See the rear tyres and some road
The instructor's reference is the rear tyres meeting the road plus some visible asphalt behind them. Seat height and vehicle shape affect what you see, so learn a reference that leaves an appropriate real distance.
ICBC B3 Stops Too Close or Too Far Explained
Use a vehicle-specific stopping reference and leave room for a rear impact, rollback, or a blocked vehicle ahead.
ICBC B3 Stops Too Close or Too Far Explained
Use a vehicle-specific stopping reference and leave room for a rear impact, rollback, or a blocked vehicle ahead.
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.
Leave room for impact, rollback, and escape
Space ahead can reduce the chance of being pushed into another car and gives options if that car breaks down or rolls back on a hill. Continue checking mirrors so you know whether a safe escape space exists.
Avoid leaving an unnecessarily large gap
The video also warns against taking the reference to an extreme. Leave enough space for safety while stopping at a useful position in the traffic queue.
Practise these skills with a driving instructor
Book a North Vancouver driving lesson with Zula and work on the skills covered in this guide.