North Shore Driving School Blog Posts

Becoming a proficient truck driver requires training and practice.

Last November, the provincial government introduced more extensive regulations around the mandatory use of chains and other traction devices by commercial vehicles.

Sleep apnea is one of the biggest problems facing the commercial trucking industry today.

Once you’ve obtained your driver’s licence, it’s time to look into getting a car. Given the high cost of new vehicles, many people decide to buy their first car second-hand. Though opting for a used car is a smart move, like any major purchase, it’s a decision that requires a lot of consideration. However, if you keep these tips in mind, you’re sure to pick the right one.

When you’re driving, you have to complete numerous complicated manoeuvres, and successfully doing that requires being aware of your blind spot. Here’s a basic guide to one of many fundamental driving concepts you will learn about during one of our driving theory courses or Graduated Licensing (GLP) courses.

Air brakes are used in heavy trucks and buses because they’re more reliable than standard hydraulic brakes. As a trucker, being familiar with air brakes and how they work is crucial to ensuring everyone’s safety on the road. Here’s what you should know about them.

Transport Canada reports that distracted driving now causes more collisions than impaired driving. Most of these types of incidents can be avoided if the proper precautions are taken. Here’s how to make sure you stay focused when you’re behind the wheel.

According to Transport Canada, over 25,000 people were injured in traffic collisions due to wet pavement in 2016, and difficult weather is becoming increasingly common every year. Follow these five tips to ensure you and your passengers stay safe when driving in wet conditions.

For many truckers, life on the road is synonymous with limited exercise, a poor diet, long hours and mental health struggles due to isolation and lack of routine. As a result, truckers are more likely to develop health problems and on average have a lower life expectancy than the general population. Here’s what you can do to stay healthy while you’re on the road.

Veteran or novice, no long-distance trucker should get behind the wheel without making sure their cab is fully equipped to handle life on the open road. Here are 11 things you should never leave home without.

Traffic collisions can unsettle any trucker, no matter how experienced. Having a solid accident response plan is the best way to prevent further damage and injuries and ensure everyone’s safety until emergency responders arrive. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what do to in case of a crash.

Owning and operating a car responsibly starts with attending an excellent driving school to acquire all the essential knowledge about driving a car. But your responsibilities don’t end with simply learning how to safely operate your vehicle. You also need the best car insurance you can get. Whether you’ve just learned how to drive and are thinking of purchasing a car, or you’ve been driving for a while and would like to know a bit more about how car insurance works, here are the basics that every driver should know.

For many Canadian teens, learning how to drive is an important rite of passage into adulthood. Getting a 7L licence is a great moment for many young people, but for their parents, it’s also the start of a whole new set of worries. To make sure that your children become safe drivers, you should encourage them to get the practice they need with professional guidance from a driving school.

At North Shore Driving School, we know that not everyone does well under testing conditions. Even if you’re a great driver, you may feel the pressure of getting it right while under scrutiny. The best way to prepare for your driving test is to get the best advice possible and practice as much as you can.

Spring is a time of change, and that includes your vehicle’s tires. To improve your vehicle’s performance and keep your passengers safe no matter what the road conditions are, it’s essential to have the right tires for the job. Once spring starts springing, you should switch over your tires from winter to all-season or summer versions.

Navigate Safely in Vancouver, Surrey, Coquitlam and more this Winter

Winter driving is unique, and for some motorists it can be quite stressful. Not only are you dealing with winter road conditions like snow, slush, and ice, but now you are dealing with drivers that might be unaware of how to handle such situations.

Whether you are traveling with family members on a road trip, friends, or your coworkers on the way to the office, you can keep yourself and passengers comfortable for the ride.

After all, safety and comfort are just as crucial to your passenger as it is for yourself – and you would expect someone to do the same if you were their passenger.

While fall temperatures are steadily dipping, they have not dropped into anything colder than 7 degrees Celsius. Vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend using snow tires once the temperatures are consistently 7 degrees Celsius or lower.

