-turn should be made only under the following conditions:

First, the road must be wide enough to allow a turn in just one swing.

Secondly, you must be able to see far enough to the front and rear of your vehicle to make sure that no other traffic is near.

If you want to make a U-turn and you are in an area where U-turns are permitted, you must first stop the car on the extreme right side of the road.

Signal a left turn, check front and rear for traffic (including your left blind spot) and turn your wheel sharply to the left.

Move the car carefully across the road and complete the turn.

A U-turn is NOT permitted:

At an intersection

Near the top of a hill

On a curve or bend in the road

When interfering with other traffic

Where a sign prohibits such a turn

Topics Covered in Part 2 - Safe Passing, Signals and Lanes, Blind Spot, Divided Highway, Cloverleaf and Backing

Safe Passing

Scenario 1 of 1

When passing a parked vehicle you must be alert for doors opening, cars pulling out, and pedestrians walking between the parked cars.

When you pass a moving vehicle follow these steps:

Pass only when the center lane markings permit (there must be a broken yellow centerline on your left-hand side before you may attempt to pass).
Make sure that the way ahead and to the rear is clear of traffic (check you left blind spot).
Signal your intention to pass (use your left signal) well behind the vehicle in front of you and move carefully into the passing lane. Give an audible signal before pulling into the passing lane.
Speed up to complete the pass, but be careful NOT to go over the posted speed limit.
After you have passed the vehicle, signal your intention to move back into the right lane (use right signal), but wait until you can see both headlights of the vehicle you just passed in your rear-view mirror before doing so.

When you CAN pass:

You are permitted to pass other vehicles on the right side when:

the driver in front of you is making a left turn.
where there are two or more lanes in each direction.
passing on one-way streets.

A special passing lane is provided for motorists. You may use such a passing lane if you have enough time to complete the pass safely before the passing zone ends. The driver in the vehicle being passed also has a responsibility to cooperate. Never speed up when another vehicle is attempting to pass you. To avoid a collision, you may sometimes have to slow down to allow the passing vehicle the opportunity to move safely into your lane of traffic.

When you CANNOT pass:

Whenever weather conditions hinder your view.
When you are on a curve in the road.
When you are at an intersection or railway crossing.
When you are within 30m of a crosswalk.
When you are on a blind hill or near the top of a hill.
When you are on a narrow bridge.
Where a solid lane marking is to your left.
Where a sign prohibits passing.

Signals and Lanes

Scenario 1 of 5
You must signal when you intend to:

Stop or suddenly decrease the speed of your vehicle
Turn left or right
Change from one lane to another
Pass another vehicle on the highway
Leave the roadway
Set your vehicle in motion from a parked position

Scenario 2 of 5

Signal lights must be in the form of directional signals (left and right indicators), or the brake. If the signal lights of a vehicle are not working you must use hand and arm signals. You must also use hand signals when your signal lights are hard to see such as when you are pulling out of a line of parked cars.

Scenario 3 of 5

Giving signals properly and in a sufficient amount of time lets other motorists know what your intentions are. It also allows them time to react and may reduce the chance of a collision occurring.

Scenario 4 of 5

Lane Changing

When you must change lanes, always do the following:

Check the traffic ahead of you.
Look in your rear-view mirror for traffic approaching from the rear.
Signal your intention to change to the right or left.
Before turning, turn your head in the direction of your turn and check over your shoulder for cars that are in your blind spot.
Maintain or increase speed during the lane change.
Make sure that you are not following other traffic too closely.

Scenario 5 of 5

Blind Spot

Even if your mirrors are correctly positioned, there is still a "blind spot" to the right and left rear corners of your vehicle. Your rear-view mirror will not show a car in the lane next to yours, when the front bumper of the other driver's vehicle is even with or past your rear bumper.

If you rely on your inside mirror only, and turn into another lane without looking over your shoulder, a collision is almost sure to occur.

Divided Highway

Scenario 1 of 3

Entering a divided Highway

To enter a divided highway, you must first move onto an access ramp and then into an acceleration lane.

When you enter the acceleration lane, you must signal your intention to move left and speed up to be able to merge smoothly with through traffic.

Always maintain a safe following distance after entering traffic. When driving around a curve enter the curve slowly and increase speed.

Scenario 2 of 3

Driving on a divided Highway

Drivers already on the highway should move into the left lane if it is safe to do so. This leaves the right lane open for motorists entering the divided highway, and allows them to merge safely.

Scenario 3 of 3

Leaving a Divided Highway

When leaving a divided highway, signal your intention to move right and proceed into the deceleration lane. Slow down and adjust your speed to the limit posted on the exit ramp.

Signs are posted far enough in advance to warn motorists that an exit is coming up. If you miss an exit DO NOT STOP or BACK UP on the divided highway. Instead, proceed as usual and turn off at the next exit.

