Ontario handbook · chapter 2 · 31 min read

Getting ready to drive

• Freeway driving (https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers- handbook/freeway-driving)
• Dealing with particular situations (https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto- drivers-handbook/dealing-particular-situations)
• Driving at night and in bad weather (https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto- drivers-handbook/driving-night-and-bad-weather)
• Dealing with emergencies (https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers- handbook/dealing-emergencies)
• Driving efficiently (https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers- handbook/driving-efficiently)

Getting ready to drive

Before you drive, make sure you are comfortable with your physical, mental and emotional state, your vehicle and the conditions in which you will be driving. If you have doubts about any of them, don't drive.

Your ability to drive can change from one day to the next. Illness, fatigue, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, stress and your mental or emotional state can greatly diminish your ability to operate a motor vehicle. You should consider these factors before you begin driving, and you should not operate a motor vehicle when you are not fit to do so.

Be physically and mentally alert

You must be in good physical and mental condition to drive. Don't drive when you are sick or injured or when you have been drinking alcohol or taking any drug or medication that may reduce your ability to drive.