How Advanced Driving Training Can Save Your Life in Emergencies

Passing your Calgary road test is a massive step towards gaining independence. However, few drivers can make the complicated calculation through nerves, small mistakes, or a lack of preparation and fail on the first try. Please pass the first time at My Way Academy Driving School. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the most common reasons drivers are failing their Calgary road test—and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Not Observing Properly at Intersections

Among the most common reasons drivers flunk the test is that they don’t look carefully before driving through intersections. On this one, the examiners are paying particular attention to:

• Do a complete stop at stop signs.
• Look right, look left, look right before crossing.
• Give in to pedestrians and incoming traffic.

Tip: Drive defensively by continually observing your surroundings. Even though the road may appear transparent to you, demonstrate to the examiner that you are looking.

2. Failing to Shoulder Check

Checking mirrors is not enough for lane changes and turns. A lot of us don’t remember to shoulder-check, but it’s an essential safety technique. To neglect this step is to show the examiner that you don’t really know where your blind spots are.

Tip: Always make it a habit to do shoulder checks whenever you change lanes, merge or turn.

3. Speeding or Driving Too Slowly

You can fail for going too fast just as easily as for going too slow. Your road test examiner will expect you to drive with confidence while observing Calgary’s posted speed limits.

Tip: Maintain your speed — drive at the posted limit unless it is unsafe to do so due to road conditions.

4. Poor Parking Skills

Parallel parking, uphill/downhill parking, and angle parking frequently stump those behind the wheel. Spending too much time fighting the wheel, banging the curb, or not aligning the car properly can result in lost points.

Pro tip: Try parking in different scenarios before your test. Confidence comes with repetition.

5. Rolling Stops

Many drivers perform poorly here because they fail to come to a complete stop at stop signs. Putting through — even if it’s slow — will count as a significant, tournament-ending mistake.

Tip: Come to a complete stop and count “one, two” before moving.

6. Lack of Confidence or Nervousness

Test anxiety causes other drivers to doubt themselves, act rashly or freeze up. Examiners are looking for calm, smooth driving.

Pro Tip: Book a lesson with a driving school in Calgary, such as My Way Academy Driving School, to gain a refresher before your test and boost your confidence.

7. Not Following Examiner Instructions

Occasionally, drivers fail to understand or ignore instructions, resulting in unnecessary mistakes. Good listening skills and asking questions (if necessary) are critical.

Tip: If you misheard the examiner, ask them politely to repeat the instruction.

Final Thoughts

Failing a Calgary road test can be discouraging, but understanding the common mistakes can help you prepare better. With adequate practice, concentration, and coaching, you can achieve a good score.

At My Way Academy Driving School, our instructors are ready to help you develop good driving techniques and stay out of harm’s way. If you’re getting ready to take your first test or rebooking after an unsuccessful one, we’ll get you prepared to hit the road.

Interested in booking your Calgary road test preparation course? Call My Way Academy Driving School today and start driving the way to success!