ICBC New Driver Restrictions Snapshot Class 7 "N" New Driver ICBC License Snapshot Drivers must have zero alcohol or drugs in their bodies while driving Drivers must clearly display the official ICBC "N" sign on the back of their vehicle No hand-held or hands-free electronic devices are permitted while driving One passenger only (immediate family exempt) unless with supervisor age 25+ with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 license No Electronic Devices Class 7 ICBC Electronic Device Regulations No hand-held cell phones or other electronic devices No hands-free cell phones or other electronic devices Do not touch, operate, hold, or adjust your phone Bluetooth with the wireless headset is not allowed Using a speakerphone that can be operated with one touch or voice commands is not allowed Do…
Turn Signals When Reversing Your Vehicle Are drivers supposed to signal when backing up? If so, which way? Even as we use turn signals while driving forward, we tend to confuse each other. This is clearly evident if you've ever driven anywhere. Question: When Backing Up, Which Signal Should I Use? When you back up, simply use the same kind of signals that you would if you were driving forward. In other words: Backing straight? Don't signal Backing to the right? Signal right Backing to the left? Signal left Do You Have To Use Your Blinker When Backing Out? Do you need to signal when pulling out of a parking space? You should use your turn signal before reversing out of a parking spot unless you 100% know for certain…
ICBC Road Test Class 7 - What Is It? The ICBC Class 7 test marks the leap from the 'L' (7L) phase to the 'N' (7N) stage, unlocking solo adventures on the open road along with different restrictions on the license. Class 5 Road Test ICBC - What Is It? The Class 5 license means you can say goodbye to the annoying restrictions of the "N" stage. Plus, if you ever get a ticket, for example, the punishments aren't as harsh. How Long Are the ICBC Road Tests? ICBC Class 7 Road Test They say the Class 7 test takes 45 minutes, but that includes all the time in the end for debriefing, going inside to do paperwork, etc. Usually, the actual driving time is about 30 minutes ICBC Class…
Wondering about Speed Limits in BC? Welcome to the article all about residential streets, and speed limits in British Columbia, Canada. Speed Limit Map BC Did you know you might be able to find a speed limit map on your mobile device? How to Enable Speed Limit Map on Android Open the Google Maps app and tap on your profile icon in the upper right corner, tap on Settings, Tap the toggle switch next to Speed limits, Tap on Navigation settings. What is the speed limit if not posted in BC? Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit inside a municipality is 50km an hour and outside is 80km an hour. Around schools and playgrounds, it's 30km an hour during posted hours. Police can ticket you if they believe you were driving…
No Parking & No Stopping Road Signs What's the difference between "no stopping" and "no parking" road signs? No Stopping Road Signs "No stopping" literally means, do not stop your vehicle. It's kind of like the opposite of a stop sign. In other words, "Keep it moving." If it helps to imagine a "Go" sign inside your mind, then go for it. These "no stopping" signs are usually found on roads where it's not a particularly safe spot to be stopping, such as on a bridge, near a hill or curve, or on the highway when driving through one of those "avalanche zones," for example. Of course, you might actually have to stop there if there's a good reason, like a traffic jam, construction, or an incident. No Parking Road…
Turning Corners Not Awesome? Not To Worry Question On Turning Corners: 'Not Wide Enough' Question: I recently failed my driving test, one of the things I did badly was turning corners. I was turning left at a 90-degree angle. The examiner wrote "your turns are not wide enough" so does that mean I turned too early? If so, how do I know when I should start turning my wheel and how much? Should I drive a little bit before I start my turns? Would love your advice. What Does 'Cutting Corners' Mean? Yes, if you are turning corners and your turns are 'not wide enough' it means that you possibly 'cut the corner' or did not move far enough forward into the intersection before starting to turn the wheel. So, your…
ICBC Knowledge Test Practice The ICBC knowledge test is basically a multiple-choice touch-screen kiosk test that you need to pass in order to qualify to get your 'L' (Learner's license). It's the first step to getting your driver's license. The test is done at an ICBC location. You need to get 40 out of 50 questions right. This test is to ensure that new drivers have a basic understanding of road rules - and safe driving behaviors - before they start driving with their supervisor. The minimum age to apply is 16. You can get your learner's on your 16th birthday. Knowledge tests are currently being done by appointment only (no walks ins). You'll also need to pass a vision screening test before you can get your learners. Check out…
