Category: Road Test

What To Do If You Fail Your Driving Test In B.C.

Posted on by Matt Bailey

If you’ve failed your first test, failed multiple times, or your license has expired before you can take your exam, follow these steps to get back on track! 

For many, getting your license is considered a young adult milestone and a rite of passage. You probably set reminders in your calendar, counted down the days, and told all your friends that you were going to pick them up and go for a ride as soon as you finished the test!

However, not everyone is able to pass their driving exam on the first try. When you’re a new driver, failing to pass your ICBC driving test can be a huge blow to your confidence. But instead of feeling discouraged, it’s time to regroup and come up with a plan on how to pass your next test!

North Shore Driving School wants to offer you the advice you need to become a fully licenced driver whether you’re driving through North Vancouver, West Vancouver or anywhere else in our beautifully scenic province.

Wait times after failing your driving test

After an unsuccessful attempt at passing your driving test, you can’t retake the test immediately. Instead, you have to wait a designated amount of time, which varies based on your testing history.

The wait times after failing to pass a N (Novice) test and full licence test are the same. They’re as follows:

  • First failed attempt: 14 days
  • Second failed attempt: 30 days
  • Three or more failed attempts: 60 days

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you’ll either need to exchange your current out-of-province licence for a B.C. licence or need to be tested again for each vehicle class you were allowed to drive. Should you fail to pass that test, the wait times listed above apply as well.

Next steps after failing your test

While you’re waiting to retake your driving test, it’s important to be proactive. To increase your odds of passing next time, we recommend following these steps:

  • Ask your evaluator for feedback. Upon completing your driving test, the evaluator will go over your results with you. If you don’t earn a passing score, ask them for detailed feedback and ask follow-up questions if you’re unclear.
  • Get back behind the wheel. After failing a driving test, many new drivers are discouraged and tempted to take a few weeks off from driving. However, taking a break isn’t encouraged! By avoiding driving, your skills can quickly fade.
  • Practice, practice, practice. If you asked your evaluator for feedback, they no doubt outlined some areas in your driving that need improvement. Now that you know your weak spots, it’s important to practice regularly to improve them.

NEED A DRIVING SCHOOL IN NORTH OR WEST VANCOUVER?

If you recently failed a driving test, North Shore Driving School can help. Based in North Vancouver, our highly regarded driving school offers courses taught by professional instructors and serves the Greater Vancouver Area, including West Vancouver, Lions Bay, Deep Cove and Bowen Island.

Contact us today and begin working towards passing your next driving test with flying colours!

Tips on how to pass your driving test in BC

Posted on by Matt Bailey

At North Shore Driving School, we know that not everyone does well under testing conditions. Even if you’re a great driver, you may feel the pressure of getting it right while under scrutiny. The best way to prepare for your driving test is to get the best advice possible and practice as much as you can.

Here are just a few common-sense tips we at North Shore Driving School can offer you before you take your road test:


Practice as much as you can beforehand
It may sound obvious, but a lot of drivers might feel nervous getting behind the wheel—especially if you’re going somewhere with more experienced drivers. Remember, however, that the best way to gain confidence is through experience. Take advantage of every opportunity you get to practice your driving in a real-world setting.

Get a good night’s rest
Even if you’re the sort of person that gets nervous about testing, the best thing you can do the night before your exam is to get a good night’s sleep. If you’re well rested, your memory will be more acute and your reflexes will be in top shape.

Don’t forget to check your car’s settings before starting the engine
One common mistake that a lot of people make if they haven’t taken a driving test before is to rush to get the car started and get on their way. It’s understandable that you’d want to get the test over with as soon as possible, but try not to rush at the expense of getting things right. Before you start the engine, be sure to go through a check of your car’s settings. Are the mirrors correctly positioned? Have you buckled your seatbelt? Getting these details right every time is what safe driving is all about.

Know what the examiners will be looking for
The people who administer driving tests aren’t out to get you. They’re simply trying to do their job of making sure that drivers in British Columbia meet safety standards. The examiner’s job is not to see if you mean well when driving a car or whether you know the rules of the road in your head—it’s to make sure you can demonstrate safe driving habits and procedures. Be sure you know the things that a driving examiner will be looking for before you take the test, and carefully demonstrate your mastery of those skills.

Get the best help you can to prepare
Attending a well-respected professional driving school to prepare for the driving exam is a great idea for everyone in British Columbia. Whether you’re taking your test for the first time or you simply want to brush up on a few essential skills, we’re here to help. Contact us for professional lessons at North Shore Driving School today.

Why People Fail Their Driving Test

Posted on by Matt Bailey

To get a driving licence, you must pass the road test. Unfortunately, many well-qualified drivers fail this test due to simple driving test mistakes. Regardless of how much you have practiced or studied, it is important you do not make one of these critical errors. Doing so could result in having to wait longer for your licence.

What are the Most Common Driving Test Mistakes?

To ensure you are prepared for your driving test, you should take a GLP driving course in Vancouver. Instructors know the common mistakes individuals make on their test and can help new drivers avoid them. Some common mistakes made during the driving test include:

  • Making a rolling stop instead of coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.
  • Changing lanes without signaling or following the proper procedure of looking, signaling, checking all mirrors, turning to look for blind spot vehicles, then changing lanes.
  • Driving the vehicle with one hand or using improper steering control.
  • Coming to a stop at a four-way intersection and failing to wait your turn or understanding the rules of a four-way stop.
  • Improperly using mirrors; such as not adjusting mirrors before leaving, not checking mirrors before reversing, etc.
  • Driving an inappropriate speed; whether it is going too fast or too slow for the road.
  • Turning into traffic improperly, such as not using all-around observation or signals before turning into traffic.
  • Improper observation at intersections.


