ONTARIO CLASS A · QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Written Knowledge Practice Test — questions and answers

All 40 original Rig Toolbox practice questions for this test, printed in full with the correct answer and an explanation for each one. Read them here, then put them to work in Practice or the Exam Simulator — no sign-up, ever.

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Independent practice: these are Rig Toolbox's own study questions, not official exam questions. Always confirm rules in the official handbook for the licence you are taking.

About this question set

How many questions are here? 40 — the full bank for this test. The interactive test draws 20 of them at a time.

What is this test? Ontario commercial-vehicle knowledge practice based on the supplied study material.

Every question, with its answer

Question 1

What should a driver do before reversing a commercial vehicle?

  1. Rely only on mirrors
  2. Sound the horn and reverse immediately
  3. Get out and check the intended path
  4. Turn on four-way flashers only

Correct answer: Get out and check the intended path

Get out and look when needed so the path, clearance and hazards are understood before backing.
Question 2

A daily inspection finds that none of the brake lamps work. What is required?

  1. Record a minor defect and continue
  2. Record a major defect and do not operate until repaired
  3. Continue during daylight only
  4. Proceed if four-way flashers work

Correct answer: Record a major defect and do not operate until repaired

Inoperative brake lamps are treated as a major defect; the vehicle must not be operated until repaired.
Question 3

What is the maximum daily driving time under the Ontario hours-of-service rule used in this study material?

  1. 10 hours
  2. 12 hours
  3. 13 hours
  4. 15 hours

Correct answer: 13 hours

The study rule is a maximum of 13 hours of driving in a day.
Question 4

How long is a daily inspection report normally valid?

  1. 12 hours
  2. 24 hours
  3. 36 hours
  4. 48 hours

Correct answer: 24 hours

A daily inspection report is normally valid for 24 hours.
Question 5

Who is responsible for ensuring cargo stays secured while the vehicle is operating?

  1. The dispatcher
  2. The shipper only
  3. The receiver
  4. The driver

Correct answer: The driver

The driver must ensure the load remains secure while operating the vehicle.
Question 6

After wheel service, when should wheel securement be rechecked?

  1. After 10–20 km
  2. After 40–60 km
  3. After 80–160 km
  4. At the next annual inspection

Correct answer: After 80–160 km

The supplied study material calls for a recheck after 80 to 160 kilometres.
Question 7

What should you do when traffic blocks the road beyond an intersection?

  1. Enter and wait in the intersection
  2. Stop before entering until there is room beyond
  3. Follow the vehicle ahead closely
  4. Sound the horn and continue

Correct answer: Stop before entering until there is room beyond

Do not block the intersection; wait before entering until the exit is clear.
Question 8

Which is normally off-duty time?

  1. Driving
  2. Loading freight
  3. Performing a daily inspection
  4. Time in a sleeper berth

Correct answer: Time in a sleeper berth

Properly recorded sleeper-berth time is off-duty; the other activities are on-duty.
Question 9

What is the safest way to begin descending a steep hill?

  1. Shift to neutral
  2. Slow down and select a suitable lower gear
  3. Coast with the clutch disengaged
  4. Turn off cruise control only

Correct answer: Slow down and select a suitable lower gear

Reduce speed and select the correct gear before the descent.
Question 10

What is the maximum width identified for a commercial vehicle, including its load?

  1. 2.0 m
  2. 2.3 m
  3. 2.6 m
  4. 3.0 m

Correct answer: 2.6 m

The supplied study material identifies 2.6 metres (about 8.5 feet).
Question 11

What is the maximum height identified for a commercial vehicle, including its load?

  1. 3.75 m
  2. 4.15 m
  3. 4.85 m
  4. 5.25 m

Correct answer: 4.15 m

The supplied study material identifies 4.15 metres (about 13.6 feet).
Question 12

When a minor defect is discovered during a trip, what should the driver do?

  1. Ignore it until the next inspection
  2. Record it, inform the operator and monitor it
  3. Stop permanently without reporting it
  4. Tell another driver only

Correct answer: Record it, inform the operator and monitor it

Record the defect on the report, notify the operator and monitor the condition.
Question 13

What must happen after a major defect is identified and recorded?

