How To Be Road-Ready: Hamberites’ Advice For New Drivers

Photo Credit: Times Colonist

Every year, grade 10 and 11 students hit the road for the first time after passing their learner’s license test, or L test, and qualifying for a driver’s license. 

The L test is a multiple-choice knowledge test that BC citizens can take either on or after their 16th birthday. To pass the L test and earn their learner’s (L) driving license, one must score a 40/50 or higher. After a student is granted their L license, they enter a one-year practice period where they can only drive while accompanied by a supervisor who is over the age of 25 and has their full license. 

The most common strategy students use to study for the L test is to take the practice test offered on the ICBC app. “You can download the ICBC app and take the test over and over again. Most of [the questions] are common sense,” Vaughn Gamble (12) shared. 

Evan Tang (12) agreed. “I’m not going to lie, I didn’t study that much for [the L test]. Just do the online test. [...] I did that a few times.”

But what should students do when they actually earn their learner's permit? Experienced grade 11 and 12 students have some advice for Hamber's newest drivers.

Gamble suggests that new drivers should “remain calm [and] don't go faster than you think you should.” Leif Motion (11) agreed. “It’s not gonna get better if you panic,” Motion shared. 

Tang added that adjusting to the road can be daunting at first. “I thought it would be more nerve-racking. But once you start at a certain speed, it’s fine,” Tang said. 

Furthermore, Kristienne Soo (12) advises students to “just practice a lot.” Gamble agreed, adding that “it takes practice to get smooth at driving and turning correctly, and merging into traffic.”

Gamble also said that choosing a suitable location for driving practice is important as well. She suggests that students “practice in an open space first so [they] don’t hit anything.” 

To avoid accidents while driving, Tang advises students to “be meticulous about details.” "I mixed up the gas and the brake one time,” Motion cautioned. 

Lastly, the car you use, depending on size and model, can also influence how you drive. Motion has a large SUV, “and that makes me a bit more careful [about] how I'm positioning on the road.” Tang added that his family has a newer car, which has helpful driving assistance and plenty of safety features.