What You Need to Know about BC driving tests

Once you’ve completed the ICBC knowledge test, you must move immediately to the next step to get your driver’s license.

Unlike the previous step, the BC driving test is all about application, which means it’s a test regarding how well you can drive a car on the British Columbia road. This test will measure your knowledge of traffic laws, your parking skills on either public or private lots, or your discretion and ability to navigate through poor visibility road instances, among many others. In this test, the examiner must monitor how you follow promptly and understand their instructions or how well you’re acquainted with various road rules. This ensures that you’re equipped enough with the necessary knowledge to drive on the road and that you are one to follow safety regulations while driving.

 The BC Driving Test and How it’s Conducted

According to some, BC driving tests can be difficult test to pass. Before you even acquire a full license, you must undergo two driving road tests. If you’re looking for a regular class 5 driver’s license, you must be able to exude driving proficiency within a 45-minute time frame to pass. However, before you start, the examiner must first ensure you’re well-informed about test requirements and reassess if the vehicle is roadworthy. After all that, the driving test ensues.

These driving tests can be done in any weather conditions, including sunny or bad weather, while it’s raining or even at night. Whatever it is, the examiner will pay close attention to have you go about these situations and how you can drive your car while following road rules. The examiner will usually test you on how to pass other cars in intersections, at highways, how you back up the car, and how smoothly you drive it. If, at any rate, you fail to understand the examiner’s instructions or disobey them in that manner – they will automatically fail you.

In case of mistakes, you will be instructed to back up. Here, they will tell you what part you went wrong, explain why it was so, and then encourage you to keep driving after that. However, your examiner will instruct you to stop if you commit some of these mistakes: failing to halt at a stop sign, do not yield to or consider pedestrians, passing a red light, going the wrong lane, failing to follow road regulations, and disobeying the instructions of the examiner. If, at any rate, you do one of these things, expect that you will be told to stop abruptly.

Usually, at the end of your test, your examiner will spend time explaining your drive’s results and answer your questions if you have any. Also, you must perform seven out of nine skill maneuvers during the road test. The second road test, which requires three skill-related actions, may be done if the new driver has already had the “N” license for at least two years and if 18 months of a Graduated Licensing Program has been completed successfully. These road tests usually involve at least 35 to 40 minutes.

What should I do to prepare?

If you’re taking the BC driving test and using your car, ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Before the test, your examiner will inspect your vehicle according to a safety checklist; that’s why you must ensure that your tires, brakes, headlights, horn, mirrors, and window tinting are working just right enough for you to have a smooth driving test experience.

Moreover, it would help if you remembered to bring your road test fee, the required documents, and your accepted ID on the test day.

Things to keep in mind

If you want to pass your BC driving test, you first have to make sure that you take everything that you’ve learned from the knowledge test since this practical test especially requires a good grasp of BC road rules. This means that if you’ve already familiarized yourself enough regarding the traffic laws and the different safety rules when driving, you can already be assured that you will perform well in the test. However, for good measure, here are some things to keep in mind.

Practice driving before your actual test

It can be good for you if you can fit in a driving lesson or a test drive on your BC driving test day. This way, you can pre-empt certain things or maneuvers you need to consider or even clarify questions you still have trouble comprehending at the last minute. Doing this can especially be great to calm your nerves and prepare you for your actual driving. You can be in the proper disposition once you’re already taking your driving test.

Arrive on time

Being late doesn’t do any good for anyone – in fact, it will only heighten your anxiety which could cause you to rush your test or even make poorly thought decisions. Being on time for your test will give you ample time to prepare yourself so that you can start the test off correctly. To do this, ensure you don’t stress too much the day before the test and get enough sleep to avoid the jitters and the nerve-wracking feeling you might get the next day.

Decide when to take your test

While some might not be aware of this, it’s also vital that you know the best time for taking your BC driving test. You have to consider a date when you’re not entirely preoccupied with many things, especially not when you’re overloaded with worry and stress. Make sure you have your driving test on a day when you can give it your full attention so you can focus and have a higher rate of passing.

What will happen if I fail the driving test?

If unfortunately, you fail the road test, you can still retake the test after 48 hours. However, failing the driving test three times will mean you’re not eligible for a license unless you have already taken and passed the Driver Improvement Program.