  1. Drive to the end of the shift
  2. Operate only without cargo
  3. Notify the operator and do not operate until repaired
  4. Wait until the next inspection report

Correct answer: Notify the operator and do not operate until repaired

A major defect must be reported and repaired before the vehicle is operated.
Question 14

Who may direct a commercial vehicle to attend a truck inspection station?

  1. A mechanic
  2. A police officer
  3. Another truck driver
  4. A shipper

Correct answer: A police officer

A police officer may require a commercial vehicle to report for inspection.
Question 15

What is the safest basic backing manoeuvre?

  1. Straight-line backing
  2. Blind-side alley docking
  3. Parallel backing
  4. Offset backing

Correct answer: Straight-line backing

Straight-line backing is the simplest and safest backing manoeuvre when it is available.
Question 16

When approaching a roundabout, what should a driver do?

  1. Accelerate into it
  2. Choose the correct lane for entry and exit
  3. Stop inside the roundabout
  4. Enter beside a vehicle already circulating

Correct answer: Choose the correct lane for entry and exit

Select the proper lane early and yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Question 17

What is true about anti-lock braking systems (ABS)?

  1. ABS guarantees a shorter stop
  2. ABS prevents wheel lock but may not shorten stopping distance
  3. ABS causes wheel lock
  4. ABS removes the need for following distance

Correct answer: ABS prevents wheel lock but may not shorten stopping distance

ABS helps prevent wheel lock and preserve control, but it does not guarantee a shorter stop.
Question 18

When starting a loaded tractor-trailer, which gear should normally be used?

  1. Highest available gear
  2. Lowest available gear
  3. Neutral
  4. Any gear if the engine revs high enough

Correct answer: Lowest available gear

Starting in the lowest suitable gear reduces clutch strain and improves control.
Question 19

If there is visible space between the trailer upper plate and the fifth wheel after coupling, what does it mean?

  1. The coupling is secure
  2. The trailer is ready to move
  3. The coupling is not secure
  4. The landing gear is too low only

Correct answer: The coupling is not secure

The trailer apron should rest flat on the fifth wheel; a gap signals an unsafe coupling.
Question 20

What is gross vehicle weight?

  1. Cargo weight only
  2. Trailer weight only
  3. Vehicle weight only
  4. Combined weight of the vehicle and its load

Correct answer: Combined weight of the vehicle and its load

Gross weight is the combined weight of the vehicle and everything it carries.
Question 21

Where should an Ontario Class A applicant confirm current test requirements?

  1. The official MTO truck handbook and DriveTest information
  2. A random message board
  3. A U.S. state manual
  4. An old advertisement

Correct answer: The official MTO truck handbook and DriveTest information

Use Ontario official sources for Ontario licence requirements.
Question 22

When a required daily inspection reveals a major defect, what is the next step?

  1. Operate to the next stop
  2. Report it and keep the vehicle out of service until corrected
  3. Delete the record
  4. Wait until the next morning

Correct answer: Report it and keep the vehicle out of service until corrected

A major defect must be addressed before the vehicle is driven.
Question 23

Which item belongs in a daily walk-around?

  1. Tires, wheels and visible damage
  2. Only the cargo manifest
  3. Only the seat fabric
  4. The driver’s radio preferences

Correct answer: Tires, wheels and visible damage

Visible tires and wheels are part of a systematic inspection.
Question 24

Why should a driver compare actual vehicle height with the planned route?

  1. To set fuel tax
  2. To avoid a low-clearance conflict
  3. To change trailer length
  4. To estimate engine oil

Correct answer: To avoid a low-clearance conflict

A route must accommodate the height of the actual vehicle and load.
Question 25

If a brake-system warning appears before driving, what should the driver do?

  1. Ignore the warning
  2. Stop and follow inspection and defect procedures
  3. Turn up the radio
  4. Use the trailer brakes only

Correct answer: Stop and follow inspection and defect procedures

A warning may indicate a safety defect requiring assessment.
Question 26

What should be checked on trailer doors before travel?

