ICBC Learn To Drive

learn to drive smart
your guide to driving safely

What to take to the driver licensing office
For the knowledge test you need:
primary and secondary identification (see inside of back cover)
a custodial parent or legal guardian if you are under 19
the fees for the knowledge test and learner’s licence.
Make sure you arrive at the office at least one hour before closing to
take your knowledge test.
For the road tests you need:

your current licence
primary and secondary identification
safe vehicle, with registration and insurance papers (make sure that
a
the insurance coverage permits you to drive the vehicle)
a licensed driver that meets supervisor requirements (if you don't pass your road
test, you will be issued a learner's licence that only permits you to drive while
supervised)
the fees for the road test and photo licence
glasses or contact lenses, if you require them to drive
f or a Class 7 road test, your Declaration of Completion if you have successfully
completed an ICBC-approved driver training course.
Notes: A
ll road tests are by appointment only. You must book ahead.
See chapter 10 for more information and telephone numbers for booking
road tests.

If you can't keep your road test appointment, you need to notify ICBC.
A fee is charged if you do not show up for your scheduled road test and do
not provide either 48 hours notice or a valid reason for not attending.
Knowledge and road test fees vary depending on which tests you will be
taking. The fees are listed on icbc.com.
To learn more about getting your driver’s licence, read chapter 9, your licence.
Study + Practice = Success

Prepare for your tests! If you do not qualify on any knowledge test, pre-trip or
road test you will need to wait before another attempt can be made.
Retest wait periods

Failed Knowledge Class 5–8
attempt test road tests
1st 7 days 14 days
2nd 7 days 30 days
3 +
rd
7 days 60 days
learn to drive smart
your guide to driving safely
Visit icbc.com to:
• view and download this and other driver licensing guides and manuals
• take the online practice knowledge test or download our free app
• learn more about driver and vehicle licensing in B.C.
• get information on our products, services and news.
© 2015, 2000 Insurance Corporation of British Columbia

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in
any form, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopied or otherwise, without the prior written
consent of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Applications for ICBC’s written
consent should be made to ICBC, 151 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, B.C., V7M 3H9.
This publication was formerly titled RoadSense for Drivers.
Statement of Limitation
ICBC has prepared Learn to drive smart: your guide to driving safely to assist individuals studying
for a Class 5, 7 or 7L British Columbia driver’s licence. Learn to drive smart is not intended to take
the place of professional training and ICBC does not make any representation or warranty that
any individual who studies Learn to drive smart will be successful in obtaining the desired licence.
ICBC is not responsible for any consequences that may result from the use of Learn to drive smart.
Throughout this guide, references are made to acts and regulations that govern driving in British
Columbia. This guide reflects the law in British Columbia as set out in these acts and regulations
as of December, 2012. These references are written in plain language to help you understand
their impact on individual drivers. In the event of a difference between the material included in
Learn to drive smart and any of these acts or regulations, the acts and regulations shall apply.
contents
Using this guide........................................................................... 1

New drivers................................................................................. 1
Experienced drivers..................................................................... 1
Getting the most from this guide................................................ 1
Organization................................................................................... 2
Design features............................................................................... 3
Developing your smart driving skills

Chapter 1 You in the driver’s seat................................................................ 5
Be a thinking driver..................................................................... 5
Be fit to drive.............................................................................. 6
Make good decisions.................................................................. 6
Keep learning................................................................................. 7
Plan your driving............................................................................. 8
Predict the scene............................................................................ 8
Think for yourself............................................................................ 9
Take responsibility..................................................................... 10
You, the driver.............................................................................. 10
Your passengers........................................................................... 11
Other road users........................................................................... 12
Chapter 2 You and your vehicle................................................................. 13

Adjust for safety........................................................................ 13
Seat............................................................................................... 13
Head restraints............................................................................. 13
Seatbelts....................................................................................... 14
Safety restraints for children......................................................... 15
Stage 1 — rear-facing............................................................. 15
Stage 2 — forward-facing with tether..................................... 15
Stage 3 — booster seat.......................................................... 15
Stage 4 — seatbelt only.......................................................... 16
Airbags......................................................................................... 16
Mirrors........................................................................................... 17
Hand controls............................................................................ 17
Steering wheel.............................................................................. 18
Ignition switch............................................................................... 18
Gearshift lever.............................................................................. 18
i
Comparing automatic and standard transmissions..................... 19
Parking brake................................................................................ 19
Turn signal lever............................................................................ 19
Lights............................................................................................ 20
Hazard light switch....................................................................... 20
Cruise control............................................................................... 20
Wipers and washer control........................................................... 20
Horn.............................................................................................. 20
Heater, defroster and air conditioning controls........................... 21
Foot pedals............................................................................... 21
Accelerator................................................................................... 21
Brake............................................................................................. 21
Anti-lock brakes....................................................................... 22
Clutch........................................................................................... 22
Control panel............................................................................. 22
The control panel......................................................................... 23
Pre-trip check............................................................................ 24
Periodic check........................................................................... 24
Checklist....................................................................................... 24
Tire tips......................................................................................... 25
Prepare for winter driving............................................................. 26
Driving and the environment.................................................... 26
Chapter 3 Signs, signals and road markings.............................................. 29

Signs.......................................................................................... 29
Regulatory signs........................................................................... 30
School, playground and crosswalk signs...................................... 31
Lane use signs.............................................................................. 31
Turn control signs......................................................................... 32
Parking signs................................................................................. 32
Reserved lane signs...................................................................... 32
Warning signs............................................................................... 33
Object markers............................................................................. 34
Construction signs........................................................................ 35
Information and destination signs................................................ 35
Railway signs................................................................................. 36
Signals....................................................................................... 36
Lane control signals...................................................................... 36
Traffic lights................................................................................... 37
ii
Road markings........................................................................... 38
Yellow lines................................................................................... 38
White lines.................................................................................... 39
Reserved lane markings............................................................... 40
Other markings............................................................................. 40
Chapter 4 Rules of the road....................................................................... 41

Understanding intersections..................................................... 41
Signalling...................................................................................... 41
Types of intersections................................................................... 41
Controlled intersections.......................................................... 41
Uncontrolled intersections...................................................... 41
Stopping at intersections............................................................. 42
Right-of-way at intersections........................................................ 43
Intersections controlled by traffic lights.................................. 43
Left-turn signals....................................................................... 44
Intersections controlled by stop signs.................................... 45
Intersections controlled by yield signs.................................... 46
Traffic circles and roundabouts............................................... 46
Traffic circles............................................................................ 46
Roundabouts........................................................................... 47
Entering a roadway................................................................. 48
Using lanes correctly................................................................. 49
Which lane should you use?......................................................... 49
Lane tracking................................................................................ 49
Right turns............................................................................... 49
Left turns................................................................................. 50
Turning lanes................................................................................ 51
Multiple turning lanes............................................................. 51
Two-way left-turn lanes........................................................... 51
Turns in the middle of a block................................................. 52
U-turns..................................................................................... 52
Reserved lanes.............................................................................. 52
High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes...................................... 52
Bus lanes................................................................................. 53
Bicycle lanes............................................................................ 53
Pulling into a lane......................................................................... 53
Passing.......................................................................................... 54
Passing lanes........................................................................... 54
Merging........................................................................................ 55
iii
Highway or freeway entrances and exits...................................... 55
Entrance.................................................................................. 55
Exit........................................................................................... 56
Cul-de-sacs................................................................................... 57
Turning around............................................................................. 57
Parking tips and rules................................................................ 58
Chapter 5 See-think-do.............................................................................. 59
See............................................................................................. 59
Observation.................................................................................. 59
Observing ahead..................................................................... 60
Observing behind................................................................... 61
Observing at intersections...................................................... 62
Hazard perception........................................................................ 63
Space conflicts........................................................................ 64
Surprises.................................................................................. 64
Vision blocks............................................................................ 65
Poor road conditions............................................................... 65
Think.......................................................................................... 66
Assess the risk............................................................................... 66
Choose a solution......................................................................... 67
Do.............................................................................................. 68
Speed control............................................................................... 68
Appropriate speeds................................................................ 69
Steady speeds......................................................................... 69
Physics and driving.................................................................. 69
Handling curves...................................................................... 71
Gear use.................................................................................. 71
Steering........................................................................................ 71
Controlling the wheel.............................................................. 72
Keeping good road position................................................... 72
Space margins.............................................................................. 72
Stopping.................................................................................. 72
Space in front — the two-second rule.................................... 73
Space behind.......................................................................... 74
Space beside........................................................................... 74
Lane position........................................................................... 74
Choosing a safe gap............................................................... 75
Communication............................................................................ 76
Turn signals.............................................................................. 76
Lights....................................................................................... 77
iv
Horn......................................................................................... 78
Eye contact.............................................................................. 78
Body language........................................................................ 78
Vehicle language..................................................................... 78
Using see-think-do..................................................................... 79
Applying your smart driving skills

Chapter 6 Sharing the road........................................................................ 81
Sharing the road safely.............................................................. 81
See................................................................................................ 82
Think............................................................................................. 82
Do................................................................................................. 82
How to share the road.................................................................. 82
Pedestrians................................................................................ 83
Cyclists....................................................................................... 85
Motorcycle riders...................................................................... 88
Passenger vehicles.................................................................... 89
Large vehicles............................................................................ 90
School buses.............................................................................. 92
Public transit buses.................................................................... 93
Emergency vehicles................................................................... 93
Stopped vehicles with flashing lights........................................ 94
Construction zones.................................................................... 95
Trains......................................................................................... 96
Horses........................................................................................ 98
Chapter 7 Personal strategies.................................................................... 99

Fitness to drive.......................................................................... 99
Seeing and hearing...................................................................... 99
Assessing your health................................................................. 100
Staying awake............................................................................. 100
Keeping focused........................................................................ 101
Cellphones and other devices.............................................. 101
Dangerous emotions............................................................... 102
Impairment.............................................................................. 103
Facts about alcohol.................................................................... 103
Facts about drugs....................................................................... 105
Drugs and driving.................................................................. 105
Medications........................................................................... 105
Illegal drugs........................................................................... 106
Cannabis................................................................................ 106
v
Drugs and alcohol................................................................. 106
Taking risks.............................................................................. 106
Peer pressure.......................................................................... 107
Unsafe passengers................................................................... 108
Unsafe drivers.......................................................................... 109
Aggression on the road........................................................... 110
Preventing aggression................................................................ 111
Organ Donor Registry............................................................. 113
How to register........................................................................... 113
Chapter 8 Emergency strategies.............................................................. 115

Preparing for emergencies...................................................... 115
Emergency driving strategies.................................................. 115
Emergency braking.................................................................... 115
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)............................................ 116
Skid control................................................................................. 117
Steps to handle a skid........................................................... 117
Environmental hazards............................................................ 118
Loss of visibility........................................................................... 118
Glare and shadows................................................................ 119
Loss of traction........................................................................... 120
Rain........................................................................................ 120
Deep water............................................................................ 121
Ice and snow......................................................................... 121
Stranded or snowbound............................................................. 123
Turbulence.................................................................................. 124
Night hazards.......................................................................... 124
Using the headlights................................................................... 124
Overdriving the headlights......................................................... 125
Vehicle breakdowns................................................................ 126
Tire blowout................................................................................ 126
Brake failure................................................................................ 126
Engine problems........................................................................ 127
Headlight failure......................................................................... 128
Hood flying up............................................................................ 128
Gas pedal sticking...................................................................... 128
Animals on the road................................................................ 129
Collision avoidance.................................................................. 130
At the scene of a crash............................................................ 132
You arrive at the scene of a crash............................................... 132
vi
You are involved in a crash......................................................... 132
Legal responsibilities............................................................. 132
Suggestions........................................................................... 133
References and resources

Chapter 9 Your licence............................................................................. 135
Learning to drive..................................................................... 135
Choosing your supervisor........................................................... 135
Professional training................................................................... 135
The Graduated Licensing Program.......................................... 136
Getting your learner’s licence (Class 7L).................................. 137
What you need to take to the driver licensing office................. 137
The knowledge test.................................................................... 137
Take the practice test online................................................. 137
Vision and medical screening..................................................... 138
Learner stage driving restrictions............................................... 138
Getting your novice licence (Class 7)....................................... 139
The Class 7 road test.................................................................. 139
Novice stage driving restrictions................................................ 140
Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) penalties..................... 141
Getting your Class 5 licence.................................................... 141
The Class 5 road test.................................................................. 141
Taking a road test.................................................................... 143
How to book a test..................................................................... 143
When you come for your road test, bring with you................... 144
Choosing a driving school....................................................... 146
ICBC-approved driver education courses.................................. 147
New B.C. residents.................................................................. 147
Re-examinations...................................................................... 148
Enhanced driver’s licence........................................................ 148
Keeping your licence up-to-date............................................. 149
Summary of licence classes..................................................... 150
Air brakes.............................................................................. 151
Restrictions, conditions and endorsements.......................... 151
Recreational trailers............................................................... 151
Responsibilities and penalties................................................. 151
Driver’s licence............................................................................ 151
Identity theft and driver licence fraud........................................ 152
Protecting you from fraud.......................................................... 152
Insuring your vehicle................................................................... 153
vii
Outstanding fines and debts...................................................... 154
Penalties for unsafe driving........................................................ 154
Driver Improvement Program............................................... 155
Penalties for impaired driving.................................................... 155
Criminal Code penalties............................................................. 156
Graduated Licensing Program.............................................. 156
Other costs of impaired driving............................................ 156
Vehicle impoundment................................................................ 157
Driving in other locations........................................................ 157
Being a life-long learner.......................................................... 158
Chapter 10 More information.................................................................... 159

Licensing information.............................................................. 159
Booking road tests.................................................................. 159
More information.................................................................... 159
Website addresses.................................................................. 160
Internet.................................................................................... 160
Index........................................................................................ 161
About the knowledge test...................................................... 168
About your road test............................................................... 169
Examiners’ tips........................................................................ 170
Identification (ID)..................................................................... 171
viii
using this guide
This guide is designed for:

•• new drivers
•• experienced drivers who are:
–– new to British Columbia
–– taking a re-examination
–– brushing up their driving skills.
It contains the basic information you need to know to help you
drive safely. It will also help you prepare for the knowledge test
and the Class 7 and Class 5 road tests. For your convenience
you can also download the online version of this manual or get
the app at icbc.com.
New drivers
Are you ready to take the knowledge test?

See reverse.
tuning up for drivers
As a new driver, you are part of a high-
getting you ready for your road test
risk group. This guide provides driving

strategies to help keep you safe.
When you get a Class 7L licence, you’ll
be given a copy of Tuning up for drivers.
It is a step-by-step guide that helps
you practise your driving skills. Use
this guide together with Tuning up
for drivers to learn or review safe
driving strategies.
Experienced drivers
Use this guide to review B.C.’s driving rules and regulations if
you have been licensed to drive in another jurisdiction, if you
are taking a re-examination, or if you want to brush up on your
skills. This guide also provides information about safe driving
practices. Use it along with Tuning up for drivers to help you
prepare for your road tests.
Getting the most from this guide

This guide is divided into 10 chapters. Depending on what
you need to know, and whether you are a new or experienced
driver, you may decide to read and study all of it, or just parts
of it.
1
Organization
Each of the 10 chapters provides you with useful information
that will help you become a safe, competent driver. The
chapters are organized in a way that will help you first learn the
basics (developing your smart driving skills) and then apply
what you’ve learned (applying your smart driving skills). This
guide is designed to help you quickly find the information you
need. Check the table of contents and index for a complete
listing of topics.
Chapters 1 to 5: developing your smart driving

skills
The first five chapters of this guide cover the basics and are
designed to help you develop your smart driving skills. They
provide important information for driving that will help keep
you and others safe on the road.
•• Chapter 1, you in the driver’s seat, presents some of the
common choices that every driver makes.
•• Chapter 2, you and your vehicle, gives an overview of how
your vehicle works and how to keep it running well.
•• Chapter 3, signs, signals and road markings, provides
information about the signs, signals and road markings you’ll
see while driving.
•• Chapter 4, rules of the road, talks about the rules you need
to know to drive safely.
•• Chapter 5, see-think-do, teaches you a driving strategy that
will help you become competent and avoid problems on the
road.
Chapters 6 to 8: applying your smart driving skills

Chapters 6 through 8 will help you apply the basic information
from the first five chapters.
•• Chapter 6, sharing the road, shows you how to safely share
the road with all road users.
•• Chapter 7, personal strategies, gives you pointers on how
to overcome negative influences that may affect your driving.
•• Chapter 8, emergency strategies, describes challenging
driving conditions and gives strategies on how to deal with
them.
2
Chapters 9 and 10: references and resources
The final two chapters tell you how to get and keep your driver’s
licence, and where you can find additional information. These
chapters are for your reference only. You will not be tested on
this material.
•• Chapter 9, your licence, outlines the steps you need to take
to get your driver’s licence.
•• Chapter 10, need to know more?, lists places to go for
more information.
Design features
This guide is designed to be easy to use. Different kinds
of information appear in different locations on the page.
Understanding the type of information you’ll find in each
location will help you use this guide most effectively. Here are
two sample pages with items you’ll find displayed in the sidebar
on the left side of the page.
developing your smart driving skills
four-way stops — when there are stop signs at all corners:

driving tip • The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection and come to a
complete stop should go first. chapter 5 — see-think-do
If there is any doubt about
who has the right-of-way, • If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the
or if there is any chance of right should go first.
a crash, it’s always better
to yield the right-of-way to • If two vehicles are facing each other and have arrived at You are using the tools of speed control — the accelerator and
the other person. the intersection at about the same time, the one making a crash fact the brake. If you drive a vehicle with a standard transmission,
left turn should yield to the one going straight through. you’ll also use the gears to help you control your speed. Good
In B.C. in 2007: speed control means maintaining appropriate and steady
• Speed was a factor in speeds based on the driving conditions.
Intersections controlled by yield signs about 38 per cent of all
reported fatal collisions.
A yield sign means that you must let the traffic on the through Appropriate speeds
• 4,942 people were
road have the right-of-way. You may enter the intersection without injured and 167 died
stopping if there are no pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles on the in collisions involving
Speeding is risky, but the safest speed isn’t always the slowest
through road. But you must slow down (and stop if necessary) and speed. speed. If you drive much slower than surrounding traffic, other
wait for a safe gap if there is traffic on the through road. drivers might get frustrated and try to pass you.
Source: B.C. Traffic
Collision Statistics, 2007 Aim for a speed that’s appropriate for the conditions in which
Traffic circles and roundabouts you are driving. The posted speed is the maximum for ideal
These are found in some areas to help traffic get through an conditions only. Choose a slower speed if the conditions are
intersection safely without necessarily stopping the flow of the not ideal — for instance, if the roads are slippery or visibility
traffic. is limited.
Unless a sign tells you otherwise, speed limits are:
Traffic circles
• 50 km/h within cities and towns
Traffic circles are mostly found in residential neighbourhoods.
• 80 km/h outside cities and towns
When you’re using a traffic circle:
• 20 km/h is the maximum speed limit in a lane or alleyway
• Slow down as you approach the circle. within municipalities unless otherwise posted.
driving tip
• Obey any posted traffic control signs, such as “Yield” or
“Stop” signs. If there are no traffic control signs, treat it as an Driving at a steady speed Steady speeds
uncontrolled intersection. saves fuel. Suddenly
changing your speed or
To keep a steady speed, use your brake and accelerator
• Yield to any traffic in the traffic circle. If another vehicle arrives driving over the speed smoothly. Driving up to a stop sign quickly and then hitting the
at the traffic circle at the same time as you do, yield to the limit will increase your fuel brake isn’t good for your passengers or your vehicle. It can also
vehicle on your right.
consumption. cause the driver behind to crash into the rear of your vehicle.
• Go around the traffic circle to the right (that is, in a counter- To keep your driving speed smooth and steady, you need
clockwise direction). to anticipate. When you see a stop sign, start to slow down.
Scan for hazards ahead, and use your brakes to gradually slow
your vehicle.
Prepare yourself when

you see a hazard ahead.
Take your foot off the
You must turn right to enter accelerator and cover
1. Cover brake here
a traffic circle and right the brake by resting your
2. Apply brake here
again to leave it. Yield to foot lightly on the brake
vehicles that are already in pedal without activating
the traffic circle. If another the brake. Your vehicle will
vehicle arrives at the traffic slow slightly and you will 3. Able to stop here
circle at the same time as be able to respond more
If brake is not covered the car won’t stop
you do, yield to the vehicle quickly if you must stop. before the crosswalk
on your right.
46 Physics and driving

You need to pay attention to the laws of physics when you drive:
Traction — this is the grip your tires have on the road.
69
Sidebar Main column
3
Main column
Most of the information for each chapter is found in the main
column on the right side of each page. This main column also
includes:
•• pictures to help illustrate certain points or ideas
•• scenarios called put yourself in the driver’s seat, which
allow you to think about what you would do if you were faced
with a particular driving situation
•• strategies to help you handle everyday and emergency
driving situations.
Sidebar
in this chapter
You will find the following information along the left side of
the page:
crash fact in this chapter — lists at the beginning of each chapter that let
you know what’s included in the chapter
driving tip crash fact — facts and statistics about crashes
driving tip — practical hints that will help you keep safe on the
road
warning!
warning — important safety information
think about think about — questions that invite you to think about your
driving choices
fast fact — important facts on related topics.
fast fact
4
1 you in the driver’s seat
Driving gives you the freedom to get around — but it also

in this chapter involves certain risks. When you’re in the driver’s seat, you need
to focus on the task of driving, make good driving decisions
• Be a thinking driver and look out for the safety of others. This chapter will help you
• Be fit to drive think about the choices you can make as a driver to help keep
yourself and others safe.
• Make good
decisions
–– keep learning
–– plan your driving
Be a thinking driver
–– predict the scene
–– think for yourself
You in the driver’s seat – part 1
• Take responsibility
–– you, the driver You’ve had your driver’s licence for eight months now,
–– your passengers and you’ve become a pretty good driver. This morning
–– other road users you need to take the car in by 9 a.m. for an oil change,
and then pick up a friend who lives in the country. You
both need to be back in town by noon. You’re not sure if
you have enough time.
As you were leaving the house, you had an argument
with your roommate. Now you’re feeling angry and
pressed for time.
You have to make many choices as a driver. You have to choose

the best route to get to your destination, and decide how much
time you need to get there. You have to make decisions about
the safety of your passengers, especially if you’re caught in a
dangerous situation. You have to decide how much risk to take.
And you need to make sure you can focus on driving before
you get behind the wheel.
A thinking driver puts safety first. Smart driving is about making
choices that help keep you and others safe. The choices you
make determine what kind of driver you will be.
A thinking driver chooses to:
• be fit to drive
• make good decisions
• take responsibility.
5
Be fit to drive
It usually takes you 25 minutes to drive across town to
the garage. When you leave home, it’s 8:45 a.m. To
make matters worse, the traffic is heavy, slowing you
down even more. You find yourself swearing under your
breath. And you are getting angrier about what your
roommate said. You feel so frustrated that you notice
you’re having trouble concentrating on your driving.
What choice would you make?
Focus on your driving? or Focus on the argument?
You need to be in good shape to drive — alert and able to

focus. Feeling angry or frustrated can cloud your judgment and
slow down your reaction time.
You also need to avoid driving if you have an injury or illness
that makes it hard for you to think clearly or quickly. Never drive
when you are overtired. Even if you don’t fall asleep, it’s hard to
respond quickly when you feel tired.
A driver who is impaired by drugs or alcohol is one of the worst
driving hazards. This is because drugs and alcohol cause mental
confusion and slow reaction times. Impaired drivers are much
more likely to cause crashes that lead to serious injury or death.
Make good decisions

You have to make quick and accurate decisions when you drive.
Will you be tempted to run a yellow light because you are in
a hurry? Will you take your eyes off the road, to send a text
message while driving? Will you take a chance and drive after
you’ve been drinking? Being a safe driver requires learning,
planning, predicting and thinking for yourself.
6
chapter 1 — you in the driver’s seat
Keep learning

As you’re driving, you spot a playground sign. You
know you have to slow down, but you can’t remember
when the playground speed limits are in effect. The sign
doesn’t say. Is the playground speed limit in effect today
as you are driving through the playground? You can’t
remember for certain.
What choice would you make next time?
Playground zones:
Signs are easy.
30 km/h limit is
I’ll know what they mean
in effect every day
when I see them.
from dawn to dusk.
Take the time to learn

or Not worry about it?
the rules of the road?
You’re reading this guide to learn about driving. This is the

first step in becoming a good driver. You’ll also spend time
practising your driving skills, and may even take professional
driver training to enhance your learning.
But it’s important to keep on learning even after you have your
licence. It will take time for you to gain driving experience.
You’ll continually learn how to handle new driving situations
and conditions and will need to keep informed about changing
vehicle technology. You’ll also need to learn about changes that
are made to the rules and regulations of the road.
Your skills as a driver will also change. As you gain experience,
your skills will increase, but you may become overconfident
and too automatic in your driving. Health problems could affect
your ability to drive safely. Throughout your driving years, it’s
important for you to be honest with yourself about your skills
and your readiness to drive.
Remember that driver education courses are available for
beginning and experienced drivers. Choose one that is right for
you (see chapter 9 — your licence).
7
Plan your driving

Now you’re definitely going to be late. You start
worrying about missing your appointment for the oil
change and being late to pick up your friend. You think
about going faster.
Keep to the speed limit

Take a chance and or and plan your time
speed?
better in the future?
Part of good driving is planning ahead. This means planning

enough time to get to your destination and knowing the
shortest and safest route. It may mean equipping your vehicle
for winter driving conditions. Can you think of other driving
plans you may need to make?
Predict the scene

You’re driving too fast, and you forget to watch the traffic
lights at the next intersection. Suddenly you find yourself
coming up to the intersection and the light has already
turned yellow.
What choice would you make next time?
Should I
STOP or GO?
That light
could change
soon.
think about
What would you do if a child Predict the scene
suddenly ran in front of your or Respond in a hurry?
well ahead?
car? Could you stop in time?
8
As a driver, you need to be aware of cues in the driving

environment: signs, signals and road markings. Paying attention
to these cues helps you predict what could happen so you’re
prepared to respond.
It’s also important to predict what other road users —
pedestrians, other drivers, motorcycle riders and cyclists — might
do. You can predict what might happen by carefully observing
the driving scene around you. Being aware of what others around
you are doing will help you to make better driving choices.
Think for yourself

There’s one more intersection before the garage. You
have to turn left and there is no advance green arrow.
You’ve sat through this light at other times because the
traffic is always heavy here.
You become more frustrated as you wait to turn. Cars
are lined up behind you with their left-turn signals
flashing. The driver behind is starting to honk at you. You
see a space but hesitate because you’re not sure if the
gap is big enough for you to make your turn.
think about
What will you do when
people honk their horn at
you? What will you do if
someone is tailgating you?
Will you be tempted to
speed just because other
Wait until you feel or Turn just to please
drivers around you are going
faster then the speed limit?
there’s a safe gap? other drivers?
Another part of making good choices is knowing yourself and

understanding the influences that shape your driving.
Influences from other drivers — at times you will feel pressure
from other drivers, and you’ll have to decide what to do. Will you
base your driving decisions on safety or will you allow other drivers
to pressure you into doing something that might be unsafe?
9
Influences from the media — think of the images of cars and

driving in ads and movies. Do these images generally promote
safe driving?
Influences from peers — other people can influence your
driving. Your friends may pressure you to drive faster or to race
away from stoplights. You may think it will impress them if you
turn up the volume on your car stereo system.
Take responsibility
Becoming licensed to drive means you are taking on new
responsibilities to yourself, your passengers and other road users.
You, the driver

You’ve been to the garage and now you’re on your way
to your friend’s place. You’re relieved because it seems
you have enough time after all. Then you notice a large
truck ahead that’s going pretty slowly.
You hate passing trucks, especially on a narrow road like
this one.
Slow down and stay Try to pass the truck even

or though you don’t feel
behind the truck?
comfortable doing so?
It’s important to know and accept the limits of your driving

abilities and your vehicle. You also need to take responsibility
for developing your driving skills and ensuring your own safety.
10
Your passengers
crash fact You in the driver’s seat – part 8

One out of every four You greet your friend as he climbs into the car. You’re
people killed in car happy to see him, but you’re surprised when he doesn’t
crashes were not wearing put on his seatbelt.
a seatbelt.
Source: Police Traffic

Accident System (Jan 31,
2016).
Don’t forget
your seatbelt.
Don’t say anything

Ask him to buckle up? or because you’re worried
about offending him?
You’re responsible for the safety of your passengers. Make sure

they are all wearing seatbelts. Children need special care and
attention. Are they properly restrained with the right safety
devices for their size? Remember, when you speed or take a
chance at an intersection, you are putting your passengers as
well as yourself in danger.
Smoking
It’s illegal to smoke in any motor vehicle when there are
any passengers under 16 years old.
Children travelling in cars are especially vulnerable
to second-hand smoke. These harmful effects are
heightened in small enclosed places such as motor
vehicles and can have immediate and serious, long-
lasting health consequences.
11
Other road users

