Wondering if you should pull into the intersection for left turns? Should I pull into the intersection? This is a common question, and it's a great question. I'm going to answer this from my British Columbia, Canadian perspective. Other places might do things differently. If you're turning left on a green light, then yes, generally speaking, you should pull into the intersection when you're yielding to oncoming traffic and/or pedestrians. The only exception would be if there were no available spaces to turn into. This happens sometimes when the traffic is backed up on the other road. Or, sometimes there are issues on the road you're about to turn into (a broken down car, construction, etc.) Why pull into the intersection? The reason you should pull into the intersection is it…
A Complaint About Marine Drive and Kerr Street Marine Drive and Kerr Street is an interesting intersection. It's not the safest intersection I've ever seen. When you turn left there, it can somehow seem to be extra dangerous. Perhaps it's the hill, blocking everyone's vision. Or it just has a bad vibe. Either way, it's good to be extra careful when turning left at this intersection. For my full guide to intersections, check it out: Intersections in British Columbia, Drivers Guide or jump to How to Turn Left at an Intersection Safely. Submitted by a reader South Bound on Kerr StreetTraffic light at SE Marine DriveTurning LEFT at Kerr and SE Marine, Only two cars get through at rush hour.This short span of time has occurred within the last month.Traffic…
Collisions with Wildlife in British Columbia No one wants a collision with wildlife, but sometimes, it happens, especially in beautiful British Columbia where we have many highways that may have many different animals lurking around the edges or right in the middle of the roads. While driving in beautiful British Columbia, you might encounter: Bears Deer Moose Cattle Wild Horses Bison Mountain Goats Bighorn Sheep Ram (Not the Dodge variety) Elk Caribou Smaller animals Watch for Wildlife Road Signs CARIBOU ELK RAM MOUNTAIN GOATS/BIGHORN SHEEP BISON WILD HORSES CATTLE MOOSE DEER BEAR DEER What happens if you hit a deer in BC? If you hit a deer or another wild animal in British Columbia, or if you see a dead animal on the road, it's best to call the local…
Welcome to British Columbia Driver License Guide In this easy British Columbia Driver License Guide, we get into the different driver license Classes in beautiful BC and break down what types of vehicles a driver may drive with each Class of license. For a similar article, check out our guide to the BC Class 7 "N" Restrictions, or What is the Graduated Licensing Program? Class 5 or 7 driver's license Class 5 is the most common driver's license for regular passenger vehicles in British Columbia. Class 7L is a learner's permit that allows folks to practice their driving skills to prepare for the first road test. In order to get a Class 7L license, folks must be 16 at least years old and pass a vision screening test with ICBC.…
There are different steps to getting your motorcycle license in BC, (beautiful British Columbia), depending on if you already have a BC driver's license or not. Drivers with Existing BC Licenses Step 1: Get your motorcycle learner's licenseTo get your learner's license you need to pass the motorcycle knowledge testClass 6L Motorcycle Learner's License Class 6L Motorcycle Learner Restrictions Step 2: Pass the motorcycle skills testAs you ride, the examiner watches:After you pass the motorcycle skills test Step 3: Get your full motorcycle licenseL & N Drivers or New DriversStep 1: Get your motorcycle learner's licenseClass 8L Motorcycle Learner Restrictions Step 2: Pass the motorcycle skills testAs you ride, the examiner watches:After you pass the motorcycle skills test Step 3: Pass the Class 8 motorcycle road testStep 4: Get your…
What is the Graduated Licensing Program GLP? ICBC's Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) was introduced in British Columbia in 1998. It's a phased approach to learning. It allows learner drivers to adjust to driving in a safe, more gradual way, so they're better prepared for driving in the real world, and takes about three years from start to finish, including two road tests and one knowledge test. This program is for learners to work towards getting their full driver's license. It is a required program for any new/learner driver; it's not optional. Drivers who take an approved driver education GLP course with a driving school can receive benefits, such as high school credits and time off (shortening of the time in the GLP). The aim is for learners to ease into…
