The Tech Trap- ICBC Backup Camera,  EV & The Palm Steering Trap  

Can I use my backup camera or sensors during the road test? (Plus: How to avoid the 'Palm Steering' Tech Trap) 

1. Backup Cameras and Sensors

Primary Observation

Your focus must be on performing a full 360-degree observation before moving and physically turning to look through the rear window while backing up.

The 90% Rule - looking at the direction you travel

90% of your head movement must be looking out the rear window, with occasional scans of your side mirrors to stay centered.

Camera Limitations

At Bayview, we train you not to rely on the camera for parking; sun glare or even a drop of water on the lens can make the image blurry and unreliable. Relying on tech is a major road test risk. Remember the official 360-degree check required by the manual "Learn to Drive Smart". 

Blind Spot Monitors

These may remain on, but they do not replace a physical shoulder check; merging based only on a "beep" or warning light will result in lost points.

Sensor Warning

Electronic sensors are only driver aids and can malfunction without warning; the examiner wants to see your eyes confirming the path is clear.

Note: Relying on tech is a common reason students need a full course rather than a Fast-Track. See our Fast-Track vs. Safe Habits guide. 

2. Regenerative Braking (EVs & Hybrids)

If you are driving an electric or hybrid vehicle, examiners want to see active driver control — not the car’s computer doing the work.

Smooth Control

Braking must be smooth and controlled throughout the test.

Brake Pedal Usage

You must still move your foot to cover the brake pedal to slow down the car manually, rather than letting the regenerative system do all the work for you.

Note: Are you teaching your teen to brake while turning? Read about the Brake Habit Trap and how to avoid it.

3. Professional Steering & Safety Logic

While modern cars offer many assists, the ICBC examiner is evaluating your technical manual control. Failing to demonstrate professional habits in these three areas often leads to significant point deductions or an automatic fail.

Palm Steering (Technical Deduction)

Using the flat of your palm to spin the wheel during turns or parking is considered a lack of vehicle control since you only have one hand on the steering wheel.

At Bayview, we teach you hand-over-hand or push-pull methods for various situations to ensure you have proper grip and stability at all times.

Wheel Angling (Major Safety Error)

At large intersections like No. 3 Road, many drivers pre-angle their wheels left while waiting to turn.

The Risk: If rear-ended, your car is pushed into oncoming traffic. This is a clear point deduction on the road test. We train you to keep wheels straight until the moment you move.

Dry Steering (Mechanical Stress)

Turning the wheels while the car is completely stopped puts unnecessary stress on the vehicle’s mechanics and is noted by examiners. 

While this may not always be a direct point deduction, it creates a "technical leak" in your control; you may lose track of whether your wheels are straight or turned when the car is stationary. 

Vehicles are designed to turn while in motion; dry steering often prevents you from reaching the full steering angle, which limits your turning radius in narrow spaces. 

We teach you to keep the car in "slight motion" while steering to ensure a maximum turning angle for a seamless three-point turn or parking maneuver

Proper steering and technical control are the foundations of a safe driver. To see how we build these habits into our curriculum, visit our 3-Phase Professional Competency Roadmap (30–40 Hours).. 

Instinctive/Excessive Braking 

Consistent errors in braking or pedal control are major focus points for RoadSafetyBC. If you are preparing for a medical review, see our Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA) Guide for specialized prep. 

4. 🚫 Technology That Is BANNED (Must Be OFF)

Self-Parking / Park Assist

You must steer yourself, control the pedals yourself, and park entirely on your own; no automated parking features are allowed.

Dashcams & Recording Devices

All cameras recording the interior or the road must be turned off and disconnected.

GPS & Navigation

All phone or built-in screens must be dark; you must follow the examiner's verbal directions only.

5. The Class 4 Pre-Trip on an Electric Vehicle (EV)

If you are taking a Class 4 commercial road test in an EV, your pre-trip inspection differs slightly because there is no internal combustion engine.

Test Structure & Passing Requirements

Unlike Class 5 or 7 (where there is no formal pre-trip score), the Class 4 pre-trip is a comprehensive 15-minute commercial safety inspection that counts for half of your entire road test; you must pass both the Pre-Trip and the Driving Assessment to earn your license.

Standard Scoring & Demerit Cap

Class 4 pre-trip inspections have a strict demerit limit where missing small items (like a license plate light or horn) beyond the cap results in an automatic fail.

EV-Specific Changes & Scoring

Since there is no internal combustion engine, you do not need to check engine oil, drive belts, or the alternator; however, you must still demonstrate professional checking of battery coolant, brake fluid, and safety equipment. Because the EV inspection is shorter, the allowed demerits are 2 points lower than with a gas vehicle. Click here to view our Class 4 Training Page for a full breakdown of the EV scoring system. 

At Bayview, we teach you how to "work with" your car’s technology so it helps you pass — rather than becoming a reason for a fail.

>>Richmond ICBC Road Test FAQ