Driving Test Tips: How to Ensure a Successful Driving Test 

If the idea of taking your driving test is intimidating, there are things you can do to make the experience less negative and hopefully, pass on your first attempt. Some tips to improve your chances of passing include:

  • Reviewing the Rules – Review the rules of the road using your driving handbook. You are given step-by-step instructions on how to merge, observe intersections, and more; so study those carefully.
  • Take Driving Lessons – Driving lessons in North Vancouver can help you better prepare for the physical driving test. You will have several opportunities to drive under the supervision of a licensed instructor and they will even point out any driving test mistakes you make so that you can avoid them during your driving test.

North Shore Driving School, Ltd. offers graduated licensing program lessons that include eight, 90-minute driving lessons, co-pilot lessons and 20 hours of driver education theory. Schedule your lesson today by calling 604-988-1138 or contact us online.

Commercial Driving Test: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Matt Bailey

Preparing to drive a commercial vehicle is like preparing to drive any other car: you’ll need to take a driving test. This process can be simple with enough practice and an understanding of how licensing works. Just follow our tips below: 

Choose the Right License

The ICBC – which provides auto insurance, driver licensing, and vehicle registration to drivers in British Columbia – offers different types of commercial licenses. Review the classes and select one based on the vehicle you would like to drive.

  • Class 1: Used for semi-trailer trucks and all other vehicles in classes 1 through 5
  • Class 3: Used for trucks with more than 2 axles
  • Class 4 (unrestricted): Used for taxis, limousines, ambulances, buses with a maximum seating capacity of 25 people, and any vehicle in Class 5
  • Class 4 (restricted): Used for taxis, limousines, special vehicles with a maximum seating capacity of 10 people, and any vehicle in Class 5
  • Class 5: Used by daily commuters in cars, light trucks, and 2-axle vehicles


Pass the Knowledge Test
Before you can get behind the wheel, you need to pass the commercial knowledge test and possibly an air brake knowledge test. You can prepare by studying the Driving Commercial Vehicles Guide.


Keep in mind that you need to have a Class 5 or 6 driver’s license or the equivalent, plus a driving record with four or fewer penalty point incidents in the past two years, in order to be considered for a commercial license.


Take the Road Test
With your learner’s permit, you can start practicing with a qualified passenger supervising. Consider taking a driver training course from North Shore Driving School Ltd. We offer specialized training for each class, individual lessons, and air brake courses.


Once you are prepared, your test will have 2 or 3 components:

  • Pre-trip inspection test: You will perform an inspection of the vehicle in front of the examiner and explain what you are doing. Some classes also require a written trip-inspection report.
  • Pre-trip air brake test (if applicable): If you need to use air brakes with your vehicle, be sure to bring the right equipment to adjust the brakes beforehand.
  • Road test: Finally, you’ll be able to demonstrate your skills, including starting, stopping, shifting gears, turning, backing up, parking, getting on and off the highways, and driving with traffic.


At North Shore Driving School Ltd., we’d love to help you on your way to driving a commercial vehicle. Contact us at 604-299-9292 to learn more about our truck driving school located in Burnaby,serving Coquitlam, Richmond, Abbotsford and surrounding areas.

How to Ace Your Driving Test

Posted on by Matt Bailey

The time has finally come. You spent hours looking over the guide for new drivers. You passed the knowledge test from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). You practiced your skills on the road – always with a passenger in the front seat. And now you are ready to take that road test and get a licence of your own.

But wait, let us give you some pointers first, so you are even better prepared for your Class 7 or Class 5 road test.

1. Review traffic laws and driving theory.
We know what you’re thinking – but I already passed the written test. While you don’t have to answer questions directly about driving principles, you will need to follow signs and make the right choices on the road. So it’s a good idea to brush up your knowledge.


Review the Learn to Drive Smart guide, or try a practice quiz from the ICBC.


2. Get a lot of practice.
Practice in the area where you’ll be taking the test in the car you’ll be driving in. It’s advised that you take an ICBC-approved driver training course, where an instructor can give you feedback and further guidance on your driving. North Shore Driving School offers a Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) that includes both classroom and in-vehicle training. Finish the course and you may even be able to take your Class 7 test sooner.


3. Make sure your car is safe.
Before you begin the test, your instructor will look over your car and make sure that it passes a basic safety check. Any of these items could prevent you from taking the test, so examine your car and correct any of these common problems beforehand:

  • No licence or insurance for the vehicle
  • Broken or malfunctioning brake lights, signal lights, or headlights
  • Cracked windshield
  • Seatbelts that are not working
  • Horn that is not working
  • Unsafe tires
  • Empty gas tank


4. Pay attention during the test and remember the small things.

  • Adjust your seat, mirrors, etc., before you go in for the test so you are comfortable.
  • Wear your seatbelt.
  • Keep your hands on the wheel.
  • Listen to your examiner. He or she will give you plenty of time to make turns or switch lanes.
  • Pay attention to road signs. The test could include highways and different kinds of intersections.
  • If you are taking the Class 5 road test, it will be a little more challenging.


Finally, don’t stress. We know you can ace this test. If you would like additional training, call 604-988-1138 and find out how North Shore Driving School in Vancouver, BC can help you succeed!