Whether you are the owner of a trucking company or a commercial driver, driving through Vancouver is not going to be as easy as it was before. In fact, Vancouver police are now cracking down on unsafe commercial vehicles, and their inspections have yet to allow a truck to leave free and clear.

Getting into the trucking industry is exciting, but you must be adequately prepared for the challenge. If you are seeking a new career opportunity, you might want to get into the Vancouver trucking industry while it is still ripe.

Canada’s economy relies on the trucking industry. In fact, in statistics updated in 2012, trucks transported 64 million shipments with more than 650 million tonnes of cargo approximately 40.7 billion kilometres, according to the BC Trucking Association (BCTA).

A jackknife occurs when a semi-truck trailer loses control and creates a V-shape or L-shape with the cab. These accidents are common, but do not have to be—proper training and defensive driving can make these incidents avoidable. Also, motorist awareness can reduce the number of tractor trailer jackknifes in Vancouver.

Impaired drivers are a problem across Canada, and they put the public at serious risk of injuries and fatalities. If you see a driver whom you suspect to be intoxicated on the road, it is your duty as a motorist and a citizen to report the behavior. Reporting such activity swiftly could save lives, and it could prevent you from getting in an auto accident. Drunk driving, in particular, causes many preventable injuries and deaths every year. By taking note of what you see and letting the authorities know about it, you can help to reduce the number of auto accidents in BC and make local roads safer for everyone.

Learning to drive can be overwhelming. Getting behind the wheel for the first time involves remembering a lot of information that combines visual cues, physical coordination, and spatial recognition. Give yourself time to understand all the nuances and skills associated with driving and, even after completing the Graduated Licensing Program, you should continue to build your skills and knowledge of your vehicle. The more understanding you have, the safer you will be on the road and the more confident you will feel when you encounter unexpected or unusual circumstances. Whether you are just learning or want to enhance your defensive driving techniques, North Shore Driving School has a wide range of driving lessons and course options available. Read the tips below and contact us today so we can help you master them.

Long-distance road travel can be emotionally and physically demanding. If driving alone, you do not have the luxury of someone there to converse with on the journey and help you stay focused on the road ahead.

Night driving is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. With minimal visibility and the risk of fatigue, a driver must take extra precautions when driving after dark.

Most importantly, if you are driving after dark, be sure to wear a seat belt. According to Transport Canada, seatbelt use dips to five to ten percent lower at night. Also, instances of drunken driving and drugged driving increase at night; making it more important that you be alert and aware of the drivers on the road with you.

A car crash can be stressful for even the most seasoned of drivers. If you are a new driver or are still learning how to drive, being in a collision could be particularly overwhelming. However, if you are able to remain calm and take a few basic steps, the incident may be less shocking for you. Additionally, you are legally required to take certain actions in the event of an auto accident in BC. By following these tips from our driving school in Coquitlam, you can make the best of a stressful situation.

Ready to handle an 18-wheeler or other large vehicle on the road? It is not easy and truck driving comes with its own range of concerns and skills that need to be in place for success. Whether you have a personal or professional interest in truck driving, getting high-quality lessons can make the difference in your experience and success. It is not always easy to choose a school. With so many options, it can be difficult to narrow down the qualities that distinguish a reputable truck driving school from others. Use the tips below and contact North Shore Driving School for trusted driving schools in Abbotsford, Langley, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Burnaby.

It is easy to let good habits and rules slide the longer you have been doing something. With time, we tend to allow repetitive tasks and best practices to come second to a more comfortable, and often less safe routine for the sake of efficiency and speed.

If you or a young driver in your family is getting prepared to take the GLP course in Vancouver, you are probably trying to find a convenient driving school that offers all the services and programs you need. You want to ensure that your new driver has the necessary skills and resources to drive safely and learns to remain alert and confident behind the wheel. If you have never signed up for car driving school, it can be difficult to know what to look for to ensure you are enrolling in a relevant, high-quality program. Use the important guidelines below to make your search easier and contact North Shore Driving School for a suitable program to learn the rules of the road.

Most people won’t willingly admit that they show signs of being a poor driver. In fact, most people would rate themselves above average, based on their own individual criteria for what makes a driver a good one. The majority of people do agree that safety is part of that equation, though new trends have shown that distracted driving is at an all-time high.