Welcome to British Columbia (Canada) Road Lines & Pavement Markings Understanding road lines matters; not only to be able to pass pesky tests to get your driver's license and resultant freedom, but also to, you know, stay out of trouble while you are driving, and get from A to B in one piece. In this guide, we'll dive into the road line meanings from a beautiful British Columbia (Canadian) perspective. For similar articles, check out my epic article about the Road Signs of Canada or How to Drive Defensively and Prevent Collisions. Road Lines Introduction Yellow road lines are used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions White lines are used to separate traffic moving in the same direction Yellow Road Lines Separate Traffic Moving in Opposite Directions Yellow lines…
When you're a new or learner driver it can be sometimes difficult to get access to a vehicle without actually buying one. And, taking the bus or public transportation system isn't always what you need. This article will discuss some different options for basically getting your hands on some car keys for new and learner drivers in beautiful British Columbia. Can You Rent a Car With an N in BC? Yes, you can rent a car with an N in British Columbia. There are not a ton of options, but there are some options for new and learner drivers, depending on where you live and which of the following companies you may have access to. Everyone knows that being a new driver and trying to get some wheels can be…
How long does it take to learn to drive? It's a process It takes most people about 60 hours of practical driving time behind the wheel to learn how to drive if they've never driven a car ever before. This is coming from my experience as a driving instructor for about 10 years in beautiful North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. How long does it take to learn to drive? In this article, I'll get into some more detail and explain why it takes a while to learn this important life skill. For a related article, check out: Driving a Car for the First Time? Practical Tips. Learning to drive is like building a house One thing I realized after teaching driving lessons for almost a decade was that learning how…
Welcome to Hazards While Driving - ICBC Road Test Preparation Is this one of the hazards while driving? What is this hazard perception thing about? "Hazard perception" is an official thing that people get marked on when they go for the ICBC road test. Depending on the road test (class 5 or 7), drivers will do this either when driving or when stopped. It's a kind of simple test to ensure that a driver is thinking and aware of potential hazards while driving that may be lurking around their vehicle. 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]. Hazard Perception on the ICBC Road Rest Hazard Perception Question from Taylor: "Apart from the…
ICBC Road Test Results Sheet for Class 5/6/7/8 The ICBC road test results sheet can look confusing. This might be because demerit points are not used for these particular road tests anymore. It's all about understanding ICBC's "Global Skills" and marking system. ICBC's Global Skills Drivers are being tested on ICBC's "global skills." These are broken down into: Observation Space Margins Speed Steering Communication Within each of these global skills, there is a list of items. Think of this as a list of things you could do wrong (or right). In other words, the examiner will only write down something on this paper if you do something wrong, miss something, or make an error. So, if your paper has no marks, I think it's safe to say you passed your…
Reporting Reckless Drivers In the picturesque province of British Columbia, where lush forests meet breathtaking mountain ranges and stunning coastlines, the roads wind through some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada. But amid this natural beauty, a concerning issue lurks – dangerous drivers who pose a serious threat to road safety. The need to address reckless behavior on our highways and byways has never been more critical. From the bustling streets of Vancouver to the remote stretches of the Trans-Canada Highway, we all share the responsibility of ensuring safe travels for ourselves and our fellow citizens. In this article, we delve deep into the issue of reporting dangerous drivers in British Columbia, exploring why it matters, how it can make a difference, and what actions you can take to…
Welcome to Steering Techniques By Steering Techniques I mean a few different things. I'm talking about the placement of your hands on the steering wheel while you are driving, especially while turning the steering wheel for corners and while parking. But also, how you hold the steering wheel when you are simply driving down the road in a straight line. This all matters. Most people are worried about how to pass the road test, but it's important to realize that the road test is only going to be 30 minutes give or take out of your entire life. You'll be driving for a lot longer than that in real life, and it's important to understand that certain steering techniques can seriously hurt you if you had a collision one day.…
