Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Just passed my B.C Driving Test this morning. :eek: What a relief...
Passed the theory test a few weeks ago but the driving instructor stumped me before we even set off my asking me to show him the emergency hand signals (completely forgot what the right turn was - doh!). Anyway rest of the test went fine and after an hour of sweaty palms i got my B.C. driving licence (and more importantly got my UK licence back - which they keep if you fail!).

If anybody needs any advice or tips i have been through the process and have the examiners score sheet results which shows what they assess.:thumbsup: I did an un-scheduled test in Victoria i.e. you just queue up at the centre first thing in the morning and wait for a vacant spot (about a 2 hour wait).

Good luck to anyone who needs to take the test, and remember - shoulder check, shoulder check, shoulder check.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Hi
Congrats, :):thumbsup:
We were over the moon when we passed ours,seemed like the first hurdle was over.
chgeers
jerry

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

congratulations! quite a few of us have been doing the licencing thing very recently......and you were lucky..in Kelowna ( the Okanagan region of BC) i had a 6-7 week wait till i could do my on road drivers test!

Now i am preparing for my unrestricted class 4 licence! am i a glutten for punishment or what:rofl:

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Congratulations. Another box ticked. I will drive more carefully next time I am in Victoria ;)

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Hi Lancashire Lad

Many congratulations. My husband and I are hoping to land in Vancouver in Sept/Oct and the first thing we need to do is pass our BC driving test. Is it true that if you use an automatic car for the test you can only drive an automatic car? I'd much prefer a gear stick. Any advice would be great.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

:thumbsup:Ihope you dont mind me asking but could you please give my hubby some advise as we are going in september and he hasnt had a driving test since he was 17 and he is 37 now.I hope you can help thanks.:thumbup:

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Hi
We're in BC - Kelowna - right now, and OH has his test in three weeks, so if there's any way you can get us a copy of the assessment, we'd be mighty grateful.
Thanks
Sharon

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

No.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

haven't heard that..i just did mine and there was no mention whatsoever about it..:)

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

hope i am not cutting in here! ...........;)

for me the biggest hurdle was getting used to the driving on the other side of the ride...back in Australia i even drove buses etc...and through the heart of the capital city in peak hr traffic..so i am not a scaredy cat driver. however i was completely out of my element for driving on the other side of the road.....some things i would suggest is...go to ICBC and get the road drivers manual...~.. drive as much as possible...to get used to it.....also..many are taking a one hr or so ..driving trip with a driving school b4 there actual driving test..to just fine tune some things to ensure they pass. if you dont' pass...then you have to give up your current licence and you receive a Learners permit. means you cannot drive anywhere on your own. you are able to be retested a week later however.

once you pass you get your current licence back. Also before you do the road test you have to sit for a knowledge test!( so study that book :cool:)

i wasn't all that impressed when i first heard i had to go through all this myself. however in the long run i can see it has been better for me and the (canadian people:p) but also i get to keep my australian licence! which is a big bonus as it is a bus licence and last thing i want to do is go through all that again back in Oz.~ i am now preparing for my bus licence here! am i enjoying that! no way.....:rofl:

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Well done mate. :thumbup:

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Any tips greatly received. Someone wrongly told us that we didn't need to take a test so we have to get it sorted pretty quick.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

The theory test is pretty straight forward - read the Roadsense book they give you and you'll pass. For practise, the richmond library website has a good bank of questions as does the icbc site.

For the actual driving test the 3 basic things they'll look for are shoulder check, complete stop at stop sign, speed in school zones. Unless you break one of these, or do something really stupid, they'll pass you. I would recommend driving round the test area to see where the school zones are.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

I resemble that remark! Stupid pedestrians unmarked crosswalks blah blah blah. Anyway, next time I'm taking it at what will hopefully be a less busy time; my first test was from 3:30 - 4:30 and there was a lot more traffic around then there had been while I was doing my lessons.