Scan Intersections - When the light goes green Scanning intersections basically means that a driver does an intentional scan of the entire intersection before driving through it, from left to right, whether you have a green light or a green arrow. They actively look as far as they can to the left, center, right, and then left again before continuing to drive. The most dangerous time at an intersection is often right when the lights are changing; to yellow, red, and then green. This is the most likely time that a driver will be doing something they shouldn't, such as speeding up instead of slowing down when the light goes yellow. Read more about yellow lights on our blog. This left-to-right scan is literally a life-saving skill that drivers can…
Is U-Turn Allowed in BC? U-turns are forbidden while driving in British Columbia if they interfere with other traffic, if they're on a curve or hill, if they're at an intersection controlled by a traffic control signal, and anywhere in a business district unless the turn is made at an intersection without traffic lights. Let's dive into the details a bit more. British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act In the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act (the law in BC) section 168 discusses U-turns: 168 Except as provided by the bylaws of a municipality or the laws of a treaty first nation, the Nisg̱a'a Nation or a Nisg̱a'a Village, a driver must not turn a vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction (a) unless the driver can do so without interfering…
This post may contain affiliate links. How to Avoid Crashes & What Is Defensive Driving - A Definition What is defensive driving? And how to avoid crashes? Defensive driving is using actionable driving strategies to eliminate or minimize risk - and help avoid crashes - by actively anticipating hazards on the road. How to Avoid Crashes & What Is Defensive Driving - A DefinitionWhat Is Defensive Driving - Active Vs Passive DriversDrivers are somewhat predictable. For example: Keep Your DistanceTiming Eyes & Eye Contact for Defensive Driving Look At Drivers, Not Just CarsWhat Is Defensive Driving - Look For Eye ContactLet Other Road Users Know You ExistAvoid Driving In a 'Pack' Keep Track Of Surroundings At All TimesKeeping An Escape RouteAlways Assume That Drivers Want to Lane Change It's what…
Welcome to Construction Road Signs British Columbia Orange road signs are for construction, maintenance, and/or something of a temporary nature. Be sure to watch for traffic control people and follow their directions. Traffic control people can legally override other traffic control devices. In other words, if a traffic control person instructs you to go through a red light, or stop for a green light, do what they say. Make sure to also keep a good safe distance away from construction equipment and vehicles, and never pass in a construction zone unless it can be done safely. Be sure to also check out my other comprehensive guide on the rest of the Canada Road Signs. Crew Working Road Sign There are many construction signs. Just remember that any orange sign you see is a…
This post may contain affiliate links. Earthquake While Driving? It Could Happen Here are a few tips for staying safe while driving if experiencing an earthquake: An earthquake while driving may feel like something is wrong with your car. Take note of your surroundings. You’ll feel jolting and you might see swaying or falling objects. Slow down Slow down until you can safely pull over and stop. Avoid parking near overpasses, powerlines, bridges, and buildings. Your car will provide little protection from heavy falling objects. Cement can crush cars as if they were little cans of pop. Turn off your vehicle Turn off the engine and put the handbrake on. Stay in your car until the shaking stops. If power lines fall If a power line falls on your vehicle,…
What does the red traffic light mean? The steady red traffic light means that you must stop your vehicle. After you come to a full and complete stop - and if it is safe - you may turn right in British Columbia and most other Canadian places, or turn left in British Columbia if it's onto a one-way street unless a road sign forbids it. What are the 3 traffic lights? Traffic lights are a type of traffic control device that are used to help organize traffic flow. Generally speaking, the red light means “stop,” the yellow light means “caution” and the green light means “go.” These traffic lights - also known as traffic signals - can have slightly different meanings when they are flashing. They can also mean something…
Tips for Co-pilots & Parents of Learner Drivers I'm not going to pretend that being a co-pilot for a teen, new driver, or any learner driver is not potentially stressful, because it certainly can be. In fact, some family members flat-out refuse to drive with a learner. And I get it. I'd be lying if I said I didn't see my life flash before my eyes a few times here and there (read: all day every day lol) while being a driving instructor. In this article, I'm going to discuss some tips, tricks, and ideas for parents and co-pilots to reduce stress and be able to practice driving with their learners more comfortably. Take your time learning how to drive Learning how to drive is a process that doesn't happen…
