Preparing for your ICBC road test can feel overwhelming, but passing on your first try is entirely possible – if you avoid the most common mistakes. At Vancity Driving Academy, we’ve helped hundreds of learners get their license, and we know exactly what examiners are watching for.
Whether you’re taking your Class 5 or Class 7 road test, avoiding these key errors can make the difference between a pass and a fail.
1. Rolling Stops at Stop Signs
The mistake: Many learners slow down but don’t come to a full stop at stop signs or red lights before turning right.
How to avoid it: Always come to a complete stop behind the white line or before the crosswalk. Count “1-2-3” in your head before proceeding to show control and awareness.
2. Poor Observation and Mirror Checks
The mistake: Forgetting to shoulder check or relying too much on mirrors.
How to avoid it: Do regular mirror checks every 5–10 seconds, and always shoulder check before changing lanes, merging, or turning. Examiners will mark you down for missed checks – especially in school zones and intersections.
3. Improper Lane Changes
The mistake: Not signaling early enough, rushing the maneuver, or failing to check blind spots.
How to avoid it: Remember the SMOG routine:
- Signal
- Mirrors
- Over-the-shoulder (shoulder check)
- Go when safe – practice your timing so it’s smooth and safe, not rushed.
4. Speeding or Driving Too Slowly
The mistake: Going over the speed limit or being overly cautious and driving well below it.
How to avoid it: Know the default speed limits in BC – 50 km/h in cities unless otherwise posted. Keep up with traffic flow, but don’t exceed the posted speed.
5. Failing to Yield Right of Way
The mistake: Not yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks, or misjudging who goes first at a 4-way stop.
How to avoid it: Yield to the right at 4-way stops, and always give way to pedestrians. Be confident but cautious. Hesitation can confuse other drivers and lose points.
6. Not Parking Properly
The mistake: Poor parallel parking, hitting the curb, or failing to secure the vehicle.
How to avoid it: Practice parking in real Vancouver neighborhoods where space is tight. Don’t forget to set your parking brake and turn your wheels properly on hills — a common mistake that leads to automatic failure.
7. Not Being Familiar with the Test Route
The mistake: Being caught off-guard by unusual intersections or one-way streets.
How to avoid it: Book lessons with a local Vancouver driving school that knows the test routes. We train students in common ICBC road test areas like Burnaby, and Point Grey..
Bonus Tips for Passing Your Road Test in Vancouver:
- Arrive early to calm your nerves and go through a pre-drive checklist.
- Stay calm during the test – even small mistakes don’t necessarily mean failure.
Book Your Road Test Preparation with Our Vancouver Driving School
At Vancity Driving Academy, we specialize in ICBC road test prep and offer flexible driving lessons across Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond. Our experienced instructors will assess your habits, help you avoid these mistakes, and pass with confidence.
Ready to book a lesson? Contact us today and take the next step toward your BC driver’s license!
