How does cruising down open roads sound? How about exploring cities and the countryside from the comfort of your own vehicle? If all that sounds appealing, you might want to look into taking your road driving test to get your Candian license.
In most of Canada, you have to be sixteen years old to get a driver’s permit. In Alberta, however, you can get one at age 14. After that, you can start preparing for your driving test.
However, passing your driving test can be a challenge. To help ensure that you get your license the first time around, today we’re going to look at what you’ll need to prepare for.
Read on to learn more.
Hands-on Practice Is a Must
It’s tempting to rely on theory when studying for road driving tests, and to a certain extent, it’s important to understand. You need to know what the different signs mean, what to do in certain situations, and how to respond to other drivers.
However, theory can only get you so far. If you want to pass your driving test, hands-on practice is a must.
Make sure to spend as much time as possible out on the road before taking your road test. You want to ensure that you feel 100% comfortable behind the wheel of a car before scheduling it.
The Test Starts Before You Start the Car
Like it or not, your road test begins the moment you enter the car. Before you even put the keys in the ignition, the person testing your driving skills has already started watching you.
The first thing you need to do is adjust the different parts of the vehicle. Make sure you can see in all the mirrors, and move them around if you can’t. Check your signal lights, and ensure that your seat is in the right position.
Of course, you also need to buckle your seatbelt before starting the car.
Obey Speed Limits
Most experienced drivers go over the speed limit, and it’s tempting to do the same when you first start driving (and later on). Doing so, however, is an easy way to fail your driving test.
The speed limit isn’t optional, nor is it a recommendation. It’s the legal speed limit for that area. Make sure to obey the numbers written on the signs around you.
That said, driving too slowly can also pose a risk to other drivers. Try to stick within five kph of the speed limit.
Understand How to Stop at Stop Signs
Another thing that many experienced drivers do is rolling stops—where instead of coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, they only slow down before coasting through them. Avoid doing that, as well.
Make sure to come to a complete stop at each stop sign and stop light you see. Your car needs to reach zero kph for it to count as a complete stop.
You also want to avoid slamming on your brakes when you approach intersections or areas that require you to stop. When you practice driving, work on gradually slowing down to a complete stop in advance.
Turn Signals Aren’t Optional
Whenever you make a left or right turn, remember to use your turn signal. Forgetting to do so repeatedly can cause you to fail your road test.
If you’re unsure whether or not a situation warrants flipping on your turn signal, turn it on. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and overcommunicating while driving is never a bad thing.
In addition to knowing when to use your turn signal while on the road, you’ll also need to know when to use it for the written test. To help prepare for the written test, check out this site: https://www.apnatoronto.com/g1-driving-test/.
Get Comfortable With Parallel Parking
Parallel parking is the bane of many drivers, new and old. Unfortunately, it’s something that you need to understand how to do to pass the Canadian road driving test. The best way to get comfortable with it is by repeatedly practicing.
Try going to a parking lot and parallel parking there. Even if there aren’t other cars or obstacles around you, you can set up an area to try and squeeze into.
Working with a driving instructor is also a smart idea. Most experienced drivers have difficulty explaining how to parallel park. A driving coach can walk you through it.
Be a Defensive Driver
One of the major difficulties surrounding driving is uncertainty. You can spend all the time in the world practicing and getting comfortable behind the wheel, but other drivers will react in unexpected and sometimes dangerous ways.
The best way to ensure your own safety and that of those around you is by being a defensive driver instead of an offensive one. That means de-escalating situations instead of making them more intense.
The person testing you wants you to be as alert as possible during the test. They’ll look for evidence that you’re a safe and aware driver instead of an oblivious and angry one.
Passing Your Road Driving Test Made Easy
It’s easy to stress about your road driving test, especially since if you’re taking it, there’s a good chance you’re a new driver. However, by taking the time to prepare beforehand, you can maximize your chances of passing it.
Use the tips mentioned in this guide to help make passing the Canadian road driving test as simple as possible. Remember—if you don’t end up passing it, you can always retake the test until you do!
Do you now have a better idea of what it takes to pass your driving test in Canada? If so, make sure to check out the rest of our site for more helpful guides, tips, and explanations.
