Blogs & Vlogs
If you’ve ever taken a driving lesson in Vancouver—especially around Kitsilano—you may have noticed something weird about your instructor’s car. Like… why does the passenger seat have pedals too? That’s no accident. These cars are called dual-control vehicles, and they’re kind of a big deal in the driving world. If you're just getting started with driving, or you're a parent wondering what kind of car your kid will be learning in, here's what you need to know. And don’t worry—we’ll keep it super simple.
So… What Is a Dual-Control Car?
A dual-control car is a regular vehicle, but with a twist: there are extra pedals on the passenger’s side. Usually, this means there’s a second brake pedal, and sometimes a second gas pedal too.
These extra pedals are there so that the driving instructor—who sits in the passenger seat—can jump in and hit the brakes (or gas) if things get dicey.
It’s not some futuristic car setup. It’s just a smart way to keep everyone safe during lessons.
Why Are These Cars Even a Thing?
Let’s be real—learning to drive is kind of scary at first. Mistakes happen. You might hit the gas too hard, miss a stop sign, or turn when you shouldn’t. That’s where dual-control cars really shine.
If something goes wrong during a lesson, your instructor can hit the brake or take over for a second. This means fewer close calls, less stress, and a safer learning environment—not just for you, but for other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians around you.
In a city like Vancouver, where traffic can get a bit wild (especially downtown or on Broadway), it helps to know that your instructor can step in if they need to.
Are All Driving Schools Using These?
The short answer? They should be. But not all of them do.
If you're picking a driving school—whether you're in Kits, East Van, or anywhere else in the city—it's a good idea to ask if they use dual-control vehicles. Any school that takes safety seriously should say yes.
At schools that use these cars, students usually feel more at ease knowing there’s a backup plan if they mess up. Instructors are more relaxed too, because they can step in at any time. It’s just a better way to learn.
What’s It Like to Drive One?
If you’re in the driver’s seat, it feels just like a normal car. The extra pedals on the passenger side don’t get in your way.
Your instructor won’t be using their pedals unless they really need to. In fact, if things are going well, you’ll never even notice them. The idea is to let you do the driving, but have a safety net just in case.
Is It Legal to Drive Around Like That?
Yup. In B.C., dual-control vehicles are allowed and totally normal for driving lessons. Driving schools in Kitsilano and across Vancouver use them every day. Some cars are custom-fitted with these extra pedals, and some are bought from companies that already build them that way.
They’re inspected and road-ready, just like any other car.
Why It Matters in a Place Like Vancouver
Let’s be honest—driving in Vancouver can be a bit intense. Between cyclists, busy intersections, construction zones, and the occasional impatient driver, it’s not exactly the easiest place to learn.
That’s why having a dual-control vehicle matters. It gives new drivers a safer space to figure things out, especially in areas like downtown, UBC, or near high-traffic spots like Granville or Broadway.
Plus, if you're doing your driving test anywhere in the city, it's nice to know you’ve trained in a car that gave you space to make mistakes and learn from them safely.
Final Thoughts
Dual-control cars aren’t fancy. They’re just smart. They keep students safe. They keep instructors calm. And they make learning to drive in a busy place like Vancouver way less scary.
If you're looking for driving lessons in Kitsilano or anywhere else in the city, check if the school uses these cars. It shows they care about keeping you safe—and that’s what really matters.