You and your friend are almost back in town. As you
approach an intersection, you notice a skateboarder
heading along the sidewalk but near to a crosswalk.
Be cautious and slow or Take a chance and

down? keep going?
You share the roadway with cars, trucks, trains, motorcyclists

and cyclists. Pedestrians need to cross your driving path.
Ambulances need you to move to the side of the road so they
can respond to life-threatening situations. You never know when
an animal may dart into your path.
Use the information in this guide and in Tuning up for drivers to
help you make responsible driving choices — choices that can
help prevent many dangerous situations.
12
2 you and your vehicle
In chapter 1, you in the driver’s seat, you learned how

in this chapter important it is to make good choices when driving. It’s also
important to learn how your vehicle operates. Mastering the
• Adjust for safety controls is one of the first steps to safe driving.
• Hand controls
• Foot pedals
• Control panel
Adjust for safety
• Pre-trip check To drive safely, you need to be able to comfortably reach your
• Periodic check vehicle’s controls and see clearly around you. Before you start
the engine, always adjust your seat, head restraint and mirrors.
• Driving and the
Never adjust your seat or the steering wheel while the vehicle
environment
is moving.
Seat
crash fact
Your seat should be upright and in a position where you can:
Each year on average, just • push the small of your back into the seat
over 70 per cent of people
injured in collisions report • sit upright, never with a reclined seat
a soft tissue injury such as
whiplash. Many also had • with your right foot, reach the floor behind the brake pedal
other injuries. A study of and still have a slight bend in your leg
seven Canadian provinces
found that 53 per cent of • turn the steering wheel and keep your arms slightly bent
the drivers observed have
head restraints that are so • reach all the controls
inadequately adjusted that
• keep your left foot comfortably on the space to the left of the
they would not protect the
occupant from injury in a
brake pedal or clutch pedal.
rear-end collision.
You should also be at least 25 cm (10 in) away from the driver’s
Source: MSN: Autos: airbag.
Head Restraints: Saving
Your Neck
Head restraints
Head restraints can help prevent soft tissue injuries such
as whiplash. Whiplash is an injury to the neck, head and or
shoulders after being subjected to a snapping motion. Adjust
your head restraint so the top is at least level with the top of
your head. Position your head restraint as close to the back of
your head as possible. It may be necessary to adjust your seat
back position to do this. Closer head restraints can be twice as
effective in preventing injuries than if they’re set too far back.
If you are in a
Make sure your crash and your
head restraint is head restraint
adjusted to the is not properly
height that is right adjusted, this can
for you. be the result.
13
Seatbelts
There are two good reasons to wear your seatbelt:
• Wearing your seatbelt significantly reduces your chance of
serious injury or death in a crash.
• It’s the law in B.C. — you can be fined for not wearing
your seatbelt.
It’s also your responsibility as
a driver to make sure that all
Adjust your seatbelt so passengers are properly secured
that it fits snugly over your with seatbelts or child restraint
chest and low over your
hips. Do not wear the
systems.
shoulder strap under your
Even at low speeds, a crash forces
arm or behind your back
or with a reclined seat a pressure of hundreds of kilograms
because putting this belt against your body. If you are
over the wrong part of the wearing a seatbelt, especially one
body could cause serious with a lap belt and a shoulder strap,
internal injuries if you are
you’re much less likely to be injured,
in a collision. Pregnant
women should make sure knocked unconscious or ejected.
the lap belt is snug and Even if your vehicle catches fire or
below the baby. ends up in water, you have a better
chance of getting out quickly if you
stay conscious.
If your vehicle rolls over or if you’re ejected, it’s likely you’ll

be seriously injured or killed. Wearing your seatbelt can help
prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle. Wearing
your seatbelt also helps keep you in control of your vehicle by
supporting you behind the steering wheel.
When your car stops
suddenly, your body will
continue to move forward
at the same speed the car
was travelling. Without a
seatbelt, your body will
not stop until you hit the
dashboard, windshield
or something outside of
the car.
The lap belt holds you

down, and the shoulder
belt holds you back.
Wearing a seatbelt causes
you to stop when your
vehicle stops.
Buckle up even on short trips, since most injuries and deaths

occur close to home.
14
chapter 2 — you and your vehicle
Safety restraints for children

Every year in B.C., an average of 1,300 children under age nine
crash fact are injured and three are killed in motor vehicle crashes. Every
time a child travels as a passenger in a motor vehicle, they are at
A correctly used child risk of being involved in a collision.
safety seat reduces
the risk of fatality by The correct use of a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
71 per cent and the (CMVSS) — approved child safety seat will ensure a child is
risk of serious injury by
properly restrained and significantly reduce their risk of serious
67 per cent. It’s your
responsibility as the injury or death in the event of a crash. It’s your responsibility as
driver to make sure that the driver to make sure that all your passengers are properly
children are seated in secured with seatbelts or child-restraint systems.
the appropriate child
safety seat and you may
be ticketed and fined for
stage 1 — rear-facing
failing to do so.
• From birth until at least one year old and 9 kg (20 lbs).
• Place in back seat.
• Position centre-rear.
• Rear-facing as long as possible.
• NOT on front seat with an active airbag.
stage 2 — forward-facing with tether

• Must be over one year old and over 9 kg (20 lbs).
• Up to at least 18 kg (40 lbs).
• May remain rear-facing if allowed by manufacturer’s weight
limits.
• Always use with a tether strap.
stage 3 — booster seat

• Booster seats ensure proper seatbelt fit. They raise the child to
correctly position the adult seatbelt across the bony structures
of the chest and pelvis. It’s safest if a child remains in a booster
seat until they reach 145 cm (4’9”).
• Must be over 18 kg (40 lbs).
• Required until at least nine years old or 145 cm (4’9”),
whichever comes first.
• Booster is used with a lap/shoulder seatbelt.
• Position lap belt low over hip bones and shoulder belt over
shoulder and in front of chest.
• Do not use a booster seat with only a lap belt.
15
stage 4 — seatbelt only

• It’s recommended you keep children in the back seat until
12 years of age.
• The lap belt should fit low over the pelvic bones.
• Shoulder belt should fit over the shoulder and snug across
the chest.
• Never put the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the
back. This could cause serious injury in the event of a crash.
• Keep the seat in an upright position, not reclined. Seatbelts
were designed for upright seating. A deeply reclined seat can
cause a passenger to slide out from under the seatbelt in the
event of a crash.
Note: It’s okay to exceed the legal requirements if in
accordance with the manufacturers’ maximum
height/weight specifications for a seat.
For more information on child restraints call the Child
Seat Information line toll-free at 1-877-247-5551 or
online at www.childseatinfo.ca.
warning! Airbags
All new vehicles are equipped with airbags. They have been
Do not place rear-facing shown to reduce injuries and fatalities in collisions. Airbags
infant or child restraint work by inflating and then deflating to reduce the shock of a
systems in a passenger
collision. And they do this very quickly — in less than a blink of
seat equipped with an
active frontal airbag. an eye, an airbag inflates, and then begins to deflate again.
Children in these seats
could be killed or seriously
Airbags can be mounted in front of and beside the driver and
injured if the airbag front seat passenger. If your vehicle is equipped with airbags,
inflates. you should position your seat so you’re at least 25 cm (10 in)
from the steering wheel.
This allows room for the airbag to inflate and protects you from
further injury.
Consult your owner’s manual for safety precautions.
In a few instances, you may need to deactivate an airbag.
You must contact Transport Canada to do this. For more
information, call Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371.
Airbags do not replace

seatbelts. Always use
your seatbelt even if
your vehicle is equipped
with airbags. Check
your owner’s manual for
instructions about the
airbags in your vehicle.
16
Mirrors
warning!
Make sure you can see all around your vehicle when driving:
Some cars have convex
mirrors. They provide a
• Adjust the rear-view mirror so you can see as much as
wider field of view but possible behind you.
make things look smaller
• Adjust your side-view mirrors to reduce the blind spots as
and farther away than
they actually are. Check
much as possible. (Blind spots are the areas beside the
to see how accurate your vehicle that you cannot see in the mirrors.) Usually this means
vehicle’s mirrors are. that only a slight part of the side of your vehicle is visible.
See chapter 5, see-think-do, for more information about
blind spots.
Most cars have three

mirrors to help you see
what’s going on around
your vehicle. Some cars do
not have an outside mirror
on the passenger side.
Hand controls
Now that your vehicle is adjusted to fit you, think about
all the controls that your hands operate. Get to know how
each operates before you try to drive. Even when you are an
experienced driver, you will need to get used to these controls
each time you drive a different vehicle.
Make sure you know how

to operate all the controls
in each vehicle you drive.
You may need to check the
owner’s manual.
17
Steering wheel
The steering wheel controls the direction of the vehicle by
turning the front wheels. If your steering wheel is adjustable,
make sure it’s in the right position for you before you begin
to drive.
Ignition switch
Get to know all the positions of the ignition switch in your
vehicle. They may include:
• Lock — steering is locked and ignition is off
warning! • Off — ignition is off but the steering is not locked
Don’t turn your vehicle’s

• Acc — ignition is off but some electrical components may be
ignition switch to the used (for example, radio)
“lock” position while it is
still in motion. This can
• On — ignition is on
cause the steering to • Start — turn to this position to start the engine, then release
lock if you try to turn the
switch so that it returns to the On position.
steering wheel and you
could lose control.
Gearshift lever
The gearshift lever lets you control the vehicle’s transmission.
There are two types of transmissions: automatic and standard.
Both control the connection between the engine and the wheels.
An automatic transmission automatically chooses the most
efficient gear. In a vehicle with a standard transmission, the
driver chooses the best gear. Using the best gear keeps the
engine from stalling and allows it to operate as efficiently as
possible for fuel economy.
A standard transmission is always used with a clutch.
The gearshift is mounted on the floor or on the steering
column. Standard transmissions are built in three-, four-, five-
or six-speed models. Check your owner’s manual when
learning to use your vehicle’s gearshift.
18
Comparing automatic and standard

transmissions
Gear Automatic* Standard*
P – Park Use when starting the vehicle
and when parked. Locks the
transmission.
R – Reverse Use when backing up. Turns on Use when backing up. Turns on reverse
reverse (white) lights. (white) lights.
N – Neutral If vehicle stalls while moving, use Use when vehicle is stopped or when
to restart the engine. starting the engine.
D – Drive Use for normal forward driving.
1 – First gear Use when pulling heavy loads The lowest gear. Use it from a stopped
or when going up or down very position to speeds of 10 – 15 km/h. Use
steep hills. when pulling heavy loads or when going up
or down very steep hills.
2 – Second gear Use when pulling heavy loads Use from speeds of 15 – 30 km/h, for hills
or when going up or down very and when driving on snow or ice.
steep hills.
3 – Third gear Use for speeds between 30 – 60 km/h.
4 – Fourth gear Use for highway speeds on 4-speed models.
5 – Fifth gear Use for highway cruising on 5-speed models.
6 – Sixth gear Use for highway cruising on 6-speed models.
O – Overdrive Use at speeds of over 40 km/h to

save fuel.
* The speed guidelines are approximate and will depend on your vehicle.
Parking brake
This brake keeps the vehicle from moving when it’s parked.
Depending on your vehicle, you may have a foot or hand-
operated brake. Make sure you fully apply the parking brake
when parking and fully release it before moving.
The parking brake is sometimes called an emergency brake
because it can be used to slow the vehicle if the foot brake fails.
See chapter 8, emergency strategies, for more information on
these situations.
Turn signal lever

This lever turns the left- and right-turn signals on and off. You
use your turn signals to communicate to other road users that
you want to change direction or position.
19
Lights
driving tip
The first position of the light switch controls the tail lights,
Drive with the low beam parking lights and side-marker lights, as well as the dashboard
headlights on during the and licence plate lights. The second position controls
day if your car does not the headlights.
have automatic daytime
running lights. Your vehicle will have another switch position or separate switch
that controls the two brightness settings of the headlights —
low beam and high beam. Use the high beam setting only on
unlit roads at night when there aren’t any vehicles approaching
driving tip or in front of you.
Daytime running lights Use the parking lights when you are stopped and want to make
do not activate the tail sure your vehicle is visible. Don’t use these lights when your
lights. Do not use them vehicle is moving — put the headlights on instead.
for nighttime driving or for
low visibility conditions. Vehicles made after 1991 have automatic daytime running lights
(DRL), a safety feature that makes your vehicle easier for other
drivers to see during daylight hours. Daytime running lights do
not activate the tail lights. Do not use them for nighttime driving
or for low visibility conditions. Use the low or high beam lights.
Hazard light switch

The hazard light switch activates both turn signals at the same
time. These flashing lights tell other road users to be careful
near your vehicle because you may have stopped for
an emergency.
Cruise control
Cruise control lets you pre-set a speed that will stay the same.
Use it only under ideal highway driving conditions. Never use
the cruise control feature:
• on wet, slippery, snowy or icy surfaces
• in urban traffic
• when you are tired
• on winding roads.
Wipers and washer control

Practise finding the different wiper speed settings. Make sure
you know how to turn on the windshield washer. The wipers
should always be in top working condition to give you a clear
view during rainy and snowy weather conditions.
Horn
Your horn is an important way to communicate warnings to
other road users. Be sure to use it wisely.
20
Heater, defroster and air conditioning

controls
The panel of levers that control the defroster, incoming air and
air conditioning are located within easy reach of the driver.
Check your owner’s manual to see how they work. Practise with
them so you can easily turn on the defroster without looking at
the controls.
Foot pedals
You will operate two or
three controls with your feet,
depending on whether your
vehicle has an automatic or
a standard transmission.
Use your right foot to

operate the brake and
gas pedals, and your left
foot to operate the clutch.
Practise doing this until you
can find each pedal easily.
This will help you react
quickly in an emergency.
Accelerator
The accelerator controls the amount of fuel going to the
engine. The more fuel the engine gets, the faster the vehicle
will go. You need to practise putting the right amount of
pressure on the pedal so you keep control over the speed and
acceleration of your vehicle. Always operate the accelerator
with your right foot.
Brake
The brake pedal is located to the left of the accelerator and
is used to slow down and stop the vehicle. Always use your
right foot to operate the brake. You need to learn to apply the
right amount of pressure on the brake so that you can stop the
vehicle smoothly and precisely.
Be familiar with the braking system of your vehicle. Power
brakes need less pressure than standard brakes.
21
Anti-lock brakes
warning!
Most vehicles have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Look for
Always wear shoes when an indicator light on the dash. This electronic system keeps the
driving so you have good wheels from locking.
contact with the brake
and the accelerator. Avoid Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems also have regular
driving in shoes that have braking systems. The anti-lock braking system is activated only
high heels or platform when you press heavily on the brake pedal — for example,
soles.
during an emergency stop. Read your owner’s manual for
more information about your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system
and how to use it properly. Also see chapter 8, emergency
strategies, for more information on ABS braking.
If your ABS indicator light stays on after you start the vehicle,
the system may be malfunctioning. Take the vehicle in for repair.
Clutch
In a vehicle with a standard transmission, pressing the clutch
pedal disconnects the engine from the transmission so you
can shift gears. You use your left foot to press the pedal when
changing gears. Do not keep the clutch pedal pressed part-way
down (“ride the clutch”) when the vehicle is moving because
this causes unnecessary wear.
When you begin moving after a stop, release the clutch slowly
and smoothly to avoid stalling the car. When you stop, use the
brake first and then depress the clutch just before you stop.
This will avoid coasting with the clutch in.
Control panel
When you sit in the driver’s seat, you’ll see the control panel
directly in front of you. Match the numbers in the chart to the
numbers in the illustration to find out what each item does.
Remember that control panels are different in each vehicle.
1 Speedometer 3 Trip odometer 5 Airbag warning light 7 Temperature gauge

2 Odometer 4 Fuel gauge 6 Turn signal 8 Engine temperature
indicator light warning light
9 Tachometer
19 Door ajar 10 Electronic
warning light stability control
warning light
18 Anti-lock braking
system warning 11 Low tire pressure
light warning light
17 Check engine 12 Alternator

warning light warning light
16 Seatbelt 15 Oil pressure 14 High beam 13 Brake warning

warning light warning light indicator light
22
The control panel

Number Indicator/Gauge Function
1 Speedometer Shows the speed the vehicle is travelling.
2 Odometer Displays the distance that the vehicle has travelled since
manufacture.
3 Trip odometer This can be set when you start on a trip to show you how far you
have travelled.
4 Fuel gauge Indicates the amount of fuel in the fuel tank.
5 Airbag warning light Indicates that the vehicle is equipped with air bags. If it comes
on while driving, there may be a fault in the air bag system. Have
it checked by a mechanic.
6 Turn signal indicator Shows whether a turn signal is on. Both will flash when the hazard
light lights are on.
7 Temperature gauge Shows the temperature of the engine coolant and whether the
engine is overheating.
8 Engine temperature Shows the temperature of the engine coolant and whether the
warning light engine is overheating.
9 Tachometer Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (r.p.m.)
10 Electronic stability Indicates the vehicle is equipped with an electronic stability

control warning light control system.
11 Low tire pressure Comes on if one or more tires have low air pressure.
warning light
12 Alternator warning Shows whether the battery is charging.

light
13 Brake warning light Reminds you to release the parking brake before moving. If the
light comes on while using the foot brake, it means the brake
system is not working properly. Have it checked by a mechanic.
14 High beam indicator Usually a blue light that indicates the high beam headlights
are on.
15 Oil pressure warning Indicates the oil pressure in the engine. It does not tell you how
light much oil is in the engine.
16 Seatbelt warning light Reminds you to fasten your seatbelt.
17 Check engine warning Indicates there is a possible fault in the engine. Have it checked
light by a mechanic.
18 Anti-lock braking Indicates the vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes. If the
system warning light light stays on after starting the car, there may be a fault in the
anti-lock braking system. Have it checked by a mechanic.
19 Door ajar warning Indicates a door is not properly closed.
light
23
Pre-trip check
Even if you’re in a hurry, you should always check your vehicle
to make sure it’s safe to drive. The pre-trip check doesn’t take
long, and will soon become a habit. It will help prevent a
vehicle breakdown.
Area behind: Glass: Seat, head restraints Rear-view and

clear of obstacles? clean front and seatbelts: side mirrors:
and back? all adjusted? adjusted to reduce
blind spots?
Wipers
and washers:
working properly?
Rear lights:
clean and working? Lights and
turn signals:
clean and
working?
Fuel:
enough?
Tires:
in good condition,
with plenty of tread, Brakes: Ground:
no cuts or bulges? working well? free of fluid and oil patches?
Area in front:
clear of obstacles?
Use this illustration as a guide when you do a pre-trip check.
driving tip Periodic check

Your pre-trip check will help you feel confident that your vehicle
Just as you check the is safe as you set out for your destination. However, to ensure
safety of your vehicle good maintenance, you need to do a more thorough check
before starting out, check
every few weeks. How often you do the periodic check will
your planning:
depend on how much you drive.
• D
o you know your
route? Use a map if
necessary. Checklist
• D
o you have enough
time? It pays to allow a Use the following checklist to keep your vehicle in good
few extra minutes. running order:
❏❏ Is the engine oil at the proper level? Is it clean?
❏❏ Is the radiator coolant topped up?
❏❏ Do you have enough washer fluid?
❏❏ Is the brake fluid level okay?
❏❏ Is the power steering fluid level okay? Are the other fluid
levels okay?
24
❏❏ Is the parking brake properly adjusted?

❏❏ Are the engine hoses cracked or leaking?
❏❏ Are the engine belts in good condition?
❏❏ Are all the lights working? (Remember to check both the
brake and backup lights too.)
❏❏ Are the wipers in good condition?
❏❏ Do you have enough fuel?
❏❏ Are the tires properly inflated?
❏❏ Are the tires in good condition?
Tire tips
driving tip
Tires are key pieces of safety equipment, so remember to:
Check tire inflation when
• Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure level.
the tires are cold. Refer to
the owner’s manual or the • Check that the tread isn’t too worn.
sticker on the driver’s door
for the proper inflation • Replace any tires that show bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or
level. Do not use the exposed belts.
numbers on the side of
the tire. • Use only tires that match the specifications for your vehicle.
• Make sure all four tires are similar so they work together.
• Keep the spare tire at the required air pressure. A space-saver
spare tire has the correct air pressure marked on its side.
When you use this type of spare tire, never drive faster
than 80 km/h.
• Rotate tires regularly for even wear.
• Avoid sudden starts and stops — they reduce the life of
your tires.
Properly inflated tires help

keep you safe by increasing
your vehicle’s traction. Underinflated Properly inflated Overinflated
25
Prepare for winter driving

In B.C., we need to make sure our vehicles are prepared for
winter driving conditions:
• Make sure your car’s battery is in good condition.
• Check the exhaust system. Any leaks can be extremely
dangerous because carbon monoxide can collect in cars
when the windows and vents are closed.
• Replace oil and other fluids with winter-grade products.
• Install four snow tires. This will improve vehicle handling and
control when you’re driving through slippery conditions.
Using chains on icy roads is a good idea. Make sure you are
familiar with how to mount chains on tires — practise putting
them on your vehicle before you need to use them.
In extremely bad conditions, it may be safer to park your vehicle
than to continue driving.
Driving and the environment

Cars and trucks use over half the world’s yearly oil supply. We
know there is a limited supply of oil. Automobiles and light-duty
trucks emit almost two-thirds of the common air pollutants in
the Lower Fraser Valley (Greater Vancouver Regional District,
1998 Emissions Inventory).
Most air-conditioned vehicles manufactured before 1995 also
contain chloroflorocarbons (CFCs) which are a major cause of
the depletion of the ozone layer of the earth’s atmosphere.
acid rain
drought
carbon smog
nitrogen respiratory diseases
sulphur habitat damage
hydrocarbons global warming
dying forests
greenhouse gases
One out of every two Canadians owns a car or light truck and drives about 19,800 kilometres per year,
according to Environment Canada statistics. Exhaust emissions from cars and trucks are one of the
leading causes of climate change, urban smog and acid rain. On average, each vehicle releases over
four metric tonnes of air pollutants per year.
26
Here are some things you can do to help protect the

environment — you’ll save money, too:
Use other forms of transportation
driving tip • Walk, cycle or take public transit whenever possible.
Good safe-driving habits • Arrange carpools. Instead of driving children to school, walk
can reduce your fuel or cycle with them or enroll them in a walking school bus.
consumption by as much
as 30 per cent, save wear Reduce fuel consumption
and tear on your car, and
reduce emissions. Driving safely reduces fuel consumption and saves money, too:
For more smart ways to
be fuel-efficient, visit the • Be a smooth operator — avoid “jackrabbit” starting and
Natural Resources Canada stopping, drive at a steady speed.
Office of Energy Efficiency
website at
• Slow down and save — keep to posted speeds or below.
www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca or • Plan your route — combine several errands into one trip,
call 1-800-387-2000.
and plan the route so that you go to the destination that is
farthest away first — this will allow your vehicle to warm up
to normal operating temperature which helps reduce fuel
consumption.
• Avoid idling — turn the motor off if stopped for more than 60
seconds, such as when stopped at the side of the road.
• Check tire pressure at least monthly — under-inflated tires
increase fuel consumption.
• Avoid excess weight — remove any items in the car that you
don’t need, such as things in the trunk.
• Roll down your windows — refrain from using air conditioning
under 50 km/h. Use your vehicle’s flow-through ventilation
rather than air conditioning on the highway.
• Remove roof racks and roof boxes to reduce drag.
Reduce emissions
Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle.
• Keep your vehicle tuned up to reduce emissions.
• Change the oil regularly and use the right grade. Have any
oil leaks fixed.
• Keep the air filter clean.
• Make sure your air conditioning system doesn’t have any
leaks.
Do not pour motor oil, gas,

antifreeze or battery acid
down drains. Take these
fluids to recycling locations.
27
3 signs, signals and road markings
In chapter 2, you and your vehicle, you learned about

in this chapter some of the controls in your vehicle. This chapter is a handy
reference section that gives examples of the most common
• Signs signs, signals and road markings that keep traffic organized
–– regulatory signs and flowing smoothly.
–– school,
playground and
crosswalk signs Signs
–– lane use signs
There are three ways to read signs: by their shape, colour and
–– turn control signs the messages printed on them. Understanding these three ways
–– parking signs of classifying signs will help you figure out the meaning of signs
–– reserved lane that are new to you.
signs
–– warning signs
–– object markers
–– construction
signs
–– information and
destination signs Stop Yield the right-of-way
–– railway signs
• Signals
–– lane control
signals
–– traffic lights
• Road markings School zone signs

–– yellow lines Explains lane use are fluorescent
Shows driving yellow-green
–– white lines regulations
–– reserved lane
markings
–– other markings
Tells about motorist Shows a permitted Shows an action that

services action is not permitted
Shows distance and

direction
Warns of hazards Warns of Railway crossing
ahead construction zones
29
Regulatory signs
These signs tell you about driving laws and regulations. It is an offence under the B.C. Motor
Vehicle Act to disregard them. Drivers who do not follow the instructions on these signs may
receive penalties.
Stop completely — Give the right-of-way The maximum legal speed Indicates a lower
continue only when to other vehicles and when the road is bare and speed limit ahead
safe crossing pedestrians dry and visibility is good.
Do not go this way

— usually mounted Winter tires or chains must be
One way — gives
on exit ramps used when sign is displayed
direction of traffic on
cross street
Stay off this

road during
major disasters
— road may
be used only
by emergency Do not enter
vehicles Do not pass
Move into right Keep right Two-way
lane if driving unless passing traffic — keep
slower than right unless
regular traffic passing
No stopping No bicycle
between here riding beyond
Passing lane Keep right of No stopping
and the next this point
ahead the divider during posted
no-stopping
times between No right turn
sign
here and the on red light
next sign
Slow vehicles to use Slow vehicle Slow vehicle pullout Slow traffic Slow traffic
pullouts for the next pullout stated delaying 5 vehicles delaying vehicles
stated distance meters ahead must use pullout use pullouts
30
chapter 3 — signs, signals and road markings
School, playground and crosswalk signs

These signs tell you the rules to follow in areas where you need to be extra cautious.
School zone —
reduce speed
when children
Pedestrian activated are present
crosswalk — prepare to Pedestrian crosswalk — School crosswalk — yield
stop if the light is flashing yield to people crossing to pedestrians — if there
is a crossing guard, follow
directions
School zone — if
Playground nearby the tab underneath School zone —
— be prepared to only indicates the the tab underneath
slow down speed limit, that indicates the speed
Playground zone — School zone — limit is in effect limit and the hours
30 km/h limit is in 50 km/h limit is in from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that it is in effect
effect every day effect from 8 a.m. on school days (in this case, the
from dawn to dusk to 5 p.m. on school 30 km/h limit
days when children is in effect from
are on the roadway 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
or shoulder on school days)
Lane use signs

Signs showing which lanes may be used to turn or go straight are mounted above the lane or at
the side of the lane before the intersection. If you are in a designated lane, you must follow the
direction indicated by the arrows. You may not move into or out of a designated lane while you
are in an intersection.
Turn left only Continue straight only Go through or turn left
Go through or turn right Vehicles from both Vehicles in both these

directions must turn lanes must turn left
left, no through traffic
allowed 31
Turn control signs

Turn control signs are mounted directly above the intersection. You must follow the direction of
the arrow.
Left turn only Go straight only — Turn right or left only

no turns
No right turns during

posted times
Parking signs
Parking signs let you know where and when you are allowed to park. You may receive fines or
your vehicle may be towed (or both) if you park illegally.
Do not park here
Time-limited parking Parking is not allowed

during posted times during posted times
Parking only for vehicles
displaying the disabled
parking sign and carrying
a person with disabilities
Reserved lane signs

A white diamond painted on the road surface marks reserved lanes. Reserved lane signs are
also placed over or beside lanes that are reserved for certain vehicles such as buses or high
occupancy vehicles (HOVs). Other HOV signs may give additional information on who may use
the HOV lane.
Curb lane of cross street

Only buses in this lane Only buses and HOVs ahead is a reserved lane
in this lane — may show
how many people must
be in the HOV
32
Warning signs
Most warning signs are yellow and diamond-shaped. They warn of possible hazards ahead.
Winding road Hidden side road Curve ahead — Merging traffic

ahead ahead slow down ahead
Sharp curve ahead

— slow to advisory
speed shown
Road merges with Right lane ends Divided highway ends Two-way traffic ahead Road narrows ahead
another road — ahead ahead — keep right
added lane to the
right ahead
Narrow structure ahead Bump or rough road Road may be Steep hill ahead —
— often a bridge ahead slippery ahead slow down
Stop sign ahead Roundabout ahead Signal lights ahead

Signal lights ahead — prepare to stop
when lights are flashing
33
Pedestrian crosswalk School crosswalk ahead School bus stop ahead Cyclists may be on
ahead — this sign is fluorescent roadway
yellow-green
Fire truck entrance ahead Truck crossing ahead Highway or freeway Pavement ends ahead
exit — slow to
advisory speed shown
Hazard or danger ahead Watch for deer ahead Opening bridge ahead Watch for rocks on the
— turn right or left road ahead
Remove sunglasses Snow shed ahead Use headlights ahead
Tunnel ahead
Object markers
Pay special attention to object markers — they are mounted on obstructions.
Obstruction — keep right Obstruction — keep right Obstruction — keep left

or left
34
Construction signs
These signs warn of construction and maintenance work. You must pay attention to the warnings
and obey the instructions on these signs. Obey traffic-control persons, travel within the posted
speed, stay well back from all equipment and pass only when it is safe.
Detour ahead Soft shoulder Construction ahead Traffic-control

ahead — stay off person ahead
Follow the lighted arrow
Blasting ahead
— follow
instructions
Crew working Survey crew — End of on sign
— obey posted obey posted construction Fine notice for speeding
speed limit speed limit zone speed limit in a work zone
Information and destination signs

These signs give information about destinations, route numbers and facilities. Here are a few
samples.
Destination sign —
distances are in
kilometres Trans-Canada Primary highway
Directional sign
Highway route marker sign
marker
Hospital nearby Gas available ahead Accommodation

ahead Travel information
ahead
35
Railway signs
Public railway and highway crossings are indicated with signs or pavement markings and may
also have mechanical or electrical warning devices for your protection. Watch for them and
remember you must always yield to trains.
Railway crossing ahead

— be prepared to stop
Railway crossing on Railway crossing — stop,

side road ahead — then proceed when it is
be prepared to stop safe Railway crossing — stay stopped until the gate
is fully raised
Signals
Lighted signals are a way of controlling traffic flow.
Lane control signals

Lane control signals are placed over lanes to indicate which ones are open for driving.
Do not drive in this lane Move out of this lane and into a Drive in this lane
lane with a green arrow. If the lane
control signals over all of the lanes
are flashing yellow, slow down and
proceed with caution
36
Traffic lights
Traffic lights are used to help organize the flow of traffic. Generally, a red light means “stop,”
a yellow light means “caution” and a green light means “go.” These signals can have slightly
different meanings if they are flashing or if they are shaped as arrows rather than circles. In some
places green arrows may flash; in others they may not.
Steady red — stop — Steady green — continue Steady yellow — slow Flashing red — stop,
after coming to a full stop, if the intersection is clear down and stop before then continue only
you may turn right or turn the intersection unless when it is safe
left onto a one-way street you can’t safely stop in
unless a sign forbids it time
Flashing green — Flashing yellow — slow Green arrow — turn in Green arrow — no turn
pedestrian-controlled down and proceed with the direction of the arrow permitted; go straight
light — go only if the caution through only
intersection is clear
Flashing green arrow Flashing green arrow Yellow arrow — advance Transit priority signal —
with a steady green with a steady red light — left turn signal is about steady white rectangular
light — may turn in the left turn allowed; through to change, slow down light — only buses may
direction of the arrow or traffic must stop for red and stop before the go on this signal
proceed light intersection unless you
can’t safely stop in time
37
Road markings
Road markings give you warnings or direction. They are painted on the roadway, curbs or other
surfaces. It is illegal to drive over freshly painted, wet pavement markings.
Yellow lines
Yellow lines divide traffic moving in opposite directions. If there is a yellow line to your left, there
will be traffic coming towards you on the other side of that yellow line.
Broken line — passing is Broken line and solid line — you Double solid line —
allowed when safe may pass only when it is safe and no passing allowed
the broken line is on your side
Single yellow line — passing Double broken yellow line — lane Two-way left-turn lane —
is allowed with extra caution is reversible — lane control signal drivers travelling in opposite
will show whether you may use this directions share this lane for
lane left turns — markings may be
reversed (solid lines inside the
broken lines)
38
White lines
White lines are used to separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. White lines also
mark crosswalks, stopping positions and the right shoulders of highways.
Solid line — do not change lanes Broken line — lane changing is Stop line — stop before this
allowed when safe line
Pedestrian crosswalk — stop for Pedestrian crosswalk — stop for Pedestrian-activated

pedestrians in the crosswalk pedestrians in the crosswalk crosswalk with illuminating
lights in pavement — stop for
pedestrians in the crosswalk
39
Reserved lane markings

