The green box below highlights the specific driving skills evaluated on the ICBC road test. In this article, we will explain the key points for each skills.
Steering
- Maintain control of the steering wheel. Avoid angling the car or wheels to the left when waiting to turn left.
- Do not initate a turn with one hand on the inside of the steering wheel.
Stop position
You must stop the correct distance from the legal stop position.
Too slow/ too fast
- 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.
Improper use of brake/throttle
- You must accelerate/decelerate smoothly.
- You must use the correct brake and gear control to prevent rolling back on a hill.
- When you see a potential hazard, take your foot off the accelerator and cover the brake in preparation to stop.
- Keep the brake applied when stopped.
Signal — none/timing/cancel
- Use your turn signal to let people know you are planning to turn, change lanes, pull out or pull over.
- Signal well ahead of the intended action to provide plenty of warning, but not so far ahead as to confuse other road users.
- Cancel your signal after you have completed the manoeuvre.
Uncertain take/yield
- Take safe gaps when traffic permits and when legally permitted.
Stops too close/too far
- Leave an appropriate distance between your vehicle and any stopped vehicle in front of you.
- Stop behind crosswalks to avoid blocking people from crossing.
- When stopping ensure your vehicle is at a location safe for yourself and other road users.
Observation
- Prior to a change in direction, road position or pulling to or away from the curb, check to make sure the blind spot on that side is clear by doing a shoulder check.
- Always scan when driving, especially when approaching areas where hazards may be present, such as intersections and crosswalks.
- Check your mirrors when changing lanes, turning, or pulling out from — or over to — the side of the road.
- Keep your eyes facing the direction you are travelling or the direction you will be travelling.
- Before backing up, look all around the vehicle (360 degrees) to ensure the surroundings are clear.
- When reversing, observe in that direction with occasional glances forward when necessary.
Improper turn — setup/cut/wide/lane
- Maintain a suitable lane position during your turn and end in the correct lane.
- Do not turn wide or cut the corner.
- Choose the appropriate, legal and safe lane position that also provides good visibility prior/during turn.
- Fails to yield/assumes
- 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.
- Use caution before entering an occupied crosswalk.
Rolling stop
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop when required (at stop signs, red lights and when exiting parking lots).
Stops unnecessarily
- Stopping when not required.
Amber light
- When a light changes to amber, you must stop before entering the intersection unless you are unable to safely stop in time.
Lane change location
- When changing lanes, ensure your vehicle is at a safe location for yourself and other road users. Complete the lane change in a safe location.
Too far left/right
- Choose the appropriate, legal and safe lane position that also provides good visibility and ensures safe space margins.
Follows too close/blind spot
- Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
- Do not change lanes or drive in another vehicle’s blind spot.
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).
Pre-trip
- Ensure your vehicle is safe to drive. Know where the controls of your vehicle are and how they operate including wipers, high/low beams, turn signals, brake lights, parking brake, hand signals, front defroster and horn.
Parking
- 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.
- Fully apply the parking brake when parking and fully release it before moving.
- Turn your front wheels in the appropriate direction when parked on a hill.
Hazard perception
- Identify anything in your driving environment that could be a hazard to you and other road users.
Summary
ICBC uses the table below to evaluate examinees’ driving skills. When a candidate makes an error, demerit points are assigned to that specific item. If the total demerit score exceed 95 points, the road test results in a failure. Additionally, items labeled with an “F” have a specific allowed error limit; reaching this limit results in an immediate failure, even if the total demerits are under 95 points.
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.