Surrey Driving School Blog by Greenlight: new drivers

😰 Tips for Nervous Drivers: How to Stay Calm on the Road

Feeling nervous behind the wheel is normal — especially for new drivers or those preparing for the ICBC test. Here are some helpful tips to build your confidence and stay in control while driving.

🧘‍♀️ 1. Take Deep Breaths Before You Start

A few deep breaths can calm your nerves and help you focus. Don’t rush — start slow and steady.

🎧 2. Drive Without Distractions

Avoid loud music or talking too much. Focus on your mirrors, signals, and surroundings.

👀 3. Practice Familiar Routes

Drive in areas you already know — this reduces surprises and builds your muscle memory.

🚘 4. Book a Mock Driving Test

Simulating a real ICBC test with a trained instructor can reduce fear and prepare you for the real experience.

🚦 5. Learn One Skill at a Time

Master parking, turning, or lane changes separately before combining them. One small win at a time builds confidence.

🗣️ 6. Talk to Your Instructor

A supportive instructor can make a huge difference. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or repeat lessons.

Nervous? Don’t worry — we specialize in helping anxious drivers gain control and confidence.

📱 Message Greenlight on WhatsApp and book a relaxed 1-on-1 lesson today!

10 Common Mistakes New Drivers Make – Avoid These to Pass Your ICBC Test

Learning to drive can feel overwhelming at first — but most mistakes are easy to fix when you know what to watch for.

Here are the top 10 common mistakes new drivers make during lessons and road tests in Surrey — and how you can avoid them:

🔟 Rolling stops – Always stop completely at stop signs
9️⃣ Poor shoulder checks – Always glance over your shoulder before changing lanes
8️⃣ Not scanning intersections – Look left, right, and ahead before proceeding
7️⃣ Driving too slow or too fast – Follow posted limits, especially in school zones
6️⃣ Hitting the curb while turning or parking – Practice your mirror and wheel control
5️⃣ Weak parallel parking – Use markers and ask for tips from your instructor
4️⃣ Late or no signaling – Signal at least 30 meters before turning
3️⃣ Improper lane changes – Check mirrors, signal, shoulder check, then change lanes
2️⃣ Not understanding right of way rules – Practice 4-way stops and roundabouts
1️⃣ Nervous driving – Practice builds confidence. Stay calm. You're in control!

✅ Our instructors at Greenlight Driving School coach you through all of these mistakes — patiently and in your preferred language.

💡 Book your next lesson today and stay test-ready!

🆕 New to Driving in BC? Here’s What Every Beginner Should Know

If you're new to British Columbia or just getting started with driving, the process can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry — you’re not alone. At Greenlight Driving School in Surrey, we work with hundreds of first-time drivers, including immigrants, students, and teens every year.

Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the basics before you hit the road.

🚦 Step 1: Understand the Licensing Stages in BC

British Columbia follows a Graduated Licensing Program (GLP):

Learner’s (L) – Class 7L
- Must be at least 16
- Pass a knowledge test + vision test at ICBC
- Drive with a supervising adult
Novice (N) – Class 7
- Hold your L for at least 12 months
- Pass the ICBC road test
Full License – Class 5
- After 24 months with an N license
- Pass another road test for your Class 5

🟩 We can help at every stage — from L to N to Class 5.

📘 Step 2: Know the Documents You Need

To take your knowledge test or road test, bring:

Government-issued ID
Proof of address (if needed)
Glasses/contact lenses if you need them
Parental consent if under 19

👨‍🏫 Step 3: Take Professional Driving Lessons

Driving with a friend or parent is great — but professional instruction gives you an edge.

With Greenlight Driving School:

Learn ICBC test routes
Practice key maneuvers: parking, lane changes, merging
Get personalized feedback from certified instructors
Lessons available in Punjabi, Hindi, and English

🛡️ Step 4: Know the Most Common Mistakes Beginners Make

We see many beginners lose marks for:

Forgetting shoulder checks
Not stopping fully at stop signs
Speeding in school zones
Hesitating too long at intersections

💡 We teach you how to avoid all of these — and more.

💬 Final Tip: Start Early, Stay Consistent

The earlier you start practicing with a plan, the more confident you’ll be when test day comes. Whether you’re 16 or 46 — it’s never too late to learn.

📞 Ready to Start Driving?

Let Greenlight Driving School in Surrey help you get started the right way.

👉 Book your first lesson
📱 WhatsApp: +1 778-522-1513
📧 greenlightds13@gmail.com

Next week’s blog: “Learn to Drive in Punjabi, Hindi, or English – Your Language, Your Confidence.”
Stay tuned!

Surrey Driving School Blog by Greenlight