These markings set off lanes for HOVs, buses and bicycles. HOV lanes are marked with thick solid
or broken lines and white diamond symbols.
Reserved lane — additional signs Bicycle lane — for cyclists only —

or markings state which vehicles cyclists must travel in the same
are allowed direction as the traffic beside
them — the lane is marked
with an outline of a bicycle and
sometimes with a diamond
Other markings
Vehicles in this lane must Vehicles in this lane must Painted island — keep to
turn left go straight or turn left the right and do not drive
on or over
40
4 rules of the road
Chapter 3, signs, signals and road markings, gave you some

in this chapter information about the most common signs, signals and
road markings you will see when driving. This chapter gives
• Understanding you the information you’ll need to help you drive safely at
intersections intersections, use lanes correctly and park legally.
–– signalling
–– types of
intersections Understanding intersections
–– stopping at
Intersections are places where a number of road users cross
intersections paths. There is often a lot of activity in intersections, so it’s
–– right-of-way at important to be alert. Remember that other road users may be
intersections in a hurry, and may want to move into the same space that you
• Using lanes are planning on moving into.
correctly
–– which lane Signalling
should you use
Signals are important — they let other traffic know what you are
–– lane tracking
intending to do. Signal when you’re preparing to:
–– turning lanes
–– reserved lanes • turn left or right
–– pulling into a • change lanes
lane
–– passing
• park
–– merging • move toward, or away from, the side of the road.
–– highway
or freeway Types of intersections
entrances and
exits Controlled intersections
–– cul-de-sacs A controlled intersection is one that has signs or traffic lights
–– turning around telling you what to do. To drive safely in these intersections, you
• Parking tips and need to know what the signals and signs mean, and also the
rules right-of-way rules. But always be cautious. Other drivers may
not be paying attention to the signs and signals.
Uncontrolled intersections
Uncontrolled intersections have no signs or traffic lights. They
driving tip are usually found in areas where there isn’t much traffic. But
they can be dangerous places because drivers might not be
Treat an unmarked
expecting cross traffic or pedestrians.
T-intersection the
same way as any other As you approach, slow down and look out for other road users.
uncontrolled intersection.
Scan the intersection from left to right. If another vehicle has
arrived at the intersection before you, slow down and yield.
If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left
must yield to the vehicle on the right.
41
Be careful when you want to turn left where other traffic is

approaching from the opposite direction. Yield to traffic that is
driving tip in or near the intersection. If you intend to go straight through
and a vehicle is already in the intersection turning left, you must
If a traffic control person yield.
is directing traffic, you
must follow that person’s
directions. Stopping at intersections
There are rules about where you position your vehicle when you
have to stop at an intersection.
If there is a stop line, stop just If there is a crosswalk but no

before the line. stop line, stop just before the
crosswalk.
If there is an unmarked crosswalk, Where there is no stop line, no

stop where you would if there were crosswalk and no sidewalk, stop just
a marked crosswalk. before you enter the intersection.
42
chapter 4 — rules of the road
Right-of-way at intersections
Right-of-way rules determine who must yield when more than
one road user wants to move into the same space. It’s important
to know these rules because they keep traffic moving in an
orderly way. But remember that you can’t always count on the
other person to follow the rules. And even if you have the right-
of-way, it’s still your responsibility to do all you can to avoid a
crash.
driving tip For information on right-of-way rules for crosswalks and railway
crossings, see chapter 6, sharing the road.
Sometimes traffic lights
stop working properly. Intersections controlled by traffic lights
The lights can go out,
or all four lights can Most people know who has the right-of-way at intersections
start flashing. Treat the
controlled by traffic lights, but they may not understand how to
intersection like a four-way
stop if this happens. correctly respond to these lights. Here are some pointers that
will help you stay safe at intersections:
steady red light — a red light means that you must come to a
complete stop. You must wait for the light to turn green before
you go straight ahead.
After you have stopped and made sure the intersection is clear
of all vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, you may turn right or
turn left onto a one-way street. Watch for signs prohibiting you
from making these turns on a red light.
steady green light — green means go only if the intersection is
clear, and it is safe to do so.
• stale green light — a stale green light is one that has been
green for a long time, and is about to turn yellow. If you
didn’t see the light turn green, then it may be stale. Look for
additional clues:
–– are there a lot of cars lined up on the cross street waiting
driving tip for the light to change?
–– in many areas, the crosswalk signal will change from a
If you didn’t see the light
turn green, then it may white figure to an orange hand just before the light turns
be stale. You should be yellow, or will show how many seconds are left before the
prepared to stop. traffic light will change.
• point of no return — as you approach a stale green light —
taking into consideration your speed, the road conditions
and the traffic behind you — decide on a point where you
driving tip will no longer be able to stop safely. This is sometimes called
the point of no return. When you reach this point, keep on
It is illegal to back up into
an intersection or over a
going even if the light changes to yellow. You need to judge
crosswalk. accurately so you won’t be in the intersection when the light
turns red.
43
• fresh green light — a fresh green light is one that has just
turned green. Don’t move forward until you’ve scanned the
intersection to make sure it’s clear.
• making a left turn on a steady green light — when you are
making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic and
wait for a safe gap before you turn.
steady yellow light — yellow means that the signal is about to
turn red. You must stop before entering the intersection unless
you can’t safely stop in time.
Sometimes drivers panic if they are in an intersection waiting
to make a left turn and the light turns yellow. In this situation,
remember that you are legally allowed to complete your turn.
But watch carefully for other vehicles, especially oncoming
drivers trying to beat the red light.
What are the clues that tell

you the green light is stale?
flashing green light — watch for pedestrians, who may activate

the pedestrian traffic light to change to yellow and then to red.
Even if the pedestrian traffic light is not activated, traffic on the
side street is facing a stop sign, and may be waiting to move
into the intersection when it is clear and safe to do so.
Left-turn signals
Some intersections have turn signals with green arrows, or
designated lanes controlled by their own set of traffic lights, to
allow you to turn left. These are called protected turns. As long
as the green arrow is shown, you are protected from through
traffic — they are facing a red light.
separate left signal — some intersections have designated left-
turn lanes controlled by their own set of traffic lights. A green
arrow at the bottom of a separate set of traffic lights will tell you
when to turn left. Traffic in the straight-through and right-turn
lanes will be stopped by a red light on a different set of lights.
44
Once the green arrow has turned yellow, you must stop and
wait for the next green arrow before turning.
left signal on regular traffic lights — other intersections have
left-turn lanes that are not controlled by a separate set of traffic
lights. Here the advance green arrow is located on the bottom
of the regular traffic lights.
The flashing green arrow allows you to turn left. Through traffic
is facing a red light.
Once the green arrow has turned off, and only the regular
green traffic light is on, you may still turn left. But you must
yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
Sometimes these advance green arrows operate only during
peak traffic hours.
flashing red lights — a flashing red light means that you must
come to a complete stop. After you stop, you may move into
the intersection when it is clear and safe to do so.
Intersections controlled by stop signs

A stop sign always means that you must come to a complete
stop. Once you’ve stopped, check the intersection carefully.
Whether you go or wait depends on the type of intersection
and the other traffic around you.
two-way stops — if two streets intersect and only one of the
streets has stop signs, then the other street is a through street.
Traffic on the through street has the right-of-way. If you are
stopped at one of these types of intersections, wait until there is
a safe gap before going through or turning.
If two vehicles are stopped at a two-way stop and one of the
drivers wants to turn left, this driver must yield the right-of-way
to the other vehicle. The only exception is if the left-turning
vehicle is already in the intersection and has started to make the
turn. In this case, the other vehicle must yield.
These drivers arrived at this

two-way stop at the same
time. The driver of the blue
car wants to turn left. The
driver of the yellow car
wants to go straight.
Who must yield?
45
four-way stops — when there are stop signs at all corners:

driving tip • The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection and come to a
complete stop should go first.
If there is any doubt about
who has the right-of-way, • If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the
or if there is any chance of right should go first.
a crash, it’s always better
to yield the right-of-way to • If two vehicles are facing each other and have arrived at
the other person. the intersection at about the same time, the one making a
left turn must yield to the one going straight through.
Intersections controlled by yield signs

A yield sign means that you must let the traffic on the through
road have the right-of-way. You may enter the intersection without
stopping if there are no pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles on the
through road. But you must slow down (and stop if necessary) and
wait for a safe gap if there is traffic on the through road.
Traffic circles and roundabouts

These are found in some areas to help traffic get through an
intersection safely without necessarily stopping the flow of the
traffic.
Traffic circles
Traffic circles are mostly found in residential neighbourhoods.
When you’re using a traffic circle:
• Slow down as you approach the circle.
• Obey any posted traffic control signs, such as “Yield” or
“Stop” signs. If there are no traffic control signs, treat it as an
uncontrolled intersection.
• Yield to any traffic in the traffic circle. If another vehicle arrives
at the traffic circle at the same time as you do, yield to the
vehicle on your right.
• Go around the traffic circle to the right (that is, in a counter-
clockwise direction).
You must turn right to enter

a traffic circle and right
again to leave it. Yield to
vehicles that are already in
the traffic circle. If another
vehicle arrives at the traffic
circle at the same time as
you do, yield to the vehicle
on your right.
46
Roundabouts
driving tip
Roundabouts are usually larger than traffic circles.
Emergency vehicles
displaying flashing
Some roundabouts have more than one lane. Lane use signs
lights and sirens always and markings may be displayed at the approaches to show
have the right-of-way. If where you can go in each lane when you are in the roundabout.
an emergency vehicle Make sure you know where you want to go — and are in the
is approaching, avoid proper lane to get there — before you enter a roundabout.
blocking a traffic circle or
roundabout. Stop for the Roundabouts often have a truck apron around the central island
emergency vehicle before
to help large vehicles get through the roundabout.
entering, or exit the traffic
circle or roundabout and When you use a roundabout:
then stop to allow the
emergency vehicle to pass. • Know where you want to go before you enter a roundabout,
and enter the correct lane. Lane use signs or road markings
will show you which lane you need to use.
If you want to turn left, make sure you are in the left lane.
If you want to turn right, use the right lane. If you want to
go straight, you may use either the left or right lane.
• Slow down as you approach the roundabout.
• Yield to pedestrians who may be crossing or about to cross in
the crosswalk located in advance of the roundabout.
• Yield to any traffic already in the roundabout.
• Go around the roundabout in a counter-clockwise direction.
Do not change lanes in a roundabout.
• Don’t ride alongside large vehicles such as trucks and buses
in roundabouts. They may need more than their lane to go
through the roundabout.
• If you entered the roundabout in the left lane, stay in that
lane. You may either go straight or turn left from that lane.
• Signal “right” before you exit.
When you leave the roundabout, be prepared to yield to
pedestrians who may be in the crosswalk where you are exiting.
47
Slow down when

approaching a roundabout
and yield to traffic already
in it. Stay in the same lane
that you approached the
roundabout from.
In the example above, the red car has entered the roundabout
from the south in the right lane after yielding to vehicles in the
roundabout. The driver may either turn right at the east exit or
continue straight and take the north exit.
The blue car entered from the south in the left lane, and has
merged into the left lane in the roundabout. Because the blue
car entered from the left lane, the driver can’t immediately turn
This sign warns to keep right at the first exit (east), but can take either the north or west
away from large vehicles exit.
such as trucks and buses in
a roundabout. The tractor-trailer combination entered the roundabout from
the east in the left lane and the driver is going to take the south
exit. Note that because of the length of the combination, the
trailer is partly in the right lane, and the combination will be
exiting in the right lane.
The driver of the green car must yield to the tractor-trailer that’s
already in the roundabout.
Entering a roadway
When you are pulling out of a driveway, alley or parking lot onto
a road, stop before the sidewalk or area where pedestrians may
be walking. Then pull out carefully, yielding to traffic on the
road and waiting for a safe gap.
48
Using lanes correctly

In the last chapter, you learned about the signs, signals and
pavement markings that identify which lanes you can drive in.
This section tells you more about which lanes to use and how to
use them.
Which lane should you use?

Choose the lane that gives you the best vision and allows you
to go where you want to go. On a multi-lane highway, you
should travel in one of the right-hand lanes. This is especially
important if you are driving more slowly than other vehicles or
if signs direct you to keep out of the left lane.
Just because you are driving at the speed limit does not mean
you should continually drive in the left lane. This may cause
other drivers to try to pass on the right, which may not be as
safe as passing on the left.
When you are on a freeway with more than two lanes in each
direction, you should drive in the centre lane or a right-hand
lane. This leaves the left lane for higher-speed traffic and
passing vehicles.
Lane tracking
Before you make a turn, you need to get your vehicle into the
correct lane. Then you need to end up in the correct lane when
you complete your turn. This is sometimes called lane tracking.
Right turns
These illustrations show lane tracking when you’re making a
right turn.
To turn right, move your

car to the right lane and
turn into the right lane
of the cross street. In
some intersections, road
markings allow you to turn
right from a centre lane.
49
Some intersections have

special yield lanes for
vehicles turning right. To
make a right turn, move
into this lane and wait until
there is a break in the traffic
to complete your turn.
Left turns
For left turns, it’s sometimes harder to figure out which lane to
turn into. These illustrations show you the correct lane tracking
for different types of roads.
Turning left from a two-way road Turning left from a one-way onto
onto a two-way road: move your a two-way road: turn from the left
vehicle into the centre lane and drive lane into the centre lane.
in a smooth arc into the centre lane
of the cross street.
Turning left from a two-way onto a Turning left from a one-way onto
one-way road: turn from the centre a one-way road: turn from the left
50 lane into the left lane. lane into the left lane.
Turning lanes
Some roads have special lanes for turning. As you approach an
intersection, always check the signs and pavement markings to
make sure you are in the correct lane to turn or to go straight
through.
Turning lanes let you wait

for a safe gap without
holding up vehicles that
are travelling straight
through. Use the lane with
the arrows only if you are
turning left.
Multiple turning lanes

In large, complex intersections, there may be more than one
right- or left-turn lane. Look carefully at the pavement markings,
lane-use signs and signals. They will tell you what to do.
For example, the sign shown in the left column tells you that
both the far-left lane and the lane next to it are used for left
turns. If you are turning from the far-left lane, turn into the far-
left lane. If you are turning from the lane next to it, turn into the
lane next to the far-left lane.
Two-way left-turn lanes

Two-way left-turn lanes give left-turning vehicles coming from
either direction a chance to turn without holding up traffic.
They can be handy for turning left in the middle of a block, such
as turning into a driveway. When you see one of these lanes,
remember that vehicles coming from the other direction also
use this lane to turn left.
Drivers from both

directions share this centre
lane when they want to
turn left. Make sure there is
enough space before you
enter this lane. Remember
to watch for vehicles
coming from the opposite
direction.
51
Turns in the middle of a block

Most drivers expect other vehicles to turn at an intersection.
Sometimes you might want to turn left in the middle of a block
— for example, into a driveway. You may turn left — including
turning left over a solid double yellow line — if you do this
carefully and safely and don’t impede other traffic, and there
are no signs prohibiting such turns.
U-turns
If you find you are going in the wrong direction, you may be
tempted to make a U-turn. U-turns are often risky. They are
illegal:
• if they interfere with other traffic
• on a curve
• on or near the crest of a hill, where you cannot be seen by
other traffic within 150 metres
• where a sign prohibits U-turns
• at an intersection where there is a traffic light
• in a business district, except at an intersection where there is
no traffic light
• where a municipal by-law prohibits making a U-turn.
When you are deciding whether to make a U-turn, think about
some alternatives, like driving around the block or continuing
on to a side road where you can turn more safely.
Reserved lanes
In parts of B.C., some traffic lanes are reserved for different
types of vehicles. High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and bus
lanes help move more people in fewer vehicles. Bicycle lanes
are reserved for cyclists.
High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes

HOV lanes are reserved for buses and carpool vehicles.
Motorcycles, bicycles and taxis may also use these lanes on
some roads. On freeways and main highways, HOV lanes are
beside either the median or the shoulder of the roadway. On
city streets, HOV lanes are usually directly beside the curb.
Most HOV lanes operate 24 hours a day, but some are only in
operation at peak traffic times. Check the traffic signs carefully.
They will tell you where the lanes begin and end, when they are
in operation, and the minimum number of people that must be
in the vehicle.
52
If your vehicle is carrying enough people to travel in the HOV

lane, or if you need to cross an HOV lane to turn, enter the lane
with care. Traffic in these lanes sometimes travels faster than the
regular traffic. Make sure there is enough room for you to enter
safely. Enter and exit where there are broken lines to indicate a
crossing point.
The driver of the blue car has seen the warning sign indicating that there is a reserved lane on the street
the driver wishes to turn onto. The driver should turn into the lane next to the reserved lane, unless they are
entitled to drive in the reserved lane and wish to drive in it.
To turn right off of a street with a reserved lane, change lanes into the reserved lane where permitted and
when safe.
Bus lanes
You will recognize a bus lane by a sign that has a diamond
symbol and a picture of a bus. Only buses and sometimes
cyclists are allowed to travel in lanes marked with this sign.
Vanpools (vehicles with six or more occupants) may also travel
in the bus lane if a “Vanpool Permitted” tab is shown below the
bus lane sign.
Bicycle lanes
driving tip
Bicycle lanes are reserved for cyclists. Sometimes you will need
Be sure to signal well to cross a bicycle lane to turn right, or to pull to the side of the
ahead and yield to all road. Take extra care when you do this. The rules for bicycle
cyclists whenever you lanes are:
must cross a bicycle lane.
• don’t drive, stop or park in a bicycle lane.
• you may only cross a bicycle lane if the white line is broken or
to turn into or out of a driveway.
driving tip Pulling into a lane

Don’t change lanes at an Whenever you enter a lane, whether you’re pulling into traffic
intersection. You could or changing lanes, the vehicles in the lane you’re moving into
confuse other drivers and have the right-of-way. When you pull away from the roadside
cause a crash.
into a lane of traffic, you need to make sure you are not cutting
53
anyone off. Watch carefully for smaller traffic — bicycles and

motorcycles — that may be approaching faster than you think.
The same rule applies when you’re planning to change lanes.
Make sure there is a large enough gap so that when you pull in
front of another vehicle, that driver doesn’t have to slow down
to avoid crashing into you. Legally, you must signal when you
change lanes.
Passing
driving tip
Passing requires moving into another lane — sometimes a lane
Don’t speed up as of approaching traffic — and then back into your original lane.
someone is trying to pass Remember, if you move into another vehicle’s lane, that vehicle
you — it’s illegal. Help the has the right-of-way. It doesn’t matter if it’s a car, a motorcycle
other driver get back into
or a bicycle. Other traffic shouldn’t have to change direction or
your lane by slowing down
and making room. slow down for you.
If you’re planning to pass, make sure you can do it safely and
legally:
• Pass on the right only on a roadway that has two or more
lanes, or if a driver ahead is turning left. Do not use the
shoulder to pass.
• Pass on the left only when it is safe to do so and lane
markings permit.
• Keep within the speed limit when passing.
• Make sure you know whether the pavement markings
allow you to pass. See chapter 3, signs, signals and road
markings, for more information.
Passing lanes
Some highways have special passing lanes. These lanes let
slower vehicles move into the right lane so faster vehicles can
pass safely in the left lane.
A sign will tell you how far

it is to the next passing
lane. Keep right unless you
are passing.
54
A sign will tell you when

the passing lane is about
to end. Vehicles in the right
lane and the passing lane
must merge before the
passing lane ends.
Merging
This sign tells you the right lane will end soon.
If you’re driving in a lane that ends ahead, you need to change
lanes. Adjust your speed, keeping within the speed limit, and
wait for a safe gap in the other lane.
If you are driving next to a lane that ends ahead, help the
merging traffic by adjusting your speed or changing lanes.
Highway or freeway entrances and exits

These lanes are designed to help you safely enter and exit the
freeway.
Entrance
warning! The entrance consists of an entrance ramp, an acceleration lane
Avoid stopping in the
and a merging area. Some freeway entrances have ramp meters
acceleration lane or — a traffic light that controls traffic entering the freeway by
merging area. You could restricting the number of vehicles that may proceed along the
risk being rear-ended. entrance ramp.
• While you’re on the entrance ramp, scan the freeway traffic
for a safe gap.
• The acceleration lane is divided from the rest of the roadway
by a solid white line. Use this lane to match your speed to the
speed of traffic on the freeway.
• The merging area is divided from the freeway by a broken
white line. Use this area to find a safe gap to merge with
freeway traffic. Be aware that cycling is permitted on some
freeways, so be careful not to cut in front of a cyclist.
55
rge
Me
Accelerate
A highway entrance gives you a short distance to match your speed to the vehicles already on the highway.
Observe the freeway traffic, make sure you have a space that is safe to move into, signal your intention and
then move into traffic.
Exit
The exit lane allows you to move off the freeway and reduce
your speed.
Most freeway exits are numbered. Before you start your trip,
check a map to see which exit you will need to take. That way
you can move to the right lane in plenty of time for the exit.
Exit
Slow down
Signal your intention to turn off the highway, maintaining your speed until you enter the exit lane. Then slow
down gradually as you prepare to enter roads with lower speed limits.
Strategies: freeway courtesy

When you are driving in the right lane of a freeway, other
drivers may try to merge from an entrance lane. It’s not
always easy for them to find a safe gap. Use these pointers
to help them merge safely:
• pull over into the left lane (if it’s safe) to give them room
to merge onto the freeway
• adjust your speed to allow a large enough gap for them
to move safely into.
56
Cul-de-sacs
A cul-de-sac is a street that’s closed at one end. Most cul-de-
sacs are designed so that you can turn your car around without
needing to back up. Slow down and keep to the right. Most cul-
de-sacs are in residential areas, so watch carefully for children
playing, vehicles coming out of driveways and other hazards.
A cul-de-sac.
Turning around
Sometimes you can turn around by doing a series of turns at
intersections or by turning in a cul-de-sac. You may also be able
to do a U-turn or a two-point turn or a three-point turn.
A two-point turn is done by stopping near the side of the road,
backing into a driveway and then turning into the street to
proceed in the opposite direction.
A three-point turn is done by making a sharp turn to the left in
the middle of a block, and stopping just before the curb.
To complete the three-point turn, back up to your right and
then proceed to drive down the street in the opposite direction.
For both two- and three-point turns, you need to make sure it’s
clear and safe and that there is no other traffic nearby.
57
driving tip Parking tips and rules

Park where it’s safe and legal. Signs, curb markings and
When parking in a stall, it’s common sense will tell you if you are allowed to park. You
usually safest to back in
should park where you are not blocking traffic and where others
so you won’t have to back
out. Better still, if there are can clearly see you. If you park where you shouldn’t, you could
two empty facing stalls be a hazard to others, you could be fined or your vehicle could
with no barrier between be towed.
them, drive through one
into the next so your It’s illegal to park:
vehicle is facing forward.
• on a sidewalk or boulevard
When uphill parking
beside a rolling curb or • across the entrance to any driveway, back lane or intersection
mountable curb, turn
the wheels to the right. • within five metres of a fire hydrant (measured from the point
This type of curb is not
at the curb beside the hydrant)
high enough to stop the
vehicle from rolling back • within six metres of a crosswalk or intersection
into traffic.
• within six metres of a stop sign or traffic light
• within 15 metres of the nearest rail of a railway crossing
• in a bicycle lane
• on a bridge or in a highway tunnel
• where your vehicle obstructs the visibility of a traffic sign
• where a traffic sign prohibits parking, or where the curb is
painted yellow or red
• in a space for people with disabilities unless you display a
disabled person parking permit in your windshield and your
vehicle is carrying a person with a disability.
Park parallel to and within 30 centimetres (one foot) of the curb.
If you’re parked on a hill, turn the wheels to keep your vehicle
from rolling into traffic. Turn the wheels:
• to the right when uphill without a curb or downhill with or
without a curb
• to the left when uphill with a curb.
Set the parking brake and leave the vehicle in gear:
• leave an automatic transmission in “park” gear
• with a standard transmission, place the vehicle in “reverse” if
facing downhill, and “first” gear if facing uphill or if on a level
surface.
58
5 see-think-do
In the previous four chapters, you began developing your

in this chapter smart driving skills by learning the basics of driving:
• being a thinking driver
• See
–– observation • maintaining a safe vehicle
–– hazard • understanding signs, signals and road markings
perception
• knowing the rules of the road.
• Think
–– assess the risk This chapter will bring all of these concepts together and
–– choose a solution describe how to use them as part of see-think-do — a driving
• Do strategy that helps you to be a safe and competent driver.
–– speed control see — scan for hazards. Pay attention to other road users and
–– steering the areas where hazards could occur.
–– space margins
think — decide which hazards are the most dangerous.
–– communication Think quickly about possible solutions. Decide on the safest
• Using see-think-do solution.
do — do manoeuvres to keep yourself and others safe.
see-think-do
Whenever you drive, your eyes should be scanning the area
around you to gather information. Good observation means
knowing how to look and where to look. The next step is hazard
perception — knowing what to look for.
Observation
Good observation involves looking ahead, beside and behind.
You in the driver’s seat

You’re driving along a city street, scanning well ahead.
You check your mirrors — the car behind is keeping well
back. There is an intersection ahead. You carefully scan the
intersection to see if it’s clear before you proceed.
59
Strategies: the observation cycle

Always keep your eyes moving while you’re driving:
• look well ahead
• scan from one side of the road to the other, checking
for potential hazards
• glance in your rear- and side-view mirrors to keep track
of what is happening behind you.
Then start all over again. You should complete the whole
cycle every five to eight seconds.
Observing ahead
warning!
Research shows that new drivers spend so much time looking
Don’t overdrive your at the road just in front of their vehicle that they often miss
ability to see. You should hazards further ahead. Make sure you know what’s coming up
always be able to stop by scanning at least 12 seconds ahead. This means look one to
within the distance you two blocks ahead in city driving and half a kilometre ahead on
can see.
the highway. This will give you time to prepare for a potential
hazard instead of being taken by surprise.
As you look ahead, scan to the left and right so you can see
what’s happening along the sides of the road. If you see cars
parked by the side of the road, be careful. A child may be
walking out from between them, or a door might be about to
swing open.
driving tip
By looking ahead, you
can avoid sudden stops,
which increase your fuel
consumption.
It’s easiest to see things

that are directly in front of
you, in your central vision.
But it’s important to also
pay attention to things
outside your central
vision. Peripheral vision
allows you to see more
than what is directly in
front of you.
60
chapter 5 — see-think-do
Observing behind
Your side- and rear-view mirrors let you know what is happening
behind you. Adjust them to get the best possible view. Look in
each mirror about every five to eight seconds and pay attention
to what you see.
Rear-view mirrors — look in the rear-view mirror before you
slow down or stop. Will the cars behind you have space to
stop? If not, you may need to take action.
Side-view mirrors — use your side-view mirrors whenever you
are planning to change your road position or direction. When
you’re pulling away from the right side of the road, you need
to check your left mirror to make sure there are no cars coming
from behind. If you’re making a lane change to the right,
check your right mirror to make sure there’s enough space
to move into.
Blind spots — even when your mirrors are properly adjusted,
there are large areas that you can’t see in your mirrors. These
are called blind spots. The most dangerous blind spots are to
the side. There are also blind spots below your field of vision
to the front, rear and both sides of your vehicle.
Blind spot
Each vehicle has smaller
blind spots at the front
and at the back, as well as
the two large blind spots
on the sides. Their size Blind Blind
spot spot
depends on the shape
and size of your vehicle.
Try sitting in your vehicle
and finding the areas you
can’t see even when you Blind spot
use your mirrors.
Blind spot detectors, cameras — Some vehicles are equipped

with blind spot detectors and/or back-up cameras. While these
can help you to detect hazards in blind spots or behind the
vehicle, they do not replace the need to turn your head to do a
shoulder check or look behind.
Shoulder checks — whenever you plan to change your
direction or road position, do a shoulder check to make sure
the blind spot on that side is clear.
When you’re going to turn right, for example, quickly check to
the right just to make sure no one is in that space. And don’t
forget to do a mirror check and shoulder check before you
open your door to get out of your vehicle. A cyclist or other
vehicle could be coming up beside you.
61
Do a shoulder check to
be certain your blind spot
is clear before you move
your vehicle into another
lane or in a different
direction. Look at least
45 degrees over your
shoulder in the direction
you plan to move. If you
are going to move to the
right, check over your
right shoulder. If you are
going to move to the
left, check over your left
shoulder.
Strategies: making your move

Check your mirrors and do a shoulder check whenever you
plan to:
• pull out from the side of the road
• pull over to the side of the road
• change lanes
• turn left or turn right.
Backing up — before you back up, make sure you do a

driving tip 360-degree vision check. Look all around the vehicle using
shoulder checks and mirror checks, and then turn your body to
Before you start to back look out the rear window while backing up. Be especially careful
up, give a quick warning when you’re backing out of a driveway. It’s easy to miss seeing
tap on your horn if children, pets, pedestrians, cyclists and people in wheelchairs.
visibility is limited.
If you’ve been stopped for some time, walk around the back
of your vehicle to check that your path is clear. Better yet, try
to back into driveways and parking spots so you can drive out
facing forward.
Observing at intersections
crash fact Look well ahead as you approach an intersection. Check for
Almost 60 per cent of all signs, signals and other clues about whether you will need
crashes in B.C. happen at to stop.
intersections.
As you’re approaching an intersection, scan the road you are
Source: ICBC reported crossing — look left, centre, right, then glance left again. If an
five year average from
2009 to 2013.
oncoming vehicle is turning left, take extra care — the driver
may not see you. And check crosswalks you intend to cross to
make sure they are clear.
62
Bushes and large vehicles

are two of the many things
that could block your view
of an intersection and
oncoming traffic. Can you
think of some other things
that might block your view
of an intersection?
Stopping and starting up again — as you slow down to stop,

check your mirrors for traffic behind you. Then make sure you
have a clear view of the intersection. You may need to move
slowly into the intersection if your view is blocked so you can
see clearly before going ahead.
Turning — shoulder check to make sure a cyclist or other road
user hasn’t come up beside you. Then scan the intersection
just as you begin to move forward. Make sure that your eyes are
looking in the direction you want to go once you begin
your turn.
Hazard perception

You’re driving in the rain, using your eyes to gather
information ahead, to the sides and in your mirrors. Just
ahead there’s a cyclist. Further on, a bus has stopped to
let passengers out. Just behind you is a driver who seems
to be moving up too close behind you. Suddenly, the door
of a parked car swings open right in front of the cyclist.
Will the cyclist swerve or fall? You take your foot off the
accelerator to slow down, and get ready to put your foot
on the brake.
Driving safely means looking out for hazards. A hazard is

anything in the driving environment that could harm you or
other road users. Hazard perception is the skill of identifying
these hazards. To share the road safely, train yourself to look
for other road users and all objects or road surfaces that might
cause problems for you or for others in the driving environment.
As you drive, think about where hazards could occur.
63
The driving environment includes everything around you, including other road users, road
conditions, weather conditions and all activities at the side of the road that might affect you.
Space conflicts
A space conflict happens when two road users try to move into
the same space at the same time. To drive safely, you need to
keep areas of space — called space margins — around your
vehicle. If you need to stop suddenly, a driver too close behind
you could cause a space conflict. Some other space conflicts are:
• a vehicle pulling into your path
• a pedestrian stepping onto the road in front of your vehicle
• a vehicle backing out of a driveway.
Surprises
think about
Anything unpredictable is a hazard. A car door opening
You are about to pull away suddenly could be a surprise for a cyclist. If the cyclist swerves
from the side of the road
into traffic. Where should
to avoid it or falls in front of you, you could be surprised as
you look? What should you well. To avoid surprises, think well ahead and ask yourself what
look for? could possibly happen in the driving environment. Some other
surprises are:
• a driver weaving back and forth
• a poorly loaded pickup truck — something might fall
• a skateboarder who might suddenly dart onto the road.
64
Vision blocks
Having your vision blocked is a hazard. Some examples of
vision blocks are:
• a bus that blocks your view of people about to cross the
street
• a curve or hill that doesn’t let you see what’s ahead
• a large truck in the next lane
• fog, rain or snow.
Be very careful when you can’t see the whole driving scene.
Be extra cautious when

anything blocks your view.
?
What could the driver of
the blue car miss?
Never pass when you are

approaching the top of a
hill. You don’t know what
hazards may be on the
other side of the hill.
Poor road conditions

Poor road surfaces are a hazard because they can affect your
traction and steering. Loose gravel, ice or rain can cause you
to lose control unless you’re prepared. Some other poor road
conditions are:
• a paved road that suddenly changes into a gravel one
• wet or icy patches
• large puddles after a rainstorm.
65
see-think-do
Whenever you drive, you will see hazards. To make good
driving decisions, follow this two-step process:
1. Assess the risk.
2. Choose the best solution.
Assess the risk

You’re driving down a two-lane highway, and are just
starting into a sharp curve. You can’t see very far ahead.
In this scene, the risk is moderate. You can’t see well ahead, so
you need to slow down a little and be cautious.

