Knowing what to do when something goes wrong is part of the test.
- If you are in a collision: stop, stay at the scene, check for injuries, call 911 if anyone is hurt or damage is significant, and exchange information (name, licence, insurance, plate) with others involved.
- Leaving the scene of a collision you are involved in is a serious offence.
- Breakdown: pull as far off the road as you safely can, turn on your hazard lights, and stay aware of passing traffic.
- Skidding: ease off the accelerator, do not brake hard, and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
- Emergency vehicles approaching: bring your vehicle to a stop as close as is safe to the right-hand curb and wait for it to pass; signal early and brake gradually. Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle brings a fine and three demerit points.
- Stopped emergency or tow vehicles ("slow down, move over"): when you pass a stopped emergency or tow vehicle with its lights flashing, slow down; if the road has two or more lanes in your direction, move into another lane away from it when it is safe.
Common mistake: braking hard in a skid. Hard braking locks the wheels and removes your steering control. Ease off and steer instead.
⚠️ Trap: You must remain at the scene of any collision you are involved in, even a minor one. Leaving is an offence regardless of who was at fault.
Recall: What must you do immediately after a collision? How should you respond if your vehicle starts to skid?