The Road Test Result sheet from ICBC lists the driving skills to be tested in the ‘Skills Feedback’ column. The skills are categorized into five core competencies: Observation, Space Margin, Speed, Steering, and Communication. These core competencies are further subdivided into 27 assessment items as the figure below. In this article, we will explain the key points for each item.
A. OBSERVATION
The examinee’s ability to follow the concept of defensive driving and make accurate observations
around the vehicle will be assessed.
A1 Shoulder check
Prior to a change in direction, road position or pulling away from the curb, check to make sure the blind spot on that side is clear by doing a shoulder check.
- Look at least 45 degrees over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move.
A2 Scan
Always scan when driving especially when approaching areas where hazards may be present, such as intersections and crosswalks.
A3 Mirror check
Check your mirrors when changing lanes, turning or pulling out from the side of the road or pulling over to the side of the road.
A4 360° check
Check your mirrors when changing lanes, turning or pulling out from the side of the road or pulling over to the side of the road.
A5 Direction of travel
Keep your eyes facing the direction you are traveling or the direction you will be traveling.
A6 Backing
When reversing, observe in that direction with occasional glances forward when necessary.
A7 Hazard perception
Identify anything in your driving environment that could be a hazard to you and other road users. You will usually be asked to do hazard perception while the vehicle is in motion.
A8 Other
This is for any other observational errors not listed above.
B. SPACE MARGIN
Examinees are mainly assessed on whether they have followed the concept of defensive driving
and correctly maintained a safe margin of space from surrounding vehicles, pedestrians or
obstacles during the road test.
B1 Lane position
Choose the appropriate, legal, and safe lane position that also provides good visibility and ensures safe space margins.
- In the curb lane, stay well away from hazards on the side, such as car doors that might open
- In most lanes, drive near the centre of the lane
- Avoid driving in other drivers’ blind spots.
- Try to leave yourself an escape route when you are driving on a multilane highway if something happens in
front, you can pull into another lane to avoid trouble.
B2 Follow distance
Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
- Keep at least a 2-second following distance in good weather and road conditions.
- Keep at least a 3-second following distance when you are behind a large vehicle or a motorcycle.
- Keep at least a 4-second following distance in bad weather conditions or on uneven or slippery roads.
B3 Stops too close/far
Leave an appropriate distance between your vehicle and any stopped vehicle in front of you.
- When you stop behind another vehicle at an intersection, leave about one car length between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
B4 Gap
Choose an appropriate space in traffic that doesn’t cause other road users to adjust speed and/or road position, take safe gaps when traffic permits and when legally permitted.
- e.g.: Before making a left turn at an intersection where the traffic rules permit a left turn, you must observe the speed
and distance of oncoming vehicles to ensure that you have enough time to make the left turn safely
without slowing down oncoming vehicles and without exceeding the speed limit.
B5 Blocks x-walk
Stop behind crosswalks to avoid blocking people from crossing.
B6 Turn position
Maintain a suitable lane position during your turn and end in the correct lane. Do not turn wide or cut the corner.
B7 Occupied x-walk
Stop the vehicle before entering an occupied crosswalk.
B8 Manoeuvre location
When changing lanes, turning, stopping, or parking, ensure your vehicle is at a location safe for yourself and other road users. Complete the manoeuvre in a safe location.
B9 Other
This is for any other space margin errors not listed in this section.
B10 Stop position
You must stop the correct distance from the legal stop position.
B11 Road position — Parking lot
When driving in a parking lot, position your vehicle to ensure it is visible, obey signs/posted instructions and provide room for other road users.
B13 Parking margins
When parking, leave adequate space for other vehicles and objects, park close to the curb, do not cover pavement markings, and ensure you are obeying regulations.
C. SPEED
C1 Speed maintenance
Choose a speed that is consistent, within the speed limit and is appropriate for the conditions.
- Posted speed limits are designed for ideal road conditions. Slow down when driving on snow, foggy or rain.
C2 Rolling stop
Bring the vehicle to a complete stop when required (at stop signs, red lights, and when exiting parking lots).
C3 Amber light
When a light changes to amber, you must stop before entering the intersection unless you are unable to safely stop in time.
C4 Acceleration/Deceleration
You must accelerate/decelerate smoothly, without stopping or slowing unnecessarily.
C5 Shifting
You must select the most efficient gear, and change between gears safely and smoothly. Do not change gear directions (e.g. forward to reverse) while in motion and do not coast in neutral or with the clutch in (manual transmission).
C6 Rolling back
You must use the correct brake and gear control to prevent rolling back on a hill.
C7 Other
This is for any other speed control errors not listed in this section.
C8 Covers brakes
When you see a potential hazard, take your foot off the accelerator and cover the brake in preparation to stop. Also, keep the brake applied when stopped.
C9 Parking brake
Fully apply the parking brake when parking and fully release it before moving.
D: STEERING
D1 General Steering
Maintain control of the steering wheel. Avoid angling the car or wheels to the left when waiting to turn left.
D2 Other
This is for any other steering errors not listed in this section.
D3 Steering wheel position
Turn your front wheels in the appropriate direction when parked on a hill. Do not initiate a turn with one hand on the inside of the steering wheel.
E. COMMUNICATION
E1 Signal
Use your turn signal to let people know you are planning to turn, change lanes, pull out or pull over.
E2 Timing
Signal well ahead of the intended action to provide plenty of warning, but not so far ahead as to confuse other road users.
- Signal at least 30m before the intersection if there are no side roads or driveways between your current position and the intersection.
E3 Cancel
Cancel your signal after you have completed the manoeuvre.
E4 Other
This is for any other communication errors not listed in this section.
Summary
To pass the driving skill test, the examinee must meet the minimum requirements of the 27 assessment items listed above. This means that the examinee must understand the requirements of each item and perform most of them correctly. During the road test, if the examiner points out that a certain item was missed or failed, you should remain calm and continue to complete the road test. Occasional mistakes are acceptable if an item is missed or failed, as long as there are not many items and each item has no more than two errors. However, a series of multiple errors in a single item is not acceptable. Some examiners may kindly remind you of a mistake the first time, so it is important to be especially careful not to make the same mistake continuously. Additionally, if you make a serious mistake on a single item. For example, if you exceed the speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour in a school zone (C1 speed maintenance), the examiner may consider it a violation of the law and fail you, even if it only happens once during the road test.
The above content aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ICBC road test skill requirements and preparation points. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.