Changing Positions

Changing lanes is...

...moving from one lane to another on roads with 2+ lanes in the same direction

You make a lane change by...

- Check mirrors for a space to enter

- Check blind spot over shoulder and signal to move left or right

- Check again to make sure way is clear

- Steer gradually into new lane while maintaining same speed, then turn off signal

When lane changing, never...

- Cut in front of vehicles

- Change lanes unnecessarily or weave

- Change lanes in or near an intersection

Passing is...

...changing lanes to move past a slower vehicle

To pass a vehicle, you...

- Use left-turn signal, check way ahead and behind is clear, move into passing lane

- Watch for vehicles that are hidden in front, turning left, or are entering the road

- Overtake and signal to move back into original lane

- Make change when you can see the entire front of the vehicle you're passing

- If vehicle you're passing speeds up, return to original lane and do not race

When passing a vehicle, never...

- Overtake and pass if there's potential risk or danger

- Pass moving snow plows

- Pass if in doubt

You cannot pass when...

- Within 30 m of a pedestrian crossover

- Within 30 m from a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel (to pass left of a centreline)

- Approaching a hill crest, vision-obscuring curve, or not enough distance ahead to pass safely

Be mindful of...

- Doors opening when you're passing a parked vehicle

- Motorcycles, bikes, limited speed motorcycles, and mopeds pulling left or right to drive among others

When fast traffic wants to pass you...

...move to the right and let them pass safely

When a truck wants to pass on a 3+ lane road in either direction...

- they will use the lane next to the far left-hand lane

- move out of it into the right-hand lane asap

When passing at night...

- Switch headlights to low beams when approaching from behind

- Signal, check mirrors and blind spot, and pull out to pass

- Switch to high beams when passing to see road better

- Signal and pull back into lane ahead of vehicle when its entire front is visible

Passing and climbing lanes

- let slower vehicles move into the right-hand lane so faster vehicles can pass in the left lane

- start and end indicated via signs

Passing on the shoulder

- Right shoulder: to pass a vehicle turning left, only if paved

- Left shoulder: not allowed

Passing on the right

- On multi-lane or one-way roads

- When overtaking a street car or a left-turning vehicle

- More dangerous and less common than passing on left

- Proceed with caution and patience

Passing streetcars

- Pass on the right unless road is one-way

- Stay 2+ metres behind rear doors when passengers embark and disembark

- If there's a designated area for them to get on and off, be mindful when passing them