As you go into the curve, a driver in a red car behind pulls
out to pass you, even though the highway is divided by a
solid double yellow line.
Now the risk increases. This is not a good time for that driver
to pass because there may be all kinds of hazards just around
the curve.
To assess just how risky this situation is, ask yourself what could
happen. What if that driver finds an unexpected obstacle
just around the curve? He may have to slow down and stop
suddenly or pull back into your lane. That means you need to
be ready to slow down or stop if necessary.
If you are the driver of

the blue car, what are
the possible risks in this
situation?
66

As you come around the curve, you see a large truck in
the approaching lane. The car that is passing you may cut
in front of you, trying to get out of the way of the truck.
To make matters worse, you see a fallen branch on the
road ahead.
When you find yourself in a situation with more than one

hazard, what do you do? You need to figure out which hazard
is the most dangerous.
What is the most

dangerous hazard in
this scene?
Choose a solution

Here you are, with a car trying to squeeze in front of you.
What solutions can you think of? You could:
• slow down
• steer out of the way
• honk your horn.
All these solutions involve speed control, steering, space

margins and communication.
As you think of possible solutions, try to predict the possible
outcomes of each one. Here’s a slowed-down version of what
your thinking process might look like:
Speed control
• Can I slow down quickly, or is the road too slippery? Will I skid?
• Can my vehicle stop that quickly? Are my brakes and tire
tread good enough?
67
Steering
• If I steer onto the right shoulder, can I keep control of the car?
Space margins
• Do I have space to stop safely? Is there space ahead? Space
behind? Is there a car behind that might crash into me if I
stop suddenly?
• Do I have enough space to steer onto the shoulder?
Communication
• If I honk the horn, will it help to alert the driver?
think about Usually, the solution you choose depends on where the space
is. Is there enough space in front? To the side? Space will allow
You are passing an you to get out of the situation safely.
elementary school. A soccer
ball rolls onto the road about Some decisions have to be made in seconds. This means you
half a block ahead. Assess the
risk — what is the major risk? need lots of practice in assessing risk and choosing the best
Choose the best solution — solution. Practise by thinking ahead about what you would do
what would you do? in emergency situations.
see-think-do
Once you’ve assessed the risk and have chosen a solution, you
need to use your driving skills to perform the manoeuvre. The
“do” step of see-think-do involves:
• speed control
• steering
• space margins
• communication.
All of your driving manoeuvres will combine these four skills,
whether you are driving straight, turning at an intersection or
swerving to avoid a hazard.
Speed control

You’re driving along a rural road at 80 km/h. A yellow sign
warns there’s a sharp curve ahead. You take your foot off
the accelerator and apply the brake to slow down to
30 km/h before the curve. At the midpoint of the curve,
you accelerate slightly, and speed up once more on a
straight stretch. Then you notice something up ahead
which looks like a road construction sign. You take your
foot off the accelerator to slow down.
68
You are using the tools of speed control — the accelerator and
crash fact the brake. If you drive a vehicle with a standard transmission,
you’ll also use the gears to help you control your speed. Good
In B.C. in 2014: speed control means maintaining appropriate and steady
• Speed was a factor in speeds based on the driving conditions.
about 27 per cent of all
reported fatal collisions.
• 4,942 people were Appropriate speeds
injured and 167 died
in collisions involving
Speeding is risky, but the safest speed isn’t always the slowest
speed. speed. If you drive much slower than surrounding traffic, other
drivers might get frustrated and try to pass you.
Source: Police Traffic
Accident System Aim for a speed that’s appropriate for the conditions in which
you are driving. The posted speed is the maximum for ideal
conditions only. Choose a slower speed if the conditions are
not ideal — for instance, if the roads are slippery or visibility
is limited.
Unless a sign tells you otherwise, speed limits are:
• 50 km/h within cities and towns
• 80 km/h outside cities and towns
• 20 km/h is the maximum speed limit in a lane or alleyway
driving tip within municipalities unless otherwise posted.
Driving at a steady speed Steady speeds

saves fuel. Suddenly
changing your speed or
To keep a steady speed, use your brake and accelerator
driving over the speed smoothly. Driving up to a stop sign quickly and then hitting the
limit will increase your fuel brake isn’t good for your passengers or your vehicle. It can also
consumption. cause the driver behind to crash into the rear of your vehicle.
To keep your driving speed smooth and steady, you need
to anticipate. When you see a stop sign, start to slow down.
Scan for hazards ahead, and use your brakes to gradually slow
your vehicle.
Prepare yourself when

you see a hazard ahead.
Take your foot off the
accelerator and cover 1. Cover brake here
the brake by resting your
2. Apply brake here
foot lightly on the brake
pedal without activating
the brake. Your vehicle will
slow slightly and you will 3. Able to stop here
be able to respond more
If brake is not covered the car won’t stop
quickly if you must stop. before the crosswalk
Physics and driving

You need to pay attention to the laws of physics when you drive:
Traction — this is the grip your tires have on the road.
69
Slippery or sandy road surfaces, worn tires, and under- or over-

inflated tires that don’t grab the road will reduce traction. Slow
down if you are on a poor road surface.
Inertia — this is the tendency for moving objects — in this
case, you and your vehicle — to continue moving forward in a
straight line. When you brake, inertia tries to keep your vehicle
moving. When you go around a curve, inertia tries to keep you
going in a straight line. The faster you are going, the greater
the force of inertia.
Gravity — this is the force that pulls everything towards earth.
It’s the reason your vehicle slows down going up a hill and
speeds up coming down. It’s important to remember this when
you’re going downhill because your vehicle will need a longer
distance to stop.
Centre of gravity — this is the point around which all of an
object’s weight is balanced. The centre of gravity for any object
can change. For example, a tightrope walker may carry a pole to
lower the body’s centre of gravity and make it easier to balance.
Most vehicles are built on the same principle — low enough
to the ground so they balance well on hills, curves and uneven
road surfaces. But some vehicles — for example, some sports
utility vehicles, pickup trucks and camper vans — have a higher
centre of gravity. Whenever the height of a vehicle or its load
rises, the centre of gravity also rises. A vehicle with a higher
centre of gravity is less stable on uneven road surfaces and is
more likely to tip over on a curve taken at higher speeds.
You need to remember this if you are driving one of these
types of vehicles.
The blue car has a low

centre of gravity. On a
curve, the weight shifts
to one side but the car
remains stable. The truck,
with its large wheels, has
a much higher centre of
gravity. On a flat surface
it is stable, but when
the weight shifts on a
curve, the truck becomes
unstable and may roll.
70
Handling curves
When you go around a curve, inertia tries to keep your vehicle
going in a straight line, while traction tries to keep your tires
sticking to the curved pavement. The faster you travel, the more
pressure is exerted on the outside front tire. If you are going
too fast, inertia will cause your vehicle to go off the road. If you
brake, your vehicle may skid. The problem is increased if the
road is slippery or uneven. The best practice is to slow down
before the curve and avoid braking in it.
If you do start to lose traction in a curve, don’t brake. Ease off
the accelerator and re-apply gently when you regain traction.
Before you enter a curve,

slow down to a speed a te Straighten w
that will allow you to go c celer as he
accelerate to el and
A ntly a sa
through the curve without ge u turn fe s
yo pe
using your brakes. When ed
wn
you reach the middle, do
w
begin to straighten your Slo
wheels and accelerate to
help you leave the curve.
Gear use
If you’re driving a vehicle with a standard transmission,
you need to be able to choose the appropriate gear and
shift smoothly. You need practice to coordinate the clutch,
accelerator and gearshift.
It is illegal to coast downhill in neutral or with the clutch in.
You need to be in gear to safely control your vehicle.
Steering

You’re about to make a left turn at a major intersection.
You’re a bit nervous because you haven’t been driving
long. You see a gap in the oncoming traffic, so you let
your eyes guide you as you steer in a smooth arc, ending
up in the correct lane.
Steering, like any skill, takes practice. Practice will help you
coordinate your hands and your eyes so that you can drive in
a straight line or a smooth arc. The two main principles of good
steering are controlling the wheel and maintaining good
road position.
71
Controlling the wheel

warning!
Keep both hands on the outside of the wheel. If you drive with
Loading up your vehicle your hands inside the wheel, your hands could be injured in a
with extra weight can crash. You may sometimes have to steer with only one hand
cause it to steer very when you are changing gears or using a dashboard control,
differently, especially on but try to use both hands when possible. This gives you better
curves. Don’t overload
your vehicle. Check your
control, and also shortens your response time when you see
owner’s manual for weight a hazard.
limit information.
Where should you put your hands? Imagine that your steering
wheel is a clock. Put your hands at an equal height at the
9 o’clock and 3 o’clock position, or the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock
position, whichever is most comfortable. If there is an airbag in
the steering wheel, the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock or even an
8 o’clock and 4 o’clock position may be better than 10 o’clock
and 2 o’clock. This is because your hands could hit your face
if the airbag goes off when they are in the 10 o’clock and
2 o’clock position.
Keeping good road position

Steer the vehicle in a smooth line so there is little side-to-side
movement when you’re driving. The best way to do this is to
look well ahead in the direction you want to go. Your peripheral
vision will help you centre your vehicle and keep you moving in
a straight line. When you turn, look well ahead in the direction
you are turning. This will help you turn in a smooth arc.
Space margins

You’re driving behind someone who is travelling at
30 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. You wouldn’t mind so much,
but you’re already late for an appointment. There’s no
chance to pass on this residential street. You think it might
be a good idea to pull up closer behind the driver to get
him to hurry up.
driving tip
Tailgating (following too closely behind the vehicle in front) is a
When you stop behind major cause of crashes. If you tailgate, the vehicle in front can
another vehicle at an block your view of hazards ahead. Worse, if the vehicle stops
intersection, leave about
suddenly, you have no time to slow down and stop safely. If
one car length between
your vehicle and the you rear-end the other driver, you will be held responsible for
vehicle ahead. This way, the crash.
you will have room to
move if you need it. Allow
more space when stopped
Stopping
directly behind a large Stopping your vehicle is more than just pressing on the
vehicle.
brake pedal.
72
Total stopping distance is the distance your vehicle will travel

from the moment you:
see — a hazard
think — decide to stop
do — place your foot on the brake pedal until you stop.
When you see a problem ahead while you’re driving, it will take
you about three-quarters of a second to see-think and another
three-quarters of a second of do. Only then will your vehicle
begin to slow down.
This is why it is so important to allow enough space in front.
Space in front — the two-second rule

Always leave a safe following distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle in front. You need at least two seconds of space
in front in good weather and road conditions. Increase your
following distance to three seconds on high-speed roads and
to four seconds in bad weather conditions or on uneven or
slippery roads.
Allow at least three seconds following distance when you’re
behind a large vehicle that could block your vision, or a
motorcycle that could stop very quickly. It’s also a good idea to
keep at least a three-second following distance if a vehicle is
following close behind you, or when you are following another
vehicle on an unpaved road where dust or gravel may be in
the air.
On a highway, measure a three-second space by When the vehicle in front of you passes that
picking an object ahead that will not move. object, begin your count: one thousand and
one, one thousand and two, one thousand
and three.
If you reach the object as you say “three” you

are keeping a three-second following distance.
73
Total stopping distance

is the distance your
vehicle will travel from
the moment you notice a
hazard until the moment
your vehicle stops. You
need time to see, think
and do before your brakes
even begin to slow your
vehicle. Braking distance
depends on your speed, Space behind
your vehicle and road
conditions. Always allow What do you do when someone is tailgating you? You can’t
enough following distance. control the space behind you in the same way as the space in
front. But it’s a good idea to slow down slightly to increase your
space in front. This way, if you have to stop, you can stop more
gradually and there will be less chance of the person behind
warning! crashing into you. Other options are to move into another lane
or to pull over to the side and let the tailgater pass.
If you are turning left off a
highway onto a driveway
or side road, watch your Space beside
mirrors and make sure
you have plenty of space Keep at least one metre of clear space on each side of your
behind. The cars behind vehicle while you’re driving. When you’re passing pedestrians,
may not be prepared to cyclists or other vehicles, allow as much room as possible — at
slow down for you.
least one metre, and more if you are going at a faster speed.
Increase your side space margins even more when visibility or
road conditions are poor.
Lane position
When you’re deciding where
to position your vehicle in the
driving tip lane, there are several things to
consider:
By looking ahead, keeping
good space margins and • on a two-lane road, stay fairly
anticipating road hazards, close to the centre line so
you can avoid sudden
stops and changes in
other vehicles do not move
speed. These safe driving into your lane space
habits also save fuel.
• in the curb lane, stay well
away from hazards on the
side, such as car doors that
Try to leave yourself an might open
escape route when you
are driving on a multi- • in most lanes, drive near the
lane highway. Then, if
centre of the lane
something happens in
front, you can pull into • a
void driving in other drivers’
another lane to avoid
trouble.
blind spots.
On a multi-lane road, the right
lane is often the safest one to
choose. It keeps you away from
oncoming traffic and it’s less
likely that another driver will
74 tailgate you.
Choosing a safe gap
driving tip You in the driver’s seat
Did you know that, in

You’re waiting at a stop sign. The traffic seems endless.
ideal conditions, it takes Just when you think it’s safe to cross the intersection,
most vehicles stopped at another car comes into view.
an intersection about:
• t wo seconds per lane What would you do?
to go straight across
• fi
ve seconds to turn The space you need to get across an intersection safely or to
right and get up to
50 km/h
merge into a line of traffic is called a gap. Deciding on whether
• s even seconds to turn
a gap is big enough to be safe isn’t always easy. You need to
left and get up to consider several things:
50 km/h (allow extra
time if you need to • the speed of the traffic
cross several lanes).
• the time it will take to do your manoeuvre
Remember to add
an extra two seconds • the time it will take your vehicle to accelerate to the speed of
for safety.
the traffic flow.
Be careful not to underestimate the speed of approaching
motorcycles or bicycles. They are often travelling much faster
than they appear to be.
The driver of the blue

car and the driver of the
station wagon may have a
problem if either of them
moves out of correct lane
position when they are
turning. In this situation,
time your turn so you
won’t have a space conflict
with the other driver. If
there’s any doubt about
who should go first, the
driver making the left turn
should yield.
75
Communication

Your car is at a stop sign and you’re waiting to cross the
intersection. The intersection is clear except for a car
approaching from the left. Its right turn signal is on. If this
car turns right before it reaches you, you can safely cross
the intersection right now. But the driver isn’t slowing
down, and she’s not pulling over to the right.
What would you do?
Is the driver of the grey car

really going to turn right?
In this scene, the other driver is confusing you by giving mixed

messages. Her turn signal indicates that she’s planning to turn,
but the lane position and speed of her vehicle suggest she’s
planning on going straight. In this situation, it is better to wait
and see what she does before crossing the intersection.
Sharing the road safely means understanding the tools of
communication and using them effectively.
Turn signals
Your primary communication tools are your turn signals. Always
use your turn signal to let people know you are planning to
turn, change lanes, pull out or pull over.
When you use your turn signal:
• be timely — signal well ahead to give other road users plenty
of warning.
• be clear — don’t apply your turn signal too soon and confuse
other people. If you plan to turn right at the next intersection
and there are a number of driveways and lanes before you
reach the intersection, wait until you are close enough that
people can see exactly where you are planning to turn.
76
• mean what you say — your turn signal is designed to switch

off after you have made a turn, but sometimes it doesn’t.
Make sure that your signal has cancelled after you turn so it
doesn’t give the wrong message.
There are times when an automatic turn signal is hard to see —
for example, if you’re pulling out from a line of parked vehicles.
In these situations, use a hand signal in addition to the
turn signal.
Signalling a left turn.
Signalling a right turn.

Cyclists may use either of
these hand signals.
Signalling a stop.
Lights
Your vehicle has different types of lights to help you see and be
seen. The lights that you use most for communication are brake
driving tip lights, backup lights and hazard lights.
Watch for backup lights Brake lights — these are visible when the brake is applied.
when you are driving in When you see these lights on the car ahead, you know the
a parking lot. Not only driver is slowing down and perhaps planning to stop. Let others
do they warn you that
you need to slow down,
know you intend to slow down or stop by tapping lightly on
they also tell you where your brake. This will activate the brake lights.
you might find a parking
space. Backup lights — these show that the vehicle is in reverse, and
the driver is backing up or intends to back up.
77
Fog Lights — fog lamps should only be used in place of, or

with, headlamps if atmospheric conditions (fog) make the use of
headlamps disadvantageous.
The lights on the back of

a vehicle can tell you a lot
about what that vehicle
is about to do. In this
illustration, the vehicle is
backing up.
Hazard lights — these let people know you have stopped for

an emergency. Truck drivers also use them to warn that they are
travelling well below the speed limit.
Horn
The horn is a useful communication tool if it’s used properly.
For example, if you see someone start to pull out of a driveway
without looking, a light tap on the horn will let the other driver
driving tip know you’re there. Only use the horn when it gives a useful
signal to other drivers and helps prevent a crash.
When you carry a load
that extends behind your
vehicle, attach a red flag
Eye contact
to the end of the load as a You can often communicate with other road users just by using
warning to other drivers.
your eyes. When you stop for pedestrians, make eye contact so
they know you have seen them and it is safe for them to cross.
Do the same for other drivers, motorcycle riders and cyclists
when you are stopped at an intersection.
think about
Body language
A parked car starts to
pull out just in front Waving your hand to let another driver proceed, or a pedestrian
of you. How can you cross in front of you, is generally not a good idea. The other
use your “do” skills — driver or pedestrian may face hazards you can’t see.
speed control, steering,
space margins and
communication? Vehicle language
You can tell a lot about what a driver is going to do by watching
“vehicle language.” If a vehicle moves over in the lane, the
driver may be planning to change lanes or turn. If the vehicle
slows down when approaching a corner, the driver may be
78
planning to turn. When you see a parked vehicle with its wheels
turned out, the driver may be planning to pull out into traffic.
Using see-think-do
Research shows that new drivers often panic and even freeze
in an emergency. You can avoid this by giving yourself plenty
of time and space to react, and practise using the see-think-do
strategy. If you are driving at a safe speed, looking well ahead,
and keeping alert and focused, you should have time to see
problems coming up, think of possible solutions and take
actions that will help keep you safe.
79
6 sharing the road
The last five chapters presented important driving information

in this chapter that can help you develop your smart driving skills. The next
three chapters give suggestions on how you can apply this
• Sharing the road information to your driving. Knowing how to share the road is
safely an important part of keeping safe when driving. In this chapter,
• Pedestrians you will learn who you share the road with and how to share the
road safely with them.
• Cyclists
• Motorcycle riders
• Passenger vehicles Sharing the road safely
• Large vehicles
• School buses At the scene of a crash
• Public transit buses Walter is speeding along Pine Street in his van. He’s in a
• Emergency hurry to turn left at the intersection before the light turns.
vehicles He gets into the intersection and quickly swings to the
• Emergency left. Jodi is riding her motorcycle along Pine Street in the
workers opposite direction. She wants to go straight through, and
she has just enough time to make it before the light turns
• Construction zones
yellow. Jodi assumes that Walter has seen her.
• Trains
The result is a crash that seriously injures Jodi and sends
• Horses
Walter to the hospital with minor injuries.
Be aware of other road

users who may want to
use the space you plan to
move into.
In this crash scene, both Walter and Jodi tried to move into
the same space at the same time. By law, Walter should have
stopped for Jodi before making his turn. But he didn’t see
the motorcycle coming. Jodi may have had the right-of-way,
but she still should have looked carefully for vehicles in the
intersection before riding through.
81
applying your smart driving skills
The way to avoid crashes is to make sure that the space you
plan to move into will be empty. To share the road safely with
others, use your see-think-do skills.
see-think-do
Use your observation skills. Scan the intersection from left
to right, and left again, looking for hazards. Walter started
across the intersection without checking to make sure the
road was clear.
see-think-do
When another road user is approaching the space you were
think about planning to use, you need to assess the risk, then choose the
safest solution.
Think about how you’d feel if
you injured or killed someone It’s also important to know the right-of-way rules. When two or
while you were driving. What
difference would this make to
more road users want the same space, right-of-way rules tell
the rest of your life? Who else you which road user should yield. However, other road users
would be affected? make mistakes and do unexpected things. It may not always be
easy to decide who has the right-of-way. If in doubt, always be
ready to give the right-of-way.
To learn more about right-of-way rules, turn to chapter 4, rules
of the road.
see-think-do
Speed control
Drive at a safe speed. That way you will have time to stop if you
need to.
Steering
Keep both hands on the outside of the wheel to maintain good
steering control.
Space margins
If you keep well away from other road users, there will be less
chance of space conflicts. You will have room to stop or to steer
around if others start moving into your space.
Communication
Let other road users know what you are doing so they can react
in time. Watch for communication from other road users.
How to share the road

Next time you are stopped at a busy intersection, look around
and count the different types of road users you can see. You
82
chapter 6 — sharing the road
share the roads with a number of different road users, including:

• pedestrians (for example, children, people in wheelchairs and
traffic control people)
• cyclists
• motorcyclists
• drivers of:
–– passenger vehicles
–– l arge vehicles (for example, motorhomes and commercial
vehicles)
–– buses (school and public transit)
–– emergency vehicles
–– trains.
To share the road safely, you need to use all of your
see-think-do skills. You also need to understand how different
road users use the road. The following sections highlight some
of the main points to keep in mind for each type of road user.
Pedestrians
You always need to watch out for pedestrians. Like all road
users, they can be unpredictable. You never know when a child
might dash into the street, or someone might step out from
behind a parked car. And pedestrians are often hard to see,
especially at night.
see
Scan at crosswalks and intersections — many pedestrians are
warning! unaware of the distance it takes a vehicle to stop. They may
suddenly step out onto the street without warning. Any time
Crosswalks with flashing you approach a crosswalk or intersection:
green lights are controlled
by pedestrians. When you • Be aware of vision blocks. Don’t pass if you see a vehicle
see a pedestrian standing stopped at a crosswalk — it’s illegal and unsafe. The driver
near this type of crosswalk,
could have stopped to let pedestrians cross the road.
you know that they have
probably pressed the • Don’t enter a crosswalk without checking to see that it’s
button and the light is
empty, even when the light is green. Someone may be trying
about to change. Slow
down and be prepared to dash across. People who find it difficult to cross the road
to stop. quickly, such as the elderly, people with disabilities and
parents walking with young children, may still be in
the crosswalk.
• Watch out for pedestrians on the cross street whenever you
make a turn.
83
Pay attention in school zones and playgrounds — observe

carefully when driving in school and playground zones. Smaller
children are harder to see than adults and are less predictable.
As you approach a school zone at a time when children may be
arriving, leaving or taking their lunch hour, look well ahead for
school patrols or crossing supervisors — you must obey them at
all times.
For details on speed limits for school and playground zones,
see chapter 3, signs, signals and road markings.
When you see a school

zone sign with a 30 km/h
posted speed, slow down
to that speed. The speed
limit is in effect between
8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on
school days, or the hours
shown on the sign. When
you reach the back of the
school zone sign on the
other side of the street,
you’ll know you have
reached the end of the
30 km/h zone.
Observe carefully in residential areas — children and others

may move in unpredicted ways. Remember, a ball or a hockey
driving tip net can mean children are playing nearby.
You must always be Be especially careful if you’re backing up. Check around your
prepared to stop if you car before you get into it, then do a 360-degree vision check
see a pedestrian who before moving. It’s important to continue checking because
is about to step out in you could easily back into a child or a family pet if you aren’t
front of you. But don’t
observing carefully.
encourage jaywalking
(crossing between Watch for pedestrians with disabilities — take extra care if
intersections) by stopping
and inviting pedestrians
you see a person who’s visually impaired. (They may be carrying
to cross. The car behind a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog.) Often, they will
you may not be expecting raise their cane when they’re uncertain about crossing the street
you to stop and may crash safely. That is your signal to stop and give the person the right-
into you. Drivers in the
of-way. Don’t startle them or their guide dog by racing your
other lanes may not see
the pedestrians crossing engine or honking your horn.
in front of your vehicle and
may hit them.
People in motorized
scooters or wheelchairs
also share the roads.
Watch for people in Technically, they should be
motorized scooters or on the sidewalk, but not
wheelchairs travelling all roads have sidewalks.
along the side of the road,
Also, sidewalks may be too
especially when you are
planning to make a right rough or narrow to travel
turn. on, or difficult to access.
84
think
Know the rules — you must yield to pedestrians:
• in marked crosswalks, if the pedestrian is close to your half of
the road
• at intersections (pedestrians near your half of the road
still have the right-of-way even when there is no marked
crosswalk)
• when turning
• when entering a road from a driveway or alley.
It is always the driver’s responsibility to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
do
Speed control and space margins
Slow down when you see pedestrians who might enter your
path, and give them plenty of room.
Strategies: being a safe pedestrian

Just as drivers need to carefully observe for pedestrians,
pedestrians also need to carefully observe for drivers.
You can make yourself safer when you are walking by
remembering a few simple rules:
• Do not leave the curb unless you are sure the
approaching vehicles on the cross street have stopped
or will stop.
• Watch for vehicles that are turning.
• Always hold a child’s hand while crossing the street until
he or she is old enough to understand safety rules.
• Do not start to cross if the traffic signal is flashing a
warning (for example, an orange hand).
• Use crosswalks. Don’t jaywalk.
• Always activate the pedestrian crossing signal if there
is one.
Cyclists
Cyclists commute to work as well as ride for recreation, so you
can expect to see them on the road at any time of the day or
night. Be aware that bicycle riders have the same rights and
responsibilities on the road as drivers. Observe carefully at all
times. Cyclists, like pedestrians, are vulnerable.
85
Be especially careful near children on bicycles. Children are

used to adults watching out for them, so they tend to be
unaware of danger. They also have poor peripheral vision, and
often find it hard to judge the speed and distance of oncoming
vehicles. They may not know the traffic rules or how much room
it takes vehicles to stop.
see
Shoulder check — shoulder checking is important because
bicycles and riders are narrow and can easily be hidden in your
blind spot. Make sure you shoulder check before you:
• open your door to get out of your vehicle. Check your side
mirror as well. One of the most common causes of crashes
involving cyclists is drivers who swing their doors open
without checking.
• pull away from the curb
• move to the right.
Pay attention at night — observe carefully, especially for
bicycles coming in from side streets. Some cyclists may not
have lights, reflectors or reflective gear.
Be careful when passing — before you pass another vehicle,
make sure you check for oncoming cyclists and cyclists in front
of the vehicle you are passing.
Scan at intersections — be especially careful to:
• Shoulder check for bicycles before turning right.
• Watch out for a cyclist ahead waiting to turn left if you’re
driving straight through.
• Check carefully for oncoming cyclists before making a left turn.
• Check carefully for cyclists crossing the road when coming to
a place where a bicycle trail meets with a road.
• Be aware that a cyclist riding along the through road could be
approaching faster than you think.
think
Know the rules — cyclists follow the same rules and regulations
as drivers.
• Yield to cyclists as you would to any other vehicle. If you
have the right-of-way at an intersection, proceed if it is safe.
A cyclist will expect you to follow the rules of the road.
• Be aware that cyclists don’t always stay on the right. To make
a left turn, for instance, they need to move over to the left
lane. If the lane is narrow, or if there is glass or a pothole
86
on the right, a cyclist has the right to move out toward the
middle for safety.
• Pay attention to bicycle lanes. For more information about
these lanes, see chapter 4, rules of the road.
do
Space margins
Allow following distance — allow plenty of following distance.
You need to be able to avoid hitting a cyclist who falls. Cyclists
who wobble are probably inexperienced and are more likely
to fall than experienced cyclists. Give them even more space
than usual.
Allow side margins — a significant number of crashes involving
driving tip cyclists result from side-swiping. Make sure there is enough
space if you want to pass a cyclist. On a narrow road, wait for a
Even if you pull just clear, straight stretch that will allow you to pull out and give the
slightly into another lane
cyclist room. Remember, you are allowed to cross a single solid
to pass, you are changing
lanes. Remember to yellow line when passing a cyclist, provided you can do it safely.
mirror check, signal and On a multi-lane road, change lanes rather than risk crowding
shoulder check. the cyclist.
At least 1 metre
Always check your side

margin when passing a
cyclist.
Communication
Recognize hand signals — understand the hand signals that
cyclists use. A cyclist may signal a right turn by extending the
right arm straight out. For more information about hand signals,
see the Turn signals section in chapter 5, see-think-do.
Make eye contact — a cyclist often uses eye contact to
communicate. Make eye contact if you can. She or he is
probably trying to anticipate your next move.
Avoid honking your horn — don’t honk your horn at a cyclist
unless you need to give a warning. A loud honk could startle a
cyclist and even cause a fall.
87
Strategies: being a safe cyclist

