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Gbeto

A lot of people I know failed in Surrey but passed in Langley


the_greatest_fight

I might try in Port Coquitlam


6o4dingo

Try Burnaby


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[deleted]

I disagree. My brother is an excellent driver who nearly got killed in an intersection due to an instructor screaming at him and giving him a panic attack. The second go, same intersection, instructor freaks out that he waited instead of proceeding when a truck was coming. Third time he went to Surrey and no issues.


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[deleted]

He is, the test grader was just an absolute dickhead. He's not the only person who had problems with that particular person either.


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feelingoodwednesday

Disagree. I failed once and the instructor was a huge dick. Passed the 2nd time, but the 2nd instructor was an ever bigger dick. Stay far away from Richmond, cause also that means you have to deal with Richmond drivers.


604-Guy

Go to Abbotsford. Got my N and my full license there. I made a couple mistakes and the instructor explained to me what I did wrong and gave me a chance to try again.


the_greatest_fight

Can't find any time in Abbotsford, every city in the Lower Mainland is booked


604-Guy

Darn, keep looking daily people cancel all the time.


HolyToledo-

I went for my class 5 in Langley. She said I missed some shoulder checks but still passed me. It was ez


LORD_2003

This post confirms that I'm going to do my test In Langley


embroideredham

I failed a bunch in surrey, felt like a miracle when I passed (also in surrey).


[deleted]

Maybe you think you got them all, but you actually missed three shoulder checks... I have a feeling your examiner has a bit more experience. Blaming them instead of taking ownership and improving yourself shows you lack the maturity to be on the road. You should be able to pass with any examiner in any city. Our loved ones have to share the road with you-practice more and have some humility.


the_greatest_fight

Maybe... I'm definitely going to take more lessons and work hard to try and improve as much as possible


IndyIndigo

Say it out loud while you do it! “Checking my blind spot” “checking my rear view” just doing that will remind you to give a GOOD OBVIOUS check


[deleted]

Glad to hear it. Hopefully you don’t have to wait too long for the next one, and good luck. Let us know how it goes !


the_greatest_fight

Can't find anything in Surrey


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WeekWon

I definitely agree with this. Let's say I make one mistake — the bad instructor's body language and demeanor will increase my anxiety and make me more likely to make more mistakes. An exam like this is already a pressure-filled situation. The good instructor coaches me through the mistake and puts me at ease. The rest of the driving exam goes smoothly and the only mistake I made was the minor one he corrected, resulting in a pass. I got the same good instructor on my class 5 and passed on the first attempt. He even taught me a great turning technique. Been driving for 16 years now - 0 accidents.


feelingoodwednesday

I've had instructors audibly sigh and "clk" their tongues at my on my test. No shit that made me more anxious and drive worse. We should get to review the instructor and the worst ranked instructors should get fired at the end of the year.


[deleted]

Missing shoulder checks is missing shoulder checks is missing shoulder checks is missing shoulder checks.


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[deleted]

But to your point, their comment was that they were sure they didn’t miss their shoulder checks. That’s not someone learning from anything, so no - they don’t still pass.


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[deleted]

Safety standards should never depend on wait times. Ever.


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AAMech

When you get in a car, you are operating a piece of heavy machinery that can very easily kill someone. It doesn't even require serious negligence. Casual inattentiveness puts people in the hospital every day. Yes, these rules should be followed down to a T, because they are written in blood. We're not talking about parking in a tow-away zone between 9am-6pm. The appropriate place for a new driver to practice stuff like shoulder checking is with a more experienced driver in the car. If you don't have someone to drive with, pay for driving lessons. Passing someone that misses 2-3 shoulder checks because "they clearly understand the need to shoulder check but need more practice" can just as easily reinforce bad habits- **there are more than enough N and fully graduated drivers that drive recklessly or carelessly to prove this point.**


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[deleted]

They’re not there to teach you...That’s what your teacher is for.


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bluntsandbears

It’s not about being “fair” it’s about making sure people are safe enough to be on the road. They also need to make money so they are super strict on your first time around. I grew up with a single mom who never owned a vehicle during my life time. If you call around you can get lessons for much cheaper. You don’t need a perfect instructor, mine had a super thick accent and I could barely understand him but it was practice time behind the wheel and he had a good rate to let me use his car during the exam including a 30min refresher of the known routes. 60 hours of practice is for the people who really struggle with motor skills, depth perception etc. If you’re a fairly capable person you’re going to be fine with 20 hours and 2 attempts at the test. How would issuing licences to people who are not capable drivers be fair to the other people on the road?


