Even with years of experience driving in different environments, you may not be ready to take on the great task, which is the roadtest.

What’s tested on the driving examination

All aspects of driving including speed control, the proper use of  communications and your observations are tested and graded.

Where will the roadtest in Halifax be?

In addition, you will be asked to drive in various different driving environments, including: neighborhoods, school areas, secondary roads and highways. The roadtest itself starts and ends at Access NS in one of the many locations, such as Dartmouth, Lower Sackville, Truro, etc.

How long is the roadtest in Nova Scotia?

The entire roadtest from start, where the Access examiners will check the validity of your license and car documents, all the way to when you return to Access, will be 30 minutes. It doesn’t seem like a long time, however since your actions and behaviors are being closely watched, the heat can be on.

According to the official RMV, Access NS website:

“The examination will be conducted over a course of at least 3 kilometers and, where possible, in traffic. The exam will also test your ability to apply your knowledge of the rules of the road, to recognize road signs, and to react properly to actual driving conditions.”

What are the routes on the driver’s test in Halifax, Dartmouth or Sackville?

While there are some similarities, or commonalities amongst where students are asked to go, it’s important to not give much importance to that. Remember your skills are being tested on the test, and where you will be tested or on what street should not matter. Having said that, the roadtest preparation session, will permit students to experience doing the roadtest in what we call as “mock tests”, which go through some common road-test routes, where you are being tested.

How prepared should I expect to be for my driving exam?

We always make an attempt to prepare you so you’re performing at a 120% – because the unexpected is always possible. There may be a slow truck on the highway with its flashing lights on. Or you may encounter a car that honks at you, even when you’re doing all the right things. And each time you do the road-test, you may have a new examiner, a new route, and new errors that you might make, based on the circumstances present. In addition to everything mentioned here, your own emotions, stress or anxiety can play a huge role in how well you might perform, despite your current abilities.

What should I have with me when attending my driving exam in Halifax or Dartmouth?

Roadtest Vehicle

You will want to come to your road-test with a vehicle that passes all the safety checks, such as the tire treads, windshield health, and all the documents should be in order. This program permits you to take our vehicle to the road-test, and it’s already included in the package.

The benefits of using our vehicle for the road exam are plenty, and can increase your chance of success. Our vehicles come with a dual brake that can put the driving examiner at ease, knowing he can can stop that car at any time, if need be. Also our driving school cars are marked and the general public is aware that it may be driven for “driver training” purposes. This can relieve some of the impatience, such as the honking, tailgating and other aggressive type behavior. Finally, our vehicle is protected by commercial insurance so the liability is on us and you can feel rest assured that you’re protected.

Driver’s License

You want to make sure that you have your driver’s license with you. Also, please ensure that your driver’s license is valid and you’re aware of any restrictions on your driver’s license. For example, you will want to wear glasses or contact lenses, if that is what is required based on your class R or class 7 license. 

Car Documents

• Vehicle Registration
• Valid Liability Insurance
• Valid Inspection Sticker and Receipt

Roadtest Receipt

This is the piece of document that you would have purchased here to be able to book your roadtest in the first place. A record of this document needs to be accessible on the road-test, in the event that you’re asked. A digital copy of the roadtest receipt is sufficient.  If you haven’t booked your road-test yet, it’s easy, please visit our road-test booking resources page to help you book your roadtest.

Driving School Certificate

Take a look at your driver’s license “issue date”, if you have a class 7 driver’s license. You will only be allowed to be tested after 1 year, since you completed your knowledge test. If it’s only been somewhere between 9 months and 1 year, you will need to present a driving school certificate to the driving examiner. To learn more about how you can get a certificate, and do your roadtest in 9 months instead of 1 year, please visit the full 35 hour program page.

For more information, you can refer directly to the Access webpage on the necessary requirements.