"N" Test

[Sawyer]

So I am taking my N test on Monday and I am wondering if you guys that have your N can give me some tips got you through the test. Thanks.

[southpaw]

I don't have my N but the largest cause of failure is rolling stops... So I'm just gonna need you to not do that mmkay?

[drewdle]

Trying to get your N or trying to get rid of it?  :-3

Know the surrounding area of the testing facility you're going to. I failed my Class 5 by driving through a playground zone without slowing to 30km/h, even though the playground zone wasn't marked. I wasn't paying attention to anything except the road and what was on it; missed the play structure.  :roll:

Watch your speed like a hawk, because they will. Don't worry about their "snoop" mirror that they use to watch what you're looking at. Stop 3-5 feet behind the car ahead when coming to a stop at traffic lights or intersections. I've never been failed for it, but every tester I've had has mentioned it to me.

If you can avoid it, don't take a manual car. Automatics do not roll back on hills. They will fail you if you can't work your gearshift and clutch like a pro. This includes not being allowed to roll back on hills. Make sure the car you are taking is the picture of perfect legality. All of the lights, indicators, belts, etc have to work or they won't let you out of the parking lot.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Just don't kill anyone. You'll do fine.  ;D

[Sawyer]

I don't have my N but the largest cause of failure is rolling stops... So I'm just gonna need you to not do that mmkay?

A rolling stop is when you don't completely stop at a stop sign, right?

[bloodredruby]

You're right on the definition  of rolling stops, Sawyer.

A couple of things I'll add;

Shoulder checks. Lots, and lots, and lots of shoulder checks. Before you signal, before you move over, and before you turn. Shit-tons of shoulder checks.

Railroads; Check 'em both ways, they are a legal crosswalk.

In response to Drew's comment about length away from the vehicle in front of you...

A good way to tell is if you can see the back tires of the driver in front of you. A driving instructor gave me that tip. ^.~

And, also helpful, go to icbc.com and do the online test a couple dozen times before you go into the office. It will help to cement some of the things that are easy to miss into your brain, so that you have them when you need them.

Good luck!

[Duster]

Don't turn on the radio and make sure everything works before you go in for your test. Get someone you know to check the break lights for you a day before so any busted ones can be replaced before the test cause they do check as a safety measure. Also make sure your tires are the correct pressure, just helps to save on gas mainly.

I would also say try and learn to drive a manual, but yes, do avoid taking it for your N test. Save it for the class 5 test, cause you'll have two years to get it down before going in again, at least that's what I did. Your also learn not to fiddle with your phone when learning and get better, I think at least, at vehicle control. But then again I'm slightly bias cause I prefer driving stick over an auto.

Duster

[Drake Wingfire]

Seeing as you are part of the cowichan area (sorta) are you taking your test here in Duncan? (its the only ICBC branch I know of in the area)

If so the local area they will take you around consists of the down town core, up around the hospital area, they will also make you cross the highway at one point to go through some of the residential zones on the far side of town. so all in all they will be watching you on rail crossings, shoulder checking, school zones, how to approach intersections with no stop lines. I took my N and my Class 5 here in Duncan and my Class 5 was done in my standard tranny civic.

[Sawyer]

I'm taking the N test in my mom's new Toyota. It's an automatic.

[Trigger]

make sure you use the parking brake anytime you pull over, even if it's flat ground, also signal when turning off and onto a road from pulling over

[professor whovianart]

number one thing new drivers should make habit is:

to signal intent, and not action.

[Pea]

Talk to the instructer about how you're responsible

[Grey]

Deep breaths and relax. Don't let nerves get the best of you. The examiners are not out to fail you so just be chill, take it easy, be defensive with your driving and I'm sure you'll do fine.

[Pea]

If you're aggressive and have to cut into a line or cut someone off make sure you put your hand up so it's visible in the middle of your rear windshield and say "sorry, sir."
they dig that shit

[Sawyer]

Thanks everyone.

[Neox]

Just keep your wits about you and be EXTRA EXTRA careful. They won't dock you points by going over the top on safety. Shoulder check when turning right at intersections, if the instructor says "turn left" and you're stuck in a right lane, TURN RIGHT. The test isn't about how well you can handle a vehicle so much as it is how safety-oriented you are. Take the safest route for everything and you will pass.