As we head towards another winter season, it is important to be cautious on the roads and mentally prepare for driving in poor conditions. It is also important to take the proper steps and get your vehicle prepared to take on the wet, snowy and icy roads.

Silent, small, and quick, it can be challenging to keep track of cyclists on the road. If you are driving alongside bike lanes and many cyclists, or even in an area with only the odd cyclist, safe driving is a necessity. Learning to share the road decreases the chance of accidents and ensures that everyone can arrive safely and get where they are going without incident. If you find yourself startled by cyclists or unfamiliar with the best way to drive defensively around them, read the tips and reminders below. If you would like more information and practice behind the wheel, visit our truck driving school in Burnaby or our car division in North Vancouver.

‘Winter’ has different meanings across the country, and in British Columbia, we get off a little easier. While temperatures and conditions are still variable and chilly, we typically get to skip the blizzards and ice storms. Safe driving is still paramount, but you may be wondering if winter tires are really necessary, given our temperate conditions. Always err on the side of caution, but check out the guidelines below to make your decision about purchasing or putting on the snow tires this year.

Changing seasons bring changing road conditions. As temperatures cool, variable weather patterns including rain, fog, and eventually slush and ice can make driving difficult. Vancouver sees some unpredictable weather that can lead to visibility issues, but it is tough to compare to the challenges met by ice road truckers. Freezing temperatures, isolation, and being constantly on alert for darting wildlife can make for an exhausting drive, even through short passages.

Wikipedia describes distracted driving as:

“The act of driving while engaged in other activities—such as looking after children, texting, talking on the cell phone or to a passenger, eating, or reading—that take the driver’s attention away from the road.”

BC defines a roundabout with having a median divider on approach to the circle. A traffic circle does not have a median and was the predecessor to the modern roundabout. The rules state that a signal is not required to enter the traffic circle or the roundabout. The roundabout does however require a signal right when exiting the circle; the traffic circle does not. It is advisable to use the left signal when going more than one exit in the traffic circle/roundabout, as most North Americans do not use these types of intersections well for clear communication and the benefit of other motorists.

Driving habits can be a concern for all drivers. We get into routines that may not be good habits; they could even be ticket able offences. Not stopping completely, not pulling out into intersections to get a clear view, shoulder checking properly or even at all.

The time has come for you to learn how to drive. You feel excited. You imagine gripping the wheel and revving the engine like the hero in your favourite action movie, and you can't wait to have this experience for real. However, at the same time, you feel nervous. You hear about car accidents all the time, and you don't want a silly mistake to ruin this exciting opportunity.

On March 5, 1872, an American inventor, entrepreneur, and engineer patented a device that would revolutionize railway systems all over the world. After some time, his original designs were reworked and modified so that they could be applied by manufacturers of trucks and heavy road vehicles. Today, no matter how hard one may try, it’s almost impossible to find a road-safe truck without Westinghouse’s ubiquitous invention: the air brake.

Everything Starts with Learning. Being a better driver starts with accepting that one still has road lessons to learn. Even drivers who have been behind a wheel for as long as they can remember are still at risk of getting into accidents. When it comes to avoiding accidents in a car – or truck or motorcycle – a person can never know too much about the road.

As the temperatures start to warm up outside, more drivers plan to get on the road and enjoy the great weather. Before you do any driving, be sure to prepare your vehicle for summer! Summer car maintenance is just as important as winter maintenance, and it can save you from repairs and hassles later on if you take care of it early.

Whether you are just moving to the area or you are a 16-year-old ready to get behind the wheel, it is important to understand the different levels of driver’s licences in British Columbia.

British Columbia uses a Graduated Licensing Program (GLP), which helps prepare drivers and ensures they are mature enough to drive safely on our highways and local streets.

Deciding when to change your tires is a big debate every year when the warmer weather starts to move in. Some people stick with all-weather tires year-round, while other drivers put on winter tires as soon as the snowflakes start to show up in the forecast.

