Ontario Road Signs: MTO G1 Knowledge Test, 1 Metre Bike Law & 20 Metre School Bus Stop

What speed applies when there is no posted limit in Ontario? What is the school bus rear stop distance, and when is a radar detector illegal? The default unposted speed is 50 km/h in cities and towns, 80 km/h elsewhere. Approaching a school bus from the rear, stop at least 20 metres away. Radar detectors are illegal in Ontario even when not in use. The Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) at ontario.ca administers the G1 knowledge test at DriveTest Centres across Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Brampton, and Hamilton. The Official MTO Driver Handbook is the official study source for Ontario traffic signs, lights, pavement markings, and rules of the road.

1. Why Road Signs Matter in Ontario

Ontario uses a graduated licensing system. New drivers start at Class G1 after passing the knowledge test, move to Class G2 after the first road test, then earn full Class G after the second road test. Apply and test at any DriveTest Centre across Ontario. The Class G1 licence package includes the knowledge test, the Class G2 road test and a five-year licence; the Class G road test is paid separately. G1 holders cannot drive on 400-series highways with speed limits over 80 km/h or on certain high-speed expressways such as the QEW, Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, E.C. Row Expressway and Conestoga Parkway unless accompanied by an Ontario-certified driving instructor. The Official MTO Driver Handbook at ontario.ca is Ontario’s official study source for road rules and traffic signs.

2. Road Sign Shapes and Colours in Ontario

Ontario uses the North American shape and colour system with metric measurements. On Highway 401, the QEW, or a rural county road, shape and colour identify a sign before the text is readable at speed. Know every row in this table before your DriveTest Centre G1 appointment.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)		Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond		Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)		Legal requirement; obey this sign or face fines and points on your record
Rectangle (horizontal)		Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone ahead; reduce speed and watch for children crossing
Orange temporary-condition sign		Temporary condition such as road work, detour, lane closure or traffic-control person; slow down and follow directions
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Brown (any shape)		Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it

Ontario railway crossing sign: All public-road railway crossings are marked with a large red-and-white X sign; yellow advance warning signs may appear before the crossing.

3. Ontario Regulatory Signs

Regulatory signs in Ontario carry legal force under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Violations can result in fines and, depending on the offence, demerit points. Radar detectors are illegal in Ontario vehicles regardless of whether the device is active. Regulatory signs are included in the Official MTO Driver Handbook and traffic signs are covered by the G1 knowledge test.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop and yield before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding

Speed Limit Sign

Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right

No Right Turn Sign

Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left

One Way Sign

All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way

Keep Right Sign

Move to the right side of the island or obstruction

Do Not Pass Sign

Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again

No Turn on Red Sign

Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Straight or Turn Right Sign

From this lane you may only go straight or turn right

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic

No Parking Sign

Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby

No Trucks Sign

Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route

No Bicycles Sign

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

Reserved Parking Sign

Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot

Four Way Stop Sign

Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

Stop fully before proceeding; right turns may go after stopping

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn

Lane Use Control Sign

Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation

4. Ontario Warning Signs

Warning signs alert drivers to dangerous or unusual conditions ahead, such as curves, intersections, railway crossings, narrow roads, traffic signals, or hazards affecting the roadway.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is ahead; slow down

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down

Winding Road

Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly

Slippery When Wet

Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance

Deer Crossing

Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present; slow to posted speed

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic

Merging Traffic

Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry

Added Lane

A new lane is added ahead; stay in your lane and let merging traffic in

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears

Left Lane Ends

Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes

Road Narrows

Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered

Low Clearance

Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed

Bump

Speed bump ahead; slow down before reaching it

Dip

Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out

Loose Gravel

Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes

Shoulder Drop Off

Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic

Cross Road

Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop

T Intersection

Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right

Side Road

A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left

Highway Intersection Ahead

A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield

Road Entering Curve

A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering

Roundabout

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right

Truck Rollover

Trucks must slow significantly; high rollover risk on this curve

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Shows the maximum safe speed for the ramp or condition ahead; reduce speed as needed

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop

5. Guide Signs and Highways in Ontario

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

400-series Highway Marker

You are on a 400-series provincial highway; note the number

Provincial Highway Marker

You are on a provincial highway; note the number for navigation

County Road Marker

You are on a county road; note the number for navigation

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

This lane leads to an exit only; stay if you are not exiting

Kilometre Marker

Marks your location on the route in kilometres; note it for emergency or navigation use

Services Sign

Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop

Hospital Sign (H)

Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care

Diesel

Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it

Park / Recreation Sign

Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

6. Traffic Signals in Ontario

Flashing red = stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = drive with caution. At a streetcar stop without a passenger safety island, stay at least 2 metres behind the rear doors while passengers are getting on or off; where a passenger area is set aside, pass it at a reasonable speed and watch for pedestrians. Traffic signs and lights are among the topics the G1 knowledge test may cover.

