Earning a driver's licence and heading out onto the open road is a significant milestone and for new drivers in Burnaby, this newfound freedom can come with a unique set of challenges. Navigating the diverse and often busy streetscapes of our city requires more than just knowing the rules of the road; it demands confidence, practice, and an awareness of the common pitfalls that can catch even the most careful novice off guard.
We’re shedding light on some frequent mistakes new drivers make in Burnaby and providing practical, encouraging advice on how to avoid them, helping new - and experienced! - drivers build a foundation for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable driving!
Mistake #1: Managing Speed
One of the most fundamental skills to master, yet a frequent source of errors, is maintaining the correct speed. For a new driver, the pressure of traffic flow can be intimidating and this can easily lead to two common but opposite mistakes: driving too slowly or exceeding the speed limit. Driving significantly under the posted limit, especially on major thoroughfares like Kingsway or Lougheed Highway, can disrupt the flow of traffic and lead to impatient behaviour from other drivers, creating an unpredictable environment. Conversely, the temptation to "keep up" can lead to speeding, which reduces the chance for reaction time and increases the severity of any potential collision. This is particularly important in Burnaby's numerous school and playground zones, where speed limits change and pedestrian activity is high.
New and experienced drivers alike can avoid these errors by increasing their conscious awareness. Drivers should pay close attention to posted speed limit signs and actively monitor their speedometer. New drivers should practice driving in Burnaby along different types of roads, from quiet residential streets to busier arteries, to become comfortable matching their speed to the conditions and the legal limit. The goal here is to maintain a speed that is safe and appropriate for the surroundings, as well as to avoid tickets and fines.
Mistake #2: Intersection Rules
Intersections are where a significant number of driving errors occur, largely because intersections can be complex environments requiring multiple actions and quick decisions. A frequent mistake observed among new drivers is the "rolling stop." Whether at a stop sign on a quiet North Burnaby side street, or when making a right turn at a red light, there is a tendency to slow down but not come to a complete stop behind the marked line. ICBC examiners are particularly attentive to this, as it can easily lead to conflicts with other vehicles or pedestrians. To build the right habit, make a conscious effort to ensure the vehicle comes to a complete stop. A technique many instructors recommend is to learn to recognize the physical sensation of the full stop - that subtle settling or "bump" felt as the cars’ momentum ceases completely. Relying on this tangible feedback from the vehicle is often more effective than simply counting how long the vehicle has been stopped for, as it confirms the vehicle has fully stopped before you prepare to move forward again.
Another challenge at intersections is the 360-degree scan. It's easy for a new driver to focus only on the traffic directly in front of them, forgetting to check mirrors, shoulder check for cyclists or pedestrians, and scan the intersection to the left, centre, right and left again before proceeding. This is especially true at larger, more complex intersections, like the ones found around the Metrotown area, where multiple lanes and heavy pedestrian traffic can be overwhelming. The solution is to develop a consistent scanning routine. Before moving from a stop, drivers should consciously look left, centre, right, then left again. Rearview mirrors should be checked and shoulder checks made deliberately to watch for hazards in blind spots, especially before turning. This systematic approach, when practiced consistently, becomes second nature and is one of the most effective safety habits a driver can develop.
Mistake #3: Lane Change Procedures
Changing lanes safely is a skill that requires confidence and precision, and it's an area where many new drivers struggle. A common error is hesitating or changing speed erratically during the maneuver but on a multi-lane road like Highway 1, which cuts through Burnaby, maintaining a consistent speed while changing lanes is important for a smooth and predictable traffic flow. Slowing down and accelerating unexpectedly can surprise other drivers on the road, and could lead to potentially dangerous reactive behaviour. Instead of unexpected maneuvers, drivers should focus on planning a lane change well in advance. Start looking for a safe gap to move into well before the actual lane change will take place. Once you find a safe gap, perform a mirror check to ensure the space is clear, signal your intention to move over, perform a shoulder check to make sure no one has moved into that space, and then smoothly guide the vehicle into the adjacent lane while maintaining speed.
Failing to adequately check blind spots is another frequent and significant mistake that goes right along with lane change procedures. Relying solely on mirrors leaves large areas around the car invisible and new drivers must ingrain the habit of performing a shoulder check - a quick turn of the head to look over the shoulder - every single time they change lanes, merge, or pull away from the curb. Practicing shoulder checks in lower-traffic environments, such as the wider industrial roads in the Big Bend area, can help build the muscle memory needed for it to become an automatic part of any drivers’ routine.
