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…
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…
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.…
I've said it before and I'll say it again: just because a turn signal is on, doesn't mean anything. Wait and see if the turn signal indicated on the car is the movement the driver is ACTUALLY planning to make; this may involve some patience and hesitation. Assuming otherwise is such a classic way to cause a collision. For example, when two vehicles are facing one another and both are indicating a left turn signal; are you sure the other vehicle is actually going to turn left? Reference: Death by turn signal (part 1) - BC Driving Blog Who is at fault if a car signals but doesn't turn? - BC Driving Blog
Question: I was curious about the dark-traffic-light rule. Common advice seems to be to treat the intersection as a 4-way stop, but what should you do when NOBODY is stopping at all. I watched at Quebec and National as nobody slowed or stopped. OK, it's a three-way intersection (four-way if you add in the Science World parking lot exit). However if somebody had actually stopped at the intersection, they would very likely been hit due to the high traffic flow coming off Pacific Blvd, cars were just zipping through the intersection. It was dark, the street lights were out also, and the intersection was dark. Is it better to just "go with the flow", ie: nobody was going to stop for the darkened traffic light. Conversely, what about at a…
Roundabout Signals: Intro Are you wondering about roundabout signals when driving? Roundabouts are designed to keep traffic moving and improve safety at intersections. How does it improve safety? Well, first of all, drivers are forced to slow down before the circle. This alone improves safety because the slower you crash, the less it hurts. Secondly, it's rather impossible to have a 'T-bone' collision in a roundabout. This is one of the worst types of collisions. Technically a roundabout is a traffic circle with more than one lane. Although I hear a lot of people referring them to 'circle things' :lol: roundabout signals: On Approach to the roundabout On approach, reduce your speed to about 20 km/hr in case you need to yield to other vehicles and for good control. Look…
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…
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What is the 4-Way Stop Intersection (North America)? The 4-way stop is a type of intersection where all drivers stop, and then take turns. These intersections aren't found worldwide. They're mostly found in North America in Canada and the U.S. If you are confused by them, you're not the only one; but don't worry. We will go through how this intersection is supposed to work, and some tips and tricks for dealing with them. Check out my 4-way stops playlist on YouTube. Four-Way Stop Rules Whoever stops first, should go first, Whoever stops second, goes second (and third, and so on). If you stop at the same time, yield to the right. And, if you stop at the same time, left-turning traffic should yield to straight-through and right-turning traffic. 4-Way…
Question on Caulfield Exit 4-way-stop There is an intersection in my neighborhood that causes a lot of confusion [Caulfield exit 4-way-stop in beautiful West Vancouver]. It is a 4-way stop (4-way sign under stop sign) but it has 2 pull-out lanes for right turns (each with another stop sign but no 4-way sign under them) as well as 2 left turn lanes. I would appreciate some clarification on this since I have young drivers that I would like to educate on the proper use of this intersection. If I am approaching the intersection and using one of the right turn lanes do I have to wait until the entire intersection is cleared before I get the right of way (I could be here all day since it’s a busy one)…
Right-of-way in the parking lot in British Columbia Parking lots in British Columbia are not a joke; but only the second most common place where collisions happen, only after intersections. It's obviously important to understand right-of-way in the parking lot, how to drive safely in parking lots, and who should yield to who. In this article, we'll dive into the rules, both for drivers yielding to each other, and of course, pedestrians, as well. Let's take a look at the British Columbia laws and some common scenarios. Question from a reader Question : I am driving out of a parking lot. Several meters ahead of me, the back up lights on car in a parked space come on. Do I continue driving forward past the car, which is obviously in reverse,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
For Your Road Test Success Are you ready to conquer the ICBC road test in the picturesque province of British Columbia? Delve into this comprehensive guide, thoughtfully crafted by a seasoned driving instructor hailing from the stunning North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Discover the secrets of impressing the examiners, uncover the pitfalls most candidates stumble upon, gain insights into the unexpected twists and turns of the test, and embark on a journey filled with valuable knowledge and wisdom. Ready to shift gears and discover a fresh outlook? Dive into my article, where a student driver takes the wheel and shares their invaluable insights on conquering the ICBC road test. A Road Test Experience and Tips from a Real Student Driver Welcome to ICBC Road Test Tips For Your N Test…
How To Turn Right at Green Lights - Beautiful British Columbia, Canada Introduction... Knowing how to turn right at green lights safely is another one of those important skills that learners, new drivers, and all drivers must practice to get really good at. And while turning right at green lights doesn't seem as dangerous as turning left at an intersection, it's somehow more difficult and complicated to teach to a new driver (and to learn). That is why I would always teach left turns at traffic lights first. Also, learners would know how to turn left and could avoid terrifying their parents too much when they went to practice driving. In this article, I'm going to break this all down and discuss some of the most common sources of confusion…