If Ontario traffic lights are blank during a power loss, yield to vehicles already in the intersection and to vehicles entering from your right, then proceed cautiously as at an all-way stop.

After a left-turn green arrow, a yellow arrow may appear. Do not start a left turn; stop if you can do so safely, otherwise complete the turn with caution.

Ontario transit priority signal: A white vertical bar above a regular traffic signal allows a public-transit vehicle to proceed while conflicting traffic faces a red light; traffic and pedestrians must yield to the transit vehicle.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection; unless a sign prohibits it, you may turn right on red after a complete stop and when clear, and may turn left from a one-way road onto a one-way road after stopping and when clear

Steady Yellow

The red light is about to appear; stop if you can do so safely, otherwise proceed with caution

Steady Green

You may turn left, go straight, or turn right after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection

Advance Green Light or Arrow

Oncoming traffic faces red; from the proper lane you may turn left, go straight, or turn right while obeying pedestrian signals

Red Light with Green Left Arrow

You may turn left from the left-turn lane on the green arrow while traffic facing the red light remains stopped

Circular Green (no arrow)

You may turn left, go straight, or turn right after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear

Flashing Yellow

Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed with caution

Flashing Red Beacon

Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Flashing Green / Advance Green

Oncoming traffic faces red; from the proper lane you may turn left, go straight, or turn right while obeying pedestrian signals

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase ending; finish if started, do not begin

Key test point: Flashing red = complete stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = drive with caution. A flashing green or advance green gives turning traffic priority while oncoming traffic faces red.

7. Ontario Pavement Markings

Yellow lines separate traffic travelling in opposite directions. White lines separate traffic travelling in the same direction. Ontario pavement markings also identify stop lines, crosswalks, lane-use arrows, continuity lines, pedestrian crossovers and fixed obstacles.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate traffic travelling in opposite directions; a solid line at the left of your lane means it is unsafe to pass

White lines

Separate traffic travelling in the same direction

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead

Solid yellow + broken yellow

A solid line at the left of your lane means it is unsafe to pass; a broken line at the left means you may pass if the way is clear

Double solid yellow lines

Solid lines at the left of your lane indicate that it is unsafe to pass

Center Turn Lane

For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel

Center Turning Lane (sign)

For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Ontario continuity lines: Wider, closely spaced broken lines show that a lane is ending or exiting. If the continuity line is on your left, change lanes to continue in your current direction; if it is on your right, your lane continues.

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

You must follow the arrow direction from this lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it

Crosswalk lines

Marks a pedestrian crossing; obey traffic signals and yield to pedestrians as required

Bicycle lane marking

Bicycle lane; motorists may enter or cross it only where permitted and when safe, such as when preparing to turn

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Use this lane only if you have the required number of occupants

Ontario pedestrian crossover markings: A pedestrian crossover is marked by two white double parallel lines across the road with an X in each approaching lane, together with specific signs and overhead yellow lights. Drivers and cyclists must stop before the line and yield until pedestrians have completely crossed and cleared the roadway.

Markings around fixed objects: Two solid pavement lines guide traffic away from fixed objects such as bridge piers or concrete islands; yellow-and-black markings may also be placed on the objects.

Key test point: The MTO handbook states that yellow lines separate traffic travelling in opposite directions and white lines separate traffic travelling in the same direction.

8. Ontario Work Zone Signs

Orange signs with black lettering usually mark temporary conditions such as road work, diversions, detours, lane closures or traffic-control people. Obey construction-zone signs, traffic-control people and devices. In a designated Ontario construction zone, speeding fines are doubled when workers are present.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic; obey their signals

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead; merge early

Road Closed

Road is completely closed; follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them

• You must obey a traffic-control person directing vehicles through a work zone.
• Speed limits posted in work zones are enforceable even when workers are not present.
• Ontario doubles Highway Traffic Act speeding fines in designated construction zones when workers are present.
• Never drive through or around a closed lane barrier. wait for a flagger or follow detour signs.