Right on a Red Light Turning right on a green light is sort of easy. But turning right at a red light isn't as easy. You don't have to do it, but it's great if you know how. So let's jump right into the detailed guide, written of course from the driving instructor's perspective. *Based in Vancouver, Canada. Not all places allow right turn on red lights. Make sure your area allows it before attempting this. And of course, if you're reading this to help you prepare for your upcoming road test, be sure to check out my epic article: ICBC Road Test Tips For Classes 5 & 7 [Instructor Gets Deep]. Say I'm coming to an intersection and making a right turn on red. After stopping at the stop…
Left on Red Light in British Columbia *This information regarding turning left on a red light, is relevant to British Columbia, Canada, and may not apply to other provinces, states, countries, or planets. Left on a Red light at Two-Way Streets You can not turn left at a red light if you're turning onto a one-way street (it's illegal). Left on a Red Light at One-Way Streets You may turn left on a red light from a one-way street onto another one-way street or from a two-way street onto a one-way street. Treat it as you would a right turn on a red light. You must completely stop and yield to others before proceeding. Check for turning restriction signs. You Can Turn Left on a Red Light from One-Way Street…
Turning At Intersections With Pedestrians In The Crosswalk Question about waiting for pedestrians: When a pedestrian is crossing, do you have to wait for them to cross all the way to the other side before you proceed? Great question. It seems to me that different people have different opinions about this subject. There seems to be no solid answer from the motor vehicle act. So...I will share what I think, and how I taught students in driving lessons. It's good to be efficient, but not at the expense of safety Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. When a car and a pedestrian fight, the pedestrian never wins. Cars can be replaced, but people can't It's good to remember that pedestrian crossing isn't just some inconvenience. It's someone's wife, husband,…
I was kind of hoping that work wouldn’t call me in this morning, but at 6:45 am, they called and gave me the gift of a 10-hour long shift, and the first five hours actually went okay. (I was working casually at the time, which means you can still work full-time hours, but each day they will call on short notice and offer you a shift, and you never know where you'll be going or who you'll be meeting. Every day is guaranteed to be 100% different.) I had picked up a lady - let’s call her Rosemary - from a church. She was on her way home. I had to stop and pick up another gentleman called Rain. He was going to a senior's center to play cards. When…
Welcome to Road Test Fail Tales Did you or someone you know fail a road test? I failed my first road test, too, so don't think you're the only one. Approximately 50% of people who go for the road test to get their "N," fail it. Of course, it's better if you can just pass. That's why I've collected these true stories from over the years in hopes that it can help others prepare for a road test. We're going to dive in deep here and get into the nitty-gritty details. Thanks to all the folks who sent in their story so that it may be able to help others. And if it's the inspiration you're craving more, check out this article of a road test experience from a driver…
Spooky Halloween Tips for Drivers Drive extra slowly in residential areas Reduce/eliminate your distractions and pay close attention Enter and exit driveways slowlyDo not pass vehicles that have stopped in the roadway; they could be dropping off childrenPay extra attention at crosswalks, intersections and the side of the roadKeep scanning all around you as you drive and be aware of your surroundingsDo you really have to be driving? If not, then don’tRemember your turn signals (as usual, but it's important) Keep in mind children wearing costumes may not be able to see properlyCheck behind your vehicle before reversing and honk before reversing out of a driveway (preferably you reverse into a driveway so you don’t need to reverse out)Plan an alternate route around residential areas, if possibleLeave lots of extra…