If you are a cyclist, you’re responsible for sharing the road
in a way that keeps you and others safe.
Be predictable. Cyclists are more predictable if they
follow the rules of the road.
Be visible. Because bicycles are narrow, you need to
work at making yourself visible. Wear bright or reflective
clothing, especially in the dark or in poor weather. Position
yourself so drivers can see you. Avoid riding in blind spots.
Ride defensively. Think and look well ahead. Be assertive,
but remember that a conflict between a cyclist and a
motor vehicle usually results in injury to the cyclist.
Ride legally. In B.C., you must wear an approved
bicycle helmet. If you ride at night, your bicycle must
be equipped with a front white headlight visible at 150
metres, and have a rear red light and a red rear reflector.
Motorcycle riders
Like cyclists, motorcycle riders are vulnerable road users. They
don’t have the protection of an external frame, airbags or
bumpers, and are sometimes difficult to see.
More than half of all motorcycle crashes result in injury or death.
see
Watch for clues — sometimes a motorcycle’s turn signals are
hard to see. Watch the rider for clues. If the rider shoulder
checks or the motorcycle leans, the rider is probably planning
to change lanes or turn.
Look carefully for bicycles

and motorcycles when
you drive through an
intersection. Without
good observation skills,
the driver of the blue car
might miss seeing the
motorcycle.
88
Scan at intersections — look carefully for motorcycles when

you come to an intersection:
• When you are turning left, look out for oncoming
motorcycles. Motorcycles can be hard to see, especially at
night, at dusk or in heavy traffic. It is also difficult to judge
how fast they are approaching.
• When you are driving through an intersection, watch for an
oncoming motorcycle that may be turning left.
do
Space margins
Allow side margins — never try to share a lane with a
motorcycle. A motorcycle needs the whole lane to travel safely.
Allow following distance — allow at least three seconds of
following distance when you are behind a motorcycle because:
• Motorcycles can stop very quickly.
• Motorcyclists can skid and fall because of poor road
conditions. You need to leave plenty of room to stop safely.
Allow space when passing — allow plenty of space when you
pass a motorcycle. Your vehicle may throw dirt or water in the
rider’s face.
Communication
Make eye contact — establish eye contact whenever possible.
Read vehicle language — don’t assume that a rider in the left
part of the lane is planning to turn left. Motorcyclists often ride
in the left part of the lane to make themselves more visible.
Passenger vehicles
When you drive, you will interact with the drivers of cars, vans
and small trucks. Drivers of passenger vehicles can be just
as unpredictable as other road users. They may not always
look ahead. Their vehicles may not be well maintained — for
example, their brakes and signal lights may not be working
properly. And some drivers may be tired, impatient or impaired.
Use all of your see-think-do skills to observe and respond safely
to other passenger vehicles.
89
Large vehicles
Large vehicles operate quite differently than cars. Give them
lots of room.
do
Space margins
Allow following distance — a big vehicle can prevent you from
seeing hazards ahead. You’ll have a wider range of vision if you
increase your following distance.
If you are stopped facing uphill behind a large vehicle,
remember that it may roll backwards when the driver releases
the brake. Leave extra space in front of your vehicle.
In rainy weather, large vehicles can spray dirt or water onto your
windshield, reducing your vision. Their tires may also spray up
rocks that could hit your vehicle. Staying well back will help
prevent this.
You will see this sign on the back of some vehicles. It is used to
indicate vehicles that will be moving slowly. Keep your distance
and pass only when you are certain it is safe.
When you see this sign or a Wide Load, Long Load or Oversize
Load sign on a truck or pilot car, it indicates that an oversize
load is being transported.
Keep clear of blind spots — there are large blind spots both
behind and beside large vehicles. Make sure you keep out
of the blind spots, otherwise the driver will not see you. You
should be able to see both mirrors of the truck or bus in front
of you. Never try to sneak behind a truck if it is backing into a
loading bay or out of a driveway — you will enter one of the
truck driver’s blind spots and risk being hit.
When travelling near a

large vehicle, think about
whether the driver can see
you — avoid travelling in
blind spots.
Allow space when passing — you need a lot of space when

passing. Remember that trucks are long — some pull two
trailers. Don’t pass unless you are sure you have enough space.
90
If you pass a large vehicle, or make a lane change in front of

one, remember to leave extra room before you pull in. Big
vehicles take longer to slow down. Make sure you can see the
truck’s headlights in your rear-view mirror before you re-enter
the lane, and maintain your speed once you get there.
If you see a truck starting to slow down well before a red light,
remember that the driver requires all of that space to stop in
time. Never move into that space — you could be rear-ended.
Make room for turns — big vehicles need a lot of room to
driving tip turn. When they turn right, you may be squeezed between the
truck and the curb.
Many of the back roads
of B.C. are logging You may also have a space
roads. Observe carefully problem if you are on a
if you are driving on road that a large vehicle
one of these roads. Turn
is turning onto. The driver
on your headlights for
maximum visibility if your may need to cross the
vehicle doesn’t have centre line or cut a corner
daytime running lights. in order to complete a
Be especially cautious turn. Again, keep your
when approaching a curve
distance.
or a hill. Always yield to
logging trucks.
Avoid being on the right of

a large vehicle if there’s a
chance it might turn right.
Avoid turbulence — big vehicles create turbulence that

can push you away from the vehicle or pull you towards it.
Turbulence can cause problems when you are passing a big
truck, or when you meet one coming toward you. Allow lots of
space on the side, and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
Communication
Read vehicle language — many large vehicles are equipped
with engine retarders that slow the vehicle down without the
use of brakes. Truck drivers also use their gears to slow down.
This means the truck or bus ahead of you could slow down
without the brake lights going on. Look ahead and listen for
a change in the truck’s engine noise.
Watch for signs that a large vehicle is about to back up —
a horn or beeper, four-way flashers or backup lights.
Signal well ahead — if you are ahead of a large vehicle, signal
well before you slow down, turn or stop. Large vehicles need
lots of time to slow down.
91
School buses
see
Watch for clues — a school bus that has stopped to let children
off has lights at the top that flash alternately, and sometimes a
swing-out stop sign. The school bus driver may have turned on
alternating flashing amber lights when preparing to stop.
You must stop in either

direction whenever you
see flashing red lights on a
school bus.
think
Know the rules — when you see a school bus with alternating
flashing red lights at the top, you must stop whether you are
approaching it from the front or the rear. Vehicles in all lanes
must stop.
After stopping for a school

bus, don’t start moving
again until the bus moves
on or the driver signals
that it’s safe by turning off
the lights and pulling in
the stop sign.
92
Public transit buses

see
Watch for buses that have stopped — they may block your
view of pedestrians about to cross the street, or they may be
about to pull into traffic.
think
Know the rules — you must allow a public transit bus that is
signalling and displaying a yield-to-bus sign to move out from
the curb lane or a bus stop. This rule applies to all roads where
the speed limit is 60 km/h or lower.
do
Space margins and speed control
Change lanes to let a bus pull out if there is space in the next
lane, or slow down if you can’t change lanes safely.
Emergency vehicles
Emergency vehicles include police cars, ambulances and fire
trucks.
see
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights — look to see
where the emergency vehicle is coming from. Once the vehicle
has passed, watch and listen because there may be others.
think
Know the rules — emergency vehicles displaying flashing
lights and sirens always have the right-of-way. All traffic moving
in both directions must stop. (Exception: if you are on a divided
highway and the emergency vehicle is approaching on the
other side of the median, you may not need to stop. Make sure
that it would be impossible for the emergency vehicle to move
driving tip onto your side of the highway.)
Clear a path — don’t block the path of emergency vehicles.
If you are stopped at an
Usually the best thing to do is pull over to the right and stop (or
intersection and you are
blocking the path of the to the left if you’re driving in the left lane of a divided highway
emergency vehicle, you or on a one-way street). Do not stop in an intersection. Think
may have to turn the well ahead, and have a plan in mind to create a path for the
corner to get out of emergency vehicle.
the way.
It is illegal to drive over a fire hose.
93
All vehicles on both sides

of the road must pull
over to leave a clear path
whenever an emergency
vehicle uses its siren and
flashing lights.
do
Allow following distance — when you’re following a fire truck,
you must stay back at least 150 metres.
Communication
Signal — use your turn signal to let the emergency vehicle
driver know you have seen the vehicle and are pulling over.
Stopped vehicles with

flashing lights
Drivers must slow down and leave plenty of room when passing
stopped vehicles displaying flashing lights to make highways
safer for law enforcement, emergency personnel and other
roadside workers. This rule applies to all vehicles authorized
to display flashing yellow, red, white or blue lights, including
those used by fire departments, law enforcement, commercial
vehicle inspectors, conservation officers, paramedics, tow truck
operators, highway maintenance workers, utility workers, land
surveyors, animal control workers and garbage collectors.
see
fast fact
Watch for – vehicles with flashing lights on the side of the road.
Failure to change lanes
and/or slow down when
passing a stopped vehicle
think
displaying flashing lights Know the rules – all traffic must slow down when approaching
may result in a traffic
stopped vehicles displaying flashing lights. When approaching
violation and penalty
points. these types of vehicles, you must drive no faster than 70 km/h if
the speed limit is 80 km/h or more, and no faster than 40 km/h
if the speed limit is less than 80 km/h. (Exception: this rule does
not apply if you are on a divided highway and approaching the
vehicle with flashing lights from the opposite direction.)
94
If you are in the lane nearest to the stopped vehicle displaying

flashing lights, you must also change lanes if safe to do so.
do
Slow down and leave space when passing vehicles with flashing
lights on the sides of roads. Change lanes to provide safe space
margins if it is safe to do so.
Construction zones
Road crews work throughout
the year to maintain and
improve our roads.
Despite construction zone
signs and traffic control
persons, crashes still occur
in construction zones, mainly
because some drivers don’t
pay attention.
see
Scan ahead — look for construction zones ahead and be
prepared to obey traffic control devices within the zone.
Pay attention at night — road construction doesn’t just occur
in the daytime. With the high daytime traffic volumes, more
and more road construction takes place at night. You need to
pay extra attention and drive extra slowly through construction
zones at night.
Look around — just because you don’t immediately see traffic
control persons, construction or workers in a construction zone
doesn’t mean they are not there. Be alert for traffic control
persons, construction workers and equipment.
think
Know the rules — you must obey the directions of traffic
control persons and road construction signs from the start to
the end of the construction zone. Construction zone speed
limits apply 24 hours a day when posted.
Think ahead — construction zones often require lane closures,
so you may need to change lanes. Merge to avoid a lane
closure as soon as you can. This will help maintain traffic flow.
Plan ahead — expect delays, and plan for them by leaving
early to reach your destination on time. Construction crews
aren’t there to personally inconvenience you —
they are
95
improving the roads for everyone. Check radio, television and

websites for the latest traffic reports and updates to find out
what is happening on the roads within your area, and along
your intended route. Consider taking an alternate route.
do
Slow down — the road surface may be uneven or unpaved,
so you need to slow down. You must obey construction zone
speed limits. Traffic fines are double in construction zones.
driving tip
Stop when directed — stop when directed to do so by
Unnecessary idling wastes traffic control persons or other traffic control devices. In some
gas and causes emissions construction zones, you may need to wait for a pilot car to
that degrade air quality escort you through the work zone.
and contribute to climate
change. If you are directed Allow following distance — leave plenty of following distance
to stop in a construction between your vehicle and the vehicle immediately ahead. Avoid
zone, turn off the engine. changing lanes in a construction zone.
Idling for more than 10
seconds costs more than Allow side margins — leave space between you, the construction
turning the engine off.
crews and their equipment in the construction zones.
Trains
Every year people die or are seriously injured in collisions
between vehicles and trains, so you need to be careful
when approaching a railway crossing. Most trains require
approximately two kilometres to stop — never try to beat one.
see
Watch for clues — lots of clues warn you of a railway
crossing ahead:
• Advance warning signs — these signs alert you to an
upcoming crossing, and tell you to look, listen and slow down
because you may have to stop. They are usually posted in
locations where you cannot see an upcoming railway crossing
(for example, on hilly or curvy roads). An advisory speed sign
below the advance warning sign may show that the safe road
speed is less than the posted speed.
• Pavement markings — at the approach to some railway
crossings, you may see a painted “X” on the pavement.
Some crossings also have flashing lights, a bell and gates. If
the light and bell are activated or the gate is down, it means
a train is approaching.
You may not be able to see a train coming if visibility is poor,
but you may hear its whistle. But remember that trains are not
required to sound a whistle at every crossing.
96
Observe carefully — be aware that your eyes may mislead you.

Trains often seem to be moving much slower than they really
are. Passenger trains travel at up to 160 km/h in Canada.
Be especially careful at night. Half of all nighttime collisions
between trains and cars involve vehicles hitting the side of a
train because the driver didn’t see it.
Check for other road users — watch out for other road users
warning! at railway crossings. Motorcycle riders and cyclists may have to
swerve to cross the tracks safely. They could slip and fall on wet
Expect a train on a track tracks, so be sure to cover your brake and leave extra room.
at any time. Trains don’t
always follow regular Watch for a second train — be aware that there is often more
schedules. than one track, so watch out for a second train. One of the main
causes of car and train crashes is that the driver doesn’t wait for
the second train that is hidden behind the first one.
driving tip
think
When there is a red traffic
light at an intersection Know the rules — trains always have right of way. They don’t
on the other side of a slow down for crossings. If there is a gate down, you must stop
railway crossing, do not and wait for it to go up before you cross the tracks. If flashing
stop on the tracks. Stop
before the railway crossing
red lights are displayed at the crossing, you must stop. Move
unless there is room on across the tracks only when it’s safe. If a flag person directs you
the other side. to stop, you must obey their directions. If you hear or see a train
approaching the crossing, stop and don’t proceed until it is safe.
Think ahead — if your vehicle is stuck on the track, you will
have to think and act quickly. Get all passengers out of the
vehicle. Move quickly at least 30 metres away from the track to
avoid flying debris. Then phone for help:
• Transport
Stop no closer than five Canada —
metres and no further
than 15 metres from the
look for the
nearest rail. phone number
on the back
of the railway
crossing sign
• 911 or the
local police.
Note: Report the location that’s on the back of the railway
crossing sign.
do
Speed control
Travel at a safe speed — you should always be able to stop
within the distance lit by your headlights if you’re driving
at night.
97
Gear down — if you are driving a vehicle with a standard

transmission, change to a lower gear before you begin to cross.
Never change gears on the crossing because you could stall
the vehicle.
Space margins
Allow following distance — never get trapped on a crossing.
When traffic is heavy, wait until you can clear the crossing
before moving ahead.
Horses
Horses may be ridden on most
public roads.
see
Scan ahead — look for horses
and riders.
think
Know the rules — horse riders
and horse carriage operators
have the same rights as motor
vehicle operators and must obey
the same rules.
Know the hazards — horses can be startled by sudden
movement or noise. The rider may not be able to control
the horse.
do
Space margins
Slow down — go slowly when approaching a horse and rider or
horse and carriage. Allow plenty of following distance.
Allow space when passing — leave extra room when
passing them.
Pass carefully — horses may be startled by sudden
movement or noise. Avoid sounding your horn, and pass
carefully and slowly.
Prepare to stop — if a rider is having trouble controlling their
horse, stop. It’s better to wait until the horse is back under the
rider’s control than to risk passing them.
98
7 personal strategies
In the previous chapter, you learned how to share the road

in this chapter safely with other road users. This chapter gives strategies you
can use to handle situations that can have a negative influence
• Fitness to drive on you and your driving.
–– seeing and
hearing
–– assessing your Fitness to drive
health
–– staying awake You in the driver’s seat
–– keeping focused
You wake up with a cold and feel awful, but you have
• Dangerous to go to work. You take some cold medication before
emotions getting into your car. As you’re driving, you notice that
• Impairment you feel light-headed and tired. Turning right at the first
–– facts about intersection, you narrowly miss a cyclist.
alcohol What should you do?
–– facts about drugs
• Taking risks To be in control while driving, you need to be able to rely on

• Peer pressure the information your eyes and ears pick up. You need to be
• Unsafe passengers healthy, rested and focused to be a safe driver.
• Unsafe drivers
• Aggression on
Seeing and hearing
the road Experts estimate that about 80 per cent of all driving
–– preventing information comes to drivers through their eyes. You need to
aggression take a vision screening test before you can be licensed to drive.
• Organ Donor Your sense of hearing also helps you gather information about
Registry the driving scene. Listen for important warning signals such as
horns, sirens, train whistles and unusual noises in your engine.
Strategies: seeing and hearing effectively

To see and hear effectively while driving:
• Use glasses or contact lenses if you need them.
• Scan systematically as you drive.
• Repair or replace a noisy engine muffler.
• Don’t play your stereo too loudly.
• Don’t use a cellphone or headphones while driving.
99
Assessing your health

Even a mild illness like a cold or the flu can affect your alertness.
Over-the-counter medicines can make you drowsy and slow
your reaction time.
If you have a health
May cause
drowsiness. condition that you
think might impair your
ability to drive, be sure
to check with your
doctor or pharmacist
before getting behind
Read labels carefully the wheel.
before taking medication if
you plan to drive.
Strategies: what to do if you’re not feeling well

• Take the bus or get a friend to drive you.
• Read the label carefully if you are taking any
medications. Don’t drive if the label says the drug may
cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Staying awake
driving tip Being tired is one of the leading causes of crashes. Fatigue
affects all stages of the see-think-do strategy. It can cause you
You can become unaware to scan inaccurately, slow your thinking and lengthen your
of your surroundings when reaction time.
you drive for a long time
on a highway or freeway
that doesn’t change much. Strategies: staying awake
This is called highway
hypnosis. Some areas To keep alert behind the wheel, especially for long journeys:
have installed rumble
strips or rough patches to • Start out well rested.
warn drivers if they start to
drift into another lane. You
• Take breaks. Walk around and get some exercise.
can help avoid highway • Stop and eat, but avoid heavy meals because they may
hypnosis by turning off the
make you feel sleepy.
cruise control, scanning
systematically and using • Keep the heat level moderate.
strategies to stay awake.
• Keep a window open for fresh air.
• Sing or talk to keep yourself paying attention.
• Pull over to a rest stop and take a nap (be sure to lock
your doors).
• Don’t drive too far at one time. If you are making a long
trip, be especially careful on the second day. This is
when tiredness is most likely to affect you.
100
chapter 7 — personal strategies
Keeping focused
When you are driving, your mind and senses should be focused
only on driving. Distractions can affect your hazard perception
and your reaction time.
Strategies: Leave your phone alone

To help you concentrate on driving:
• Leave your phone alone while driving, turn it off and
put it somewhere it won’t distract you.
• No call or text is so important it’s worth risking your life.
Let calls go to voicemail and ignore your text messages
while driving.
• Pull over and stop your car if you need to use your
cellphone or other electronic device.
• Pull over and look after whatever is distracting you —
check the map and figure out the best route, look for
the music you want to play, send a text message, etc.
• Assign a designated texter. Ask your passengers to
make or receive calls and texts for you.
• Make a ‘text stop’ at highway rest areas, some of which
now provide free Wi-Fi.
Cellphones and other devices

crash fact
All B.C. drivers, including those in GLP, are prohibited by
Studies show that drivers law from using hand‑held electronic devices while driving.
who are talking on a You may not:
cell phone lose about
50 per cent of what is • operate, view or hold hand-held cellphones or other
going on around them, electronic communication devices,
visually. When you are
stopped at an intersection • send or read emails or texts,
or slowed in traffic, you
are still driving. • operate or hold hand‑held music or portable gaming
devices, and
Source: IIHS (Insurance
Institute of Highway • manually program or adjust GPS systems while driving. The
Safety).
law applies whenever you are in control of the vehicle — even
when you are stopped at a red light or in bumper-to-bumper
traffic.
GLP drivers are also restricted from operating hands-free
electronic devices while driving except calling 9-1-1 to report
an emergency. The greater restrictions help GLP drivers stay
focused on the road while building driving experience. This
means no use of personal electronic devices at any-time,
including hands-free phones except calling 9-1-1 to report
an emergency. GLP drivers who receive one ticket will have
their driving record reviewed and may face driving prohibitions.
101
If you need to make or receive a hands-free call, it is safer to

pull over to the side of the road when it is safe to do so.
Dangerous emotions
You’re on your way to Vancouver Island, hoping to catch
the 3 p.m. ferry. The traffic is heavy, so your progress is
slow. As you approach a green light, the car in front slows
down. The driver seems to be deciding whether to make a
turn. You mumble under your breath in frustration. Finally,
the car moves, but the light turns yellow, so you now have
to stop and wait. You feel a surge of anger.
A driver like that shouldn’t be on the road slowing up
traffic. You just know you are going to miss your ferry.
We all have changing emotional states. Emotions are powerful

forces that can interrupt the concentration you need for driving.
When you are feeling very angry, anxious, sad or upset, you
miss important information. Your thinking becomes unclear.
Your safety and the safety of others is in danger.
Sometimes you may become angry or impatient because of
the driving environment. Crowded traffic conditions and high-
speed freeway driving often cause stress. Being slowed down
by other traffic when you’re in a hurry produces tension. Drivers
who are angry or stressed are less tolerant of the mistakes that
other road users make.
Whatever the cause of the emotion, it is important to look at
your emotional fitness to drive. Sometimes it’s best to stay out
of the driver’s seat.
Strategies: controlling emotions

Here are some things you can do to help you stay calm
and in control while driving:
• Keep learning. Analyze stressful driving situations you
have found yourself in, and figure out what you can do
next time to be calmer and safer.
• Plan ahead. Choose a route that avoids crowded traffic
so you can concentrate better.
• Allow yourself plenty of time. Being in a hurry can cause
you to become angry or frustrated. Realize that if you
leave late, you’ll arrive late.
102
• Think of your own safety and the safety of others. This

can help you calm yourself.
• Be patient and extra courteous. Remember that all
drivers make mistakes. Take a couple of moments to
calm yourself down and leave your problems behind
before you start to drive. If you can’t focus, don’t get
behind the wheel.
• Be honest with yourself. Admitting to yourself exactly
how you feel can often help to calm you down.
• Open the windows to let in some fresh air and take a
few deep breaths.
• Listen to the radio or a relaxing CD.
• Loosen your grip on the steering wheel. This will help
to ease your arm and neck muscles and reduce the
chance of you getting a headache.
crash fact Impairment

Throughout B.C. an
average of 78 people are
killed each year in crashes You’re going home from a party with your friend. It’s pretty
involving impaired driving.
late and you’re anxious to get to bed. It’s been a long day.
Source: Police Traffic Your friend runs a yellow light, just catching the beginning
Accident System, 2010 of a red. You notice he is staring straight ahead, his eyes
to 2014.
not moving. The car starts to weave and then lurches to
one side as he brakes hard. “Hey, what are you doing?”
you ask. “It’s okay, I thought I was at the intersection…a
little early, huh?” he laughs.
What should you do?
Facts about alcohol

Here are some ways that alcohol can interfere with seeing,
thinking and doing.
Chapter 9, your licence, talks about some of the fines and
charges for impaired driving.
103
Ability Driver’s symptoms Effects on the driver

• tendency to stare • c annot make eyes take in information quickly
enough
• eyes lose reflex abilities • can be blinded by glare
• reduced coordination of images • sees double
See
• reduced depth perception • c annot judge distance and speed of other

vehicles
• reduced peripheral vision • may not see hazards approaching from the side
• reasoning becomes unclear • thinks mental ability is sharp; however, cannot
Think • reduced concentration make sound driving decisions
• emotional state becomes unstable
• reduced muscular control • cannot coordinate steering and braking
• increased impulsiveness • takes greater risks by speeding or taking chances
Do • reduced coordination • oversteers; brakes late or not at all
• slowed reaction time • cannot make turns accurately
• cannot react to emergencies quickly
Alcohol myth Alcohol fact

Only time can sober you up or lower your
blood alcohol content (BAC). Contrary
to popular belief, food, coffee, cold
Alcohol won’t affect me as showers or exercise will not speed up the
much if I drink coffee, have elimination of alcohol from your system.
something to eat, or take Transport Canada states that if you have a
a cold shower. BAC of .08 it takes about six hours for your
body to completely process that alcohol
and return to a BAC of zero.
A glass of beer contains the same amount

Beer doesn’t affect driving as of alcohol as a glass of wine or an average
much as other alcoholic drinks cocktail. In some cases, even small
do. amounts of alcohol can cause a driver to
be impaired.
If you plan to drink, decide

ahead of time how you will
get home safely.
104
crash fact Strategies: protecting yourself

from impaired drivers
Is it worth it to drink
and drive? To get home safely:
• You or your passengers • Learn about the effects of drugs and alcohol. Accurate
could be injured or
killed in a crash.
information allows you to make informed decisions.
• You may spend time • Refuse to ride with drivers who may be impaired. Ask to
in jail.
be let out of the car if necessary.
• You could lose your
licence. • Take a stand — don’t let someone who may be
• You may have to pay impaired drive.
stiff fines.
• Your insurance may not • Choose a designated driver before going out.
pay for any injuries or
damage you cause. • Keep money aside for a bus or taxi.
• Call a friend.
Facts about drugs

Drugs and driving
Drugs and medications can impair driving. If you are taking
medications or drugs, you need to know how they can affect
your ability to drive safely.
Drugs affect different people differently. If there is any doubt
about safety, leave the driving to someone else.
driving tip
Medications
If you are feeling impaired
after taking a drug or
Over-the-counter medicines for allergies, coughs, colds and
medication, don’t drive — nausea can cause:
let someone else do the
driving until the effect has • drowsiness
worn off.
• inattentiveness.
Prescriptions including sedatives, tranquilizers, painkillers and
some antidepressants can affect:
• alertness
driving tip
• concentration
Always read the label
• reaction time.
of any medication you
are taking to see if it can These effects can continue for many hours after the medicine
affect driving. If you are
taking more than one
is taken.
medication, ask your
If your doctor or pharmacist cautions you that a medication is
pharmacist or doctor
about their combined likely to interfere with driving safety, pay attention. If you are
effects on driving. feeling impaired after taking a medication, don’t drive — let
someone else do the driving until the effect has worn off.
105
Illegal drugs
Recreational or street drugs such as speed, heroin and cocaine
have a wide variety of effects including those noted under
Medications on the previous page, as well as:
• hallucinations
• altered perception
crash fact • feelings of invincibility

• lack of judgment.
A driver who combines
alcohol and drugs is nine
times more likely to have a
Cannabis
crash than a sober driver.
Cannabis may cause a driver to:
Australian study,
O. Drummer, 1994 • have difficulty following the movement of vehicles or
pedestrians accurately
• misunderstand visual cues from the driving environment
• delay responses, especially in emergency situations.
Drugs and alcohol

Many drugs will greatly increase impairment
when combined with even small amounts of
alcohol.
Taking risks
You’re alone and driving on a straight stretch of highway.
You’re tempted to floor it.
What choice will you make?
New drivers differ in how they manage risk. You probably know
drivers who are unsure of what actions to take and are nervous
around other road users. These people lack confidence in their
skills. And then there are overconfident drivers — the ones who
think they are much better drivers than they really are. Both
overconfident drivers and those who lack confidence need to
learn more and take more time to practise their skills.
A few people adopt a dangerous driving style, seeking out
excitement through speeding and taking risks. These people
are thrill-seekers — they enjoy speeding, tailgating or passing
unsafely.
What kind of driving style do you plan to have? Do you want
to stay within your skill level? Do you think it is better to be
cautious rather than take too many chances? Driving attitude or
style is something you choose.
106
How often do you take risks?
How often do you: Always Sometimes Never

Shoulder check?
Drive within the speed limit?
Signal?
Avoid drinking and driving?
Leave good space margins?
Strategies: identifying your driving

attitude or style
To identify your driving attitude or style:
• Ask someone you trust to give you some feedback on
your driving skills, driving attitude and driving style.
• Analyze your attitude and style. If you have a close call,
ask yourself why it happened, and think about how you
can drive more safely so it doesn’t happen again.
• Be critical when you watch a car ad or a car chase scene
in a movie. Ask yourself: What message am I getting?
Do I agree with this message? Will this message affect
my driving attitude or style?
• Do you find yourself always blaming others for bad
driving? If so, then ask yourself: Is it really their fault or
could it be me?
Peer pressure
crash fact You in the driver’s seat
Over 75 per cent of all

