This is where I originally posted my blog but because there was so much interest, I gave it it’s own home. Come and visit at classfourdriver. Is it worth it to go to all that work to click yet another link? Well, there’s lots of really nice comments referring to the blog that was here, so take a look at those and then decide. Hope to see y’all over there…
Recently I found myself needing to upgrade my driver’s license to a (British Columbia) Class 4 Unrestricted Commercial License (for 15 passenger vans, small school buses, ambulances) and went through the 3 stage process:
- Knowledge test
- Pre-Trip
- Road Test.
I had heard that a lot of people fail the test and I really needed my license for work, so I couldn’t afford to fail. At each stage, I felt like a nervous 16 year old once again; I wanted to get it over with, but I also wanted to know that I could be a safe driver. Thanks to the guidance of a few good people (thank youuuu!), and a nice Examiner, I passed first try; whew!
Rather than just move on, I thought I would take the time to write down what I did and hopefully it will help someone else. I am sure there are a lot of men/women who are more “up” on vehicle terminology, but I am not, so consider this the “Class 4 For Dummies.” Keep in mind, this doesn’t come with any guarantees; just because I didn’t have to parallel park, for example, doesn’t mean you won’t have to (I did learn how to do this, by the way). I am just sharing my own experience with it.
KNOWLEDGE TEST
First, a note about the knowledge test: besides reading the manual, I also used the site http://www.yourlibrary.ca/driving/ to help test myself….oh wait! The new site has a bunch more suggestions. Did I mention you should head on over to
PRE TRIP
On to the pre-trip, which is the trickiest part. I will just walk through what I did and I will include the pieces I missed so that you won’t:
I parked the vehicle in the “truck inspection” area, about a foot away from the curb to give room for the pre-trip. I made sure my PARKING BRAKE was on. I UNLOCKED all the van doors. I kept the keys in my pocket and not in the van.
I made sure I had PAPER TOWEL ready to use (for checking the fluids) and I also brought a thin EXERCISE MAT (so I didn’t have to lie on the dirty pavement).
The Examiner arrived and told me that I had approximately 20 minutes to complete my pre-trip and that following the pre-trip I would have a form to fill out and then continue with my road test.
I said, “I am going to begin with the UPPER PART of the vehicle.” As you do your pretrip you are going to want to TOUCH as many parts of the vehicle as you can, and TALK about everything you are observing. Use words like “it looks normal” or “in good condition” and words like that which describe what you are seeing.
I began at the front of my van and checked my driver-side MIRROR for any damage. I opened and shut the DRIVER’S DOOR. I commented on the WINDOWS, that the windows were in good condition with no visible cracks. I commented that there did not appear to be any BODY DAMAGE anywhere. I opened the fuel door and checked the FUEL CAP to make sure it was on properly and tightly.
To be continued on the new site…
Come and find me at classfourdriver
OneBrownLeaf 
This was the most helpful resource ever! I basically followed your instructions exactly and the examiner told me that he’s never given anyone a better grade before! Thank you so much for creating this blog!
Wow that is so awesome, thanks for letting me know!! I am glad it helped you out, that’s great!
Sweet, thank you for your time!
Thanks Teresa – wish me luck today………
Hope it goes well for you!
Awesome guide. Thanks so much
Awesome!!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with those of us who are about to embark on getting the class 4!
can you use your regular van?
I have a seven passenger Mazda MPV?
I assume you mean can you use your regular van for the test…I went on ICBC’s site and it doesn’t specify. I would call your local ICBC office and ask that question.
7 passenger vans can be used for the restricted class 4 road test but if you want to take the unrestricted it has to be 11 or more passengers including the driver. In the Fraser valley that is.
thank you, love the guide!
I am thinking of getting my class 4 but don’t have a vehicle to train in. What options are available to me?
I would call your local ICBC office and ask that question as I don’t know the answer. My experience was training and taking the test in a 15 passenger van that I had access to. Good luck!
If you use a regular van or car for the road test you will get a restricted class 4 and will only be able to drive a regular vehicle not a 15 pass or ambulance
I am looking into this for the “unrestricted Class 4” and inquired of Valley Driving School. They have a 5 hours training course which includes 1 hour use of the van for the test. The price is almost $400 but I consider it well-spent, if you come away confident and well-prepared to pass. You’ll make it back in your first week on the job. They are booked up about a month ahead, so you’ll have lots of time to become familiar with the Commercial Drivers Guide. If you only need an “restricted” Class 4, you can use your own car. Safe Driving!
do you have any tips on the written test
Sorry for my late response…I hope you found the online test reviews, they helped me a lot (I think I mention this in the beginning of my post).
http://www.yourlibrary.ca/driving/
Great article. I am going through a few of these issues as
well..