Mistake #4: Parking Skills
Parking, whether in a busy mall lot like Brentwood or on a residential street, is a skill that often causes anxiety for new drivers. One of the most common mistakes is poor spatial judgment, leading to vehicles being parked at an angle, too far from the curb, or, in the case of parallel parking, multiple attempts to get it right. Rushing the process due to feeling pressured by other waiting drivers often makes the situation worse, so it’s best to practice and keep calm while doing so. A low-stress environment is the perfect place to practice, so you should start with finding an empty section of a parking lot or a quiet street to increase your skills.
Use reference points on your vehicle to help guide you, such as lining up your side mirror with the lines of the parking stall. For parallel parking, move slowly throughout the entire process and make small, deliberate adjustments as the vehicle moves. It’s okay to make mistakes as you’re learning, so don’t hesitate to pull out and start again if the first attempt isn’t going well. Patience and practice are your greatest allies!
Reverse stall parking, which is a common requirement in many Burnaby locations and on the road test, presents its own set of challenges and a frequent error is failing to scan effectively while backing up. It's not enough to just look at a backup camera; a new driver must be constantly turning their head, checking all mirrors and windows to ensure the path is clear of pedestrians and other vehicles. Again, practice is essential! Learn the turning radius of your vehicle and get a feel for its dimensions. Mastering these maneuvers not only improves confidence but also significantly reduces the risk of low-speed collisions, which are common in parking lots.
Mistake #5: Distracted Driving
The potential for distraction while driving is greater than ever with the busy lives being led, and younger drivers are particularly susceptible. The mistake is not just about using a handheld electronic device, which is strictly prohibited for Class 7 Learners and Novices, but also about engaging in other distracting activities. This could include adjusting the stereo, eating, or having an animated conversation with passengers. In the context of Burnaby's dynamic driving environment - with its mix of commercial, residential, and green spaces - even a moment's inattention can have consequences. A driver might miss a cyclist on the Central Valley Greenway where the path crosses a roadway, or fail to notice a vehicle stopping abruptly on a busy street like Willingdon Avenue.
The preventative measure here is a mental one: commit to making driving your sole focus when you are behind the wheel. Before you start your trip, set your music, adjust your climate controls, and put your phone on silent and out of reach. If you have passengers, especially friends, let them know that you need to concentrate on the road. For parents, it is important to model this behaviour and have explicit conversations with your new driver about the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle. True confidence on the road comes from being aware and fully present in the driving task.
Mistake #6: Forgetting About Education
Perhaps the biggest mistake a new driver can make is thinking that passing the road test means the learning is over but earning a Novice licence is the beginning of a lifelong learning process. The complexities of driving in a city like Burnaby provide endless opportunities to refine your skills: roads change, construction projects emerge, and traffic patterns evolve. Being a safe driver means being an adaptable and continuously learning driver!
Don't shy away from challenging situations; instead, approach them as learning opportunities with a qualified supervisor. Practice driving in different weather conditions, like rain, which can dramatically affect visibility and road surface traction, and during different times of day to experience rush hour traffic and nighttime driving. Consider taking a route that includes some of Burnaby's unique features, like the roundabouts on the north side of the city. Each experience builds your reservoir of knowledge and skill, transforming you from a person who can operate a car into a truly competent and confident driver. The journey doesn't end with the 'N' on the back of your car; it's an ongoing commitment to safety, awareness, and improvement.
To continue your learning journey and access important information, several resources are available for new drivers in Burnaby. The ICBC Learn to Drive Smart and Tuning Up for Drivers guides are invaluable tools for understanding the rules of the road and the expectations for the road test. DriveBC is a great resource for checking current road conditions, traffic events, and construction updates, which is particularly useful before heading out on major routes like Highway 1. The City of Burnaby’s website often provides information on road closures, transportation projects, and cycling routes, which can help you plan your drives and be aware of changes in your local area.
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Mistakes are an inevitable and important part of learning any new skill, and driving is certainly no exception. Rather than being discouraged, it’s helpful to see these moments as the building blocks of experience for any new driver navigating Burnaby. Each challenge, whether it’s a tricky intersection or a tight parallel park, is an opportunity to learn and improve. Embrace the learning journey with patience, stay focused behind the wheel, and you will steadily build the skill and confidence needed to enjoy the freedom of the road safely.
As you continue on your driving journey, you may find it helpful to explore specific practice routes by reading Watching the Sunset in Burnaby: Easy Drives for New Learners or get more focused advice in Burnaby Driving Tips: Best Roads to Practice for Your ICBC Road Test.