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Some intersections in Vancouver can feel like total chaos. You’ve got bikes flying by, buses squeezing through, pedestrians walking slowly, and cars doing random stuff that doesn’t make sense.
If you’re a new driver, especially working on your Class 7 learner’s licence or Class 5 road test, this guide is for you. Let’s walk through how to deal with Vancouver’s busiest intersections without freezing up or doing something risky.
Know the Spots That Get Wild
Here are a few intersections in Vancouver that tend to give drivers a hard time:
- Main Street and Broadway Heavy foot traffic, long lights, buses everywhere.
- Knight Street and 33rd Avenue Fast turns, blind spots, and lots of truck traffic.
- Cambie and 41st Avenue Big intersection with changing lane rules and timed lights.
- Kingsway and Victoria Drive Strange angles and a lot of confusion about who’s going where.
Knowing where things tend to get hectic helps you prepare ahead of time.
Stay Calm, Even If Other Drivers Don’t
Sometimes other drivers honk, rush, or try to pressure you into a move. Ignore them. Your job is to stay safe and legal, not to impress anyone behind you.
Take a breath. Stay focused on your lane, your signal, and your timing. Confidence doesn’t mean rushing. It means being steady.
Left Turns Are Where Most People Struggle
Making a left turn at a busy intersection is stressful for almost everyone at first. The key is to:
- Pull out into the intersection
- Keep your wheels straight
- Wait until oncoming traffic clears or you get an arrow
- Turn only when it’s 100 percent safe
If the light turns yellow or red while you’re waiting, you are allowed to complete the turn as long as it’s safe and you’re already in the intersection.
This is something we go over a lot during lessons at Kits Elite Driving School.
Pedestrians Have the Right of Way
Always check both sides of the crosswalk before turning. Just because your light is green does not mean it’s clear to go. If someone is stepping into the crosswalk, you have to wait.
Even if they’re walking slowly or looking at their phone, you still have to stop. That’s the law in BC, and it’s one of the first things examiners watch during road tests.
Don’t Block the Intersection
Never stop your car in the middle of an intersection unless you’re already committed to turning. If the light turns red and you're stuck in the middle, that can mess up traffic for everyone — and it might cost you points on your test.
Be patient. If traffic ahead of you isn’t moving, wait behind the line until it does.
Shoulder Checks Before Every Lane Change or Turn
Before turning or changing lanes near a busy intersection, always do a shoulder check. Even if you checked your mirrors, do it again. In Vancouver, bikes and e-scooters can come out of nowhere.
Missing a shoulder check during your road test can lead to an automatic fail, even if everything else was perfect.
Rain Changes Everything
In wet weather, stopping takes longer. Visibility drops. Pedestrians might be in dark clothes. And drivers often rush or panic.
Slow down early. Leave more space. Turn your wipers on before it gets bad. These habits save lives, and they’ll help you feel way more in control.
Practice the Right Way
You don’t need to face all these intersections on day one. At Kits Elite, we start students in quieter areas, then slowly move up to busier streets once you feel ready.
If you're not sure when you're ready, that’s okay. We’ll guide you through it, and you’ll learn how to handle these tricky spots with real confidence.
You can see our current rates here and book lessons that fit your schedule.
Final Tip
The busiest intersections in Vancouver won’t stay scary forever. The more you drive, the more natural it feels. The key is steady practice, a calm instructor, and clear steps.
If you're looking for a driving school in Vancouver that actually helps you feel ready — not just rushed through the basics — Kits Elite Driving School is here to help.