Tips for all drivers going for their road test There's nothing like hearing from a real student driver's road test experience and tips. It just might help you prepare for your own road test. Preparing for your ICBC road test? Be sure to check out my epic article: ICBC Road Test Tips For Classes 5 & 7 [Instructor Gets Deep]. Student driver: Hello everyone! So I took my road test yesterday in Burnaby but unfortunately I didn't make it. The main reason was that I missed a playground and I went 46 km in a 30 km zone. Also, I didn't do a full 360 check when I did my straight reverse exercise. For anyone taking their road test for the first time this summer, especially in Burnaby, here are some…
If you're going for your ICBC road test soon, check out this ICBC Road Test Checklist. There's nothing quite like being prepared for one of the most exciting days of your life (Okay, that was a little dramatic, but it might be true.) Jump to a section of the ICBC Road Test Checklist, or just read through the whole thing to make sure you're ultra-prepared. I hope that your road test day goes well! For more information about the ICBC road tests, check out the difference between class 5 and 7 road tests, get the best road test tips, or check out the knowledge test. Accepted ID Fee for your road test Valid insurance and registration documents A safe vehicle Identification You need two (2) pieces of identification; one primary,…
Hand Signals Driving Are you new at driving, preparing for your road test, or just curious about hand signals for driving? Despite the fact it's 2023, we humans still don't have flying cars. You know what else we don't have? Car light bulbs that last forever. Therefore, we drivers need to learn hand signals for driving. This is important because people everywhere preparing for road tests will need to know this. It's part of basic driver education. More importantly, it's helpful for real-life situations when one of your four turn signal bulbs burns out and you have no other way to signal to the road users around you where you are planning to go other than your hand signals. Hand signals for driving Hand Signals for Driving Are The Same…
Q: I'm a New Driver, and getting my license in November. I got a speeding ticket in November and got put on probation. Now I just got another ticket in July, so did I automatically just get my license suspended or terminated? And if I dispute the ticket, does that pause anything? It's not good, that is for sure. According to these government guidelines, since this is a second infraction within 2 years, it looks like you're in for a 2-6 month prohibition. New Driver Intervention chart What is more to the point is whether the scheduled road test is more than thirty days after the date of the offense (the illegal turn), because it is my understanding that if a ticket is not disputed, then after thirty days the…
Welcome to ICBC Road Test Tips - The Mini Version Get your vehicle ready - No red dashboard lights- No frayed seat belts, etc. Avoid automatic fails a. Anything unsafeb. Anything illegal Stop completely Stop completely at stop signs & for a right turn onred light Don't speed Do not speed (51 km/hr in a 50 km/hr zone isspeeding)Don’t keep up with speeding traffic flow onthe freeway or on any road Shoulder checks a. Before pulling in/out of traffic, before lanechange/merge, before turns at intersections,before opening your door Don't stop for no reason Use your parking brake Use your parking brake every time you “park”a. After hill parking, parallel & other parkingb. After backing up in a straight linec. When you’re doing your hazard perceptionwhile stopped Know how to park…
BC and Alberta Driving Rules Check out some of the differences between BC and Alberta driving rules before you go Non-Alberta license for tourists and visitorsA person visiting Alberta who is authorized to drive a motor vehicle of a particular class or type under a valid licence or permit issued outside Alberta is not required to hold a current and valid operator’s licence if the person drives the same type or class of motor vehicle while visiting in Alberta. You can drive in Alberta with your BC license; just follow all of your restrictions BC and Alberta Driving Rules - Turning Right on Red Light BC and Alberta have the same rules regarding the right turn on the red light thing. As usual, these turns are optional, and permitted,…
There may come a time in your life when you realize that simply driving to work or around town is no longer thrilling. Or perhaps you're somebody that actively enjoys nature (fishing, hiking, hunting, or natural hot springs), and really values being able to "get away from it all" on another level. This is when you might encounter a logging road in beautiful British Columbia. These logging roads are also known as: Resource RoadsForest Service Roads Mineral Exploration Roads What Are These Roads, Exactly? These types of roads in beautiful British Columbia provide access to remote areas. They are not built to the same standards as highways. These types of roads were created for industrial purposes, such as for logging, oil & gas, agriculture, mining. However, they are often used…