“Aw come on, join the party, have a drink,” your
drivers travelling at an friend says.
unsafe speed resulting in
a casualty collision were You promised to be the driver after the party. You were
male. Over 37 per cent of going to stick to soft drinks. But this is a new friend and
persons killed in collisions you really like him.
were victims of collisions
caused by unsafe speed. What choice would you make?
B.C. Traffic Collision
Statistics, Police-attended It’s hard to resist peer pressure. We want to belong, so we’re
injury and fatal collisions
sensitive to what others think of us. There are two kinds of
2007
peer pressure: positive and negative. Friends who persuade
107
you to do the safe thing because they care about you are
giving positive peer pressure. On the other hand, friends or
acquaintances who encourage you to do something dangerous
are putting negative pressure on you.
Learning how to handle peer pressure takes a lot of practice.
You want to keep your friends, but you don’t want to get talked
into doing things that put yourself and others in danger.
Strategies: handling negative peer pressure

Try using these four steps to help you resist negative peer
pressure:
1. Identify the problem. You may impress your new
friend if you drink, but you aren’t fulfilling your promise
of staying sober and being the designated driver.
2. Think about the consequences. If you choose to have
a drink so you don’t upset your friend, you increase
the risk of being involved in a crash when you get
behind the wheel. You could hurt or even kill yourself
or someone else.
3. Identify alternatives. Suggest to your friend that
you’ll have a drink with him another time when you
don’t have to drive.
4. Follow through. Stay sober, and when you are ready
to leave, offer your friends a ride.
Unsafe passengers
You’re driving home at night with a load of passengers.
They’re all having a good time, telling jokes and fooling
around. The light rain is making it hard to see. There’s a lot
of reflection on the road. You need to concentrate,
but you are finding it hard to think with all the noise
around you.
What should you do?
When you drive, you are responsible for the safety of your
passengers. Sometimes you will find that passengers can be
distracting. Children often become bored with long drives and
demand attention from you. Passengers may start talking loudly,
teasing or wrestling in the car. This is a time when you will have
to show leadership and maintain control.
108
Strategies: being a good passenger

As a passenger, you can help drivers:
• Avoid heated or emotional conversations, as these can
distract the driver.
• Discourage reckless driving.
• Be prepared to take a stand for safety.
Strategies: keeping passengers safe

Help keep people in your vehicle safe:
• Refuse to move unless everyone is wearing a seatbelt.
• Tell children the rules before you start the trip.
• Give children activities if it’s a long drive.
• Tell passengers that you will not be able to talk very
much because you need to concentrate on driving.
• Use humour with your friends. For example, tell them
you’re not smart enough to drive and joke around at
the same time.
• Make sure animals you are transporting are secured in
cages. A wandering, frightened animal is a dangerous
distraction.
Unsafe drivers
Your friend offers to drive you and your buddies to the
next town. It’s only 20 km away so you agree. He starts
down the highway and is soon way over the speed limit.
He pulls out to pass a car and barely has space to get
back into the lane. You quickly realize that he is a very
unsafe driver.
What should you do?
Everyone’s had the experience of being stuck in a car with

someone whose driving scares them. Having a licence gives you
more power to deal with this situation because you know the
rules and regulations and you know what safe driving means.
But it isn’t easy to persuade an unsafe driver to change his or
her driving style.
109
Strategies: stopping unsafe driving situations

Here are some ideas that could help you handle unsafe
drivers:
• Try using humour — it works sometimes.
• Use “I” statements to get across how you feel.
For example, you might say: I’m feeling pretty nervous
right now. Could you please slow down for me?
• Offer to take the wheel. Tell your friend that you’d really
like a turn driving.
• If there are other passengers, try to get their help.
Ask: How are you guys feeling right now? Chances are
they are probably feeling the same way.
• Be firm. Say something like: Hey! Slow down before
you get us killed.
• If all else fails, ask to be let out of the car.
Aggression on the road

It’s late at night and you’re driving in an unfamiliar
neighbourhood. A vehicle comes speeding up behind
you. The driver starts flicking the headlights back and forth
from high to low beam.
What should you do?
It’s often difficult to know what to do when you’re faced with

drivers who are aggressive. Their lack of courtesy and bad
driving habits can lead to crashes. Extreme aggression, or road
rage, is not common, but mild aggression can escalate if you
are not careful. How should you respond?
110
Strategies: handling other drivers’ aggression

When other drivers start acting aggressively behind
the wheel:
• Respond with good driving manners. Give the other
driver plenty of room and the right-of-way.
• Don’t return aggression. Avoid eye contact, keep away
from erratic drivers and don’t gesture back.
If you’re in a situation where you feel threatened:
• Get help. Drive to a police station or to a location
where there are plenty of people (for example, a
shopping mall).
• Call the police if you have a cellphone. (If you’re
travelling with someone else, get this person to make
the call so you can focus on driving.)
• Don’t go home.
• Keep the doors locked and the windows closed.
• Sound the horn or attract attention to yourself if
someone tries to get into your car.
Preventing aggression
How can you make sure you don’t increase the anger or
frustration of other drivers? If you use your smart driving skills,
allow plenty of space and give others the right-of-way, you can
help prevent situations that cause aggression.
111
Strategies: preventing aggression

Help prevent other drivers from becoming frustrated
or angry:
• Know the rules of the road and follow them.
• Keep a generous following distance.
• Give the right-of-way.
• Move over for merging traffic.
• Signal your intentions.
• Pull over to let other drivers go by if there is a line of
vehicles behind you.
• Keep your headlights on low beam unless you’re in
an unlit area.
• Keep your car stereo turned down.
• Don’t block passing lanes.
• Don’t take more than one parking spot.
• Don’t use your horn unless it’s really necessary.
• Don’t park in spaces reserved for people with
disabilities if you’re not entitled to use the space.
• Don’t yell at other road users.
Guess I’d
better fix
this.
Sharing the road means

considering other drivers.
What messages do your
actions give to other
drivers?
112
Right now in British Columbia, there is a very long list of people

waiting for organ and tissue transplants. For some, the gift of an
organ will not come in time. Yet only 12 per cent of people in
B.C. are registered to be organ donors.
Everyone has the potential to be an organ donor. There are no
age limits.
Organ Donor Registry

In the past, you could have a decal placed on your driver’s
licence to show your intent to be an organ donor.
Since 1997, the Organ Donor Registry has replaced all previous
ways of indicating your decision about organ donation. The
Registry allows you to make an educated decision about organ
donation and legally record your decision. It also removes this
difficult decision from surviving family members during the
grieving period — a time when this kind of decision is most
difficult. The Registry is accessible 24 hours a day to health
care professionals in an Emergency Room and/or an Intensive
Care Unit.
How to register
Organ Donor Registration forms are available at all ICBC driver
licensing centres, claim centres and Autoplan brokers.
You can also register online at www.transplant.bc.ca or by
calling 1-800-663-6189.
Please register to be an organ donor. You could save a life.
And live on.
113
8 emergency strategies
Chapter 7 gave useful strategies to help you handle personal

in this chapter situations that can influence your driving in a negative way.
This chapter describes two major strategies for handling driving
• Preparing for emergencies and many practical tips for helping you control
emergencies situations to prevent emergencies from developing.
• Emergency driving
strategies
• Environmental
Preparing for emergencies
hazards No one really expects to be involved in an emergency, but
• Night hazards you can be sure that at some time you’ll face one while you’re
driving. The best way to handle emergencies is to be prepared.
• Vehicle
One way you can prepare is by rehearsing what you would do.
breakdowns
Try these steps:
• Animals on the road
1. As you drive, look ahead and scan the scene for potential
• Collision avoidance
hazards (a child running out in front of you, a cyclist swerving
• At the scene of into your lane, a car stopping in front of you suddenly, etc.).
a crash
2. Ask yourself: What would I do? (brake, swerve, pull over, etc.)
The best preparation is to always be alert and drive using the
see-think-do strategy. If you’re alert and make good decisions
based on your observations, you will usually be able to take a
driving action before an emergency develops.
Remember to prepare your vehicle for emergencies. Carry the
right emergency equipment to help you deal with situations
described in this chapter.
Emergency driving strategies

Two strategies to handle dangerous situations are emergency
braking and skid control. These strategies are complex.
You should only practise them in a safe location under the
supervision of an expert driver.
Emergency braking
warning! You in the driver’s seat
Even skilled drivers are not You’re driving along your street, almost home. Out of
able to safely handle every
the corner of your right eye you see a ball roll out onto
emergency. The strategies
in this chapter can’t the street with a blurry image behind it — maybe the
guarantee your safety. The neighbour’s child. There’s hardly any time to stop.
best preparation for an
emergency is to avoid it. What should you do?
115
Even when you scan carefully, unexpected hazards can occur.

When that happens, you may need to use emergency braking.
The key to emergency braking is to stop the vehicle as quickly
as possible without locking the brakes. If you lock the brakes,
the wheels stop turning. You will lose control of the steering
and the car may skid.
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)

driving tip Most new vehicles have ABS which allows you to brake and
Learn to use ABS correctly
steer at the same time. You can’t do this with ordinary brakes.
by practising in a safe In an emergency situation, if you have ABS you should apply
location. Accelerate to continuous, firm, hard pressure to the brake pedal until the
30 km/h, brake hard and vehicle stops. The computerized sensors automatically release
steer around an imaginary the brakes from the wheels to prevent locking.
object. Do not pump the
brakes because this turns Contrary to what some people believe, ABS does not allow you
the system off. Don’t be
to drive faster and they don’t always allow you to stop sooner.
alarmed by brake noise or
shudder — this is normal. On some surfaces, like gravel, the braking distance may be
Check your owner’s longer. But ABS can help prevent wheels from locking up on
manual so you know the wet and slippery surfaces.
correct braking technique.
If you have a vehicle with ABS, be sure to check your owner’s
manual for more complete information on emergency braking
techniques.
Strategies: emergency braking technique

To stop suddenly in an emergency:
With ABS:
1. Press down hard on the brake pedal, and hold it down
until you come to a complete stop.
2. Do not pump the brakes.
3. Look and steer in the direction you want to go.
Without ABS:
1. Press down hard on the brake pedal, but not hard
enough to lock the wheels.
2. Quickly release the brake and press hard again to
regain control if you start to skid.
3. Look and steer in the direction you want to go. In
most cases, you will not want to lock the brakes when
stopping quickly. However, there may be occasions
when you choose to lock the brakes because stopping
is more important than steering.
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chapter 8 — emergency strategies
Skid control
think about
Think about the road
conditions before you start
to drive. Will the weather
It’s a cold morning and you’re in a hurry to make it to work
conditions make the road on time. You suddenly feel the vehicle isn’t responding
slippery? You should be able when you turn the steering wheel. You press the brake.
to avoid skidding by making
safe choices in the first place.
The back of the car swings to the right — you’ve hit ice!
The most likely cause of
skidding is poor driving skills.
What should you do?
Skids can happen any time the tires lose grip on the road. This
can be caused by slippery surfaces, as in the scene above, or
by changing speed or direction too suddenly. Environmental
elements like rain and ice contribute to skidding, but poor
driving skills are the main cause of skidding. The way to avoid
skids is to use your see-think-do skills. In slippery conditions,
slow down.
Steps to handle a skid

warning! The illustration shows what happens
to your car when it skids and how you
Skids happen when
drivers:
can regain control. The numbers in the
• slam on the brakes illustration correspond to the
• slam on the brakes and following steps:
steer at the same time
1. Y
ou’re driving straight, but you fail to
• go around a corner
too fast
notice the patch of black ice ahead.
• accelerate suddenly. 2. A
s you drive over the black ice, the
rear of your vehicle skids to the right.
Ease off the accelerator, and look and
steer smoothly in the direction you
want to go. (In this case, steer to the
right.) Don’t brake — this will make
the situation worse.
3. N
ow the rear of your vehicle skids
to the left. (This is likely caused by
overcorrecting in Step 2.) Stay off the
accelerator, and steer smoothly in the
direction you want to go. (In this case,
steer to the left.) You may need to
repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you
regain control.
4. O
nce you’ve regained control,
continue driving with caution.
117
driving tip Environmental hazards

In B.C., fog, heavy rain and snow can create difficult driving
The best option in extreme conditions. Rain, snow and ice can make road surfaces
weather conditions is to unpredictable. Slippery road surfaces are dangerous for drivers
stay home or take the bus.
and their passengers, and may lead to crashes involving
several vehicles.
Loss of visibility

You’re driving along a rural road when suddenly you’re in
a low area that is covered in fog. You strain to see ahead,
but it is hard to see anything.
What should you do?
Your ability to effectively

see-think-do is reduced in
bad weather conditions.
Weather conditions like fog, rain or snow can also be blinding.

If you can’t see clearly ahead or behind, your information about
the road scene is dangerously reduced. You can’t make good
driving decisions in these conditions.
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driving tip Strategies: driving in low visibility conditions

Difficult weather conditions can be hazardous for drivers
In certain foggy
conditions, you can use
because visibility is often reduced. In these conditions:
fog lamps instead of
• Slow down.
headlamps if it helps
with visibility. In those • Maintain extra space margins.
situations, you can turn
your headlamps off and • Search and scan more carefully.
only use your fog lights.
However, both fog lamps • Use low beam headlights in rain, snow and fog.
and headlamps should
never be used at the same • Do not pass in extreme weather conditions because you
time, if there is some fog can’t see far enough ahead.
but visibility is not affected
or if conditions are clear. • Pull over and stop if necessary until the visibility
improves. Choose a place that is safe from other traffic
and does not block roadways.
• Use your defroster to keep your windows clear. If
necessary, leave a window partly open for ventilation.
• Clear the vehicle of snow and ice before starting off.
Make sure you can see clearly.
• Keep your wipers and washers in good working order.
Glare and shadows

Changing light conditions can reduce your ability to see. Glare
can blind you in the day or at night when meeting vehicles with
bright headlights. Dark shadows can hide hazards.
Strategies: overcoming glare and shadows

To handle glare and shadows while driving:
• Slow down before entering tunnels to let your eyes
adjust to the lower light levels.
• Remove your sunglasses and turn on your headlights
while driving through tunnels.
• Use sunglasses and your sun visor during the daytime.
• Keep your windows clean.
• Adjust your rear-view mirror to the night-driving
position.
• Keep a good following distance at night to reduce the
glare your headlights create.
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Loss of traction

It snowed during the night. You’re just starting out to pick
up some groceries. You’ve driven in snow before, so you
don’t think this should be a problem. As you move slowly
down the driveway, you apply the brake lightly to test your
braking distance. Your car slides slightly — this is more
dangerous than you thought at first. There is ice as well as
snow.
What should you do?
Rain, snow and ice can affect your traction. Loose gravel,
wet leaves, mud or sand can also make roads slippery and
dangerous. Slow down and use caution when driving on any
low-traction surface, and avoid driving altogether in extremely
bad weather conditions.
Rain
driving tip
Rain can cause two dangerous driving conditions:
Make sure your vehicle • loss of traction
tires are in good condition,
properly inflated and • hydroplaning.
suitable for the driving
conditions. Rain makes the road surface slippery, especially during the
beginning of a rainfall. The rain mixes with the oil on the road to
create a slippery, oily film. This film washes away with continued
rain, but if the rain is light or if it has not rained for a long time,
the road will remain slippery longer.
Strategies: driving on wet roads

Make sure you have good control when roads are wet:
• Slow down and leave more following distance.
• Allow at least twice the normal braking distance.
• Brake gently so the wheels don’t lock.
Hydroplaning happens when the tires lose contact with the

warning! road surface and float on a film of water. The driver instantly
loses control of steering and braking. It can happen in
Never use cruise control in rain or standing water. The higher your speed, the greater
wet or slippery conditions. your chances of hydroplaning. You can tell if your vehicle is
Your owner’s manual will
tell you to use it only in
hydroplaning because the steering will suddenly become
ideal driving conditions. very light.
120
Layer
of water
Vehicles with low tire
pressure or worn tread are
more likely to hydroplane.
Strategies: preventing/handling hydroplaning

To prevent hydroplaning:
• Check your tires for proper tread and inflation.
• Scan ahead for large puddles.
• Reduce your speed, especially during heavy rain.
If hydroplaning happens:
• Decelerate and drive straight. Never brake.
Deep water
Going through deep water can stall your vehicle and can even
damage the engine or transmission. Consider turning back
and going another way if you are faced with water across
the roadway. If you can’t avoid the section of roadway, drive
through very slowly. After leaving the water, lightly apply the
brakes for a short distance to dry them. Moving water that is
deeper than half a metre can carry a car away.
Ice and snow

Ice and snow can cause you to lose traction very quickly. Lack
of traction causes the wheels to spin when accelerating and to
lock when braking. You can easily lose control of the steering.
In winter, temperatures can change quickly, causing
unpredictable road traction. Temperatures near freezing are
more dangerous than colder temperatures, although the road
may look the same, because ice can form unexpectedly and
may not be visible.
121
Be aware of hidden dangers:

• Black ice is caused by moisture freezing on the road surface.
Normally you can’t see it. But if the asphalt looks shiny and
black instead of gray-white, be suspicious.
• Shaded areas may still be icy even after the sun has melted
the ice on the other parts of the road.
• Bridges and overpasses tend to form ice on their surfaces
before other road surfaces do.
• Intersections ice up quickly because of car exhaust and
snow packing.
warning! Strategies: handling ice and snow

When faced with icy or snowy driving conditions:
It can take you 10 times
the normal braking Plan ahead
distance to stop on ice.
• Check the weather forecast before starting out. Staying
home may be the wisest choice.
• Use tires that are suitable for winter conditions.
• Carry chains and know how to mount them. Snow tires
and/or chains are a legal requirement on many B.C.
roads during the winter.
• Carry sand or a piece of carpet to use if you become
stuck on ice or in the snow.
See
• Make sure you can see. Scrape snow or frost from the
windows and mirrors, get rid of any ice or snow on the
wipers and clean all the lights before driving.
• Scan further ahead when driving to give yourself a larger
safety margin.
Think
• Plan manoeuvres further ahead so you have more time
to react.
Do
• Slow down.
• Accelerate gently. Sudden starts can send a vehicle into
a skid or cause the wheels to spin.
• Carefully test your braking and steering at a very low
speed. Use this test to decide whether to continue, or
whether to slow down more.
• Don’t wait until you spin out on a hill to put on the tire
chains.
122
• It’s extremely difficult to mount chains when you’re on a

CHAIN UP hill. Instead use a designated chain-up area.
AREA • Ease off the brakes and then re-apply them to maintain
steering control if the wheels lock.
E X IT
• Slow down before entering curves and corners. Braking
in curves may cause you to skid.
• Use a low gear to go down hills that are icy.
• Don’t use cruise control in icy or snowy driving conditions.
• Allow extra space margins (including more following
distance).
• Avoid passing unless absolutely necessary.
• Travel in the section of road with the least amount of snow
or ice if you have more than one lane you can travel in.
• Use a gentle, smooth steering motion.
Stranded or snowbound
If you’re stranded in snow, stay with your vehicle unless you are
absolutely sure you can reach help.
If you decide to run the car to keep the interior warm, only
warning! do this for about five minutes every hour. You must be very
cautious because the car could fill with carbon monoxide
If you feel dizzy or drowsy gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause dizziness or
while your vehicle is drowsiness and even lead to death. Make sure you also check
running, you may be that the exhaust pipe and exhaust system are not blocked or
experiencing carbon damaged because this could cause increased leakage of carbon
monoxide poisoning. Turn
off the engine and get
monoxide into the car. Keep one window slightly open at all
plenty of fresh air. times for fresh air. Make sure that at least one person stays
awake at all times.
Do you have the right

equipment for winter
conditions?
123
Turbulence
Watch out for crosswinds, headwinds and tailwinds. These can
make it difficult for you to control steering. Even a passing
tractor-trailer can create enough turbulence to move a vehicle.
Strategies: dealing with turbulence

If you experience turbulence while driving:
• Slow down.
• Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands.
• Watch out for vehicles that could be more easily forced
into your path — motorcycles, small cars, campers and
vehicles towing trailers.
• Allow extra space on the side if you are passing a large
truck or trailer.
Night hazards
You’ve been driving all day to reach the city where your
friends live. Now it’s nighttime, and you’re feeling a bit
drowsy. You’re on a quiet rural road. There is very little
traffic, but you see a car approaching from a distance. You
switch from high beam to low beam. The other driver isn’t
dimming the headlights. They are shining straight into
your eyes, and it’s hard for you to see.
What should you do?
Driving at night is a challenge for all drivers. It means your

vision is limited and you can’t be seen as well. You can’t judge
distances as well either. You will need to be more alert to
practise see-think-do effectively.
Using the headlights

Make sure you use the right headlights for the driving
conditions. Low beam headlights will light up a path up to
30 metres straight ahead of you. High beams give you about
100 metres of light.
Be sure to use your headlights properly:
• You must use your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset
until 30 minutes before sunrise.
124
• It is illegal to drive at night with parking lights or daytime

running lights instead of headlights.
• You must dim your high beam headlights when you are
within 150 metres of another vehicle, either when meeting or
following a vehicle. Do you have trouble judging distances?
Most people do. Be courteous and dim your lights early.
• You must also use headlights if visibility is reduced to less
than 150 metres (for example, in fog or heavy rain).
Daytime Low beam headlights High beam headlights
Overdriving the headlights

Be careful not to overdrive your headlights at night, or in
fog, rain or snow. Overdriving happens if you go too fast and
you are not able to stop within the distance covered by your
headlights. It is especially dangerous in a curve.
Strategies: night driving

To reduce the risks of driving at night:
• Keep your eyes moving. Scan carefully for pedestrians,
cyclists and animals on the road.
• Avoid glare from lights. Glance to the right edge of the
road to avoid glare from oncoming lights. Adjust your
rear-view mirror for night driving to avoid glare from
headlights of vehicles behind you. Adjust your outside
rear-view mirrors so that the body of the vehicle is just
outside your view — this will help reduce blind spots
as well as glare. Keep interior lights off and keep the
instrument panel lights low.
• Keep your windows and lights clean.
• Stay alert at night. Sing, talk out loud or stop for a cup
of coffee to make sure you stay awake.
• Slow down.
• Increase your following distance.
125
Vehicle breakdowns
An unexpected vehicle breakdown can create a dangerous
situation for you and your passengers. The best prevention is
having a well-maintained vehicle and doing regular periodic
and pre-trip checks.
Tire blowout

You are driving along a highway when your front tire
suddenly blows out.
What should you do?
When a front tire blows out, your vehicle can be pulled in the
direction of the deflated tire, especially at high speeds. A rear
blowout can cause the vehicle to start skidding.
Strategies: handling a tire blowout

To help stay safe when a tire blows out:
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
• Don’t brake suddenly and risk loss of steering control.
Ease off the accelerator and decelerate slowly. You can
start to brake gently once the car has slowed down.
• Steer in the direction you want to go. (See Skid control
earlier in this chapter.)
• Signal or put on the hazard lights and pull off the road
as soon as it’s safe.
Brake failure
Total brake failure is rare. However, if your brake system fails,
you will need to use your see-think-do skills to respond quickly
and safely.
126
Strategies: handling brake failure

If your brakes ever fail:
• Don’t panic. Keep thinking about the hazards in front of
you and how to avoid them.
• Look for an escape route or something to slow you
down (for example, side road, open field).
• Pump the brakes hard and fast. You may be able to get
driving tip enough braking action to stop the car.
If you have power or • Gear down to the lowest gear so the engine will help
power-assisted steering, slow you down.
you can still steer even
after the engine has • Apply the parking brake gently and gradually. Use the
stopped. You just need brake release as you do this, so you are prepared to
to use more effort. If the
engine stops, don’t turn
release the brake quickly if the car goes into a skid.
the ignition off, because
• Use the hazard lights or the horn to warn other drivers.
the steering will lock.
Engine problems
You never know when the engine may die. You need to move
out of traffic and into a safe place as quickly as possible if
this happens.
Strategies: handling engine failure

If your engine ever fails:
• Signal and steer to the edge of the road.
• Try to get to the nearest exit or service area or pull off
the road as far as possible if you are on a busy highway
or freeway. Avoid stopping on a bridge or in a tunnel if
at all possible.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Set out flares or a warning triangle if it is dark or visibility
is limited.
• Stay with your vehicle. Put an S.O.S. notice in
your windshield.
warning!
• Consider carrying a cellphone if you often travel on
If your vehicle catches fire, freeways or isolated roadways.
stop and get everyone out
immediately. Do not open • Never get into a stranger’s vehicle. Ask them to
the hood — that could continue ahead and phone for you.
cause the fire to spread.
Move well away from the • Don’t try to do roadside repairs on crowded and fast-
vehicle. moving freeways.
127
Headlight failure
It is dangerous and illegal to drive at night without headlights.
You must get off the road as quickly as possible if your lights fail.
Strategies: handling headlight failure

If your headlights ever fail:
• Turn the light switch on and off quickly.
• Turn on the hazard lights if the headlights stay off.
• Slow down, pull off the road and get help.
Hood flying up
Hoods can fly up if they are not securely latched. If you notice
that your hood is not properly latched, pull over and fully close
the hood.
Strategies: hood flying up

Don’t panic if you find yourself blinded by the hood flying
up when you’re driving:
• Try to look through the crack below the hood or open
your window and look in the direction you’re travelling.
• Take your foot off the accelerator.
• Turn on the hazard lights.
• Pump your brakes to warn drivers behind you that
you’re slowing down.
• Steer over to the side of the road.
Gas pedal sticking

warning!
The gas pedal can stick because of ice or snow build-up, or if
Never reach down with the floor mat gets pushed up and jammed beneath the pedal,
your hand to release a or because of a malfunction.
stuck gas pedal because
you could easily lose You may be able to release the pedal by using your toe to lift it
control of the vehicle. if you are travelling at a very low speed when the pedal sticks.
128
Strategies: stuck gas pedal

If your gas pedal sticks:
• Apply the brake.
• Look for an escape path that will get you off the road.
Continue to brake.
• Shift to neutral to disconnect the engine from the
wheels. (This may damage your engine but it’s better
than crashing. Note that steering and braking will
become harder if the engine stops.)
• Follow your escape path and, once you’re stopped, turn
off the engine.
• Do not try to start the engine again. Call for help instead.
Animals on the road

You’re driving along a rural highway at dusk. You’re
keeping a careful watch for animals; you’ve seen deer and
elk in this area before. Suddenly, a large elk steps out from
the brush, right into your path.
What should you do?
In B.C., animals on the road are a major hazard. Crashing into

a large animal can cause damage and injury, not just to the
animal, but to you and your passengers.
Strategies: watching for animals

To help prevent a collision with an animal:
• Scan the sides of the roadway ahead for animals.
• Watch for animal crossing signs when driving through
farming or wooded areas. Slow down in these areas.
• Be extra cautious at dusk and dawn. This is when
driving tip animals move around to feed, and it is also harder for
you to see them at these times.
Take extra care when
driving near horses and • Look for sudden, unusual spots of light on the roadway
riders. Slow down and at night. This may be the reflection of your headlights
give them lots of space
off an animal’s eyes.
when you pass. Don’t
honk the horn because • Remember that wild animals often move in herds. If you
this could cause the horse
to bolt into your path.
see one animal, there may be more.
129
Strategies: when an animal is in your path

If an animal is directly in front of you:
• Check your rear-view mirror to see if there is a vehicle
behind you, or if you can stop suddenly.
• Assess the risks and decide on an action. Can you stop
safely? Can you steer around the animal? Would it be
better to hit the animal or risk a crash?
• Slow down but resist the urge to slam on your brakes
when you see an animal. This could send your vehicle
out of control.
• Leave a wide margin when you drive around an animal.
A frightened animal may run in any direction.
• If the animal is large and you can’t stop in time, brake
firmly and steer to strike the animal at an angle. Let up
on the brake pedal just before hitting the animal.
This will cause the front of your vehicle to rise and
reduce the chance that the animal will come through
the windshield.
Collision avoidance
You’re driving up a hill. Suddenly a car is coming right
toward you in your lane.
What should you do?
No one wants to be involved in a collision, but you may find

yourself in a situation where one is unavoidable. The best
way to avoid collisions is to use your see-think-do skills. Keep
yourself alert, scan systematically, maintain good space margins
and travel at the appropriate speed. These steps will help you
avoid most collisions.
Even if you’re faced with an unavoidable collision, you can
sometimes reduce the impact. But you will need to think quickly
to do this.
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Strategies: avoiding crashes or reducing the impact

These techniques may help avoid a crash or reduce the
impact of a crash:
• Slow down as much as possible.
• Try to avoid locking the brakes.
• Try to steer for something that will cushion your car, like
bushes or a high snow bank. Avoid hard objects like
parked cars or trees.
• Try to avoid a head-on collision at all costs by steering
to the side. Steer to the right, not the left, as the
oncoming driver may steer to the right.
• Use the horn. This may help the other driver
regain alertness.
Crashing into a solid

object at 30 km/h is like
sitting in a vehicle when
it falls from a one-storey
building. At 60 km/h,
hitting a solid object is like
being in a vehicle when it
falls from the roof of a
four-storey building.
As shown in the graphic above, doubling the speed quadruples

the force of impact. This is one reason why speed is such an
important factor in crashes, and why slowing down saves lives.
131
think about At the scene of a crash

If you arrive at the scene of
a crash, you may decide to You in the driver’s seat
stop and help. Think about
what you would do. What As you round a curve, you hear the sound of screeching
would you like others to do if
you were involved in a crash? brakes followed by a crash. You slow down and see that
the car in front of you has rear-ended a truck.
What should you do?
You arrive at the scene of a crash

driving tip
If other drivers have been involved in a crash, they may
When driving by a crash need assistance.
scene, don’t obstruct
traffic by slowing down
more than necessary. Stay Strategies: assisting at a crash scene
focused on your driving
to avoid causing another Here are some of the ways you might be able to help:
crash.
• Make sure your vehicle is parked away from the crash
where it won’t obstruct other traffic or emergency
vehicles.
• Take measures to alert other drivers that there has been
a crash — for example, set up warning triangles.
This will help to avoid further crashes and injuries.
• Call for emergency services if necessary. Consider
carrying a cellphone for emergency situations.
• Stay with injured people until help arrives.
• Do not let anyone smoke or light matches near the
scene. There could be a fuel leak.
You are involved in a crash

