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If you’ve been driving around Vancouver and you see a sign that makes you say “What does that even mean?” you’re not alone. BC has some road signs that you might not see in other provinces or countries. Some are confusing.
Some are easy to miss. And some can cause you to fail your road test if you don’t know what they mean.
This post will walk you through some of the signs that new drivers in Vancouver often struggle with.
No Left Turn at Certain Times
You might see a sign with a left-turn arrow and a time written underneath. This is common in busy areas like Granville Street or Broadway.
It does not mean you can never turn left. It means you cannot turn left between the hours shown. Most of the time, that means morning or evening rush hour. If you turn anyway, you could get a ticket or block the road.
Reserved Lanes for Buses, Bikes, or Carpools
Look out for a white diamond symbol on the sign. This usually means the lane is not for regular cars. These signs are often posted on roads like Hastings, Broadway, or Main Street.
Some of these lanes are only for buses. Others are for bikes or carpool vehicles with two or more people. If you drive in those lanes by mistake, you might get fined or confuse other drivers.
Always check the sign to see who the lane is meant for and what hours it applies.
School Zones and Playground Zones Are Not the Same
These two signs look similar but have different rules.
School Zone: You must slow down to 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days only.
Playground Zone: You must slow down to 30 km/h from dawn to dusk every day, including weekends and holidays.
It’s a common mistake to think both signs follow the same schedule. They don’t.
Lane Ends or Merges
A sign with two lines that come together usually means your lane is ending. You need to shoulder check, signal, and change lanes early.
If you see this sign on the highway or a major street, don’t wait until the last second. Vancouver drivers don’t love it when someone merges too late.
Roundabout or Traffic Circle Ahead
A circular arrow sign means you are coming up to a roundabout or traffic circle. In BC, drivers already in the circle have the right of way. You have to slow down and wait for a safe gap before entering.
This sign shows up a lot in areas like UBC or some East Vancouver neighbourhoods. You’ll be tested on this during your road test, so practice is important.
Truck Routes and Weight Limits
Some signs will show a picture of a truck or numbers like 5,000 kg. This tells drivers of large vehicles that they are only allowed on certain streets.
You can ignore this if you are driving a regular car. But it’s good to know what the sign means so you’re not confused.
Direction Signs with Arrows
Sometimes you will see arrows pointing straight, left, or right with words like “except buses” or “local traffic only.” These signs help manage flow during busy times. They’re often used downtown or near construction zones.
Pay close attention because they change depending on the time of day or the day of the week.
Signs That Confuse Newcomers
If you’ve just moved to Vancouver, there are a few signs that might be unfamiliar.
- Four-way stops: Everyone takes turns. First come, first go.
- No U-turn signs: They’re easy to miss, but important to follow.
- Flashing green lights: These mean a pedestrian light, not a protected turn. Be ready to stop if someone pushes the button to cross.
If English isn’t your first language, or you’re coming from a country with different road rules, you’re not alone. At Kits Elite Driving School, we help people from all backgrounds get used to driving here in Vancouver. We offer lessons in English, Persian, and Turkish.
Need Help with Road Signs?
If you're working toward your Class 7 learner’s licence or looking to upgrade to your Class 5 licence, understanding signs is part of the test and part of driving safely.
We go over these signs in our lessons and make sure you feel ready before your test.
You can check our prices here and pick a lesson time that fits your schedule.
Final Tip
Road signs are there to keep things fair and safe for everyone. They only work if people know what they mean and follow them. If you’re ever unsure about a sign, take a photo, ask your instructor, and practice with someone who knows Vancouver roads well.
At Kits Elite Driving School, we’re based in Kitsilano and work with drivers from all over the city. We’re here to help you feel confident, not confused.