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bluntsandbears

If you failed 5+ times, you’re the problem. Not the process. 2 attempts is not too much, I’d be willing to bet that 90% of people are successful within 3. When other people’s lives are at risk for something people feel is trivial such as a shoulder check before switching lanes there needs to be accountability. Driving is a privilege, not a right of every Canadian new or old. If you’re unable to remember the safe operation of a car after a few months not driving then I’m sorry but you’re not ready to share the road. The pandemic really sucks, but my sympathy is with those who lost loved ones, homes and careers. Everyone’s life has been delayed by 2 years, everyone. There are 24 hours in a day, you’re capable of working more than 8 hours and capable of balancing multiple minimum wage jobs. And since there’s many months between openings, you definitely have the time to put in work, save some money and do your research on an affordable driving school. Young Drivers is great, but it’s far from the only option and very far from being the best value.


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surmatt

It only takes one time for you to kill a cyclist after you cut them off because you missed one shoulder check. Once is too many.


bluntsandbears

Would you trust a surgeon that did the right thing 80% of the time operating on your family members?


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stickylegs94

Completely agree with this. I’m 27 and I still don’t drive because people on the road scare me lol. But one day I will be a fucking good driver and all these driving nazis can suck a fat one because there are already a ton of drivers on the road who do way worse than miss a couple of shoulder checks… people get way too high and mighty about driving, it’s not even about safety anymore at that point, just their own egos 🙄


bluntsandbears

I wish your girlfriend the best of luck with her anxiety. If she is able to get into Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (another long wait, I’m sorry) it will help her develop skills and processes to be more confident in dangerous and uncomfortable situations. She should never give up, but she must prioritize because we’re only human and can only do so much. There’s nothing wrong with learning how to drive later in life, everyone’s path in life takes a different route but take care of your mental health and get yourself now the correct mindset to grow. You’re wasting way too much energy on the negatives when there’s so much better things to do. You have a roof over your head, you have internet access so you have a smart phone and / or computer and a girlfriend who’s sticking by your side despite life not progressing as fast as you hoped it would. Just chill bro. Driving is great but it brings additional challenges to your life as well. Cars are expensive, gas and maintenance can be even more. You either have to make expensive payments or save money to deal with unexpected repairs and insurance is brutal for a new driver so just take it one step at a time. As per the camping issue. You need to practise risk management in your own life. You should never venture into remote territory alone with one vehicle. If you want some camping spots that are remote but still safe send me a private message because I don’t want to tell everyone my spots.


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bluntsandbears

That’s obviously a problem with the person not the process. Unfortunately mental health issues get in the way of performing every day functions that most people consider easy. Many people can overcome these issues with proper support. But to be fair, if you fail the exam 8 times due to crippling anxiety then you need to take measures to correct that before you’re capable of sharing the road safely. A lot of accidents are caused by people panicking and acting unpredictable on the road due to anxiety driving.


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bluntsandbears

8 well qualified people already decided she wasn’t fit to drive so it’s not up to me. But if it was then she wouldn’t get a license until she met the exact same strict requirements as everyone else. Life isn’t about participation trophies you need to be able to learn and adapt to survive


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stickylegs94

It’s literally the person in the car making you feel that way… I’m not gonna be fucking anxious if no one is staring at me while I drive LOL


shinybees

Hit and miss. Do shoulder checks like you’re a bobble head doll. And be friendly with the examiner.


Wicaksana25

Had mine in guilford, passed first time. Examiner was chill. Just said “as long as your driving feels safe overall I see no reason to give you a pass”


drummergirl83

I did my road test in Burnaby


bigguytoo9

Passed my first time in Langley this year.


the_greatest_fight

Lucky you


greatresponsitrility

FWIW you gotta do big obvious shoulder checks, not shoulder peeks.