While drivers may debate the subject, safety professionals and the ICBC do not. In fact, the ICBC recommends using winter tires in the snow and swapping to all-season or summer tires the rest of the year.

Car insurance—it is one of those necessary items that all drivers must buy. However, just because you are required to have it does not mean you have to pay top dollar. There are plenty of ways to lower your car insurance premiums. By knowing what affects car insurance rates, you may be able to save yourself a few dollars each month.

Heavy rains demand a lot more skill and confidence out of drivers than clear driving conditions. If you are heading out onto the roads of Vancouver in the rain, then there are several steps you can take both before and after getting into your vehicle that will help ensure a safe journey.

To legally operate a commercial vehicle, you must have a commercial truck licence. These licences come in various levels and each with their own restrictions and requirements. Whether you want to drive a semi-truck or operate a bus, you will need to get a commercial licence and undergo training at a driving school.

To get a driving licence, you must pass the road test. Unfortunately, many well-qualified drivers fail this test due to simple driving test mistakes. Regardless of how much you have practiced or studied, it is important you do not make one of these critical errors. Doing so could result in having to wait longer for your licence.

Exploring your options for a career is exciting. It gives you the opportunity to think about your interests and look into industries that you may have never considered before. Becoming a driving instructor is a career that lets you teach others how to operate various vehicle types. You will meet people from all walks of life and help them step up to their responsibilities in the transportation industry.

The world is changing with greater diversity coming to all industries, including trucking. In March 2015, The Government of Canada committed $421,720 to develop mentorship programs that will help further the careers of women in the nation’s trucking industry, and identify best practices that can better support the hiring and retention of under-represented demographic groups. The funding was announced by Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, during Trucking HR Canada’s Women with Drive Leadership Summit.

Becoming a trucker does not necessarily mean you have to take jobs for the long haul. You can make a long-term career in the truck industry while still staying in your hometown or even driving to neighbouring areas. The number of truck industry jobs continues to grow each year and if you are looking for an exciting career opportunity, now is the time to see all that this career field has to offer.

The harsh temperatures and weather conditions of winter are almost upon us – which means it is time to brush up on winter driving. For most of us, driving in winter has become second nature, but that comfort has also led to more relaxed driving practices, some of which could even be considered reckless. Whether you are taking the kids to school or commuting to work in bad weather, it is important that you understand the proper safety techniques.

Winter truck driving can be a completely different experience compared to summer driving. Experience helps, but even those who have taken on the harshest road conditions can use a friendly reminder on how to stay safe and warm on the roads this winter season. For truck drivers, it can be helpful to remind yourself of some of the tricks for handling commercial vehicles and large trucks on roads covered with ice, sleet, snow, freezing rain and everything that Mother Nature throws at us in the winter.

For parents, thinking about your teen driving the family car may make you anxious, but the key to raising a responsible driver is being a hands-on mentor. From avoiding driving distractions to respecting others on the road, educating your young driver about safety is vital. North Shore Driving School provides comprehensive driver education and encourages parents to be a good role model and set clear boundaries and expectations for your teen’s driving habits.

North Shore Driving School understands how important cars are to our lives and culture. Whether it’s for your first car, to add a second one for the family, or due to budget restrictions, a used car can be an accessible and affordable option. However, finding a problem-free used car requires good research and investigative skills—as knowing how to spot potential problems and determining how reliable a used vehicle is can save you from expensive automotive repairs and ensure you are safe on the road.

As we get older, our bodies change and can make it difficult to perform routine tasks that we used to complete with ease. For many people, driving becomes more difficult with hip and knee pain, vision issues, and other factors that come with old age. If you or your loved one are getting older and have concerns about staying safe on the road, taking some simple steps toward more confident and safe driving conditions can go a long way.

Driving for extended periods of time can become monotonous, especially if you are driving alone. Truck drivers face a lot of challenges on the road, from manoeuvring large vehicles to adverse road conditions. However, it is the isolation and long hours involved with extended truck hauls that can be the most difficult to overcome. Whether you are a seasoned truck driver or just beginning your Class 1 driving at our school in Surrey, keeping entertained on the road can help you stay alert and drive safe.