Key test point: Orange temporary-condition signs warn of road work, detours, lane closures or traffic-control people. Reduce speed as conditions require and follow posted directions.

9. Railway Crossing Signs in Ontario

Ontario public-road railway crossings are marked with a large red-and-white X sign. Yellow advance warning signs and large X pavement markings may appear before the crossing, and some crossings use flashing lights, gates or stop signs. If a train is coming, stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail or gate.

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear

Stop Line

Stop here completely when required before proceeding

• All public-road railway crossings are marked by a large red-and-white X sign.
• If a train is coming, stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail or gate and wait until it is safe to cross.
• Never stop on the tracks. if traffic is backed up, wait until you can clear the tracks completely before crossing.
• School buses must stop at all railway crossings whether or not gates or signal lights are present; be prepared to stop behind them.

Key test point: The red-and-white X sign marks a public-road railway crossing. If a train is coming, stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail or gate.

10. Ontario School Zone Signs

The five-sided fluorescent yellow-green school zone sign warns that you are entering a school zone. Ontario does not use one province-wide 30 km/h school-zone limit; where a school-zone speed sign has flashing yellow lights, obey the speed shown when the lights are flashing.

School Zone

School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Observe the speed shown when the yellow lights are flashing

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• Where a school zone speed limit sign has flashing yellow lights, observe the speed shown when the lights are flashing.
• When a school bus activates its overhead amber lights, it is preparing to stop; slow down and prepare to stop.
• You must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights or an extended stop arm. on undivided roads this applies in both directions, and when approaching from behind you must stop at least 20 metres away.
• On roads with a true median or physical barrier, only traffic behind the bus must stop. oncoming traffic may proceed. A center turn lane does not count as a divider.
• Failing to stop for a school bus can result in a $400-$2,000 fine and six demerit points for a first offence; repeat penalties are higher and may include jail.
• When a school-crossing guard displays a red-and-white stop sign, stop before the crossing and remain stopped until everyone, including the guard, has cleared the roadway and it is safe to proceed.

Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

11. Pedestrian and Bike Signs in Ontario

Ontario law requires drivers to leave at least 1 metre of clearance when passing a cyclist where it is practical to do so. At a designated pedestrian crossover, drivers and cyclists must stop before the line and yield until pedestrians have completely crossed and cleared the roadway. A pedestrian crossover is different from an ordinary intersection crosswalk and is identified by specific signs, overhead yellow lights and pavement markings.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Watch for pedestrians and be prepared to stop or yield as required by the crossing controls

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• At a designated pedestrian crossover, drivers and cyclists must stop before the line and yield until pedestrians have completely crossed and cleared the roadway.
• Ontario law requires motorists to give cyclists at least 1 metre of clearance when passing where practical.
• Do not pass another vehicle within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover.

Key test point: At a pedestrian crossover, stop before the line and wait until pedestrians have completely crossed and cleared the roadway.

12. How to Pass the Ontario G1 Knowledge Test

• Study the shapes first. If you can identify a sign by shape alone, you have already narrowed it down significantly.
• Use the official handbook. Study the Official MTO Driver Handbook sections on signs, traffic lights, pedestrian signals and pavement markings.
• Practice with flashcards. Quiz yourself on sign images, not just text descriptions.
• Do not confuse warning and regulatory. Yellow diamonds warn; white rectangles regulate. That distinction shows up on the test.
• Know school-zone speed signs. Obey the speed shown when flashing yellow lights are active; there is no single province-wide 30 km/h school-zone rule.
• Know flashing signal rules. Flashing red = complete stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = drive with caution. Flashing green or advance green gives turning traffic priority while oncoming traffic faces red.
• Learn yellow vs white lines. Yellow lines separate opposite-direction traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic.
• Know temporary-condition signs. Orange-and-black signs warn about road work, detours, lane closures and traffic-control people.
• Review sample questions. Use official MTO sample knowledge-test questions, then use practice tests to check your recognition of Ontario signs and signals.
• Know Ontario’s advance green. A flashing green light or advance green gives turning traffic priority while oncoming traffic faces red; pedestrians should cross only when their signal permits.