Taking the Class 5 Road test in Alberta is a major milestone, but it can be nerve-wracking. Even the most prepared drivers can slip up on test day by making small, preventable mistakes.
In this article, we outline the seven most common mistakes new drivers make on the Class 5 road test in Alberta – and how to avoid them!
1. Rolling Through a Stop Sign
Many new drivers will slow down at stop signs without coming to a full stop. This is what’s known as a “rolling stop” and it is not enough.
Examiners are trained to watch for a full stop – meaning, your tires stop moving entirely.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Always come to a full stop at the stop line or before entering a crosswalk. Count to three before proceeding to emphasize that you’ve fully stopped.
2. Not Doing Shoulder Checks
Shoulder checks are quick glances over your shoulder to check your blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Examiners in Alberta are especially strict about this – you’re expected to do them throughout the test.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Every time you change lanes, merge, or turn, look over your shoulder. Combine this with checking all your mirrors and using your turn signal.
3. Speeding
According to the Government of Alberta’s Driver’s Guide, driving over the speed limit or driving too quickly for the conditions is one of the most common reasons for failing the Class 5 Road Test.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Pay attention to posted speed limits and adjust based on weather or traffic conditions. When in doubt, err on the side of caution, but don’t go too slow, as you can also be penalized for driving well below the speed limit.
4. Poor Lane Changes
Not checking your mirrors, skipping your shoulder check, or merging too abruptly are some of the most common ways to fail.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Follow the MSMOG routine – Mirror, Signal, Mirror (again), Over the Shoulder, Go. Take your time and make sure there’s enough space to merge safely.
5. Not Following Right-of-Way Rules
Failing to yield the right-of-way to another vehicle or pedestrian is both dangerous and a major error on the Class 5 Road Test.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Brush up on right-of-way rules prior to your test. Practicing with a government-certified instructor can help you build confidence and prepare for various situations.
6. Ignoring Road Signs
Ignoring yield signs, speed limits, school zone signs, or no-parking indicators can cost you big points on your test. Examiners expect you to recognize and follow all posted signs.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Keep your eyes moving as you drive – watch for all road signs and adjust your speed accordingly. For example, there are often lower speed zones near schools.
7. Hesitation
Being overly hesitant – for example, waiting too long to turn at an intersection – can disrupt traffic and suggest you’re not confident behind the wheel. It’s one of the top mistakes noted by examiners during the Class 5 Road Test.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Know the rules, trust your judgment, and commit when it’s safe to do so.
Conclusion
The Class 5 Road test in Alberta can be intimidating, but knowing what mistakes to avoid and practicing strategies to prevent them will boost your confidence ahead of test day.
Looking for more guidance? Check out our Guide to Getting Your Class 7 and Class 5 Licenses in Alberta.
Want to learn what happens if you fail? Check out our post on What Happens if You Fail Your Class 5 Road Test in Alberta.
