Large trucks and buses

By the end of this topic you can

• You can identify the no-zones around a large truck or bus.
• You can pass a truck quickly and safely, without lingering beside it.
• You can leave enough room when a truck is turning or stopping.
• You can let buses pull out from stops.
• You can cope with spray and wind turbulence near large vehicles.

What you need to know and understand

• Large vehicles have big blind spots on both sides, and behind and directly in front.
• If you cannot see the driver's face in their side mirror, they cannot see you.
• Trucks may swing left before turning right; never move up beside a turning truck.
• Large vehicles need much more distance to stop than cars.
• Do not cut in close in front of a truck after passing it.
• A stopped truck can roll back when the driver releases the brakes; leave room.
• When a bus in a bay signals to pull out, let it re-enter traffic.
• On many Ontario freeways with three or more lanes each way, large trucks may not use the far left lane.

Mapping the no-zones

A simple test: look for the truck driver's face in their side mirror. If you cannot see it, adjust your position.

• Directly behind: you cannot see ahead and the driver cannot see you.
• Along both sides, especially the right side, which is the largest blind area.
• Directly in front: a car that cuts in close disappears below the driver's view.
• Close to the cab on a right turn, where the trailer sweeps inwards.

Passing a truck, step by step

1. Leave a good gap behind the truck so you can see ahead.
2. Check mirrors and blind spot, signal and move out.
3. Pass steadily without lingering alongside, staying within the speed limit.
4. Hold your steering firmly in case of wind buffeting.
5. Return to the lane only when you can see the whole front of the truck in your rear-view mirror.
6. Keep your speed up after returning; do not slow down in front of it.

Turns, stops and weather

A truck turning right may first move left or use more than one lane. If you squeeze into the gap on its right, you can be crushed against the curb. Stay back until the turn is done.

In rain or slush, trucks throw up spray that can blind you for a moment. Turn on your wipers before you pass and pass decisively. In wind, large vehicles also create turbulence that can push your car sideways.

Common mistakes

• Driving in a truck's side blind area for long periods on a highway.
• Cutting in front of a truck and then braking, leaving it no room to stop.
• Squeezing up the right side of a truck that is turning right.
• Stopping too close behind a truck on a hill, where it may roll back.

Test yourself: Large trucks and buses

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.