Also, it makes sense to get as much practice in those first three months as you can legally hire and drive a car. We didn't do this of course. Fortunately for me, the Mrs is a lot less hopeless at driving.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

My UK partner will need to get his licence sorted soon. Do you take the computer knowledge test and the road test on the same day? Do you have to have some weeks in between the knowlege and road test? If you have a UK licence can you do both knowlege and road on the same day? Thanks for any suggestions.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

You have to pass the knowledge test before you can apply for your road test. The wait between the two will depend on where you are - it can be several months, but you can usually bring that forward by looking out for cancellations.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Check out the ICBC website - they have nearly all the details you need. http://www.icbc.com/licensing/

If on a work permit you can only drive on a UK license for 3 months. But if on a tourist visa you can drive for 6 months.

Anyway, you do your theory test at one of their many centres, and then once you pass you can book a road test.

They don't differentiate between stick and auto here, so you can do your test in a auto and then drive a stick - CRAZY.

We had to wait ages for our road tests as we wanted them consequently, so make sure that you book them ASAP so your 3 months don't expire. In the end a co-worker had to officially drive the car to the test centre for us as our UK licenses had expired.

OH failed (SUSH -big secret as he's a traffic engineer!) so he had a couple of lessons before passing the second time.

One problem for us was that we don't own a car, but still use them for work and hire them for weekends away etc. We rented a car for the test, but apparently this isn't allowed. Luckily we had gone with an independent rental car company who the examiner hadn't heard of. She kept on and on asking if they had given permission for us to use the car for the test - we both lied and said yes. If we had gone with AVIS or HERTZ etc. she would have known that we couldn't use the car.

OH did 2nd test in instructors’ car.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

OK. now no laughing :rofl: at the number of errors on my skills sheet - but here is the copy of my test results and the guidance document. I PASSED REMEMBER and also didn't take any lessons (only because of the 4-6 weeks waiting time for an instructor - I did plan to take a few lessons) so hence i did get marked down for a few things; for ending in the wrong lane when turning left (I've developed a habit of naturally navigating to the right hand lane when turning left onto a dual carriage way to get out of the way of the boy racers in big trucks normally driving up your backside) and also not taking a gap (i.e. in this case taking too long to make a right turn on a red light - I preferred to air on the side of caution in the test as they take you to all the blind spot junction areas to test you). As you will see my general driving was OK (only 1 general driving error from a possible 9 allowed). So they test 12 left turns, 12 right turns, 12 straight throughs, and then general observation, space margins, speed, steering and communication.

The biggest thing (as with taking the test in the UK) is to be seen to be continually checking mirrors, shoulder checking on all turns, scanning intersections (left, right, straight on, left again, etc) and slow down around schools (if it's a school day - a lot simpler when the schools are on holidays :thumbsup:).

We got two books from ICBC (both free :)) 'Roadsense for Drivers' is like the highway code and covers all the info for the Theory Test and once you have that you can request 'Tuning up for Drivers'. Theory Tests can be taken anytime at any ICBC office - 30 minute time limit. Good Tip - You can 'pass' on questions during the test and it doesn't affect your score (I presumed you would come back to them but it didn't).

In Victoria the ICBC test centre takes both cancellations and also unscheduled appointments. i.e. you turn up an hour before they open and queue up outside to take a place in the unscheduled queue. I only had to wait two hours for my test spot (better than 2 months for a scheduled appointment).

We bought a second hand car after a few weeks on the island and I would recommend people to get a car and get out their and drive around to get used to road conditions, rules, etc. It seems like about 90% of the cars here are automatic so the whole stick v auto debate is dictated by available vehicles. I didn't find making the transition too difficult.

Hope the above helps and good luck to everyone who has to go through the same things. I've now got to go through the whole thing again for my bike :curse: Theory & Practical despite having had a UK bike licence for 10 years and passing my B.C car....

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

I learnt to drive in London so was parinoid about being too aggressive on the streets of North Van - turns out that I was too causious and told that I needed to be more aggressive, but still passed!

