Chapter 6: Sharing the road

(Learn to Drive Smart, March 2026 edition)

This chapter goes through the people you share the road with and what each needs from you. Its starting point: before you move into a space, make sure it is empty, because other road users do not always follow the right-of-way rules.

Pedestrians. You must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, at intersections even where nothing is painted, when you turn, and when you enter the road from a driveway or alley; avoiding them is always your job. Passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk is illegal. A raised white cane means stop and let the person cross.

Cyclists and motorcycles. Cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers. Mirror- and shoulder-check before opening your door. When passing a cyclist or pedestrian, leave at least 1 m, or 1.5 m where the limit is above 50 km/h. A motorcycle needs a whole lane; stay at least three seconds behind one.

Large vehicles and buses. Keep out of a large vehicle's blind spots, where its driver cannot see you; behind one, stay where both its mirrors are visible. When a school bus shows alternating flashing red lights, traffic in every lane and both directions must stop. On roads posted at 60 km/h or less, let a signalling transit bus with a yield-to-bus sign pull out.

Emergency and roadside vehicles. Pull to the right and stop for an emergency vehicle using its lights and siren, but not inside an intersection; stay at least 150 m behind a fire truck. Passing a stopped vehicle with flashing lights, slow to 70 km/h where the limit is 80 km/h or more, or to 40 km/h where it is lower, and move over a lane if you safely can.

Construction zones and trains. Fines double in construction zones. Most trains need about two kilometres to stop; when you must stop at a crossing, stop between 5 and 15 m from the nearest rail.