There are plenty of hazards Canadian drivers have to face on the road. From turbulent weather conditions to negligent and distracted drivers, it can be difficult to remain defensive, especially when spending long hours behind the wheel. Truck drivers face increased difficulty, with cargo that can be challenging to manoeuvre and isolated routes that see more animals than people. If you are a truck driver who travels through areas with a lot of wildlife, or you are a car-owner taking on a road trip, read these useful tips to avoid and prevent collisions with animals.

Learning to drive is akin to a rite of passage. Everyone brings their own level of comfort and experience when they are learning to drive. Whether you are eager to learn or are still feeling hesitant to get behind the wheel, taking a few simple precautions will help you feel more comfortable and in control of your vehicle.

Though professional truck driving jobs can vary considerably depending on which company you work for and what kinds of loads you are hauling, what most separates one trucking job from another are the distances involved. Let's take a brief look at what you can expect as a local, regional, or over-the-road (OTR) truck driver.

If you are interested in a career that involves skilled labour, is challenging and unique, look no further than ice road trucking. Transporting essential goods by driving on icy roads and in variable conditions is not everyone’s idea of a comfortable job. However, for the right person and a skilled driver, ice road trucking in northern Canada could be the perfect career opportunity.

When driving a car, truck or SUV, it is important to understand that you are not just sharing the road with other vehicles. In North Vancouver, and in the Greater Vancouver Area, you are sharing the road with semi-trucks, pedestrians, cyclists and even motorcycles. It is your duty, as a responsible driver, to share the road with everyone. A large majority of accidents in North Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Area occur because drivers are inattentive or fail to yield when it is appropriate. You can stay safe just by knowing how to share the road properly and drive responsibly.

As a career trucker, you will spend a large majority of your “off” time at truck stops around the country. Often these truck stops are located within a few short miles of your destination, while other times you may have to drive some distance to find one. If you are on a new route, you will want to familiarize yourself with truck stops on your route as well as at your destination. Ideally, you need stops that have overnight parking, mechanic shops, restaurants and possibly even showers.

Even people who love driving can face fatigue and difficulty when taking on long drives. Truck drivers know this better than anyone. Logging many hours driving can take a toll mentally and physically, so learning to properly manage your time and break up the drive is crucial in order to stay safe, keep alert, and enjoy the journey.

Traffic sensors have been around the North Shore since the late 80’s early 90’s, but most people are not familiar with them unless they have taken lessons with a reputable driving school or a defensive driving course in North or West Vancouver. Traffic sensors were introduced as mass detectors. They detect the presence of cars, not their weight. People would get out of their cars and started jumping on the sensor area, to no avail. The traffic sensor is an electrical loop creating a magnetic field that detects the presence of a car. Motorcycles do not have a sufficient amount mass of steel to trip the sensor, so motorcyclists need to wave the next car forward onto the sensor.

A Belgian project tricked teens into thinking that in order to successfully pass their driving tests, they needed to text and drive at the same time. The teens’ reactions as they attempted the test said it all – that the practice was dangerous and could harm lives.

Summertime’s warmer temperatures offer the perfect excuse for hitting the road and taking in the natural and cultural sites around Vancouver. Road trips across the water to Vancouver Island, north to the mountain resorts, or east to the grassy hills serve as rejuvenating adventures.

Even if you’re new to the world of long haul trucking, it’s easy to understand that long hours on the road can wear you down. The monotony of extended driving can lull you into a kind of trance if you’re not careful, and driving tired can sometimes be as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

So how can you combat the annoying and dangerous effects of fatigue without resorting to energy drinks or coffee, and still stay alert on a long drive?

Your heart begins to palpitate, your face drips with sweat, and your eyes widen in fear. You can’t bring yourself to turn the key to your ignition. Carefully, lovingly, your passenger nudges you to get the car started, but it’s too late…you're behind the wheel of your vehicle and frozen with fear.

There’s no place like home for the holidays. Driving home, however, can be very dangerous, with poor weather, heavy traffic, and drunk drivers increasing your risk of being involved in an accident. We offer some tips to help keep you safe on the roads.