Excellent advice. Passed first time through, and tester said it was the best pre-trip he’d seen in years. Thank you!!
Great to hear!!
I had heard, many years ago now, that if one is trying for their Class 4 Unrestricted Driver’s License, the van must have properly installed seating with seat-belts.
Good luck with your tests, and congratulations to everyone who passes. Passing is the easy part. Getting ready is the hard part.
Great post Teresa Klassen.
thanks for posting this it was a great help. now lets hope I pass.
Hi, I’m a 3rd year diamond driller looking to pursue law enforcement and I need to get my class 4 unrestricted to apply. do you know of any resources that would help facilitate a van to use for the test. I reside in Prince George B.C. and the only place I have found is National car rental but they require a full class 4 to rent the van lol. I have contacted various driving schools in this area that provide a class 4 training course, all of which require you to provide your own vehicle. Any help or advise would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
-Shane
That’s interesting that they require a class 4 license. A person can drive a van without class 4, you just can’t drive it with passengers. In any case, if you know someone with a class 4 maybe you could have them rent it and accompany you to the test. You might also try some local churches in the area who often have vans to transport students on youth functions. If you explain your situation and invite their youth pastor to come with you and pay for the gas (?) — try Westwood church (office@westwoodchurch.bc.ca) and see. Showing up in person at the office might help…
Shane, (and others) for future reference, approach various Native organizations or youth clubs lik Boys & Girls Club for vehicle. They be more than happy to help out & hav all adequate safety/tools/extra supplies stored in vehicle for trips/own safety policies. It be good repertoire to offer being driver on few trips or last minute fill-in…driving for elders/children are very fulfilling & rewarding feeling 🙂
Good day! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for your post. I just passed my Class 4 road test. Yipee! I did a package deal which was a lesson, immediately followed by road test. If you do this (and have little knowledge of a car’s mechanics) PREPARE more than I did BEFORE the lesson. Physically, get under a truck with someone who can point out items like “leaf springs” and “transmission.” Although, I passed, it was an extremely hectic 5 hours today. I barely had time to eat a sandwich before my test.
This list is great, and of course driving teacher’s differ. BUT… my teacher had me learn lots of vocab that was not on this list. Just heads up
awesome!!! thank you so much! I aced mine as a result of using this guide.
Up to today i was thinking about going for class 4 Unrestr, but now after reading this… i WILL go for it!
Thank you for making it look easy. I am sure it was a lot of work!
great explanation.
lot of thanks.
I just passes my test first try! Thanks for this detailed resource. It helped a lot
This is great. Have a test in a week and this has been the most detailed and complete review of what to expect and some great do’s and don’t’s that I’ve found so far. Thank you for sharing this and I’ll continue to rehearse all these steps. I’ll post the results in a week.
Thank you very much I had my class#1 but lost it threw illness.
And today thanks to you I received my Class 4 unrestricted. Everything went well and the examiner told me I did a good job and passed my pre trip. O.K. now lets do a burn and get this over with and the van wouldn’t start I ‘m freeked out and she said I will have to re schedule you and walked inside well I got a jump, ran inside and said it was running and she said in that case lets do the road trip PHEW. And I passed after not driving a commercial vehicle for 10 years and not seeing the van till a couple hrs earlier. Thank you again for writing this blog. Ed
How stressful!! Glad it all worked out in the end!
Stressful ?? I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Ha Ha
To funny but not at the time. Ed
In regards to the knowledge test. A tip that helped me was to skip the questions I did not know and leave them to the end. You only need to get 28 right and there are 30 something question.
Thanks for the comment, that’s helpful.
I used the description from your blog as my class 4 pre-trip study guide for the past two months, and found it incredible helpful. Thanks so much! I passed my test today (barely, thanks to some sketchy instruction from a local driving school…another story). There are parts you mentioned in your blog that didn’t seem to apply to the vehicle I used. For example, I wasn’t required to check the brake lines, or the frame even though it’s mentioned in the ICBC guide. I was also required to check the seals on all the doors, which also isn’t mentioned in the ICBC guide. I also found that you can ask the ICBC examiner to help you check your rear brake lights and backing up lights (saves you having to use an ice-scraper to hold the brake down).
Again, thank you for your comprehensive description. VERY helpful!
Mark
Thanks for the added info!