Legal responsibilities
You have certain legal responsibilities if:
• you’re involved in a crash
• other drivers have a crash because of something you do.
In either of these cases, you are legally required to:
1. Remain at the scene.
2. Give all reasonable assistance. Call for emergency services if
you can and if necessary.
132
3. You must exchange the following information with the other

driving tip driver, anyone who has been injured and anyone whose
property has been damaged:
Pick up our What to do
after a crash card from
• your name and address
your local Autoplan broker • the name and address of the registered owner of
— this card makes it the vehicle
easier to record important
information at the scene • the licence plate number
of a crash.
• insurance information.
You must also provide this information to the police or a
witness if requested.
Suggestions
Here are some other things you should do:
• Move the vehicles off the road if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid discussing who is at fault for the crash.
• Write down the names and addresses of all witnesses.
• Exchange driver’s licence numbers with any other
drivers involved.
• Draw a sketch or take photos of the scene, noting conditions
such as time, location and weather.
• Notify your insurance company right away.
133
9 your licence
This chapter explains how to get your B.C. driver’s licence. It

in this chapter also explains the penalties if you break the driving rules and
regulations. Read this chapter to learn about the responsibilities
• Learning to drive involved in getting and keeping your licence.
• The Graduated
Licensing Program
• Getting your
Learning to drive
learner’s licence To learn to drive, you’ll need someone to teach you and
(Class 7L) supervise your driving practice.
• Getting This is why one of the restrictions on a learner’s licence, as you’ll
your novice find later in this chapter, is the requirement to have a qualified
licence (Class 7) supervisor in the vehicle with you.
• Getting your Class
5 licence Choosing your supervisor
• Taking a road test
You need to choose a supervisor who will be serious about
• Choosing a driving helping you become a skilled, safe driver.
school
Here are some things to consider when choosing your
• New B.C. residents
supervisor:
• Re-examinations
• Is this person ready to commit the time needed to practise?
• Enhanced driver’s
licence • Is this person a skilled, experienced driver? Your supervisor
• Keeping your must have a valid Class 5 licence and meet supervisor age
licence up-to-date requirements shown later in this chapter.
• Summary of • Will this person provide a good example of safe driving?
licence classes Can he or she be relied on not to drive while impaired by
• Responsibilities alcohol or drugs, speed or take other risks on the road?
and penalties • Is this person able to get information and ideas
• Driving in other across clearly?
locations
• Does he or she have the patience to guide you effectively?
• Being a life-long
learner
Professional training
Professional training can help you learn faster and avoid
developing bad driving habits.
You’ll find information to help you choose a driving school later
in this chapter.
135
references and resources
The Graduated Licensing Program

B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) is designed to
reduce the number of crashes among new drivers of any age.
Under GLP, new drivers gain experience gradually, under
conditions that expose them to less risk. To get your full-
privilege Class 5 licence, you’ll go through several steps.
Zero blood alcohol content

Zero blood drug concentration
Zero blood alcohol content

Zero blood drug concentration
GLP allows you to

take on more driving
responsibilities as you
gain experience.
136
chapter 9 — your licence
Getting your learner’s licence

(Class 7L)
The first licence new drivers receive is a learner’s licence. You
must be at least 16 years old to apply for your learner’s licence.
You’ll also need to pass the knowledge test and pass a vision
and medical screening. This licence is valid for two years. You
driving tip will need to re-take the knowledge test if you want to renew it.
To find your nearest driver To apply, go to your nearest driver licensing office. If you pass
licensing office, look the tests, you’ll be issued a Class 7L licence, an L (Learner) sign
up ICBC in the phone and a copy of Tuning up for drivers.
book or go to the driver
licensing section on
icbc.com. Remember When you go to the driver licensing office
that there are fees to
take each knowledge
When you go to the driver licensing office to get your learner’s
test and road test, as licence, you should take:
well as fees to get your
photo learner’s licence • primary and secondary identification — see the Identification
and driver’s licence. You (ID) section on the inside back cover for more information.
can pay by cash, certified
cheque or money order. • a custodial parent or legal guardian if you’re under 19.
Most driver licensing (You may be able to apply to bypass this requirement if you
offices also accept VISA, are not living with a parent or legal guardian.)
MasterCard and debit
cards. Current fees are • the fees for the knowledge test and Class 7L licence
shown on icbc.com.
• glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive.
The knowledge test

The knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions that
measure how well you know the information in this guide. The
test is taken at any of our driver licensing locations and can
usually be done at a computer terminal. The test is not an open
book test, and cellphones and electronic devices aren’t allowed
while taking it. In some parts of the province, it’s only offered
as a written test. The test is available in English, French, Arabic,
Cantonese, Croatian, Farsi, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish
and Vietnamese.
Make sure you arrive at the office at least one hour before
closing to take your knowledge test. If you have a disability that
will make it difficult for you to take the test, phone the licensing
office ahead of time to let them know.
Take the practice test online

You can take the practice You can take a practice knowledge test or download our
knowledge test on your
free app on icbc.com. The Learn to drive smart guide is also
mobile device.
available for downloading as part of the app.
137
Vision and medical screening

Your vision will be checked to make sure you can see enough to
drive safely. You’ll be tested for colour vision, depth perception,
field of vision, diplopia (double vision) and sharpness of vision.
You may need to have further vision testing by an optometrist
or ophthalmologist if you don’t pass the vision screening. If you
need to wear glasses or contact lenses when you drive, this
restriction will be shown on your licence.
You will also be asked about your medical condition. If there is
any question about your physical ability to drive, or if you have a
progressive medical condition, you may need to go to a doctor
for a medical examination. Your doctor’s report will be sent to
RoadSafetyBC. The final decision whether to issue you a driver’s
licence will be made there.
Learner stage driving restrictions

While you are driving with a learner’s licence, you must follow
these restrictions:
• Qualified supervisor — a qualified supervisor must sit beside
you when you are driving. Your supervisor must be 25 or
older and hold a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence.
• Zero blood alcohol content — you must not drive after
driving tip consuming any amount of alcohol.
• Zero blood drug concentration — you must not operate
Free replacement L signs a motor vehicle while having the presence of certain drugs,
are available at any
including cannabis (THC), in your body.
driver licensing office.
You can also download • No hand-held or hands-free electronic devices — you must
a temporary L sign from
icbc.com.
not use hand-held or hands-free communication devices
(for example, cellphones, music or portable gaming devices,
GPS systems) while driving.
• L sign — you must display the official L (Learner) sign in your
back windshield or on the rear of your vehicle when you are
driving. It must be visible to drivers behind you. We’ll give
you this sign when you get your learner’s licence.
• Passenger limit — only two passengers may be in the vehicle
with you: your supervisor and one additional passenger.
• Restricted driving hours — you may drive only between
5 a.m. and midnight.
138
Getting your novice licence (Class 7)

To get your novice licence, you must pass the Class 7 road test.
This test assesses whether you are competent to drive on your
own. By the time you take the Class 7 road test, you will have
had your learner’s licence for at least one year. You will have
spent many hours practising with a supervisor. You’ll be given
a driver experience log when you get your learner’s licence —
use it to register your practice hours. You should get at least 60
hours of practice. This helps develop the skills and experience
you need to pass the road test and build the foundation for life-
long safe driving.
For the 10 most common

The Class 7 road test
reasons a vehicle might
The Class 7 road test is conducted by a driver examiner who
not be accepted for a
road test, visit icbc.com or marks your ability to drive in a safe, smooth and controlled
refer to the Taking a road manner. The road test takes about 45 minutes. You must
test section on the back provide a safe vehicle to use for your road test. Pets or
cover of this guide. passengers, other than the examiner or other authorized
people, are not allowed during your road test. You can prepare
for the test by reviewing this guide and using the Tuning up for
drivers guide to help you practise.
Here are some things you can expect during your road test.
Before you start — the examiner checks that you know
where the controls are, use your seatbelt, and adjust the seat,
mirrors and head restraints for maximum safety, see chapter 2,
Pre‑trip check.
Using your skills — the Class 7 road test assesses your ability to
perform the see-think-do skills: observation, hazard perception,
speed control, space margins, steering and communication.
For more information about these skills, see chapter 5,
see-think-do.
Doing the manoeuvres — your Class 7 road test may include:
• intersection manoeuvres (driving through, turning right,
turning left)
• backing up
• entering traffic
• pulling over and stopping on the side of the road
• changing lanes
• parking on a hill
• starting on a hill
• angle parking
139
• parallel parking
• stall parking (driving forward and backing up)
• two- and three-point turns
• merging on and off a highway
• general driving (for example, driving straight, driving on hills
and curves).
Getting feedback — at the end of the test, the examiner will
discuss your results with you. Make sure you ask questions if
you don’t understand something. Whether you have passed or
failed, you can learn how to improve your driving. You may take
the test again in 14 days if you don’t pass.
Novice stage driving restrictions

When you are driving with a novice licence, you may drive
unsupervised with the following restrictions:
• Zero blood alcohol content — you must not drive after
consuming any amount of alcohol.
• Zero blood drug concentration — you must not operate
a motor vehicle while having the presence of certain drugs,
driving tip including cannabis (THC), in your body.
• No hand-held or hands-free electronic devices — you must
Free replacement
N signs are available at not use hand-held or hands-free communication devices
any driver licensing office. (for example, cellphones, music or portable gaming devices,
You can also download GPS systems) while driving.
a temporary N sign from
icbc.com. • N sign — you must display the official N (Novice) sign in your
back windshield or on the rear of your vehicle when driving.
It must be visible to drivers behind you. You’ll receive this
sign when you get your Class 7 licence.
• Passenger limit — only one passenger may be in the vehicle
with you unless:
a) the passengers are your immediate family (“Immediate
Family” means your parents, children, spouse, brothers,
sisters and grandparents, including step and foster
relationships), or
b) if you are accompanied by a supervisor sitting beside you
who is age 25 or older holding a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5
licence, or
c) if you are taking driver training and are supervised by a
licensed driver training instructor.
140
Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) penalties

When you’re a new driver, your record is closely monitored
by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. If you get a traffic
violation ticket or other driving offence, you could receive a
warning letter, probation or prohibition from driving. In addition
fast fact to the regular driving penalties, there are extra penalties for
GLP drivers.
Drivers and learners in
B.C.’s Graduated Licensing
• You may be fined and have penalty points recorded on your
Program are not permitted driving record if you break any one of the learner or novice
to use hand-held or stage driving restrictions.
hands-free communication
devices (for example, • You may also be fined and have penalty points recorded on
cellphones, music or your driving record for speeding or other traffic violations.
portable gaming devices,
GPS systems) while • More points or more serious offences could result in a
driving. If you need to use prohibition from driving for one month to a year or more.
your cellphone, music or
portable gaming device, • If you violate the blood alcohol restriction, or operate a
GPS system etc., pull over vehicle while under the influence of drugs, you may receive an
and stop where safe.
immediate roadside suspension or prohibition. These will be
recorded on your driving record and you may face a further
prohibition as a result.
• If you receive a driving prohibition in your learner stage,
your learner stage will be extended, because you will not
accumulate any more time toward graduating to the novice
stage until you have served your prohibition and have your
licence reinstated.
• If you receive a driving prohibition in your novice stage, you’ll
lose any time you have accumulated toward graduating out
of GLP. When your licence has been reinstated following
the prohibition, you will have to accumulate an additional
24 consecutive prohibition-free months to be eligible to
graduate from GLP.
Getting your Class 5 licence

After you have held your novice licence for at least 24
consecutive months without a driving prohibition, you may
take the Class 5 road test. Passing this test means you exit the
Graduated Licensing Program and get your full-privilege driver’s
licence.
For the 10 most common The Class 5 road test

reasons a vehicle might
not be accepted for a road The Class 5 road test requires a higher level of driving skill than
test, visit icbc.com or refer the Class 7 road test. It gives you the chance to show that you
to the Taking a road test are now a safe, experienced driver with excellent vehicle control
section on the back cover
of this guide.
skills. The road test takes about one hour. You must provide
a safe vehicle to use for your road test. Pets or passengers,
141
other than the examiner or other authorized people, are not

permitted during your road test.
Using your skills — the Class 5 test includes the same skills as
the Class 7 test: observation, hazard perception, speed control,
space margins, steering and communication. At some points
during the test, you’ll be asked to identify the hazards you see
while you are driving. You will need to look ahead and use your
mirrors to identify all the hazards beside, behind and in front
of you.
Observation Speed control Communication
Driver examiners will mark

you on the see-think-do
skills you read about in
this guide. Steering Hazard perception Space margin
Doing the manoeuvres — your Class 5 road test may include:

• intersection manoeuvres (driving through, right turn, left turn)
• lane changes
• entering and exiting a highway or freeway
• three-point turns
• pulling over and stopping
• reverse stall parking
• general driving (for example, driving straight, driving on hills
and curves)
• hill park
• parallel park.
Getting feedback — like the Class 7 road test, you have an
opportunity to discuss your results with the examiner when you
have completed the Class 5 test. Listen and learn. Improving
the safety of your driving is important. You may take the test
again after seven days if you don’t pass it the first time. You’ll
have to wait 14 days to take the test a third or subsequent time.
142
driving tip Strategies: getting ready for road tests

Here are some suggestions to help you get ready for your
If you are worried about
your English, here are
Class 7 and Class 5 road tests:
some words to help • Use Tuning up for drivers. It’s designed to help you
you practise hazard
prepare for your road tests. It gives step-by-step
perception:
instructions for each of the manoeuvres. If you are
• car preparing for the Class 7 road test, work through the
• bus
Tuning up lessons with your supervisor. You don’t
• too close
• pedestrian require a supervisor when preparing for the Class 5 road
• bump test, but it’s still a good idea to work with a friend or
• can’t see family member.
• bicyclist
• children • Practise hazard perception by naming the hazards
• animal out loud. Ask your supervisor to identify any hazards
• construction you missed.
• truck
• wet road • For both the road tests you need to know the signs,
• curve signals, rules and regulations. Review the previous
• warning sign chapters of this guide to make sure you are familiar
• dangerous driver
with them.
• rough pavement
• turning right • Think about taking driving lessons. For more
• hill information, see the Choosing a driving school section
• pulling out
• ice
later in this chapter.
• blind spot • Take time to get plenty of practice. You should plan on
• motorcyclist
getting at least 60 hours of practice to prepare for your
• snow
• turning left. Class 7 road test.
If you see a hazard you

don’t know the English
word for, you may point A free copy of Tuning up for drivers is
at it. included as part of the new driver toolkit
you receive when you get your learner’s
licence. You can also download it for free
from icbc.com, or buy extra copies at any
Taking a road test

Booking road tests
• Book online at icbc.com/roadtests or
• Book by phone 604-661-2255 (Metro Vancouver) or
1-888-715-7775 (Toll Free), Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
143
When you come for your road test,

driving tip
bring with you:
If you can’t keep your
primary and secondary identification — see the
road test appointment,
you need to notify ICBC. Identification (ID) section on the inside back cover for
You’ll be charged a fee more information.
if you don’t show up for
your scheduled road test a safe vehicle
and don’t provide either
48 hours notice or a valid valid vehicle registration, licence and insurance papers
reason for missing the
appointment.
your current licence
the fees for the road test and photo licence
glasses or contact lenses if you require them to drive.
Strategies: ensuring your vehicle is safe

For your road test, you need to provide a safe, reliable
vehicle that meets legal requirements. Also, make sure
you are familiar with the vehicle.
If your vehicle is unsafe or does not meet requirements, your
road test may be cancelled and you will have to reschedule
your appointment to a later date. Here is a list of some of
warning! the typical reasons that a road test may be cancelled:
1. Brake lights, signal lights or headlights not working, or
Make sure the vehicle badly cracked or missing lenses — these lights help you
insurance covers you to
drive the vehicle.
to be seen in traffic, so they need to function properly.
For example, some 2. Cracked windshield or illegally tinted windows — it’s
insurance categories limit
important that you and the driver examiner be able to
vehicle use to drivers with
more than 10 years driving see out the windshield, so a badly cracked windshield
experience. just won’t do. Tinted windows may reduce your ability
It’s your responsibility to to see other road users — and their ability to make eye
ensure that your vehicle contact with you. B.C. law only allows certain windows
is properly insured for and only certain portions of the windshield to be tinted
use on your road test.
and limits the degree of tinting — no aftermarket tinting
ICBC accepts no liability
whatsoever for ensuring
on the windshield or front side windows is allowed.
that your vehicle is
3. Horn not working — check to see that it works.
properly insured and
expressly reserves its right 4. Vehicle not properly licensed or insured —
to make determinations
B.C.-licensed vehicles must display a valid licence plate
with respect to coverage
in the event of a claim.
and insurance decal. Remember that passenger cars
Check with your local must display two licence plates — one mounted on the
Autoplan broker if you front and one on the vehicle. Make sure the insurance
have any questions about permits you to drive the vehicle (if you are renting a
your coverage. If you’re vehicle, the rental agreement must name you as a
planning to rent a vehicle, driver).
check with the rental
agency to find out if they 5. Seatbelts not working or frayed — for your road test,
allow you to drive their make sure both the driver and passenger seatbelts work
vehicle and use it for your
road test.
properly, and that the seating area is clean.
144
6. Unsafe tires — make sure the tires are in good

condition, have plenty of tread and are properly inflated.
Temporary spare tires may not be used on a road test
(they are intended only to get the vehicle to the nearest
repair shop at reduced speeds so that the proper tire
can be repaired or replaced).
7. Airbag or Brake and ABS warning lights stay on —
if these lights stay on, they may indicate a serious safety
problem.
8. Driver’s side and passenger side doors or windows
not operating — for safety reasons both the driver’s side
and passenger side doors must open and close properly,
from both the inside and the outside. There are times on
the road test that you or the driver examiner may need
to open a window, so they need
to function properly.
9. Faulty exhaust — a leaking exhaust pipe or missing
muffler is unsafe and dangerous — it may cause carbon
monoxide poisoning. Excessively loud mufflers are illegal
and interfere with conducting your road test.
10. Unsafe or illegal vehicle modifications — some
modifications are illegal and unsafe:
• accessory “racing” steering wheels — these
wheels are not equipped with airbags, and installing
one in a 1998 or later car in place of an airbag-
equipped steering wheel not only deprives the
driver of airbag protection but can potentially
disable all the vehicle’s airbags.
• excessively raised or lowered vehicles —
excessively lowering or raising a vehicle can affect
steering and braking control in an emergency.
11. Fuel gauge on “empty” — nobody likes to run out of
gas or electricity, and you certainly don’t want this to
happen on your road test.
Make sure you know how to use the heater and defroster
and windshield wipers — you may need to use them to
keep the windows clear while on your road test.
Also, remember to turn off your cellphone and car radio —
you want to concentrate on your driving during the
road test.
As well, make sure your vehicle is clean and tidy inside,
and that lights and windows are clean.
Loose objects inside can be dangerous if you have to
stop suddenly, so these should be removed or stored in
the trunk.
145
Choosing a driving school

You can prepare for the Class 7 or Class 5 road test by taking
lessons from a professional driving instructor. There are good
reasons to take driving lessons. Learning to drive skillfully and
safely is not easy. Qualified instructors are often more effective
than family members or friends at training new drivers.
If you are preparing for the Class 5 road test, a professional
driving instructor can help you brush up on your skills.
When choosing a driving school, here are some questions you
may want to ask:
Is your school licensed? Are the instructors licensed? All
driving schools and instructors must be licensed by ICBC.
Ask to see the licences.
Can I see a written policy of your rates (including all
charges), hours, number of people in a training vehicle and
refunds? The school must provide this to you.
Does your school offer an ICBC-approved driver education
course?
Can I see a course outline?
Do you use various methods of instruction (for example,
one-on-one, classroom groups, etc.)?
How experienced are your instructors? How much recent
training have they had?
How do you involve parents/guardians or adult supervisors
driving tip in new-drivers education?
For more information How do you keep your practice cars safe and well maintained?
on the advantages of
taking driver training, visit Do you have a vehicle with standard transmission if I want to
the Driver Training and learn how to drive one?
Assessment Standards
website at dtcbc.com. What do I need to know before starting your course (i.e.,
Also visit this website for type of clothing, equipment, gear, etc.)?
a list of licensed driving
schools and locations. Finally, ask other people: Have you heard good things about
the school?
146
ICBC-approved driver education courses

driving tip
Some driver training schools offer ICBC-approved courses
Students from outside our for new drivers in B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program. These
province don’t need a B.C. schools display a valid Driving School Licence from ICBC with
driver’s licence to drive
a GLP designation. Approved schools are also listed on ICBC’s
here if they are attending
certain universities, Driver Training and Assessment Standards website dtcbc.com.
colleges or other
educational institutions.
ICBC-approved GLP Class 7 driver courses feature at least
32 hours of instruction and include classroom and on-road
Temporary Foreign instruction.
workers in the Seasonal
Agricultural Workers When you successfully complete an approved GLP course
Program who hold a valid while in a GLP learner stage, you’re eligible for a six-month
licence from another
jurisdiction are not
reduction in the novice stage, as long as you have no violations,
required to hold a B.C. prohibitions or at-fault crashes during the first 18 months of
driver’s licence to drive your novice stage.
in B.C. for a maximum of
one year before being High school students successfully completing an approved
required to obtain a B.C. GLP course can receive two Grade 11 credits by taking
driver’s licence. their Declaration of Completion to their secondary school
Call ICBC or check with a administration office.
driver licensing office for
more information.
New B.C. residents

You may use your valid driver’s licence from another province,
driving tip state or country for the first 90 days you live in B.C. After this
time, you must have a B.C. driver’s licence to drive in B.C. You’ll
If you want to apply for a need to turn in your old licence and pass the applicable driver
full-privilege B.C. driver’s tests.
licence (Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
or 6), you need to prove You’ll need to provide proof that you are licenced in another
you have held a licence
jurisdiction. In most cases, your previous driver’s licence is
for at least two years and
present this proof when enough. The class of licence you held, combined with your
you first apply for your driving experience, will be used to decide which class of B.C.
B.C. licence. Otherwise, licence you will be assigned and what tests you may need to take.
you will be placed in B.C.’s
Graduated Licensing It’s best to apply for your B.C. driver’s licence well within 90
Program. If you hold days of moving to British Columbia. New residents who hold
only an out-of-province
a Canadian, American, Australian, Austrian, Dutch, French,
learner’s licence, you are
eligible to apply for a German, Japanese, New Zealand, South Korean, Swiss or
Class 7 or 8 GLP learner’s United Kingdom licence can usually complete their licence
licence. exchange the same day. For more information, check with a
147
Re-examinations
Each year in B.C., almost 3,000 people are notified by
RoadSafetyBC to come in for a re-examination. The most
common reasons for a re-examination are:
• a driver’s medical report indicating a health problem
• a police report indicating that the driver was unsure of how to
handle a common driving situation.
If the re-examination is for vision screening and a signs and
signals test only, you don’t need an appointment. If it also
includes a road test, you’ll need to call your local driver licensing
office within 30 days of receiving your notice to book a road
test appointment. When you go for your test, you need to take
primary and secondary identification (see the Identification (ID)
section on the inside back cover) and glasses or contact lenses
if you need them for driving. It’s also a good idea to take a
licensed driver with you in case you don’t pass the test.
Prepare for your re-examination by reviewing this guide.
Consider taking a refresher course from a driving school to help
you brush up your skills. You may also want to get a copy of
Tuning up for drivers from the driver licensing office. This will
help you practise your driving.
Enhanced driver’s licence

B.C. now offers an enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) that allows
you to cross the border to the U.S. by land and water without a
passport.
It’s available as an enhancement to your photo driver’s licence,
or learner’s licence, at an additional cost to the regular licence
fee. You need to be a Canadian citizen and resident of B.C.
to apply. Visit icbc.com for more information on obtaining an
enhanced driver’s licence or ID card.
A passport is still required for air travel to, through and from the
United States.
148
Keeping your licence up-to-date

Situation What to do
If you have You’re required to update the address on your
changed your licence within 10 days of moving. There are
address. three ways to change the address on your
driver’s licence:
• Call the Multiple Change of Address service
Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
•• In Metro Vancouver: 604-775-0011
•• Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-866-775-0011
•• For extended hours call ICBC Customer
Contact at:
in Victoria: 250-978-8300
elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-950-1498
When you call, have your B.C. driver’s
licence number available.
• Use the provincial government’s Multiple
Address Change web service at
www.addresschange.gov.bc.ca/
• Go to any driver licensing office.
There is no fee to change your address.
Note: If you have an EDL, you’ll need to book
an in-person appointment at a driver licensing
office to change your address. A fee is
charged for a replacement EDL showing your
new address.
Your licence is Go to a driver licensing office. To get your new
lost or damaged. licence, you must settle all fines and debts
owed to the B.C. government and to ICBC.
You have You will need the proper identification (see
changed your the Identification (ID) section on the inside
name. back cover), your old licence (unless it is lost),
and money for the licence fee. If you have
Your licence is changed your name, you require legal proof of
about to expire. your change of name (for example, a Marriage
Certificate or Change of Name Certificate).
A new photograph may be taken.
Your licence has If you renew within three years of expiry, ICBC
expired. may renew your licence without re-testing.
You must settle all fines and debts owed to
the B.C. government and to ICBC, and take
your expired licence. Make sure you have the
proper identification (see the Identification (ID)
section on the inside back cover) and money
for the licence fee.
If your licence expired more than three years
ago, you will need to pass a vision screening,
road signs test and road test.
149
Summary of licence classes

For more information check icbc.com or contact your local driver licensing office.
Minimum
Class Typical vehicles
age
Class 1 • Semi-trailer trucks and all other motor vehicles or combinations of 19
vehicles except motorcycles
Class 2 • Buses, including school buses, special activity buses and special vehicles 19
• Trailers or towed vehicles may not exceed 4,600 kg except if the bus
and trailers or towed vehicles do not have air brakes
• Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class 4
Class 3 • Trucks with more than two axles, such as dump trucks and large tow 18
trucks, but not including a bus that is being used to transport passengers
• Trailers may not exceed 4,600 kg except if the truck and trailers do not
have air brakes
• A tow car towing a vehicle of any weight
• A mobile truck crane
Class 4 (unrestricted) • Buses with a maximum seating capacity of 25 persons (including the 19
driver), including school buses and special activity buses and special
vehicles used to transport people with disabilities
• Taxis and limousines
• Ambulances
Class 4 (restricted) • Taxis and limousines 19
• Ambulances
• Special vehicles with a seating capacity of not more than 10 persons
(including the driver) used to transport people with disabilities
Class 5 or 7* • Two-axle vehicles including cars, vans, trucks and tow trucks 16
• Trailers or towed vehicles may not exceed 4,600 kg
• Motorhomes (including those with more than two axles)
• Limited-speed motorcycles** and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Passenger vehicles used as school buses with seating capacity of not
more than 10 persons (including the driver)
• Construction vehicles and utility vehicles
• Three-wheeled vehicles — does not include three-wheeled
motorcycles (trikes) or motorcycle/sidecar combinations
• Does not include Class 4 vehicles or motorcycles
Class 6 or 8* • Motorcycles, all-terrain cycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) 16
Class 4 or 5 with heavy • Trailers or towed vehicles exceeding 4,600 kg provided neither the 18
trailer endorsement truck nor trailer has air brakes
(code 20) • Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class 5
Class 4 or 5 with • Recreational (house) trailers exceeding 4,600 kg provided neither 18

house trailer the truck nor trailer has air brakes
endorsement (code 07) • Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class 5
150
* Drivers in B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program are issued

Class 7 and/or 8 driver’s licences.
** Limited-speed motorcycles — cannot be operated on a
learner’s licence other than a Class 6 or 8 motorcycle learner’s
licence. These are motorcycles, mopeds, and motor
scooters with:
• an engine displacement of 50 cc or less (or less than 1.5
kW of power if other than a piston engine),
• a transmission that doesn’t require shifting or a clutch,
• a maximum speed of 70 km/h,
• wheels that are at least 254 mm (10 in) in diameter, and
• a dry weight of 95 kg or less.
Air brakes
fast fact To operate vehicles equipped with air brakes on a highway
(other than a vehicle defined as a construction vehicle), you
A Class 5 or 7 driver’s must have a B.C. driver’s licence with an air brake
licence permits towing endorsement (code 15).
trailers weighing up
to 4,600 kg. Some
recreational trailers Restrictions, conditions and endorsements
exceed this weight,
and to tow them you need
Depending on your fitness and ability, your licence may include
either: certain restrictions, conditions or endorsements. For example,
• a Class1, 2 or 3 driver’s you may be required to wear corrective lenses (eyeglasses or
licence, or contact lenses) while driving.
• a
Class 4 or 5 driver’s
licence with a heavy Recreational trailers
trailer endorsement
(code 20), or For information on towing recreational trailers and getting a
• a
Class 4 or 5 driver’s house trailer endorsement, see Towing a recreational trailer
licence with a house on icbc.com.
trailer endorsement
(code 07).
Responsibilities and penalties

As a licence-holder, you have legal responsibilities. Having
a B.C. driver’s licence is a privilege — not a right. You must
insure your vehicle and drive safely to protect you and other
road users.
Driver’s licence
Do:
• always carry your licence when driving
• keep your licence current. Notify ICBC if you change your
name or address.
151
Don’t:
• lend your licence to anyone else
• ever use a licence that isn’t valid
• alter your licence in any way.
Identity theft and driver licence fraud

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in North
America. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal
information without your knowledge or consent to commit
a crime, such as fraud or theft. Victims of identity theft suffer
financial losses, a poor credit rating and a damaged reputation.
A driver’s licence has become a universally accepted and
trusted form of identification. If your driver’s licence is stolen,
obtained fraudulently, scanned or faked, it can be used as
a tool for committing crime.
You can’t entirely control whether you become a victim of
identity theft, but you can take steps to minimize your risk.
Protecting you from fraud