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…
Q: Someone I know uses the turn signal to signal if a car in front of us is turning. I say we shouldn't because the vehicle behind us will then expect us to turn. We should only signal what we are doing in our vehicle, correct? That sounds very strange to me! You're right, brake lights should do the trick and a signal when you aren't turning could easily get you into trouble... What happens after the car in front turns, you then suddenly turn off your turn signal and continue straight ahead? when oncoming traffic thinks you're turning and so do the cars behind and all around you? This sounds pretty dangerous if you ask me. Just my opinion.. Also it should be common knowledge that when driving in a left lane,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
Turning Left Left turns are a necessary evil when driving a car. They can seem dangerous. They can seem complicated and nerve-wracking. But, they don't have to be. There are ways to make sure your left turns are safe, too. This article will dive deep into best practices, details, tidbits, practical, actionable steps you can take, and safety tips for how to turn left while driving at different kinds of intersections. Left turns have great potential to be insanely dangerous, and sometimes they can be downright complicated, nerve-wracking, difficult & confusing for new and experienced drivers alike. Who has the right of way when turning left on a solid green light? Technically speaking, no one has the right of way until another road user has actually yielded. Thinking "I have…
No Parking & No Stopping Road Signs Today we are looking at no parking no stopping road signs; what's the difference between "no stopping" and "no parking" road signs? This is a good question, but it's not too complicated to understand. If you need a more detailed version and overview of road signs, check out this article on Canada Road Signs. No Parking No Stopping "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…
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…
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…
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…
What To Bring To Your Road Test There's nothing quite like showing up for your road test and realizing you're not prepared, especially if you've waited a long time for your appointment. ICBC - What to bring to road test? It's a common question and we will get into the details right now. For more information about the ICBC road tests, check out the difference between class 5 and 7 road test, get the best road test tips, or check out the knowledge test. When you go for your ICBC road test, be sure to bring the following Accepted IDFee for your road testValid insurance and registration documentsA safe vehicle 1. ICBC What To Bring To Road Test - Accepted ID You'll need to bring two pieces of ID: one…
Winter road trips can be challenging and unpredictable. Be prepared by following these tips - our ultimate winter road trip checklist Tires #1: use winter tires, 4 of them, and check the pressure (info on your door jamb). Even if it's not snowing, winter tires offer better traction in temperatures below 7 degrees C. "The worst winter tire is better than the best summer tire" Your tires are the only thing connecting you to the pavement. Tires are (one of the, if not..) the single most important thing on your vehicle (some may argue...) If I had limited funds for my vehicle and could only spend it on one thing, I would spend it on Tires. Emergency Kit & Essential Items Keep essential items in your car in case of…
Question : At a Y intersection, where a vehicle on the right arm of the Y has stopped for a red light, can that vehicle then proceed if there is no approaching traffic on the left arm of the Y. (for example, east bound traffic on Prior St where it intersects with the east end of the Georgia Street viaduct). It's a good question and I can see how one might think that this is somewhat similar to a right turn on a red light. But I just can't see how this is a "right turn." In this case, you are driving on Prior St. facing a red light at an intersection and after the intersection you are still on Prior Street. You are not turning your steering wheel (well,…
What is a Crosswalk Exactly? I sometimes ask this question "What is a crosswalk? Are you sure you know?" It seems there is a bit of confusion around this subject so I'm hoping to make some sense today. What Is A Crosswalk? Marked Crosswalks at Intersections I am sure we can all agree that this here is a crosswalk. But this is just one type of crosswalk. This is a marked crosswalk at an intersection (check out my complete guide to intersections to learn more about them in general). As in, it's literally marked. Omg, I used the word literally the right way. This is pretty obvious and I think most people get that vehicles are legally required to stop for pedestrians here. How many crosswalks are in this picture, though? …
Pedestrians Of 2022 Learn more about being a safe pedestrian today. Because, well, someone's gotta do it. As you may or may not have thought about, there is more to being a safe pedestrian than looking both ways before crossing the street. And everyone knows that if a pedestrian and vehicle have a fight, the pedestrian will not be winning, unfortunately. So, it's up to pedestrians to be very careful, even though drivers may not be doing what's right. Tips for Being A Safe Pedestrian Let's talk about what side of the road to walk on if you're walking on a road such as this one. But it's a good tip for any road, even ones with sidewalks. Of course, this is not an ideal place to walk (somewhere without…