Thank god, that i find your blog. Thank you so much! I passed the first time 😀 It was very helpful!!!
Gordon
this is soooo helpfull!! how much did it cost after you passed??
That’s a good question…I don’t quite remember all the costs but in addition to the licensing cost there is a fee for the form the doctor fills out. If you have your family doctor do it, he/she may charge you less than a doctor at a walk-in clinic though.
Thanks so much for writing this blog, super helpful. I passed first time today and was told I did a very thorough pre-trip inspection. Hannah
Great to hear!!
This has been my bible in prep for my class 4.2/2 of my friends have attempted without this – heres to wishful thinking when i go today at 1630!!
Hey thanks for doing this! I am taking my test in about a months time and have been using this as one of my main resources to prepare. I will be sure to post my results on here after the test is complete…..Just one question. I am taking my test on a Van similar to the one shown in the picture above. For the procedure while backing up should i be looking over my shoulder or using the side mirror? i cant seem to find that anywhere online.
For an official answer you should check ICBC’s site. But I was taught to always do a “360 check” as you back up and that involves shoulder checking, mirrors etc.
THANK YOU so much for this blog…i stumbled on it last nite and TODAY at 9 a.m. was my class 4 pre trip and road test…and THANKS TO THIS BLOG i picked up on some pointers…and when i was done and Chris, was writing away, and i was anxiously waiting…he said…well, lets go and get your NEW LICENSE…i had tears in my eyes…
YOUR blog reinforced somethings for me, and gave me some pointers that i couldn’t grasp…he didn’t make me get down and do the under carriage inspection, he made me TELL HIM what i WOULD DO, as he knew i had just done all that before i brought the bus to icbc for my test…
The RELIEF i felt afterwards was incredible..at 55 years of age and having had a class 5 license for 40 years, it was HARD to retain all the info for that pre trip…but i guess in the end…it was all there
thanks Teresa and i DO look forward to the first bus outing when i can take up to 25 seniors out to enjoy a drive
HONK HONK…lol
Yay!!! So glad to hear! And I know what you mean by the relief!
Hello Marianne, I am planning to take my class 4 unrestricted road test soon in BC. Where can I get access to a 25 or so passenger bus for the test? I saw that car rental companies have the larger cargo vans but I have not seen any buses there.
Have you phoned ICBC to see if you actually need a bus or whether you can take the test in a 15 passenger van?
Your column was a huge help for me. Especially the very detailed checklist for the pre trip inspection. A tricky school zone sunk me on the first road test, and I never knew – or forgot – about shoulder checks for every right turn. Thank you for posting this very helpful column.
Thank you for taking the time to write this. It is really amazing how clear, concise and informative that you have written it. I am going to take a road test in about ten days, and I know for certain the information you provided here will help me a lot. I will actually print your comments or the PDF so that I can read it more than once. You have done an enormous service for anyone interested in getting class 4 drivers’ license. Well done, absolutely!
Thank you for posting this! I am taking my driving test on Thursday and am very nervous. Over half of the employees at my place of work have failed the pre trip inspection portion. I want to be as prepared as possible so this really helps!!
Good luck! I hope you do well!
Hi Teresa,
I am only 4’9 is that possible that I can bring a cushion to make my sit higher?
Hi Teresa, Thanks for this really great information. Did the pre-trip and road trip for Class 4 (unrestricted) last week and passed with 100% on the pre-trip and only 2 demerits on the road trip. Only been driving for 44 years so maybe that was the problem. Hahahaha. Your information was just excellent. Followed it to a TEE. Thank you again.
this is a great instructional how-to. Now I know what to study and what to practice. You were so thorough! no wonder you passed!
WOW – thank you so much for taking the time to help others. I am hoping to start the process this week by studying, this has helped me so much, again, thank you !!!!!
Wish me luck !
Good luck!!
How different is the restricted class 4 than this, the unrestricted?
Sorry I missed this comment, I am not sure how different it is but if you go on ICBC’s site it will give you the comparison.
Thank you for taking the time to do this, it really helped me pass my class 4 unrestricted!
Glad to hear!
I just got my Class 4 (Unrestricted) Interim licence today. Your article was very helpful.
A very slight nit: You do not have checking the high beams. How I did it was to set high beams when I was checking the right turn signal lights.
I picked a slightly different order to minimise the number of times I was going around the 12-seater van I was tested on. On my first pass, when I got to the side door, I checked the back interior (seatbelts, doors, lights, etc.).
For me, twenty minutes was barely enough. I admit to being rather nervous, but I just plowed on.