  1. They are closed and secured
  2. They match the cab colour
  3. The hinges are painted
  4. They have a sticker

Correct answer: They are closed and secured

Secured doors prevent an unintended opening.
Question 27

Why check a trailer tandem after it is slid?

  1. To verify locking pins are engaged
  2. To lower tire pressure
  3. To change the axle count
  4. To reset the dashboard clock

Correct answer: To verify locking pins are engaged

Unlocked slider pins can let the tandem move unexpectedly.
Question 28

How should a driver handle reduced visibility in fog?

  1. Maintain speed and follow lights closely
  2. Slow down and allow more space
  3. Turn off headlights
  4. Use only the shoulder

Correct answer: Slow down and allow more space

Reduced visibility makes a slower speed and added distance important.
Question 29

What does a daily inspection report communicate?

  1. Vehicle condition and identified defects
  2. The driver’s favourite route
  3. Only the fuel price
  4. Only the vehicle colour

Correct answer: Vehicle condition and identified defects

The report records the inspection and any defects.
Question 30

Where should you confirm whether an Ontario inspection station is open?

  1. Its posted signals and instructions
  2. A social media guess
  3. The colour of a passing truck
  4. A previous week’s receipt

Correct answer: Its posted signals and instructions

Follow the signs and signals for that specific station.
Question 31

Why should a driver inspect a tire sidewall?

  1. To check for visible damage
  2. To read the radio channel
  3. To count cargo pieces
  4. To adjust the fuel meter

Correct answer: To check for visible damage

Visible sidewall damage can be a defect.
Question 32

After finding a minor defect, what should the driver do?

  1. Record it and follow reporting and monitoring requirements
  2. Hide it
  3. Replace the inspection schedule
  4. Ignore all further changes

Correct answer: Record it and follow reporting and monitoring requirements

Minor defects still need documentation and attention.
Question 33

What happens to rear wheels on a sharp turn?

  1. They may follow a tighter path than the front
  2. They always follow the exact front-wheel track
  3. They leave the pavement automatically
  4. They stop turning

Correct answer: They may follow a tighter path than the front

Rear wheels may off-track toward the inside of a turn.
Question 34

Before reversing near a loading dock, what helps identify hazards?

  1. A walk-around and clear plan
  2. Closing both mirrors
  3. Reversing rapidly
  4. Guessing the distance

Correct answer: A walk-around and clear plan

A check of the intended path helps identify people and obstacles.
Question 35

Why is secure cargo important even on a short trip?

  1. A short distance does not prevent shifting
  2. Only long trips have turns
  3. It changes the speed limit
  4. It replaces pre-trip checks

Correct answer: A short distance does not prevent shifting

Turns and braking can affect an unsecured load at any distance.
Question 36

When rain reduces grip, what should a driver adjust?

  1. Following distance and speed
  2. The licence class
  3. The load label only
  4. Only the radio volume

Correct answer: Following distance and speed

More space and an appropriate speed account for lower traction.
Question 37

What should a driver do if uncertain about a regulation or exception?

  1. Check the current Ontario official source
  2. Assume a different province applies
  3. Guess from an old quiz
  4. Ignore the rule

Correct answer: Check the current Ontario official source

Official sources explain the current requirement and exceptions.
Question 38

Why inspect the fifth wheel and trailer connection?

  1. To confirm the coupling is secure
  2. To estimate fuel cost
  3. To measure radio signal
  4. To change cargo temperature

Correct answer: To confirm the coupling is secure

A secure coupling is essential before moving.
Question 39

What is a practical way to avoid blocking an intersection?

  1. Wait until space is available beyond it
  2. Enter even when the exit is full
  3. Follow a vehicle closely
  4. Stop in the crosswalk

Correct answer: Wait until space is available beyond it

Make sure the vehicle can clear the intersection.
Question 40

Which documentation source explains Ontario daily inspection schedules?

  1. The official MTO Truck Handbook and applicable schedule
  2. Only the fuel receipt
  3. A social post
  4. A state DMV handbook

Correct answer: The official MTO Truck Handbook and applicable schedule

The MTO handbook points drivers to the required inspection schedule.

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