I was actually told off during test for slowing down when someone pulld out in front of me - crazy.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

wow!~~ it realy does go to show doesn't it..that whilst there is an over all guidelines that the examiner has to adhere to...some is at there discretion too.~ i had to stop not once but twice for pedestrians who walked out in front of me..just taking there sweet time across the road! and another for a car who pulled straight in front of me!

however i do believe that they do want us to pass...and not out to get us as such.......(not that i am saying you are saying that) is just a thought and something someone said to me once.;)

I am so glad i took my test back in kelowna....as i am a tad confused over here at the moment.~.so if anyone is driving round the Duncan/Nanaimo area and sees a woman in a stealth green pontiac..looking slightly :eek:confused as to where she is going!! odds are it is me...LOL...:eek:

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

:rofl::rofl: Hi Hi.... I have a Swiss licence and dont have to take the test :thumbsup::thumbsup: This is so called " schaden freude " :curse:

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

I managed to confuse a give way sign with a merge sign, and still passed! Lucky nothing was coming :rofl:

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

OK...Here is our situation with this. My UK partner landed here June 14th, 2007. We went in to the local BC Access to get his theory test and they would not accept his carbon copy of his PR as a primary form of ID. They would only accept his real PR card. We assume that it is coming soon...The crux of this all is that he can't take the theory test until he has his PR card and then after he takes his theory he can then and only then book the driver's test and that is now backed up to October. (We are here in Vernon, in the North Okanagan). So, even if everything went perfectly, we have to wait 6 weeks to get the PR card, then he has to do the theory and then he has to wait 3 months to take the road test...So how is he supposed to squeeze 4 and a half months worth of waiting for the PR card and then taking the theory and then the road test in the required 3 months that is allowed to convert a UK licence to a BC licence. Just wondered if anyone is having the same problem with their PR carbon copy not being good enough identification. If there is a problem then maybe 6 months needs to be allowed to a)get the pr card b) take the theory test and c) take the road test...The math just isn't there...

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

We are just on work permits out here so no PR card - carbon or not.

I can't remember exactly what we used for ID but I assume it was our UK passport and our UK driving licenses, and potentially a bank statement when we sat our theory tests. It was definately the UK driving license as one piece though as the guy dealing with my OH got confused and tried to take it off him as he thought we had been here over the 3 months and it had expired. As OH looks about 17 he needed it for ID otherwise it would have been a case of taking passport to the pub a liquor store.

You don't need to be a PR to do a driving test in BC so I don't know why that is stopping him unless he doesn't have 2 other pieces of ID.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

when you go for your computer knowledge test you receive a piece of paper that is essentialy like a ..oh god i have forgotten what she called it now...it isn't a *licence* perse..but it is kind of....you have to keep that on you at all times when driving.....till you go for your actual driving test.

because of the time limit and waiting times for my drivers road test i was going to be over the time limit!..nothing was said to me about not being able to drive etc..on my australian licence and with that piece of paper because my 3 month time limit would run out.

now i hope someone can come along and explain it with a bit more of actual authority on the issue..because my understanding is..that once i did my knowledge test..and passed that..that i was in the system...and i had my driving test booked etc...so that had me covered!!!..?????!!!??????

of course if i failed the driving test then i would have had to hand in my australian licence and be a L driver till i passed.

i think just relax with it...many people get into that situation.also...it took just 2 weeks for me to get my PR card in the mail.so it shouldnt' be much longer till you get it..:)

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Oh also!!...when you pass your knowledge test in the ICBC office etc....that piece of paper you are given has your NEW BC drivers licence # on it...so if you need to talk with them..or you want to book your road test online.that is your licence number~ cheers!.:)

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Hi, I'm going to Vancouver in a couple of weeks, just waiting to get the PR visa on my passport, and want to take my test ASAP.......can I walk into ICBC on day one in Canada and take the theory test; once I have the theory test can I take the practical?......where's the quickest place to take it, I like the idea of queuing for two hrs and then taking the test.......is there anything I can do prior to arrival in BC to make things happen any quicker?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

You can take the theory test as soon as you arrive - although readin the book and doing some practice tests online first are important. There is an ICBC office in central Vancouver (on Robson) with the theory mahcines. You may need to allow a few hours as there may be queues. As soon as you pass the theory you can book a road test appointment.:thumbsup:

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Once you pass the theory test they give you a temporary driving license number and you get to choose your password.

