If you’ve ever driven in Ontario, you already know the weather has a mind of its own. Sunny one minute, snowstorm the next. And the G1 test wants to make sure you’re ready for it.
Add in emergency vehicles (sirens always freak people out the first time) and tricky school/playground zone rules, and you’ve got three sections of the handbook that almost everyone skips—then regrets. Let’s break them down.
Bad Weather Driving (a.k.a. Canadian Life 101)
When the weather sucks, the rules change. The test expects you to know exactly how.
- Low visibility (<150 m):
- - Headlights on
- - Slow down
- - Leave extra space between you and the car ahead
- - In fog, use low beams—not high beams (they just bounce back and blind you)
- Skid recovery:
- - Rear wheels skid: Steer in the direction you want the front to go. Don’t slam the brakes—let the car regain traction.
- - Front wheels skid: Ease off the gas, steer gently in the direction you want to go, and regain traction before accelerating.
- - Easy hack: Look where you want to go.” Your hands follow your eyes. Works every time.
- Black ice:
- - Forms on bridges/overpasses first
- - Pops up when temps hover around freezing
- - You often can’t see it, so assume it’s there if it’s cold out
Emergency Vehicle Rules (Don’t Mess These Up)
Sirens behind you = instant panic for new drivers. But the test wants you to know exactly what to do.
- Moving emergency vehicles (with lights/sirens):
- - Signal, pull over to the right and stop if it’s safe.
- - If you cannot safely pull over, slow down and proceed with caution, keeping a safe distance.
- - Applies to ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, and tow trucks when lights are flashing.
- Stopped emergency vehicles (with lights flashing):
- - If safe, move to the far lane away from the vehicle.
- - If it’s not safe, slow down and leave extra space.
- - This is the “Move Over” law, Ontario police enforce it strictly.
School & Playground Zones
Here’s where people get tricked—the timing.
- School zones:
- - 40 km/h on school days, usually 8 AM–5 PM
- - Some say “when children are present” → pay attention to signage
- - Double fines if you speed here
- Playground zones:
- - 40 km/h whenever kids are present (no time limits)
- - Basically: if you see kids, slow down.
Weather, emergency vehicles, school zones… none of this is glamorous, but it’s tested because it’s real life. These are the moments that can keep people safe, or land you a giant fine. Know them, and you’ll ace the trickiest part of the G1.