To see how this is done, please refer to Video 6 in this video course on the home page. The written guide is a little more detailed as I have added other details that have been mentioned from others who have taken the test over the past year or two.
1. I arrived a half hour early to the ICBC lot. I parked the vehicle in the “truck inspection” area, about a foot away from the curb to give room for the pre-trip. I made sure my PARKING BRAKE was on. I unlocked all the VAN DOORS. I also unlatched the HOOD (but kept it closed) I kept the keys in my pocket and not in the van.
2. On the Driver’s Side seat: I put the PAPER TOWEL I would use to check fluids. I put a thin EXERCISE MAT rolled up on the seat (this is optional, something I used so I didn’t have to lie down on the wet, dirty pavement). I put my TIRE GAUGE on the seat as well as the HAMMER. I made sure my BRUSH/SCRAPER was within reach next to the seat.
3. I took my INSURANCE PAPERS, KEYS, FEE to the ICBC office to wait for my turn.
4. As the Examiner and I walked to my vehicle, I ASKED QUESTIONS pertaining to the test: for the sake of time for this test would it be acceptable to check one seatbelt instead of all? Would it be acceptable to check one tire instead of all? Would the examiner like me to actually test all the fluids or for the sake of time can I describe what I do to test them?
5. The examiner told me the LENGTH OF TIME I would have to complete the pre-trip inspection (plan on less than 15 minutes). Following the pre-trip I would have a form to fill out and then I would do my road test.
This is a sample of the information on the form I had to fill out:
START AT THE FRONT, DRIVER'S SIDE. STAND BESIDE THE HOOD ABLE TO REACH YOUR WINDSHIELD AND WINDSHIELD WIPER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE:
6. I said: “I am going to begin with the UPPER PART of the vehicle.” As you do your pre-trip you are going to want to TOUCH as many parts of the vehicle as you can, and TALK about everything you are observing. I demonstrate this in the Pre-Trip Inspection Video 6. Use words like “it looks normal” or “in good condition”. Say the name of parts and quickly describe what you are seeing.
7. I began at the front of my van and checked the WINDSHIELD and my driver-side WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE. I moved on and checked my MIRROR for any damage. I opened and shut the DRIVER’S DOOR to show that it opened from the outside. I commented on the WINDOWS, that the windows were in good condition with no visible cracks. I commented that there did not appear to be any BODY DAMAGE anywhere. I opened the fuel door and checked the FUEL CAP to make sure it was on properly and tightly.
8. Rounding the corner to the back of the van I noted that the LENS COVERS on the back of the van brake lights were in good condition. I noted that the LICENSE PLATE could be clearly seen and that my INSURANCE STICKER was up-to-date. Using my foot I noted that the BACK BUMPER was firm. I opened the BACK DOORS to show that they could be opened properly from the outside.
9. I pointed out the EXTRA SUPPLIES OF FLUIDS (oil, washer fluid, etc.) that I had stocked. I pointed out that I had a SAFETY KIT with my reflective triangles and flares. I pointed out that I had a FIRST AID KIT in the back. I pointed out that I had the TOOLS to release the spare tire, check lug nuts, jack etc. in the back.
10. Continuing around the passenger side of the vehicle I was again looking for BODY DAMAGE, and did not see any. Using my foot I tapped the EXHAUST PIPE and commented that it was firm and not hanging. I opened and closed the SLIDING DOOR to the van to show that it could open easily from the outside. I noted that all the WINDOWS were in good condition. I opened and closed the PASSENGER DOOR from the outside. I checked the PASSENGER MIRROR for any damage and to make sure it was clean. I checked the INSPECTION STICKER on the front windshield to show that it was current and noted when our next inspection was due. I checked the passenger side WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE to make sure it was in good condition.
11. As I moved around the front of the van I noted that the HEADLIGHTS were in good condition, the LENSES were not cracked. I noted that the front LICENSE PLATE was clean. Noted that everything looked normal on the front of the van, there was no body damage and the WINDSHIELD was in good condition. I got down on one knee to do a very quick look from the front to see if I could see any DRIPPING FLUIDS or ANYTHING HANGING DOWN from this angle.
12. Then I opened the driver door and removed my exercise mat, put the paper towel and tire gauge in my pocket, dropped the hammer beside the driver side tire and I said, “I am now going to check the UNDERSIDE of my vehicle as well as my TIRES.”