Each stage of life carries different challenges along with it. From the teenage years to retirement, no two stages offer exactly the same difficulties. This life rule applies to our challenges, but it carries with it exciting things as well. As a driver, your needs change, and that means your cars will have to evolve as well. The car you drive as a teenager will vary from the car you drive as an adult.

Consider the following before you purchase a car during each stage of life.

You just bought a new car. Now you want to keep it in pristine condition, right? There’s no better way to do just that than a bi-monthly wash – inside and out. Although most gas station car washes clean away surface grime, good ol’ fashioned hand washes will give your car the TLC it deserves. Try some of these professional car cleaning tips and tricks to keep your car looking, feeling, and driving like new.

If you're a non-driver but you've passed the legal driving age, you may feel embarrassed or out of place when people start discussing recent driving situations. Perhaps you've even concurred as they list their pet peeves about other drivers, pretending you understand from personal experience.

Preparing to drive a commercial vehicle is like preparing to drive any other car: you’ll need to take a driving test. This process can be simple with enough practice and an understanding of how licensing works. Just follow our tips below: 

The key to improving your driving skills is to practice, practice, practice. And what better way to practice than taking your car out on the highway for an extended road trip? Canada has a lot of beautiful scenery and interesting attractions to offer, so whether you are an experienced driver or just starting out, it’s time to hit the road.

Wouldn’t it be great if you owned a fuel efficient car? But new cars, especially hybrids or alternative fuel vehicles, don’t come cheap.

Even though you’re stuck with a less than efficient car, don’t resign yourself to the misery of low fuel economy. You can improve the gas mileage in your current car if you change your driving habits and carefully maintain key parts of your vehicle. You might even improve your fuel economy in the next five minutes.

If you are like most people, you drive almost every day. Such a repetitive, time-consuming task can become mundane. However, attempting to spice up your drive comes at the ultimate risk. If you become distracted while driving, you risk inflicting serious injury or death on yourself and/or someone else. Rather than reaching for your cell phone or becoming preoccupied with the occupants of the car next to you, follow these distraction-preventing tips on your next commute.

Every teen dreams of the day when they will turn sweet sixteen and finally get to slide behind the wheel of a car and cruise around town. The freedom to hit the open road is a liberating and important milestone in every adult’s life. But will things always be that way?

Finally getting your driver’s licence is a major accomplishment. Passing your driving test demonstrates that you’re a competent, safe driver. The next step to securing your safety and that of others is by purchasing car insurance, which is a legal mandate everywhere in Canada. Getting insurance can sometimes feel overwhelming, but knowing why you need car insurance and where you can get it in BC makes the process much smoother.

You’ve looked at the stats online, and you’ve gone on a couple of test drives. Now it’s time for you to negotiate with the car salesperson. But before you sign any papers or really let on that you’re salivating after that car, there are 11 questions that you need to ask yourself and the salesperson.

Your baby’s all grown up and driving around town. Now that she’s responsible enough to drive, she needs to be responsible enough to take care of her car (or the family car). New drivers don’t have the same habits as more experienced drivers. Since it’s probably been awhile since you started driving, here are a few things you should make sure your new driver remembers:

What do renaissance men like Leonardo da Vinci, Karl Benz, and Henry Ford have in common? All three yearned to be in motion. Da Vinci tinkered with flying contraptions and other motion-based engineering experiments alongside his visual artworks. Karl Benz is credited as being the first inventor of a gas-powered vehicle. And Henry Ford – well, it’s probably obvious who Henry Ford is, and what he did.

The time has finally come. You spent hours looking over the guide for new drivers. You passed the knowledge test from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). You practiced your skills on the road – always with a passenger in the front seat. And now you are ready to take that road test and get a licence of your own.

Drivers in Canada are becoming safer each year. According to Transport Canada, the number of road fatalities and injuries has gone from nearly 250,000 total injuries in 1992 to 166,725 in 2011. By doing a quick inspection before you drive, you can help reduce this number even further and make Canada a better place to drive in.