What Does a Yield Sign Mean? Facing a yield sign simply means to "give the right of way," or let another road user go before you when there may be a potential conflict. Sometimes, you may have to stop to let the other road user(s) go first Other times, you may have to stop because you don't have any visibility and can't yet see if there's another road user to yield to And other times, you may not have to slow down because there is clear visibility and no one to yield to. In that case, you definitely don't need to stop before proceeding. Do You Have to Stop at the Yield Sign? No, you do not necessarily need to stop at a yield sign. Yield means to give the…
What Does a Flashing Green Light BC mean? (British Columbia) Everyone knows that red means stop, green means go and yellow means stop as long as you safely can. The flashing green light BC, seen around beautiful British Columbia simply indicates the intersection is pedestrian-controlled. In other words, it will flash green all day long, and drivers may proceed just like any other green light until a pedestrian wants to cross. Then, things get weird. These are not a lot of people's favorite types of intersections because they confuse people. When the light goes red, the cross traffic is commonly facing only a stop sign. So, two directions are facing a stop sign, and the other two directions are facing a red light, and pedestrians are given priority; at least…
Welcome to How to Lane Change If you're wondering how to lane change, you're not alone. Lane changing can be quite a difficult thing for a beginner driver to get good at. A lot of beginners tend to slow down to think about things when they're planning a lane change. Of course, this doesn't work. Let's get into some helpful pointers on how to safely lane change for new and experienced drivers alike. Preparing for your ICBC road test? Be sure to check out my epic article: ICBC Road Test Tips For Classes 5 & 7 [Instructor Gets Deep]. Why do drivers need to learn how to lane change? Mostly because we are not supposed to turn right from the left lane, or turn left from the right lane How To…
Indicating, but not turning - accident/crash Who is at fault if a car signals but doesn't turn? It's a great question, and I don't have an amazing answer. But I can tell you that from a legal standpoint, turn signals definitely don't give other drivers any right to make assumptions. In other words, it may be the fault of the driver who indicated but didn't turn, the other road user(s), or a combination of both; but more often than not, the fault is decided based on the driving laws, and the traffic control devices at the scene; not so much about turn signals. Turn signals are nice, and we are supposed to always use them when we drive, but at the time time, we are not allowed to trust them.…
Red Lights with green arrows - a question We have received a question here on the blog regarding red lights with green arrows. Here it is : I've read that if a green arrow is shown with a red light, you can go in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear. I haven't come across this red-light-and-green-arrow situation yet while driving. I'm unsure if you're supposed to stop before turning in the direction of the green arrow. Or if you can just go through. I'm thinking you can just go through...some pictures on Google Images seem to suggest that you can. But I wonder if that's generally the way it works. Red Lights With Green Arrows This is actually a good question. I've heard a few stories…
This post may contain affiliate links. Parking on a hill - what's the big deal? Parking on a hill is not that different from parking on a non-hill. But you do need to consider a few things to make sure it's going to be safe when you are learning how to park; and for the rest of your parking career. If you don't take care of this, your car could end up rolling down the road by itself. It would keep rolling away until it crashes into something; whatever happens to be in the way. Obviously this would be bad. Sometimes, mechanical failure will occur, no matter what precautions you've taken beforehand. Even in this case, you still have the option to set up your vehicle for the lesser of…
In Beautiful British Columbia, we have specific rules and guidelines around emergency vehicles and this article will go through the proper BC emergency vehicle etiquette. It's important for everyone, including new drivers of course, to familiarize themselves with the proper BC emergency vehicle etiquette and protocols. It's always awkward for everyone when an emergency vehicle is coming with its emergency lights and sirens activated. Emergency vehicles are just one of the many reasons why you should look from left to right before crossing intersections. This is especially true if you are the first vehicle at an intersection when your light goes green. BC Emergency Vehicle Etiquette https://twitter.com/jpmf/status/1504123467922239493 Here's just one little example of a time when the vehicles needed to stop for a green light, because an emergency vehicle was…