13. I began at the driver’s side TIRE and commented on the tread that there was “PLENTY OF TREAD and no UNUSUAL WEAR.” I commented that there were “NO VISIBLE CRACKS” in the tire and the tire appeared to be “INFLATED ADEQUATELY” as I used my hammer and tire gauge to check the inflation. You can also comment that the RIMS are secure on each tire. Our tires have a plastic hub cap and plastic bolt covers that cover the LUG NUTS. I commented that “our tires are TORQUED by a LICENSED MECHANIC” but I was looking to see if any of the plastic lug-nut covers were lifting and all appeared to be normal. If you didn’t have covers you would quickly check each lug nut with your hand for tightness. 14. Then I lay down on my stomach on my exercise mat with my head under the van slightly and I commented that I was looking at the van’s LEAF SPRINGS/SUSPENSION which appeared to look normal. I was looking at my BRAKE LINES to make sure there were no leaks and to make sure that they appeared to be on tight. I was looking at the U-Bolts as well. I was looking at the FRAME of the vehicle for anything concerning, the AXELS and the DIFFERENTIAL and DRIVE SHAFT and everything looked good. I was looking at our EXHAUST SYSTEM to make sure there was nothing hanging down low from the vehicle and all looked fine. I was looking for any detached WIRES or anything else that might be hanging down, and all looked fine.
15. I then moved to the back tire and did the same inspection on the BACK DRIVER’S SIDE TIRE (I used the hammer only for the inflation test). I moved around the back and to the other side and repeated what I did on the driver’s side (checking tires, checking the underside of the vehicle – you don’t need to comment on everything, but indicate you can’t see anything hanging and no fluids dripping).
16. I said, “Now I am going to check under the hood of the vehicle.” I put my exercise mat, tire gauge, and hammer away I reached in and pulled the hood release handle to pop the hood (unless you did this earlier). I opened the hood and propped it up with the bar.
17. I began at the right hand side of the engine compartment and opened up the BRAKE FLUID. I commented that it was filled properly and that the fluid looked clear not cloudy and it smelled fine (it did not have a burned smell). I checked the POWER STEERING fluid, commented that it was clear and reddish which was how it should look. I looked at the WINDSHIELD WASHER fluid and noted that it was full (I made sure all fluids were topped up before my pre-trip).
18. I said, “Because I am short, I am going to climb up on the bumper so I can see everything clearly” (which is what I did). I touched everything I could touch and as I did I said, “I am looking for anything loose or cracked or abnormal. I am looking down as far as I can to see as much of the steering mechanism as I can, again looking for abnormalities. I am looking for tight connections on all WIRES and HOSES.” I touched the main BELT and said that I was looking for unusual wear, nicks and gouges or fraying. All looked well. I noted that the STEERING COLUMN also looked in good condition.
19. Still touching everything I commented on the three other fluids that would need to be checked: the ENGINE OIL (“I will check that in a moment”) and the TRANSMISSION FLUID (“I will check that when the van is running” – the Examiner said that I would not need to check that today). I looked at the ENGINE COOLANT. I noted that the coolant would be yellow or green and should be at least an inch deep in the container.
20. On the left side I checked the BATTERY LEADS to make sure that everything was tight, attached properly to the TERMINALS. There was no visible corrosion.
21. Getting down from the bumper I pulled out the OIL DIPSTICK, wiped it using the paper towel and then put it back in, pulled it out again and checked the level. Now check the TRANSMISSION FLUID by starting the van and then proceed as you would if you were checking the oil.
22. I also commented on the hood light on the hood of the van and that it works properly. I then CLOSED THE HOOD of the van.
23. Then I said, “I am now going to check all of my LIGHTS.”
24. I turned the van off and then turned the ignition to the “on” position (not starting the vehicle, just power on), noting that when I did, all the INDICATOR LIGHTS came on the dash.
25. First I checked my INTERIOR LIGHTS to make sure they were working, and turned them off again.
26. I TURNED ON MY HEADLIGHTS AND MY LEFT BLINKER. I took the brush/scraper we have in the van and I propped it on the brake pedal on the one end and against the steering wheel on the other. As you are setting up comment that "if I was driving with a partner they could help me check my lights, including my high-beams, and my 'backing up' lights." I noted that another way I could check my high-beams if I was alone would be to shine them against a wall to ensure they are working.
