Drive right, pass left when taking road test
Advice columnist Eric Lai and other Toronto experts answer non-mechanical questions from readers. My daughter failed her mock road test (with the driving school) for driving in the passing lane. The instructor said she must always drive right and pass left — despite many illegally parked cars sporadically blocking the right lane. This doesn’t seem like good defensive driving. Bob Nichols of the Ministry of Transportation cites the Ontario Driver’s Handbook, which states:
“Drive in the safest lane for through traffic. This is usually the curb lane. However, if the curb lane is blocked by traffic, or there are many curbside hazards, the centre lane may be a safer choice. Keep to the centre of the lane and within the lane markings. Look ahead to where you will be in the next 12 to 15 seconds for dangerous situations or obstacles that you can avoid by changing lanes.” Eric Lai adds:
Apparently, the instructor felt the student could have reasonably complied with the drive right-pass left rule during the road test, even if it meant frequent lane changes.
The instructor would have done a disservice to the student by not pointing out that her observed driving behaviour would potentially result in a licensing road test fail. It’s archaic that Aurora and Newmarket, unlike the rest of York Region, require all collision reporting at the scene. I know people who waited hours during the winter for police. It seems illogical when much of Ontario now uses Collision Reporting Centres. Eric Lai replies:
Locations and operating hours of collision reporting centres in Ontario can be found at: collision-reporting-centre. com. If unsure whether an area has collision reporting centres, call your local police non-emergency number. In York Region, call 1-866-8-POLICE. Can a mechanic charge extra if I want my old parts back? Eric Lai replies:
Certain parts, such as alternator, starter, brake components and battery, may incur a “core charge.” This is a small deposit ($5 to $20), refundable when the worn-out part (“core”) being replaced is returned to the seller who, in turn, returns it to their supplier for rebuilding/ recycling.
The garage likely calculated the bill assuming you’d leave the old part behind. If, instead, you want to keep it, the shop is entitled to add a core charge — but should refund this if the core is returned within a reasonable time. Say, one week, or as specified on your bill (ask that it be spelled out).
The best time for a second opinion is before work is completed. Freelance writer Eric Lai is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. Email your nonmechanical questions to him at wheels@thestar.ca.