Failed the Road test in standard car Question about how to drive stick on the road test We've got a question here on how to drive stick for the road test, and for real life of course. I just failed my road test after driving for 7 years in a foreign country. My mistake was that I brought a manual car for the test. I got marked on shifting and steering several times. She said that I should not change gears while I am turning and I should not coast with clutch in. Examiners here in BC don’t know that you cannot change gears without a clutch in for a few seconds and you cannot put your hands on the steering wheel for the whole time as you have to…
Yellow Light - There seems to be a lot of confusion about this Ah the yellow light. Traffic light, that is. Everyone knows about the green light and the red light, I think. But it seems, over time, people forget about the true meaning of the beautiful amber traffic light. Especially when you simply observe many drivers, who seem to think this means 'speed up and race through the intersection, never to be seen again.' Um, no. Let's talk about this because it's kinda important. Legally, yellow means, "Stop, unless you can not safely stop in time." What Does The Yellow Mean? If you are just driving along and your light goes yellow, it means Stop; unless you can not safely stop in time. You can read about it here,…
We are answering a question today about right turn speeds. It's very profound. FOR STOPPED TURN I have gone through three different driving instructors And they all have different methods of turning right. -I kept my car straight with 1 meter away from the curb, and I turned when my bumper reached the intersection, but I was told that I turned too fast…which I disagree. The instructor told me that I had to turn my car to the edge of the intersection at 45 degrees, then turn at A WALKING SPEED(5 km/h – 10 km/h). They said not to accelerate during the turn, only coast with the walking speed. Then they said to accelerate when the turn is finished( wheel straight). So now, I am confused as hell. The way…
Welcome to Intersections in British Columbia Welcome to our Intersections in British Columbia guide. This guide is intended for drivers and other road users to help better understand different types of intersections and how to navigate them safely. What are intersections in British Columbia? Intersections in British Columbia are the most common places where collisions occur; places where a road meets with another road. These are places where a number of different road users often cross paths, and they can get very busy. There is often a lot going on at intersections, so it’s important to always pay attention. Other drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and other types of road users might be in a hurry and might want to move into the same space at the same time as you (which…
Why is there a circle in the middle of the road? You may sometimes find traffic circles in residential areas and other spots, too. Today we will discuss the residential traffic circle, which is a small circle. These are different from traffic roundabouts. Engineers design residential traffic circles to increase safety and to slow down traffic in residential areas. This is because in these areas there may be: ChildrenDogsPeople walkingBikesSkate boardersCars backing out of driveways& other exciting stuff Traffic circles slow down vehicles, without necessarily forcing traffic to completely stop like we do at 2-way stops and 4-way stops. So, how do you navigate the residential traffic circle? Slow down as you approach the circle to no more than 20 km/hr. This is in case you need to yield. Also, to maintain…
Welcome to How ICBC Points Work In short, how ICBC points work by adding extra fees onto a driver's record after driving offenses or crashes. These can add up to terribly large amounts of money on your driving record if you are found not to be behaving. For a related article, check out British Columbia Driver's License & Vehicle Guide. Four points will cost $252 50 points will cost $34,560... (not even kidding) ICBC points are not cheap What Are ICBC Points? At first, "points" may almost sound like a good thing. But they're definitely not. ICBC points are given to drivers who basically get into some kind of trouble with ICBC. ICBC points = extra ICBC bills. In other words, paying ICBC even more money than you already are.…