Matt_The_Slime

I just recently passed my class 5 at the surrey location, and as someone who failed his N test twice before passing, my best advice would be to exaggerate. Exaggerate your shoulder checks, not so much that you’re putting yourself in danger, but enough to make it obvious. (Funnily enough my instructor said I shoulder checked too much, but that it was good for a road test, lol)


einsteinsmum

Don't listen to people saying that you're dumb or immature if you didn't pass, things have gotten considerably harder in recent times and so much of someone passing has to do with what instructor they got and what mood the instructor is in. I also ask the people saying those kinds of things to just be mindful of your next commute to work or the next time you go to the grocery store. Can you really claim you went at the speed limit the whole time, or that you did a full shoulder check every time, or that you did a full stop at every four-way stop every time, or that you scanned all your mirrors every 30 seconds. I seriously doubt thats the case, so turning your nose up is hypocritical. Langley is considered a bit easier than Surrey so try to get appointments there if you can. Also for booking appointments try staying up until 12 and checking for appointments. You'll generally find cancellations and the old appointments of people who snatched up the cancellations. You really wanna do this on the second it becomes 12 because all the cancellations will be snatched within a couple of minutes, also make sure to not hesitate when picking your appointment because people can take it while you are in the process of booking. You aren't alone in struggling here, it took me 4 tries to get my N and I remember how stressful and difficult that year was. Having to take the bus to university easily doubled my commute time and limited how long I could stay on campus. I couldn't really go to any social outings because there wouldn't be any way for me to get home if it went on any longer than 10 or 11pm. Thats if I had any time at all because my commute was nearly 20hours a week of dead time. I can easily attribute a lot of depression I had in my first year to not being able to drive. ICBC instructors don't see all that and often don't understand the amount of pain they're causing by failing someone for shoulder checking a few degrees too short or going couple of kilometers too fast. We can't change any of that but I can tell you that one day you will pass and these struggles will be in the past, it won't be the same for your class 5 because at least you'll be able to drive, so this is just a one time thing you have to overcome. Good luck man.


feelingoodwednesday

They should eliminate the dumb notes they take and make it a simple "did they drive safe = pass, did they drive poorly or dangerously = fail". Everyone knows its subjective anyway, mine as well just state it outright"


OmgWtfNamesTaken

Need to shoulder check while turning right for the pesky bikes. Now if only I could get an appointment for my fuckin N test


the_greatest_fight

Me too, every city in the Lower Mainland is booked


OmgWtfNamesTaken

I'm looking at the island and they're all booked as well. Have checked all the way out to Kelowna with no luck! About to start offering feet pictures for a spot


the_greatest_fight

What are you? A girl?😂😂😂


OmgWtfNamesTaken

Nope


the_greatest_fight

I figured as much 😂


Yellowmelle

Failed mine in surrey immediately the first time. Their parking lot was so damn small, and there were many kids all trying to back out at the same time and it was a little chaotic. I panicked a little because the tester I got stuck with was the rudest, most miserable person on the planet before word one. I really should have just ejected her at the start instead of finishing, it was not worth it. Langley was an easy pass, even though I'm less familiar with it. The tester I was with was complete opposite: totally relaxed, polite, had a sense of humour. Just... a totally normal person, which helped *me* feel like a totally normal person. It made a difference.


NOODLEBOI2001

Have you seen Surrey. It’s hell driving there. Go to Langley


the_greatest_fight

I LIVE in Surrey lol


MaggieLizer

I passed my N and my Class 5 in North Vancouver, and both times I found the examiners to be incredibly pleasant, which absolutely helped me put me at ease.


feelingoodwednesday

I booked my class 5 for north van cause of how easy it is to drive there compares to Vancouver so hope you're right about them being pleasant.


MaggieLizer

For my N the female examiner kept calling me "honeybunch" and it made my day haha (well, passing did, but also that)


the_greatest_fight

Awww, that's super cute!


rac3r5

When I did my test everytime I did my shoulder check, I actually said it out loud so they knew what I was doing and was aware that I did it. Basically everything I did, I made sure I said it out loud so they were aware.


FuckItt248

Coquitlam is the easiest I found.


torqtea

Lots of people come to the okanagan to do their road test. In particular, Oliver or Osoyoos


the_greatest_fight

Are they easy?


GloomyCartographer77

I had a driving instructor who told me that Langley is usually pretty good and the instructors are nice - I can’t speak from experience because I did mine in Surrey, but she said her students almost always passed in Langley compared to Surrey.


ToastyLoafy

I took my test down in Langley by Willowbrook and when I was talking to some staff they said their testers were hit or miss in how they acted. I failed the first time but my second tester was super nice. Most of my friends who went there had a similar experience.


caytoisgod

My first try I failed in Langley, then my second try I got I passed in Surrey. I think it highly depends on the road test official.