27. I walked around the front of the vehicle and noted that my LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND LEFT BLINKER WERE WORKING. I walked quickly to the back of the van and said my BRAKE LIGHTS were working, my LEFT BLINKER was working, and the LITTLE LIGHT OVER THE LICENSE PLATE was working. Don’t forget the license plate light!! When you are back in the van, ask if the examiner would help you by indicating if your HIGH BEAMS work.
Regarding Back Up Lights: I did not need to test these, and I do not see on ICBC's site that you need to check them. But if you want to play it safe, you could at this point ask the Examiner if they could stand at the back of the vehicle, off to the side, not directly behind, so that I could test my BACK-UP lights. Just start the vehicle and put your vehicle in reverse and the lights should be visible.
28. I then removed the brush/scraper, turned off my headlights, and turned on my RIGHT BLINKER. I walked to the front and then the back and noted that it was working.
29. I then turned on my HAZARD LIGHTS, indicated the lights were also blinking inside the van, and circled the van (around the back and then to the front on the passenger side) and noted they were working. I ended at the large sliding door which I opened at this point and stepped in…
30. I stepped into the vehicle, closing the sliding door behind me. I removed the keys and put them in my pocket and said, “I am now going to check the INSIDE of the vehicle.” I stepped into vehicle. Turned off Hazard lights, removed my keys
31. I walked to the back of the van and checked that the EXIT DOORS would open and close from the inside. As you walk back to the front of the 15 passenger van (if that is the vehicle you are using), give each BENCH SEAT A TUG and say "each seat appears to be securely fastened."
32. I checked one WINDOW that it would open and close and said “I would normally check all the windows, but for the sake of time I will just check one today”
33. I OPENED THE SLIDING DOOR from the inside and said “I am making sure this door opens from the inside.”
34. I said the first thing I would do is check the SEATBELTS to make sure they were working. I started with the front bench and asked, “Would you like me to check them all during this test?” (The examiner did not have me check them all).
35. Then I stepped out of the side door, closed it, and moved to the passenger door. I opened the door and I made sure I could LOWER AND RAISE THAT WINDOW (the vehicle I used had a hand crank).
36. I then invited the examiner to join me in the vehicle as I quickly moved to the Driver’s Side door. I checked my DRIVER’S WINDOW to make sure it would lower and raise. I asked the Examiner to check the PASSENGER DOOR to make sure it opens from the inside while I stepped into the vehicle and did the same with my DRIVER’S DOOR. I commented that my SEAT was adjusted properly for driving.
37. I noted that I had a FIRE EXTINGUISHER in the vehicle by the passenger seat with a current inspection ate. I noted that I had my proper INSURANCE PAPERS in the vehicle as well as my PRE-TRIP LOG BOOK.
38. I put my SEATBELT and asked the Examiner to out theirs on. I STARTED THE VEHICLE. I said, “I AM LISTENING FOR ANYTHING ABNORMAL when I start the vehicle. It sounds fine.”
39. I checked to make sure my DEFROST FAN and HEATER worked. I pointed out all the GAUGES on my dash commenting that I had ADEQUATE FUEL, that my OIL PRESSURE looked normal, that the WATER TEMPERATURE looked normal and I would keep an eye on it as we drove. That my BATTERY had a normal charge.
40. I checked that my WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHER FLUID functioned properly.
41. I checked my MIRRORS and noted that they were all in the correct position for driving.
42. I checked my HORN
43. I said, “When we begin to drive I will test my brakes and my steering wheel.” Check that your emergency brake holds first, and then your regular brakes and then your steering (I describe this further below in point 47)
44. The Examiner had me shut off the vehicle and had me fill out a basic log-book form (make sure you have A PEN). Make sure you know your LICENSE PLATE NUMBER and the MAKE/MODEL of the vehicle. Make sure you know your own DRIVER’S LICENSE number. Make sure you know where the Odometer is because you will need to write down the ODOMETER reading. I noted on the form that all was fine. Read the form carefully – on the form I had, if all was normal you only had to check off the top box. If there was a concern you would check off whatever boxes applied below that section.