Cloverleaf

Scenario 1 of 1

Most modern highways have roads that intersect each other on different levels (an overpass). The cloverleaf is a common example of such an intersection.

The advantage of this type of intersection is that vehicles do not have to cross the path of other traffic in order to make a turn. At a cloverleaf intersection, all turns are right turns.

To make a right turn onto the intersecting highway, you must turn right BEFORE you reach the bridge (overpass).

Backing

Scenario 1 of 1

The proper procedure for backing is important to learn in order to prevent traffic collisions.

Backing is permitted only when the move can be made safely.

You must NEVER back up in a vehicle until you have checked behind it from the outside first. Children, bicycles and other small objects are not always visible from inside the car.
Once you are seated in the vehicle, check both sides of the road to make sure that the way is clear.
From the normal seating position, shift your weight onto the right hip and turn your body to look out the rear window, bracing yourself by placing your right arm along the top of the front passenger seat.
Place your left hand at the top center position on the steering wheel (12 o'clock)
Start to back out slowly and safely.
If you must cross a pedestrian crosswalk or sidewalk before you enter the street, stop and check both sides of the roadway once again.
Proceed when the way is clear.

Always back into the nearest lane of traffic that is facing in the direction you want to go.

Topics Covered in Part 3 - Parking, School Buses, Emergency Vehicles and Following Distances

Parking

Scenario 1 of 7

The Do's of Parking

Park your vehicle only where it is safe and legal (signs & pavement markings) to do so.

If you must park on the highway, pull over onto the right shoulder of the road, parallel to the roadway and make sure your vehicle can be seen from a distance of 60 meters in either direction. Make sure the ignition is locked, the key removed and the vehicle properly braked.

In case of an emergency, pull over to the right side of the roadway and use emergency indicators or flares to warn other motorists of your presence. Many people raise the hood of their vehicles to indicate that they need help. Most motorists recognize and respond to this distress signal.

Never move your vehicle from a parked position unless you check traffic, signal your intention to move and pull from the curb when it is safe to do so.

The Don'ts of Parking

Do NOT park:

10m of a stop sign or other traffic control signal
6m of a crosswalk
1m from the point on the curb or edge of the road way opposite a fire hydrant
20m from a bus stop
15m from a railway crossing
7m from the entrance to a fire station
6m from the entrance to a public building (school, church, etc.)
if you are blocking a sidewalk, intersection, traffic lane, driveway, or emergency exit
if you are in front of an authorized loading door, on a bridge or in a tunnel
on the left side of a vehicle already stopped on the side of the road
where you are obstructing the free flow of traffic

Scenario 2 of 7

If there is a curb, turn your wheels toward the center of the street.

Scenario 3 of 7

If there is no curb, turn your wheels toward the edge of the street.

Scenario 4 of 7

If you park facing downhill, always turn your wheel toward the edge of the street.

Scenario 5 of 7

Parallel Parking

When you want to park between two other parked vehicles, you must follow the correct procedure for parallel parking.

Make sure there is enough space between the two parked vehicles for your vehicle to fit (one and a half times the length of your own vehicle should be enough).
Drive parallel to the front vehicle and stop when your back bumper is lined up with the back bumper of the parked vehicle.
Shift to REVERSE and back up slowly, turning the steering wheel sharply to the right until your vehicle is at approximately a 45-degree angle to the curb.
When your front bumper can clear the rear bumper of the vehicle car ahead, turn the steering wheel sharply to the left and continue to back slowly into the parking space.
If necessary, straighten the wheels and move the vehicle forward in order to have an equal distance front and rear for clearance.

When you are parked properly, your wheels should be within 30 cm of the curb.

Scenario 6 of 7

Angle Parking

When the desired parking space is 90 degrees (a right angle) to the road, you should BACK into the space and then drive out. You should be familiar with backing into the space from the left and the right.

Scenario 7 of 7

Angle Parking

When the desired parking space is slanted at a 60-degree angle to the road you should DRIVE into it and back out.

School Buses

Scenario 1 of 1

Meeting or Overtaking a School Bus:

Whenever you approach a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off school children and is displaying a visual signal such as flashing lights and a stop sign, you must STOP before reaching the bus.

This is true whether you are approaching the bus from the front or the rear.

You must remain stopped until the bus has started up again, or the driver signals you to go, or until the flashing lights and stop sign are deactivated.

Emergency Vehicles

Scenario 1 of 1

Priority is given to all emergency vehicles, including fire engines, police cars, emergency response vehicles and ambulances. They have the 'right of way' at all times when they are displaying flashing red lights and signaling with a bell or siren.

Upon the approach of an emergency vehicle with its signals operating you must:

Yield the right of way immediately.
Put on your signal and pull over to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway clear of an intersection.
Stop and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Following Distances

Scenario 1 of 3

Make sure that you have enough space between you and vehicles in front of you. Adjust your 'following distance' based upon the: amount of traffic, speed of other vehicles and road conditions.

