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Chilliwack, BC. Canada 604-795-4250 info@astrosonicdrivingschool.com This article was written by our Chief Instructor in “Chilliwack Times” Tuesday, October 12, 2004 Chilliwack Times
ICBC driver examiners session informs seniors By JOHN KURZAK
ICBC driver examiners George and Elaine provided an interesting
information session at the Chilliwack Library on Sept. 28 and Sept.
29. The first day was
dedicated for our older seniors population. George briefly explained why seniors are called in for a re-examination.
There are a few reasons: First, a doctor’s report on the
medical condition, which may affect the driver’s ability to drive
safely;
secondly, any results
of a previous re-exam, which was suggested for a follow-up testing
was necessary; thirdly, if an
accident report, police report, or other reports showing that a
driver is unable or unsure of how to respond in certain driving
situations. Each
year about 5,000 British Columbian drivers were asked to take the
drivers re-examination. If you
have reached your 80th birthday and every two years
thereafter you are required to provide a medical report on your
medical condition. This
is the crucial as seniors may develop a medical condition at this
stage in life that affects safe driving. If you are required to take
a medical exam you will receive a Driver's Medical Examination form
in the mail. You are
required to take the form to your doctor who will complete and
submit it to the superintendent of the Motor Vehicle Branch within
45 days or your drivers licence may be suspended or cancelled.
If the superintendent of the Motor Vehicle Branch requires an
exam you will be notified by mail and an exam must be booked within
30 days. George, in detail, explained how to book a re-exam and what would be
required. A vision screening, traffic signs and signal test will be conducted along with a few questions about traffic safety. Bring your primary identification (birth certificate, drivers licence) and valid car insurance. Basic preparation before going on the road covers vehicle safety check, brake lights, headlights, turn signal lights, horn, windshield wipers and fluids, mirrors, as well as knowing hand signals. This is the time to ask any questions the candidate may have. On the road the examiner only gives you clear directions on where to go
and will observe closely your driving skills.
The test includes five global skills, which will be
demonstrated on the road, at the intersections, highway driving, the
three-point turn and parking execution.
At the end of the road test the examiner will go over the results with the candidate, their good points and/or errors of their driving skills will be discussed. If the driver passes the exam your licence will be returned or a picture will be taken and your licence will be issued. Unfortunately if the driver fails the exam a learners DL may be issued which means you can drive only with a “supervisor” holding a class 5 or better drivers licence and is 25 years of age or older. George also pointed out common reasons driver’s fail: they fail to look over the shoulder on turns or line changes, fail to follow road signs especially in school zones and/or playgrounds or not in proper position at intersections. He also strongly recommended to refresh driving skills by checking into books offered by ICBC, (Tuning Up and Road Sense for Drivers). George also suggested that there are a few driving training schools available to help in guiding seniors to maintain their driving skills and to up date them with current requirements. The room was full, filled with seniors who want to know more details about the re-examination.
George Thacker, ICBC examiner, leading the seminar |
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