Preparing for your driver's licence road test
Your road test will include a pre-trip check, on-road manoeuvres and the feedback session with the driver examiner. B.C. driver licensing tests are based on research. They are thorough and comprehensive.
About your examiner
Your driver examiner is trained to administer tests in the same way to each driver. They use score sheets to track results and ensure that drivers across the province are tested fairly. Take a look at examiners' tips for passing the road test.
Preparing for your test
To prepare for your road test:
- Use Tuning Up for Drivers to work through the lessons.
- Review Learn to Drive Smart for the rules and regulations of driving in B.C., including road signs and traffic signals.
- Learn from an experienced driver you know or through driver training
Are you ready? If so, book a road test online.
Test your knowledge online
Test your knowledge by taking our online quizzes! They'll help prepare you for your test.
Parts of the road test
The road test is made up of 3 parts.
| Part of road test | Description |
| Part 1 | Pre-trip check. Be prepared to do a pre-trip check with your examiner. Learn more » |
| Part 2 | On-road manoeuvres test. During the road test, the examiner will direct you through a route that includes different driving environments. Learn more » |
| Part 3 | Feedback session. At the end of your road test, the examiner will spend time with you to explaining your results. Learn more » |
Part 1: Pre-trip check of road test
Before you go out on the road, you should be able to show the examiner equipment such as
- turn signals
- high beams, and
- the parking brake.
You should also be able to demonstrate hand signals.
Important! Your vehicle must pass a pre-trip safety inspection before going out on your road test.
Part 2: On-road manoeuvres test
During the road test, the examiner will direct you through a route that includes different driving environments, such as
- city streets
- commercial areas, and
- highways.
The route will also include different kinds of intersections, such as
- uncontrolled intersections
- intersections with stop signs, and
- multi-lane intersections controlled by traffic lights.
Approaching Intersections
As you approach an intersection, continue straight through, obeying all the rules, unless the examiner tells you to turn left or right. He or she will give you plenty of warning. The examiner will not try to trick you or ask you to make illegal or unsafe actions.
Important! When approaching stopped emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights you are required to slow down and leave plenty of room. These include police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and vehicles used by vehicle inspectors, conservation officers, park rangers and special constables employed by the Ministry of Forests and Range. When approaching these vehicles:
- You must slow to 70 km/h on highways with speed limits of 80 km/h or over.
- You must slow to 40 km/h if the speed limit is less than 80 km/h.
Performing manoeuvres
Along the way, you will be asked to perform various manoeuvres within a reasonable amount of time. During each manoeuvre, the examiner will mark how well you use the key driving skills and perform the See-Think-Do strategy.
During the Class 7 or Class 5 road test you may be asked to perform some of the following manoeuvres:
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Not all manoeuvres will be in every test. These manoeuvres are described fully in Tuning Up for Drivers and Learn to drive smart.
Helpful hints
We want you to succeed on your road test! Get our top 7 tips for passing from this short (2 1/2 minute) video:
More tips for passing your test:
- See. Scan for hazards. Pay attention to other road users and the areas where hazards could occur.
- Think. Decide which hazards are most dangerous. Think quickly about possible solutions. Decide on the safest solution.
- Do. Do manoeuvres to keep yourself and others safe.
Key driving skills and hazard perception
Learning to identify hazards will help to keep you and others safe on the road. Key driving skills will be tested in your road test.
Know what is going on all around you by scanning the driving environment. Observe your blind spots and check your mirrors. Be sure to shoulder check every time you change lanes or turn.
A hazard is anything in the driving environment that could result in harm to you or other road users. 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.
Examples include:
- dangerous drivers, emergency vehicles, and motorcycles
- hidden pedestrians, blind driveways, and blind spots
- bicycles, animals, and pedestrians
- ice and snow, and
- rough road.
A space margin is a safe area around your vehicle that gives you time to react. Always maintain a safe following distance and keep plenty of room around you, especially when turning.
Maintain a safe speed and remember to slow down when conditions require more caution, such as in bad weather or when hazards or small children are near the road.
Whether you are keeping the same lane position, turning or keeping a steady line as you back up, the key to good steering is smooth and controlled handling.
Give clear signals well in advance and use hand signals if necessary, to ensure your signal is seen. Watch for communication from other road users.
Part 3: Feedback session of road test
At the end of your road test, the examiner will spend time with you to explaining your results. Make the most of the feedback session and ask questions if you don't understand something. Whether or not you pass the test, you will learn both positive aspects of your driving and areas where you can improve.
Not successful?
If you are not successful, the examiner will give you pointers on how to prepare for your next test.
Uncomfortable speaking English?
If you are uncomfortable speaking English, bring someone to translate for you during the feedback session.
Important! Translators are not allowed to be in the car during the road test.