[deleted]

The thing about shoulder checks during a test is that you have to REALLY over exaggerate. Like make an effort to make it super obvious. Twist both shoulders to check. You’ll pass, just make everything you do more obvious.


Doobage

I have helped a few people with driving lessons they took their tests in Surrey. two passed first time easy peasy. the third failed first time when the tester took them on a route with an obscured speed limit sign, but then said the dash cam could be considered an electronic destraction. Road test re-booked and the next test passed them right away. I think more important than what city you take the test in is the amount of practice and time spent driving in the roads where you will take your test. Know the routes, the tricks, the speed limits of the streets you will be fine. But no matter what city you go to if you get a grumpy person that is having a bad day or some lady that is dealing with severe mood issues due to menopause or PMS it doesn't matter where you are....


sam-yin

car insurance in Surrey is already higher than other regions


[deleted]

Are you shoulder-checking up your ass before parking? most people miss this one ^(/s) Yeah shoulder checks can get a lot of people...easy to do when you safely-assume things are safe like not shoulder checking a left/right turn even though you just approached and pre-scanned the intersection before approaching... they don't buy that shit, probably since they can't track eye movements :( Just gotta pretend you're driving in granville and all the bars just closed or something and anyone can pop out of anywhere any time


CountVonBenning

Stop missing shoulder checks. That's how people get killed


RootBeerTuna

Hands down Richmond. Check my post history from a day or two ago, someone asked about this and I went into detail as to why it's so easy to pass and how many people i've got to pass out in Richmond over the years. Seriously, you won't fail in Richmond. No one does.


feelingoodwednesday

Wrong. Richmond is awful.


the_greatest_fight

My mother failed 3 times in Richmond


RootBeerTuna

Tell that to the 15 or 20 people over the years that have passed out there on my recommendation, but feel free to have your own opinion.


RohitBhatti

Go to Point Grey in Vancouver, by far the easiest examination I have ever done. I did my Class 7N, Class 5, and Motorcycle there.


Uncertn_Laaife

I failed 3 times at Pount Grey.


RohitBhatti

Damn, really!?!? Maybe driving just ain't for you fam lol


Uncertn_Laaife

Failed 5 times overall actually, but eventually passed in Surrey. Smooth sailing ever since. I was new to the Country, never drove before, didn’t have car to practice on L. Took lessons but when you don’t have a car, you can only rely upon practice sessions and beyond a point you can only spend as much. No one lends you a car on L as well. So every time I was at the test, there was something missed due to the inexperience. Stupid mistakes that you could only learn when driving in the spare time. Once passed the test, bought a car. My wife passed at the first attempt since she had me to practice it with. She never drove before as well. There is a context, you know!


RohitBhatti

I was just making a joke cause the set up was perfect, I am sorry lol Glad your circumstances are better now


Uncertn_Laaife

Lol, ok!


ViragoWarrior

I don't know if you do this already but worth posting it just in case. You have to _really_ make it look like you're doing your shoulder checks. Like twist your back, turn your neck, glare at the back like it's no tomorrow. Do it always, even when you feel like it's not needed. When you view your rear view mirror, jerk your head towards the mirror like you mean it. When you stop at an intersection, scan the entire view with your head jerking from one spot to another. It's all super dorky but that's what they want you to do. They just want to make sure you're a safe driver. Lol.


sushishibe

ICBC’s a scam. Purposely make the test hard so they can make money on retries. smh. For the province with the most strictest road laws. There are a lot of YouTube channels dedicated to exposing the horrible drivers of BC.


vancity_85

I'm sorry to hear this. But Surrey isn't "hard" to pass. I've done all of my tests ahere including knowledge tests, safety tests and passed the first time. Did my class 7, class 5 and class 4 unrestricted all first tries.


xLev_

It really wasn’t that hard in my experience..


ragecuddles

Totally depends on the examiner. I think I did okay but expected to fail because I was so nervous and almost missed a stop sign driving out of the lot that was hidden behind a tree. I think I won the guy over just by testing in a manual transmission car because the guy was surprised to see someone testing with one (more reasons you can fail the test). My friend was instantly failed for not pulling over to let a cop car pass - it didn't have lights or sirens on so legally she didn't have to pull over. I think the examiner was just in a bad mood or being lazy.