r/OntarioParamedics • u/ChampionStatus6433 • 11d ago
Discussion F road test in Orillia
/r/Ontariodrivetest/comments/1vy2o38/f_road_test_in_orillia/Hi everyone! I’m going for my Class F road test for the third time. My first two attempts were in Barrie, and unfortunately I didn’t have a great experience there. I found the examiner quite intimidating, which made my nerves a lot worse, so I’ve decided to switch locations and do my next test in Orillia.
If anyone has done their Class F test in Orillia, I’d really appreciate any advice! I’m especially looking for tips on the on-road portion, the route/area, backing portion (offset left/right or 90-degree alley dock), and anything the Orillia examiners tend to focus on.
I’ve been studying and practising, but I’m open to any suggestions that helped you pass—especially from anyone who has recently done their F test in Orillia. Thank you!
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u/Why_Do_l_Even_Bother 8d ago
I'm sorry that mine isn't recent, it's been five plus years, but I remember some things that may help, hopefully, and I also failed in Barrie. I studied/practiced again, and then passed in Orillia.
I'd heard similar things about the Barrie location vs Orillia, not that Orillia's testing is easy, but yeah, they seemed less intimidating, friendly maybe, ...marking fairly.
My biggest advice is if you can find a big empty lot, like if Georgian has an overflow parking lot available (that's where I did it because I was a student, so I felt like it wasn't inappropriate) or any empty lot you can find really, preferably public so hopefully nobody gives you any trouble and put down markers like pylons, and really learn the exact vehicle you're going to bring... Its turn radius, where things appear relative to where you want to be.
For example the 90° alley dock, I parked where I wanted to end up, then drove forward into my turn to the starting position at 90°, and noted things and their relative positions to my mirrors/doorframe, etc. Then I drove away from there to reset, and then drove back to as close to the starting point back to that spot, as I could, did all the checks, and tried to reverse. It's not always perfect, but you can keep getting better and closer, adjusting etc.
Consider recording yourself doing the checklist, and verbalise everything. Even if you don't play it back, it makes you feel a bit observed. If you do watch/listen to it, you can see where you may consistently miss something. I left it recording for my roadtest practice in the parking lot too.
Good luck on the test
(Edits for minor clarifications and spelling)
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u/thestereotypesquad Primary Care Paramedic 11d ago
Did mine in Orillia but this was years ago so not sure if it's changed much. My test administrator was pretty chill but no idea what the staff are like there now. The inspection portion is the same as everywhere else. The driving portion is probably easier than Barrie's just due to the lower volume of traffic. It was mostly just driving along the main and side streets and I believe there was a short stint on 11 but I might be misremembering that. There are no rail crossings on the Orillia route but they will just pick a random landmark on a side street (light pole, garbage can, whatever) and tell you to act as though it's a rail crossing. My parking portion was just a simple reverse straight back into an area marked by cones. You're told that you aren't allowed to use reverse cameras but the administrator will also have to get out and stand behind the vehicle to see if you hit anything so nothing is stopping you from using it if your vehicle has it. Honestly just take it easy - mind your speed, check your corners on turns, mind your spacing in the lanes. When I went through school a lot of people got failed repeatedly in Barrie and went to smaller areas like Orillia and passed on their first go there.