Turning Left Across Yellow Lines Everyone knows that you can turn left and right at intersections, but you might wonder if you can also turn left across yellow lines into a driveway, for example. The rules about this may be different depending on where in the world, country, province, or state we are talking about. For Beautiful British Columbia, the short answer is, yes you basically can, as long as you aren’t impeding traffic. So, can I turn left across yellow lines? The short answer: Maybe You can turn left across yellow lines if: You are careful and do it safely You don't impede traffic There is no sign prohibiting the turn Do Not Turn Left - Regulatory Sign From the ICBC Drive Smart manual Don’t take it from me,…
Winter Driving Safety Tips: Navigating Canadian Winters with Confidence Introduction Canadian winters are notorious for their harsh conditions, with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures making driving a challenging task. As the snow blankets the roads and ice forms on the surfaces, it's crucial for drivers to adapt and stay safe on the roads. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore essential winter driving safety tips specifically tailored for the unique challenges presented by Canadian winters. By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the icy roads and ensure your safety, as well as the safety of others, during the winter months. 1. Prepare Your Vehicle Before winter arrives, it's essential to prepare your vehicle for the harsh conditions: Winter Tires: Invest in a set of winter tires designed to provide…
Intersections with Bad Visibility - Stop Sign at Commercial Drive & East 14th Avenue Stop signs are everywhere, and while some of them have good visibility, many of them do not. We still need to deal with them as drivers. In this article, we'll dive into the process of how to safely turn right, left, or go straight when the visibility isn't as good as we would like, using Commercial Drive and East 14th Avenue in Vancouver as an example. For more info about stop signs in general, check out my guide: Stop Sign vs Stop Line Guide for Drivers. This intersection is also controlled by pedestrians via a flashing green light, but we're just going to ignore that whole thing for now. Intersections with Bad Visibility - Stop Sign…
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…
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…
Question : I have a question about stopping behind transit buses as they are loading/unloading passengers at a bus stop. Are vehicles allowed to wait behind them until they start moving again? There's been a couple of rare instances where a driver of another transit bus approaching a bus stop has expressed anger towards the passenger vehicle drivers for stopping behind an already stopped bus. What I mean is: A bus stop was located just across from the intersection. A transit bus was stopped at the stop, to load/unload passengers. Behind the bus, there were two passenger vehicles stopped. Now, another transit bus has approached the bus stop from behind. I've seen the bus driver here express anger and frustration towards the drivers stopped in front of them (verbally and…
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…
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…
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…
1. Is ICBC The Only Insurance Company in BC? ICBC is a crown corporation and has been in effect since 1973 in British Columbia. It serves as the primary insurer for all BC drivers. It's not the only insurance company in BC, but it's the only one that all drivers must get their basic auto insurance from. If you're new to beautiful Vancouver, or beautiful British Columbia, you may be confused as to how ICBC works. Even for people that live here, ICBC can be confusing. So how does ICBC work? We will go through some common FAQ's about this 'crown corporation' known as the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. Also check out: British Columbia Driver License & Vehicle Guide. 2. Is ICBC Insurance Mandatory? Basic car insurance, known as…
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…
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…
Royal Ave and McBride in Beautiful New Westminster, BC A friend of mine recently witnessed the aftermath of a left turn collision at this intersection of E. Royal Ave and McBride Blvd in New West. And it reminded me that when I have been driving (turning left) there, there does seem to be an optical illusion of some sorts. This can easily turn dangerous for drivers who may be unaware of this slightly uncommon intersection design. In this article we'll discuss why there appears to be an optical illusion and how to make sure your left turns here are as safe as they can be. Google Maps Proximity to Puttullo Bridge Due to its proximity to the notoriously sketchy Pattullo Bridge, which connects New Westminster with Surrey, there are many…
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…