The minimum safe following distance for:

Ordinary Vehicles - one car length for every 15 km/h. double when roads are slippery.
Commercial Vehicles - 150 meters - large vehicles have reduced visibility and require a greater distance to stop.
The "Two Second Rule" or "Time Interval Driving Method" is a good way to test your distance from the car ahead.

"Two Second Rule" or "Time Interval Driving Method"

The car ahead is about to pass a checkpoint (sign, driveway, pole or other marker). Begin counting seconds (one thousand and one, one thousand and two) watch the car ahead of you pass the checkpoint. If it takes fewer than two seconds for your car to pass the same checkpoint, you are following too close to allow a safe stop.

If it takes two seconds or more for your car to pass the same checkpoint you have developed a REASONABLE following distance for ideal weather conditions between your car and the vehicle ahead.

Scenario 2 of 3

To avoid hitting a car in front of you:

You must:

Pay strict attention to your driving.
Keep calm and watch for the brake lights of the car ahead, but don't depend on them - they may not be working.
Look for potential problems for the driver ahead of you but never assume what the driver's action will be.
Watch for a decrease in distance between your car and the one ahead. If the car ahead stops, allow enough time and distance for it to start moving again.

Scenario 3 of 3

To Avoid Being Struck from Behind:

You must:

Keep your brakes in good working order.
Constantly look behind you - use your mirrors and keep your rear window clean and clear of frost or snow or other obstruction.
Signal in advance for turns, stops and lane changes and slow down gradually to alert the driver behind you.
Keep pace with traffic based on weather conditions and speed limits.

Topics Covered in Part 4 - Stopping & Reaction, Lights and Conclusion

Stopping & Reaction

Scenario 1 of 4

It is important to drive at a speed that will allow you to stop at a safe distance from anything. Because of inattention, poor visibility or low visibility conditions, you may travel some distance towards a dangerous situation before you see it. Even after you see an object in your path, you may go an additional distance before recognizing it is a hazard, which would require a stop.

In the event the legal speed sign is missing, the speed limit is:

100 km/h on paved portions of the Trans Canada Highway,

80 km/h on other paved highways,

60 km/h on gravel roads, and

50 km/h through settlements or school zones.

Scenario 2 of 4

"Reaction distance" is the distance a vehicle travels after you move your foot from the accelerator to the brake to suddenly stop.

The time it takes (� sec) to step on the brakes after seeing danger is known as "reaction time". In � of a second your vehicle, travelling at 50 km/h will go 10 meters (about 2 car lengths) before you can even start to apply the brakes.

Scenario 3 of 4

Brakes bring a vehicle to a stop, how far it travels before stopping depends upon:

Speed
Condition of the brakes
Condition of the tires
Nature
Condition of the road

It also depends on whether the vehicle is on a level road or travelling up or down a hill.

At a speed of 30 km/h: the average braking distance is about 10 meters and the stopping distance is the sum of the reaction distance & the braking distance - about 20 m.

Scenario 4 of 4

Operating a manual transmission:

Press the accelerator to speed up the engine a little and let the clutch out slowly, until the point of contact or friction point is felt.

Slowly let the clutch pedal up and accelerate lightly at the same time.

When the vehicle has reached about 15 kph, depress the clutch, then release the accelerator, push the gearshift to neutral and place into second gear.

Release the clutch slowly and gently press the accelerator.

Repeat this procedure for changing to higher gears.

Lights

Scenario 1 of 3

Lights are required from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise and at any time when visibility prevents you from seeing persons and vehicles clearly at a distance of 150 meters or less.

Scenario 2 of 3

Use high beam lights only when driving in the open country without other cars nearby.

If you meet OR follow another vehicle you must dim your lights within 150m of that vehicle.

Use low beam lights when approaching other cars, when you are driving by street light, in fog and within 150 m of another vehicle.

Scenario 3 of 3

At night, the glaring headlights of oncoming cars or the reflection of lights (from behind) in your rear view mirror can seriously reduce your vision.

The glare, from headlights, causes the pupil of the eye to contract and it takes about seven seconds for the pupil to recover and readjust to the less intense lights. During this time, you may be temporarily blinded.

If you were travelling at 90 km/h for those seven seconds, your car would have gone 125 m while you had no vision.

To avoid the effects of glare, direct your vision away from headlights by looking to the right edge of the roadway. To cut glare from the rear, adjust your mirror or use a day-night mirror.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing the theory section of the Rules of the Road, Drivers Education Program.

This is what happens next, you will need to complete the Rules of the Road Quiz. The quiz will be based on information covered during your online training.

Also we look forward to your feedback, please provide us with your opinion on what you liked and disliked about the training.

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Test your knowledge

We strongly suggest that you first complete the video, audio or text based training above before attempting the quiz. All questions for the quiz are random and all answers can be found in the provided training materials. Take your written exam now or Take the traffic sign quiz.

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