I had not driven the van in rain, and it was quite rainy today. I think that worked to my advantage as I could take it a bit easier.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post this Teresa!!! I only wish I had found it sooner. I am taking my test in the AM and am a little nervous. I will let you know how it goes. Again Thank you, Gaylin/ Qualicum Beach
One thing to make sure of is that you don’t drive too slow! I failed for this…
Oh no! Thanks for noting that. Yes, they do want to see that you are confident.
Hi tere, thanks for the great job! If I used this type of the van in your page will it be unrestricted or restricted?
Unrestricted is the test I took
Hey,
Are you able to drive a 15 passenger vehicle to your road test? If you have your learners permit? To my understanding, as long as you do not have passengers, it is not a ‘commercial’ vehicle and you can drive unaccompanied. Can you verify this?
Thanks! Your blog has been super helpful in studying!
Leslie
We called and they said yes, you can drive the van yourself.
Step 1 took the knowledge test. I also found doing the practice tests on the ICBC app handy. as soon as I passed 5 tests in a row, I went for it and took the advice of skipping questions I wasn’t 100% sure of, got my required 28 correct answers with 30 questions and wasn’t required to finish the last 5 questions. I am now studying the pre test as I am not booked for the Road test until Nov 26. Thank you for your blog!!!
Thank you so much, Teresa. I passed the test with flying colours this morning thanks to you. The only thing he told me I should do on the pre-trip inspection is to have a hammer and tap the inside tire (my bus has two wheels side by side). He told me that would tell me if the pressure was good in the tire I could not see well. As for the road test, he told me I should start slowing down well before the stop signs and brake more slowly than I was doing.
Cramming for my road test in two hours – this blog is a godsend! Wish me luck!
Good luck and be calm 🙂 Most of it is logical…so just go step by step!
Thank you so much for this awesome blog. With your advice I studied and passed my class 4 first try!! What I did was take a hammer to bang on each tire to show adequate air but other than that did same as u!
Great to hear!!
Superbly written. I now feel more confident about taking this test thanks to you Teresa.
Awesome info.
really excellent details and like the conversational points.
Thank you once again.
Wow thanks for this blog! I passed my Class 4 restricted road test this week 🙂
Pre-trip inspection is very similar to the one you mentioned except there is no need to inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle, other than looking for any leaks on the ground. Also, the examiner can help check brake and reverse lights. I had to open/close the trunk but there was no need to check the spare tire/jack. When I checked the exterior of the vehicle, I opened/closed each door but while checking the interior its enough to just open/close the driver’s door and check driver’s window and seatbelt. For each tire, I mentioned six things: even wear, deep tread, no bulges/cracks in the sidewall, good seal around the wheel rim, check each lug nut and good inflation. Just tap your fist to the tire to check for air pressure. Also, you need to check your parking/service brakes as part of the pre-trip. My entire pre-trip took 10 minutes. It’s all about the sequence so with good practice it’s a piece of cake! Surprisingly there was no pre-trip inspection form that I needed to fill out. So, once I checked the vehicle papers and finished my pre-trip, we moved right into the road test.
Honk once before reversing in a straight line and do a full 360 check before you start backing up. Depending on the examiner, you may or may not have to do a parallel park and reverse stall park so be prepared. Its important to adjust speeds to school zones but to also get your speed back up to at least 45 kmph soon after so don’t drive too slow. Keep it as close to 50 kmph as you can and drive smooth. Practice lane changes, mirror and shoulder checks, highway merges, left/right turns. Know how to park on a hill and adjust your tires accordingly. At stop signs, come to a complete hault (no rolling stops!) just before the sign or when the front of your vehicle just covers the painted line. Same goes for all traffic light stops. At left turn lanes you might have to stop even a little further ahead so that the advanced left turn signal sensors can get activated. During my test, the examiner asked me to drive ahead by 6 inches in a left turn lane. I finished my road test with a reverse stall park at ICBC and then got some great news!! Yayyy 🙂
Thank you so much for this wonderful guide! I took my test today and passed on the first try. Using your post to study from was most helpful!
Thank you for your thorough and excellent blog. It reinforces the many important areas and the pre-trip is definitely key (for experienced commercial drivers). I’m taking the Valley Driving course this Thursday with road test same day.