There’s a tough penalty to help protect you from people who
commit driver’s licence and identification card fraud. People
who commit these offences now face fines of between $400
and $20,000, up to six months in prison, or both. Offences
covered by the law include:
• Make false or misleading statements, failing to disclose
required information, presenting fraudulent records or
fraudulently using records to obtain or in attempting to
obtain a driver’s licence or identification card.
• Assisting someone to fraudulently obtain or attempt to obtain
a driver’s licence or identification card in the ways mentioned
above.
• Using or possessing a driver’s licence or identification card
that belongs to someone else.
• Allowing someone else to use or possess your driver’s licence
or identification card.
• Using or possessing a fictitious or invalid driver’s licence or
identification card.
• Altering a driver’s licence or identification card.
152
Strategies: preventing identity theft

and driver licence fraud
• Keep your driver’s licence in a secure place on your
person. Don’t put your licence in a large pocket or in a
large or open purse where it may easily be stolen or fall
out. Never leave it in plain view inside your vehicle.
• Store your driver’s licence in a safe place when you’re
not operating your vehicle. Don’t leave your licence lying
around, particularly where strangers can easily see it.
• Don’t share or post pictures of your driver licence on
social media (e.g. Facebook or Twitter).
• Make sure to get your driver’s licence back immediately
after you use it for identification, such as at a store.
Don’t leave it as a security deposit — it contains
valuable personal information that could be stolen.
• Keep a list of your identification including your driver’s
licence and credit cards in a safe place in your home.
Include card numbers and phone numbers of the card
issuers so that you can notify them if they are lost or stolen.
• If you lose your driver’s licence, report the loss
immediately to the police, and also report it to ICBC.
• If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being
a victim of identity theft, in addition to immediately
notifying the police, report the incident to PhoneBusters
— National Call Centre: 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free).
• Remember, it’s your identity — protect it!
Insuring your vehicle

warning!
As a driver, you must ensure that the vehicle you are driving has
The vehicle licence plate a valid and current licence plate as well as adequate insurance.
must carry an unexpired
decal to show that it is ICBC’s Basic Autoplan coverage ensures every B.C. motorist
insured. A driver caught carries a minimum amount of liability insurance, as well as
without current insurance insurance to help if they are involved in a motor vehicle
could face a large fine.
crash resulting in injury or death. This system protects British
Columbians because virtually all B.C. motorists carry at least a
minimum amount of insurance.
If you will be driving your parent’s vehicle, your parents may
need to adjust their Autoplan insurance. The best thing to
do is have your parents discuss their options with an ICBC
Autoplan broker.
153
Outstanding fines and debts

fast fact
Any outstanding fines or debts you owe to B.C. courts, the
Any outstanding fines or provincial government or ICBC must be settled before you can
debts you owe to B.C. obtain or renew a driver’s licence. These include outstanding
courts, the provincial liquor fines, tolls and arrears with the British Columbia Family
government or ICBC must
be settled before you can
Maintenance Enforcement Program.
get a new driver’s licence.
Unpaid provincial violation Penalties for unsafe driving
tickets or unpaid driver
penalty premiums may If you choose to drive unsafely, you could be fined and
also affect whether you prohibited from driving. A prohibition means it is illegal for
can buy or renew your
you to drive for a specific amount of time. And if you are
Autoplan insurance.
caught driving while you are prohibited, your vehicle could
be impounded and you may be subject to fines or a jail term.
There is a $250 fee to have your licence reinstated after
a prohibition.
In chapter 1, you in the driver’s seat, you were asked to make
warning! a number of choices as you drove. Here are some of the driving
fines and penalties you might have received if you had made all
Driving without having a the wrong choices:
valid driver’s or learner’s
licence, or without the
proper licence class,
Offence Fine* Points
or driving contrary to Speeding in a school zone (1–20 km over $196 3
licensing restrictions or speed limit)
conditions, could breach
your insurance coverage. Speeding (1–20 km over speed limit) $138 3
That means that if you
Going through a red light $167 2
crash, your insurance
claim may be denied. You Improper turn at an intersection $109 3
could be responsible for
paying the costs of your Passing without clear view $109 3
own injuries, or damage
Failing to yield to a pedestrian $167 3
that you might cause to
your vehicle, or to other Using an electronic device (effective $368 4
people or property. June 1, 2016)
Need more information?
Call 1-800-950-1498 or Total $1254 21
visit icbc.com.
* Fine includes the 15 per cent victim surcharge levy. Your passenger
would also have received a $167 fine if he had refused to wear his
seatbelt. (If your passenger had been under 16, you would have received
the fine.) Most fines may be reduced by $25 if paid within 30 days.
In addition to any fines at the time of your driving offences, you

would also receive a driver penalty point bill from ICBC. The bill
is based on the number of points you have accumulated during
the year, and is issued because people with driving offences are
more likely to be involved in a crash. Your 17 points would cost
you over $2,500 on your driver penalty point bill.
You will pay a Driver Risk Premium (DRP) if you have:
• one or more Criminal Code driving convictions and/or
10-point Motor Vehicle Act convictions, and/or
154
• one or more excessive speeding convictions, and/or

• two or more roadside suspensions.
The DRP is assessed and calculated based on your offences
over a three-year period, and applies to offences that occurred
on or after January 1, 2008.
A bad driving record may also result in driver improvement
action, including warning letters and driving prohibitions.
The threshold for intervention is more stringent for drivers in
the Graduated Licensing Program.
Driver Improvement Program

driving tip
RoadSafetyBC is responsible for the Driver Improvement
For more information on Program, although ICBC carries out some of the administration.
the Driver Improvement
Program, please read Any time a driving offence is entered on a record, that record
the Driver Improvement is reviewed under guidelines specified by RoadSafetyBC. Every
Policies and Guidelines case is looked at on an individual basis. If the driver continues
on the RoadSafetyBC to drive unsafely and is convicted of more offences:
website.
• the driver may get a warning letter that he or she could lose
their driving privileges unless there is improvement.
• the driver could be placed on probation. If there are more
driving offences during the probationary period, he or she
may be prohibited from driving for a specific period of time.
• if the driver rapidly accumulates offences, a driving
prohibition may be initiated without previous warnings.
Penalties for impaired driving

fast fact
Impaired driving remains one of the major causes of crashes
B.C. now has tougher in B.C. It kills more than 100 people each year and thousands
drinking and driving more are injured.
laws. You can count on
penalties adding up to You risk a lot by driving impaired. There are penalties under
$600 to over $4,000 — British Columbia’s Motor Vehicle Act and under the Criminal
even if it’s the first time Code of Canada.
you’re caught — and
more time off the road.
Immediate and severe penalties apply if:
For more information • you drive with a certain amount of alcohol or drugs in your
on B.C.’s impaired system, or
driving laws, go • you refuse to provide a breath sample.
to icbc.com, the
RoadSafetyBC website As well, the penalties become more severe for repeat offences.
and the Justice Laws
Website. Note: You may be prohibited if a police officer considers your
ability to drive to be affected by alcohol or drugs. You do not
have to have a BAC level of over .08 or a BDC of 2 nanograms
or more THC.
155
Criminal Code penalties

If you’re convicted of a Criminal Code driving offence for
impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, you’re looking at
some very serious penalties which could include lifetime driving
prohibitions and time in jail.
Driving while impaired Impaired Impaired

or Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) driving driving
over .08 or refusal to provide sample causing causing
bodily death
1st Offence 2nd Offence 3rd Offence harm
Prohibition
3 years –
from 1–3 years 2–5 years Up to 10 years Up to lifetime
lifetime
driving
$1,000 No No
Fine No maximum No maximum
and up maximum maximum
30 days 4 months Up to life
Jail 0–5 years Up to 10 years
– 5 years – 5 years imprisonment
Graduated Licensing Program

Penalties are strict when you are in GLP. If you violate the zero
blood alcohol or zero blood drug concentration restriction, you
may be subject to various penalties, including an immediate
roadside suspension or prohibition, a fine, driver penalty points
and/or having your vehicle impounded.
The suspension or prohibition and the penalty points will be
recorded on your driving record and may lead to a much longer
fast fact driving prohibition.
If you are prohibited More violations could lead to an even longer prohibition period.
from driving during
your N stage, you will If you are prohibited from driving during the novice stage, you
lose any time you have will lose any time you have accumulated toward graduating
accumulated toward out of GLP. This means that once your licence is reinstated
graduating out of the after a prohibition, you start at the beginning of the novice
Graduated Licensing
Program. In other words,
stage again, and you will need to be prohibition-free for 24
the clock is reset to zero. consecutive months before you’re eligible to take the road test
to exit GLP.
Other costs of impaired driving

Besides the penalties listed above, there are still other costs
fast fact involved if you are caught driving while impaired:
Money — if you are convicted of impaired driving and you
If you drive while
prohibited, you may cause a crash, your insurance claim could be denied, including
face significant penalties claims for damage that you might cause to your vehicle, or to
including a stiff fine other people or property. You could be responsible for paying
and jail. all these costs. As well, your insurance rates will increase and
you will receive a driver penalty bill.
156
Job — an impaired driving conviction can prevent you from

holding certain jobs.
Travel — an impaired conviction could create problems for
you when travelling to certain countries, including the U.S.
and Mexico.
Vehicle impoundment
In addition to impounding vehicles operated by impaired
drivers, police can also impound the vehicle you are driving if
you are caught committing any of the following offences:
• driving while unlicensed
• driving while suspended or prohibited
• excessive speeding (40 km/h or more over the posted limit)
• street racing or stunt driving
• riding (or allowing a passenger to ride) while improperly
seated.
Police can immediately impound the vehicle for seven days,
which could escalate to 30 or 60 days for repeat offenders. The
owner is then required to pay the vehicle towing and storage
fees to get their vehicle back.
It’s important for vehicle owners to understand that they are
responsible for making sure that only licensed drivers use their
vehicles. For example, if an employer allows a prohibited or
unlicensed driver use of a company vehicle, the vehicle could
be impounded.
Driving in other locations

Do you like to travel? You need to be aware that rules, signs
and traffic controls can change when you cross a border. If you
drive in another country, particularly overseas, you may find
yourself driving on the left side of the road, going around a
driving tip complex roundabout or looking at unfamiliar traffic signs. To
be a safe driver, think ahead and find out the driving rules of
Check to make sure
your vehicle insurance
the area you’re travelling to. You may be able to find out some
will cover you before you information from guidebooks. The Internet is making it easier to
leave Canada. learn about driving in other jurisdictions (see chapter 10, need
to know more?).
157
Being a life-long learner

Some people stop learning as soon as they pass their test.
You may know people who still drive the same way now as
they did when they got their driver’s licence many years ago.
This may not be safe because even if their driving skills and
knowledge haven’t changed, other things have. Road signs may
be different now. Traffic has probably increased. Vehicles have
changed — the car they are driving now may be quite different
from the one they learned to drive on.
In your driving career, you may take on additional driving
challenges such as towing a trailer or driving a large recreational
vehicle. You will need to get information to help you know
how to drive safely. You may decide to take driving lessons or
practise with a driver experienced in this type of driving.
Even if you do not change the type of vehicle you drive, your
driving will probably change with age and experience. Research
shows that it takes about five years for new drivers to develop
into fully experienced drivers who are able to do several
driving tasks at once. But after that, people still need to work at
keeping their driving skills sharp and up-to-date if they want to
be safe on the road.
Strategies: sharpening your skills

Here are some ways to help you keep sharp and
up-to-date:
• Use feedback. Ask a friend to watch your driving and
give you some suggestions for improvement.
• Know your vehicle. Make sure you know all the controls
of any vehicle you drive. The owner’s manual is a good
place to start.
• Keep up with the driving guides. Pick up a copy of the
current guide to make sure you are up-to-date.
• Take advanced training. You may decide to take a
course in defensive driving skills or a refresher course.
• Know yourself. You may experience physical and mental
changes that affect your driving. Be aware of your
condition. Regular medical checkups will help.
158
10 more information
Licensing information
Contact the nearest driver licensing office to get information on
licensing classifications and requirements.
For general information call:
• Greater Victoria: 250-978-8300
• Toll-free throughout B.C.: 1-800-950-1498
Booking road tests

• Book online at icbc.com/roadtests or
• Book by phone 604-661-2255 (Metro Vancouver) or
1-888-715-7775 (Toll Free), Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
More information
• To report a claim, call Dial-a-Claim 24/7 at:
• 604-520-8222 (Lower Mainland)
• 1-800-910-4222 (elsewhere in B.C., Canada or U.S.)
If you’ve had a crash with no injuries, or want to report
vandalism or theft from your vehicle, you can do that quickly
and easily anytime online at icbc.com.
• For general inquiries, call ICBC Customer Services at:
• 604-661-2800 (Lower Mainland)
• 1-800-663-3051 (elsewhere in B.C., Canada or U.S.)
• Translation services available.
• Used vehicle information:
Visit icbc.com or call 1-800-464-5050 for information
on buying a used vehicle and to get a Vehicle Claims
History Report.
159
Website addresses
• ICBC: icbc.com
• Justice Laws: www.laws.justice.gc.ca
• Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure:
www.gov.bc.ca/tran
• Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General:
www.gov.bc.ca/pssg
• RoadSafetyBC:
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-
cycling
Internet
Use the Internet to find out more information on driving.
Here are a few key words you might want to use in your search:
• safe driving
• driver psychology
• traffic signs
• pedestrian safety
• teenagers and driving
• bicycle and motorcycle safety
• road rage
• trucking safety
• driving education
• railway safety.
160
Index
A Crash fact...... 11, 13, 62, 69, 101, 103, 105, 106,
107
Accelerator....................................................... 21
Crosswalks....... See Pedestrian and Intersections
sticking gas pedal....................................... 128
Cruise control................................................... 20
Address change............................................. 148
Cul-de-sacs....................................................... 57
Aggression............................................. 110–112
Curves.............................................................. 71
Airbags....................................................... 16, 72
Cyclists....................................................... 85–88
Alcohol................103–105, See also Impairment
bicycle lanes.................................................. 53
Animals................................................... 129–130
communication............................................. 87
Automatic transmission.............................. 18–19
observing for cyclists................................85-86
B right-of-way rules.......................................... 86
Backing up....................................................... 62 shoulder check.............................................. 86
Blind spots................................................. 61, 90 space margins............................................... 87
Brakes
D
anti-lock brakes (ABS)........................... 22, 116
Decision-making.......................................... 6–10
brake failure........................................ 126–127
Driver Improvement Program........................ 154
brake pedal................................................... 21
Driver Penalty Points (DPP)............................ 153
parking brake................................................ 19
Driver Risk Premium (DRP)............................. 153
Braking............................................................. 69
Driving lessons............................................... 145
covering the brake........................................ 69
Drugs....................105–106 See also Impairment
emergency braking............................. 116–117
stopping distance................................... 73–74 E
Buses
Emergencies
public transit................................................. 93
collision avoidance.............................. 130–131
school............................................................ 92
crash scene......................................... 132–133
C preparing for............................................... 115

Emergency vehicles................................... 93–94
Cellphones..................................................... 101
Emergency workers.................................... 94–95
Centre of gravity.............................................. 70
Emotions................................................ 102–103
Child restraints........................................... 15–16
Engine failure................................................. 127
Clutch........................................See Transmission
Environment............................................... 26–27
Commercial vehicles.............. See Large vehicles
Communication.......................................... 76–79 F
eye contact................................................... 78
Fitness.................................................. 6, 99–103
horn............................................................... 78
alertness...................................................... 100
lights........................................................ 77–78
fatigue......................................................... 100
turn signals.............................................. 76–77
health.......................................................... 100
Construction zones.................................... 95–96
Following distance................ See Space margins
Control panel............................................. 22–23
Freeway entrance and exit lanes.........See Lanes
Crashes..................................... See Emergencies
161
index
G traffic circles.................................................. 46
Gap....................................... See Space Margins traffic lights.............................................. 43–45
Gearshift........................................................... 18 two-way stops............................................... 45
Glare.................................................... See Vision uncontrolled............................................ 41–42
Graduated Licensing Program (GLP)............. 136 yield signs..................................................... 46
conditions................................................... 138
J
penalties.............................................. 140–141
Judgment........................................................... 6
Gravity.............................................................. 70
K
H
Knowledge test..................................... See Tests
Hand signal...................................................... 77
Hazard lights.............................................. 20, 78 L
Hazard perception..................................... 63–65
Lane position......................... See Space margins
practising for tests....................................... 142
Lanes
Hazards
bicycle lanes.................................................. 53
poor road conditions.................................... 65
bus lanes....................................................... 53
space conflicts............................................... 64
freeway entrance and exit lanes............. 55–56
surprises........................................................ 64
HOV lanes............................................... 52–53
vision blocks.................................................. 65
lane tracking............................................ 49–50
Headlights.............................. See Lights, vehicle
merging......................................................... 55
Head restraints................................................. 13
passing lanes........................................... 54–55
Hills
pulling into a lane................................... 53–54
parking.......................................................... 58
reserved lane markings................................. 40
Horn.................................... See Communication
reserved lanes......................................... 52–53
Horses.............................................................. 98
reserved lane signs....................................... 32
HOV lanes............................................See Lanes
turning lanes........................................... 51–52
Hydroplaning......................................... 120–121
Large vehicles............................................ 90–91
I blind spots.............................................. 90–91
communication............................................. 91
Ignition switch.................................................. 18
following distance......................................... 90
Impairment............................................. 103–106
passing.................................................... 90–91
penalties.............................................. 153–155
space margins......................................... 90–91
Inertia......................................................... 70–71
turbulence..................................................... 91
Insurance........................................................ 152
Learning to drive........................................ 7, 135
Intersections............................................... 41–48
Licences
controlled...................................................... 41
address change........................................... 148
four-way stops............................................... 46
Class 5................................................. 141–143
right-of-way............................................. 43–48
Class 7 (Novice)................................... 138–141
roundabouts............................................ 47–48
Enhanced driver’s licence........................... 147
stopping at intersections.............................. 42
162
index
learner’s licence................................... 137–138 Organ Donor Registry.................................... 113

licence classes..................................... 149–150
name change.............................................. 148
P
new B.C. residents...................................... 146 Parking
re-examination............................................ 147 parking signs................................................. 32
renewing or replacing................................. 148 rules............................................................... 58
Lights, vehicle...................................... 20, 77–78 Parking brake..................................... See Brakes
headlight failure.......................................... 128 Passengers....................................... 11, 108–109
headlights........................................... 124–125 Passing..................................... 54–55, 86, 89, 90
Pedestrians................................................. 83–85
M crosswalks and intersections......................... 83
Maintenance pedestrians with disabilities.......................... 84
periodic check......................................... 24–26 right-of-way rules.......................................... 85
pre-trip check................................................ 24 school zones and playgrounds..................... 84
preparations for winter................................. 26 Peer pressure................................... 10, 107–108
Media influences.............................................. 10 Penalties for unsafe driving.................... 153–154
Medications..................105 See also Impairment Periodic check.......................... See Maintenance
Merging................................................See Lanes Plan ahead......................................................... 8
Mirrors....................................... See Observation Point of no return............................................. 43
Motorcycles................................................ 88–89 Pre-trip check........................... See Maintenance
communication............................................. 89 Predicting....................................................... 8–9
observing for motorcycles...................... 88–89
space margins............................................... 89
R
Railway crossings..................................See Trains
N Re-examinations............................................. 147
Name change................................................. 148 Renewing or replacing licences..................... 148
New B.C. residents........................................ 146 Reserved lanes.....................................See Lanes
Night driving.......................................... 124–125 Responsibility............................................. 10–12
Right-of-way rules...................................... 43–48
O Risk
Observation............................................... 59–63 assessing risk........................................... 66–67
ahead............................................................ 60 choosing solutions.................................. 67–68
at intersections........................................ 62–63 managing risk.......................................... 66–67
backing up.................................................... 62 penalties...............................................153-156
behind..................................................... 61–62 taking risks.......................................... 106–107
blind spots........................................ 61, 90–91 Road markings........................................... 38–40
mirrors..................................................... 17, 61 Road rage............................................... 110–112
observation cycle.......................................... 60 Roundabouts.............................................. 47–48
scanning........................................................ 60
shoulder checks...................................... 61–62
163
index
S Traffic signals.................................. 36–37, 43–45

Scanning...................................See Observations Traffic signs................................................. 29–36
School buses........................................See Buses Trains.......................................................... 96–98
School zones.............................................. 31, 84 railway signs.................................................. 36
Seatbelts.................................................... 11, 14 Transmission
Seeing................................................. See Vision automatic................................................ 18–19
See-Think-Do............................................. 59–79 clutch pedal.................................................. 22
Shoulder checks........................ See Observation standard.................................................. 18–19
Signalling.............................................. 41, 77–78 Trucks..................................... See Large vehicles
Signals......................................See Traffic signals Turbulence............................................... 91, 124
Signs........................................... See Traffic signs Turn signals......................... See Communication
Skids............................................................... 117 Turning around................................................. 57
Space margins............................................ 72–75
U
escape route................................................. 74
U-turns.............................................................. 52
following distance................................... 72–74
gap................................................................ 75 V
lane position................................................. 74
Vehicle impoundment.................................... 156
space beside................................................. 74
Vision
stopping distance................................... 72–73
central and peripheral................................... 60
tailgating................................................. 72, 74
glare and shadows...................................... 119
Speed control............................................. 69–71
low-visibility conditions....................... 118–119
speed limits................................................... 69
seeing............................................................ 99
Standard transmission................................ 18–19
test...................................................... 137–138
Steering...................................................... 71–72
Stopping...................................See Intersections W
Stress...................................... See also Emotions Weather conditions................................ 118–123
ice and snow....................................... 121–123
T
rain...................................................... 120–121
Tailgating............................... See Space margins
Tests Y
Class 5 road test................................. 141–142 Yielding...................................................... 46–48
Class 7 road test......................................... 139
knowledge test........................................... 137
preparing for road tests.............................. 142
vision and medical...................................... 138
Tires
maintenance................................................. 25
tire blowout................................................. 126
Traction....................................................... 69–70
Traffic circles..............................See Intersections
164
About the knowledge test
As mentioned in chapter 9, your licence, the knowledge test
is taken at any of our driver licensing locations and is usually
done on a computer terminal. Here are a few more helpful
things you should know when taking a knowledge test on a
computer terminal:
• Start the test — If the screen is black (i.e. just has a floating
number), please touch the screen to activate it.
• Skip feature — During the test you will see an option to skip
a question. If you find a question difficult, hit the skip button.
Depending on your score, you may or may not see this
question again. The question will appear again at the end
of the test. You may skip through all of the questions up to
two times.
• Status feature — You can always check the bottom of your
screen to see how you are doing. Test will end when you
have correctly answered the required amount of questions or
exceeded the number of incorrect answers allowed, the test
will be complete.
• Clarify — If you are taking a passenger vehicle or motorcycle
test, you may ask a staff member to help better explain
a question you may not understand. We won’t give you
any hints but sometimes it helps to hear the question in a
different way.
• After the test — You will be advised what to do after you
complete the test.
It is normal to have some “anxiety” before taking the knowledge
test and it is often produced by a fear of the unknown. Here are
some suggestions to help with reducing anxiety:
1. Be prepared by following a study plan. Spread out studying
the material over a few weeks — don’t try to learn everything
the night before. It’s natural to panic when you know you’ll
be cramming for the test. There is no substitute for knowing
the material.
2. Study with a purpose in mind and don’t just read the
material. Be clear about what you need to know, and
what information you want to learn in each study session.
Highlight key points and write down specific information you
may need to recall on the test.
3. Get used to the test. Become familiar with the instructions
and the format of the questions. Along with reading this
guide, keep taking the online practice test as it’s one of
the best ways to prepare. Although you may see some
repeats, there’s almost 200 questions for you to learn. Take
several practice tests, ideally at the same time of day that
you will take the actual test. Review material that you’re not
completely comfortable with.
168
4. Get a good sleep before the test. Arrive early to give yourself
time to relax and get used to the surroundings. Avoid going
over the material just before the test. Focus on relaxing
at this point. Breathe slowly and deeply, relax any tense
muscles, stretch, and shift your attention away from any
anxious thoughts that might be creeping in. If you start to
feel anxious at any point during the test, take a deep breath,
hold it for a couple of seconds and then slowly exhale.
5. Read each question slowly and carefully. Don’t try to answer
a question until you understand what it is asking. Take time
to choose the correct answer — avoid impulsive responding.
Taking the time to think improves your performance and also
helps to reduce anxiety.
If you don’t pass the test, don’t beat yourself up. Everyone
has good days and bad days. Reflect on how you can better
prepare for the next time. And remember, anxiety is not
something that controls you, you can manage it — you’re in the
driver’s seat.
About your road test

The Class 5 and 7 road tests are designed to ensure that drivers
know and understand the rules of the road and can drive safely
on our roads.
Before the road test, the driver examiner will introduce
themselves to you and say a few friendly words. He or she will
then explain what will happen during the road test including
manoeuvres that you will be asked to complete. You will then
be given an opportunity to ask any questions.
During the road test, the driver examiner will remain quiet
except to give you directions or notify you of a situation that
requires your attention. Ongoing discussion during a road test
may distract you. The driver examiner will not try to trick you
or ask you to do anything illegal. If you are not clear about
directions, be sure to ask the driver examiner for clarification.
Keep in mind that the driver examiner is not there to teach you
or coach you through the road test. They are there to evaluate
your driving against criteria based on safe driving practices and
the rules of the road.
At the end of the test, the driver examiner will advise you of
your road test results and give suggestions to further improve
your driving. You may also ask your driver examiner to advise
your supervisor of these results and suggestions.
169
Examiners’ tips for passing the
Class 5 and 7 road tests
Here are some tips from driver examiners on how to prepare to
pass these tests:
• Keep to the posted speed limits. Don’t try to keep up with
speeding traffic.
• Watch for school and playground zones. Speeding through
school and playground zones is a common reason for drivers
to fail their test.
• Make full stops at stop signs, and make sure you stop in the
correct position. When it’s safe to move out, pull out slowly,
scanning the intersection.
• When turning right, shoulder check to the right to ensure
there are no cyclists, pedestrians or other road users
heading straight through the intersection (and therefore
into your path).
• Mirror check, signal and shoulder check whenever you
change lanes or direction.
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Scan intersections before driving through, even if the light is
green when you approach.
• When merging onto a highway, use the acceleration lane to
get up to the speed of the highway traffic, while remaining
within the speed limit. The rest of the manoeuvre is a lane
change.
• Practise all the manoeuvres you may be asked to do as part
of your road test, including parallel parking, parking on a hill,
and 2- and 3-point turns.
• If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! We’ll be
happy to answer them before you start your road test.
170
Identification (ID)
Every time you go to a driver licensing office, you’ll need to take one piece of primary ID and one
piece of secondary ID. The list in the table below shows the most common types of ID. Identification
requirements are subject to change. Please see icbc.com/acceptedID for a current list of accepted ID.
Getting your first licence?

Your Canadian Birth Certificate or Citizenship Card along with a photo student card is usually all the ID
you need to bring.
New to B.C.?
Ensure you provide one primary and one secondary piece of ID from the list below and remember to
bring your non-BC licence.
Has your name changed since birth?

Driver licences and B.C. Identification cards are issued in legal name only. If your name differs from that
shown on your primary identification, you will also need to provide ALL name change documents to
link back to your primary ID. Photocopies are not accepted. The only exception is a photocopy that is
certified as a true copy by the government agency that issued it.
One piece primary ID

B.C. Driver’s Licence (BCDL) BC Services Card with photo (Standalone or Combo)
(Must not be expired more than 3 years)
B.C. Identification Card (BCID) Canadian Birth Certificate (Baptismal and Live Birth
(Must not be expired more than 3 years) Certificates are not acceptable)
Certificate of Canadian Citizenship Canadian Passport (Must be valid and in full legal name)
Canadian Record of Landing (Some exceptions apply) Permanent Resident Card (Must be valid)
Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) Student, Work, Visitor or Temporary-resident Permit
(IMM1442) (Must be valid)
One piece secondary ID

Bank Card (Both your imprinted name and signature must BC Services Card (Non-photo)
appear on the card)
Birth Certificate from foreign country Canadian Forces Identification
Marriage Certificate (Issued by a vital statistic agency, Credit Card (Both your imprinted name and signature
religious organization or marriage commissioner) must appear on the card)
Department of National Defence 404 Driver’s Licence Driver’s Licence (Canadian or U.S.)
Employee ID Card with Photo Health Card issued by a Canadian Province or Territory
Legal Name Change Certificate (Issued by Canadian Native Status Card
Court or Canadian Provincial Vital Statistics Agency)
Nexus Card Passport (Canadian or Foreign)
Student Card or ID (Current year, name and photo
must be imprinted)
If you were born outside Canada and do not have any of the required primary identification documents,
please contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at 1-888-242-2100.
Vehicle Checklist
You need to bring a safe, reliable vehicle for your road
test. If it isn’t safe or doesn’t meet legal requirements,
we may have to cancel your test.
10 most common reasons a vehicle might

not be accepted for a road test:
1. Dash warning lights (for example, air bag) that
affect the safe operation of the vehicle
2. Brake lights, signal lights or headlights not
working or with badly cracked or missing lenses
3. Unsafe tires
4. Doors or windows not operating (for example,
doors don’t open from inside)
5. Cracked or illegally tinted windshield or windows
6. Horn not working
7. Gas tank or electric charge too low
8. Vehicle not properly licensed or insured
9. Seatbelts not working or frayed
10. Unsafe or illegal vehicle modifications
MV2075 (062019)

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learn to drive smart

your guide to driving safely

For the road tests you need:

Study + Practice = Success

Retest wait periods

© 2015, 2000 Insurance Corporation of British Columbia

Using this guide........................................................................... 1

Developing your smart driving skills

Chapter 2 You and your vehicle................................................................. 13

Chapter 3 Signs, signals and road markings.............................................. 29

Chapter 4 Rules of the road....................................................................... 41

Applying your smart driving skills

Chapter 7 Personal strategies.................................................................... 99

Chapter 8 Emergency strategies.............................................................. 115

References and resources

Chapter 10 More information.................................................................... 159

Examiners’ tips........................................................................ 170

Identification (ID)..................................................................... 171

This guide is designed for:

Are you ready to take the knowledge test?

risk group. This guide provides driving

Getting the most from this guide

Chapters 1 to 5: developing your smart driving

Chapters 6 to 8: applying your smart driving skills

developing your smart driving skills

four-way stops — when there are stop signs at all corners:

Prepare yourself when

46 Physics and driving

Sidebar Main column

Driving gives you the freedom to get around — but it also

You have to make many choices as a driver. You have to choose

Focus on your driving? or Focus on the argument?

You need to be in good shape to drive — alert and able to

Make good decisions

You in the driver’s seat – part 3

Take the time to learn

You’re reading this guide to learn about driving. This is the

Plan your driving

You in the driver’s seat – part 4

Keep to the speed limit

Part of good driving is planning ahead. This means planning

Predict the scene

You in the driver’s seat – part 5

As a driver, you need to be aware of cues in the driving

Think for yourself

You in the driver’s seat – part 6

Another part of making good choices is knowing yourself and

Influences from the media — think of the images of cars and

You, the driver

You in the driver’s seat – part 7

Slow down and stay Try to pass the truck even

It’s important to know and accept the limits of your driving

crash fact You in the driver’s seat – part 8

Source: Police Traffic

Don’t say anything

You’re responsible for the safety of your passengers. Make sure

Other road users

Winding road Hidden side road Curve ahead — Merging traffic