ICBC A2 Scan – Oncoming Traffic at Left Turns

Read the opposing lanes before a left turn and check each driver's intention instead of assuming a queue is turning left.

Video guide

ICBC A2 Scan – Oncoming Traffic at Left Turns

Read the opposing lanes before a left turn and check each driver's intention instead of assuming a queue is turning left.

Video breakdown

Study the lesson by section

Each section below follows an explanation or demonstration in the video. Select a section to play from that point, then practise the skill with appropriate supervision.

0:00

A2 scanning starts before the intersection

Look for hazards while approaching intersections and crosswalks. In this example, noticing the two opposing through lanes early gives the driver information they will need while waiting to turn left.

1:06

A turning queue does not prove a dedicated turn lane

A car turning left ahead of another car does not tell you that the following car will also turn. If that next driver continues straight, starting your turn could put you directly in their path.

2:00

Check signals and the whole opposing lane

Read the signals and behaviour of individual vehicles as you approach. The lesson is to identify a safe opportunity with enough information, rather than automatically waiting for every vehicle or assuming the entire lane is protected.

Driving practice

Practise these skills with a driving instructor

Book a North Vancouver driving lesson with Zula and work on the skills covered in this guide.