I just wanted to leave a note for other people because I think it might help them. I had my class 4 test today and I passed the road test but not the Pre-Trip. It is good to know if you fail the Pre-Trip you will still be allowed to take the Road Test but you will need to return in a week to redo the Pre-Trip Inspection. It is $20 to do just the Inspection test. The demerits I got were for: not checking the operation of the Windows (up and down), failing to check the emergency exits from the inside (she wanted me to close myself in the van and demonstrate that they would open from the inside for both the side and rear doors), not testing the windshield wiper fluid by spraying the windshield, license plate light, forgot to mention that my seat was properly adjusted, and I forgot to mention that the axle & suspension looked normal.
OH my goodness. You have No idea how helpful this is going to be. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
You’re welcome and good luck!
Thank you so much for the blog, I have failed the driving portion of my class 4 once and trying again tomorrow. Your blog was very helpful in prepping me for the pretrip. I added a really helpful video link of a pre trip lesson in ontario for anyone who would like to see how it all looks.
Thank you for a very helpful and informative blog. I have failed the driving portion of my class 4 once but am trying again tomorrow. I am so nervous. I included a helpful link for anyone who would like to watch what the pretrip looks like.. Good luck to all.
Thanks for all the practical tips. I wonder if there is any for the Knowledge Test? I am studying for the Class 4 (unrestricted) with the Guidebook, ICBC app, and Richmond (BC) library practice questions. Thanks/ will.
I think the library practice test is the best resource…just be prepared for some unusual questions that may not have to do with your particular situation — for example, if you are planning on driving a van…be aware of what the rules are for school buses as well, because there were questions like that too. My experience is that my test differed from other people’s tests…so there is a lot of variety in what they can end up asking.
Thanks Teresa. I did write the Knowledge Test today and passed!
You were right about using the Richmond public library practice. http://www.yourlibrary.ca/driving/
The wordings in the real exam might be different but the subject/contents/situations were similar.
When one started the Knowledge Test and picked an answer to a question, one would know immediately if it was a correct or wrong answer. In fact the screen would keep a count of how many correct and wrong responses as one moved along the test. This could create some stress if you happened to make a few mistakes at the beginning of the test. Just bear in mind that you have unlimited time. So take the time to read and pick your answer. Once you have hit 28 correct answers, the test will stop. You can always skip a question and decide to return to the question, if needed.
Now I can move on and plan for pre trip inspection and road test. The tips above from the blog would be very valuable! Thanks again.
I wonder if any reader takes a class 4 course in the Lower Mainland? If so, any particular positive comments from the course provider?
Cheers,
w.
Hey, I’m taking my test tomorrow morning, great blog, and then you for all the efforts you put into it. I hope everything will go well.
Very helpful, appreciated
Thank you for taking the time to write this. Just studying for my class 4 now, this was very useful.
Very very helpful resource ever!!!!!!!!!!!! I am preparing for Alberta Class 4 licence. Do you have any practice resource for Alberta written test? May God bless you!
I don’t have any resources for Alberta, but a quick Google turned up this: http://www.csttdrivertraining.com/class4-test1/
Do you need to wait a certain period of time between taking the written test and the driving test?
I went on ICBC’s site and it does not indicate a waiting period. However I know they are often quite booked for road tests so it would be a matter of coordinating the two tests. If you fail the written test and need to cancel your road test — if it was scheduled the same day — there would be a penalty fee for this. Best to call your city’s ICBC office to verify this info
I also found this site to be helpful for testing: http://www.csttdrivertraining.com/practice-test/
Thanks for this wonderful resource, I need the license for work, 6 month window, one gone already!! Helen
Good luck!! 🙂
Detailed and very helpful I am going for my class 4 soon. Thank you for this!
🙂 Hope you passed!!! Teresa
Thank you so very much this is an excellen effort and an excellent resource I really appreciate you took the time to tell us your experince
Thank you very much again and again
THANK YOU! There’s not much out there, this is really sweet to see.
Teresa, thanks for this. Did you have to parallel park the bus in your test or reverse in a straight line and hill parking?
Very in-depth article!
For those wondering about the costs,
The fees can be broken down as such:
Medical Exam: Doctors fee ($100-$130) + $28.00 medical exam processing fee
Knowledge Test: $15.00 (Free for 65+)
Road Test: $40.00
Upgraded License Cost: $17.00
In total is should cost you about $230.00 to get your class 4 license.
Recently decided to make a career change and get my unrestricted class 4. Thank you for all of the great tips. I just downloaded the Commercial Drivers guide. Does anyone know if EI has covered the cost of training regarding commercial licenses?
Thanks fThanks for sharing, hopefully it’ll help me to pass the testor sharing, hopefully it’ll help me to pass the test