With this you can log on to the ICBC driving test website and see what waiting times are like for ANY test centre in BC or look for cancellations.

Really good system.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Take your test mid-winter, there are far fewer tests booked :) I called the Kamloops test centre for a date and was asked 'today or tomorrow?' That was during January. I took and passed the car, then bike theory tests, then immediately took the car driving test. All done in an hour and a half.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

For anyone who has taken the test before March of 2007, things have really changed as there is now a Class 7 and a Class 5 level. So new drivers, the young teens actually have to take the test twice now. First they get their class 7 and then later on they get their Class 5....So you have twice as many teens going through the queue...So anyone trying to take a test now will have trouble booking it soon or even getting a driving lesson...Just passing on what is happening now in the North Okanagan.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Hey im going for my driving test in October and i was wondering if u would give me some pointers or tips or whatever you call them ok thanks and i was also wondering if u had that examiners score sheet results which shows what they assess. if i could get i copy of that if i can can u please e-mail it to me that would be great

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Well we had some fun with the whole taking your test within 90 days but it can be done more easily than you think if you are lucky.
We tried the ICBC in Kelowna twice and they just wouldn't let us do anything without our PR cards. The cards arrived two days ago and we have been here 6 weeks today.
As soon as they arrived we went down and my wife, who had studied the book, took her knowledge test and passed, they then offered her a cancellation date for next week but as they were checking it appeared that they had received several "no shows" so the guy said he could take her out then and there. So 45 minutes later she came back having passed with a smile from ear to ear, all over and done with in one afternoon.

I have only read to page 35 so far but must get on with it soon.

I did try and get a straight answer from them about going over the 90 days as surely if we had passed the theory and they couldn't fit us in it wasn't our fault. The woman said that it's unlikely you would get a ticket from the police but there could be an issue with your insurance but she couldn't confirm anything.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Well as insurance companies take any excuse not to pay out then I really wouldn't risk driving after the 90 days.

As ICBC does insurance AND driving tests, I might accept a letter from them saying this to cover myself.

Congrats to your wife, and good luck to you.

I'm still confused why myself and OH could sit the tests without PR cards, and yet you had to wait, and potentially invalidate your insurance.

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

congratulations to your wife! and good luck to you when your time comes...:)

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Hello all,

Can I just double check something. Am landing in BC in Sept but was not planning on getting Canadian driving license straight away, what with everything else to sort out eg home, job etc:D

Am I right in thinking if I don't take/pass the test in the first 3 months it just means I can't drive full stop after then (on my UK license) until I pass the BC test? There's no other implications I need to be aware of

CR

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

hmm i am not too sure about that..how it affects in that circumstance..i would suggest ringing the ICBC and asking them..best to be 100% sure than find out down the track you have to start from the begining..?

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Hi

You have 90 days, according to http://www.icbc.com/licensing/lic_re...lace_index.asp
Don't forget to get a letter from your insurer (not the broker) as to the number of claim free years, if you want to get the discount http://www.icbc.com/insurance/insura...uy_moving2.asp

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

thanks for posting ~ that is my understanding too..however i think the person was enquiring..what happens if you DONT take your test within the 90 days...? what can occur...? does it mean you have to start from the beginning again..as in...L then N etc....before you get your car licence..or can you just not drive..until you go in and take your knowledge test and drivers exam..?
( hope i am explaining that right)

Re: Passing the B.C Driving Test
 

Yeah - that's sort of what I was getting at. It seems if you still have your UK licence within the 3 months you can stroll up (well sort of) and take the tests, but if it's outside of the 3 months do you have to do/prove anything else?

Cheers

CR