At the end of this post I have included a form SIMILAR to the ICBC form so you have some idea of what you will need to fill out.
CONTINUING ON TO THE ROAD TEST
45. The Examiner told me we would be taking a 20 minute road test including a hill park (make sure you turn your wheels the correct way) and would demonstrate backing up. So there were lots of turns – make sure you BRAKE SMOOTHLY and TURN SMOOTHLY so that nothing in the van slides. They want to know that you can make it a comfortable ride for your passengers. Don’t forget ALL YOUR SHOULDER CHECKS (INCLUDING RIGHT SHOULDER CHECK). Don’t forget SCHOOL ZONES! 46. Before you start your vehicle make sure you and your passengers are wearing their seatbelts. If you are working with children, mention that you or your partner would be checking each seatbelt to make sure they are fastened properly. When you are ready to pull out PUT YOUR BLINKER ON in the direction you will be turning.
47. Say, “I am just going to check to make sure my PARKING BRAKE holds well.” Leave the parking brake on and put your vehicle in gear and just lightly put some pressure on the gas pedal to demonstrate that the brake will hold.
48. Release the parking brake and say, “I am also going to test my REGULAR BRAKES.” Drive forward slightly, test the brakes by tapping on the peddle to start and stop the vehicle twice.
49. As you pull out say, “I am being mindful of the STEERING as I am beginning to drive, to make sure it feels normal, and it does.”
50. Continue on as directed.
BACKING UP
At some point the examiner will ask you to demonstrate the backing up procedure.
For the backing up exercise, we came back to the ICBC lot and the examiner said that I was to demonstrate backing up in a straight line.
1. I said, “Normally I will have someone driving with me and so they can help guide me back, but since I don’t have that, I will be HONKING MY HORN EVERY VEHICLE LENGTH when I am ready to back up. Before I back up, I am going to WALK AROUND MY VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE NO ONE IS BEHIND MY VEHICLE.”
2. Turn OFF your vehicle, WALK BEHIND YOUR VEHICLE and around the other side to make sure it is clear.
3. GO BACK into your Driver’s Seat
4. Put your SEATBELT on.
5. START THE VEHICLE.
6. HONK.
7. BACK UP in a straight line.
8. HONK every vehicle length.
9. When the examiner tells you to stop, stop and turn off the vehicle.
Hopefully you will hear those wonderful words, “You did an excellent job, you pass!” At the end of it all you will also be given a medical form. You will need to go to a doctor and have it filled out as a part of getting your license. You can call around for a better price on the doctor’s fee.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Recently someone took the test and the examiner said they only had 15 minutes to do the pre-trip. When they asked, “Do you want me to check all the seatbelts” (or fluids, or whatever) the examiner said, “Do what you think you need to do.” In this case, he said “Normally I would check all the seatbelts, but for sake of time, I will just check one at this point.” He was able to do this for the fluids as well, “Normally I would check all the fluids but as this has already been done this morning, for sake of time I won’t check them” (but he still mentioned everything he would have checked). He passed just fine. I thought this would be worth mentioning.
Not everyone has had to check their high beams but definitely mention that if you can check your high-beams with a partner or in the evening by shining your lights against a wall.
I did not have to check my back-up lights, but be prepared to describe how to – you need to do this with a partner. Never have them stand directly behind the van, always to the side.
I did not have to check all my inside windows, but be prepared to do so just in case.
Most people I know have not had to mention the “hood light” on the van, but someone I know did not mention it and got a point against them for that.
Their procedure online looks quite simple but over time I have heard from enough people that a very thorough check is needed. For example, you can't just open the doors from the outside, they also need to be opened from the inside. Someone had an examiner who wanted each bench seat to be tested to make sure it was secure. Someone did need to test their back-up lights even though it isn't mentioned on their site. Someone had to mention the hood-light! So what I have done is tried to put together the most accurate representation of a pre-trip possible! Cover the main things, and if you forget the hood light, I am hopeful you will still pass!!
I know this was a lot of reading, if you need a visual, make sure you check out Video 6.
Best of luck!
Next Steps
Go to the Introduction Blog in this series
Go to next step Blog: The Medical Test
If you would like to learn more about vehicle Terminology you are going to want to watch Video 5. If you would like to watch a timed pre-trip inspection, view Video 6. Go to home page video course for details.
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