Tips for driving on the freeway in Toronto?

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Chester Field

It's not as bad as it looks - you're safer there than you are on a divided road.

When merging onto a crowded highway drive at the speed of the vehicle to your left, signal and drop in behind that vehicle. Emphasis on behind.

The average speed is about 120 - 130 kph. and it often abruptly drops to zero - Keep a close eye on the brake lights in the lanes ahead of you - not just the cars immediately ahead of you but out as far as you can see. If you see brake lights lightly tap your brakes for the benefit of those behind you. And when you have to brake, keep one eye on your rear view mirror.

Merging and changing lanes can be a challenge in Toronto as some drivers are territorial. If they see you attempting to move into 'their' lane particularly ahead of them they will actually try and prevent you from doing so. Don't play their stupid game. Signal your intentions and slow down until you can move in behind them and don't forget to turn your head to check your blind spots before changing lanes.

Don't change lanes to try and gain an advantage - studies have demonstrated that staying in the same lane actually gets you to your destination almost as quickly as aggressively changing lanes.

Be polite to the other drivers, allow them to merge, don't tailgate and signal your moves well in advance.

Bob D

Freeway driving especially around Toronto can be intimidating for even the most seasoned of drivers. Plan your route, make your lane changes well ahead of your intended exit(s). Make sure you allow proper following distance behind the car ahead of you. Proper following distance is one car length per 10 km per hour to allow for safe stopping in an emergency. This can be especially difficult to do during rush hours. Hopefully your instructor won't take you out during rush hour at first. Best advice I can give you is to relax although that isn't what you want to hear but seriously, panic causes more mistakes than inexperience but by being a safe following distance behind and getting into your proper lane early will help. Good luck and if you do get too overwhelmed, pull over and let the instructor know you are not ready. A little loss of face is much better than driving in a panic.

ā™�Lilyā™�

Make sure you check your mirrors and blindspot. I think that is the best advice I can give you.

Also, with Toronto the highways have multiple lanes, you have to watch out for cars in the futher lanes too. For example if there were 3 lanes and your in the far right and theres another car in the far left. You want to move over to the center lane but you have to be sure the car in the far left lane isn't moving over at the same time you are as you could collide with each other.

Best of luck! You'll be fine! :)

HAPA CHIC

well first of all in canada its called a highway ..I know in the USA their called freeways.
Just stay behind a car ..you can figure out the pace very easily till your relaxed and calm ..it's not that hard
stay in the collectors lane instead of the express at first might make you alittle more comfortable ..

ian

Hi well I'm a seasoned driver and have driven under many conditions in many countries for many years, but my first encounter with Canadian drivers and the freeways there was a very unruly experience ,even for me!.Excessive speed being the main wrong.I can suggest is drive on the road before your test and get a feel for the conditions.Before going for the test also check out the link below further on road conditions on the day.

nbr660

keep your foot on the gas and not on the brake.

ellykay

Pray to whatever god you believe in, because those freeways are a nightmare.
Just watch everything going on around you and keep on your toes.

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