DRIVING TIP
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Black ice forms after a warm winter day and the temperature drops severely at night. Black ice can be found at the bottom of hills, low-lying areas, roads shaded from the sun, bridges, tunnels, and underpasses.
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160 Baseline Road E.
Unit E-1
Bowmanville, Ontario
L1C 1A2
(905) 697-1148
Fax (905) 697-1617
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Graduated Licensing
What is the purpose & how does it work?
by Annette Kukemueller
Back in the early '90s countless crashes occurred involving teenagers or new drivers. Two crashes come to mind that pushed Graduated Licensing into place. Thirteen teenagers lost their lives in 1993 in 2 senseless crashes within weeks of one another in Caledon, Ontario.
Graduated Licensing was born in April 1994, but not without pitfalls. Poor planning by the Ministry of Transportation (M.T.O.) created a massive backlog because about 25,000 drivers were given "G2" licenses province wide, and 64 Test Centers were closed down during the Harris Government. This was going to create havoc come spring of 1999, which it did. Waiting for a road test appointment for what the ministry calls a "G2 exit" or to achieve a "G" license took over 6 months. These drivers had been driving for 5 years by themselves, and now they were required to pay $75.00 to be retested. Many failed this new road test and had to book another appointment. If not successful with this test and with their license now expired, their driving status would result in starting at the beginning with a "G1" and have a co-driver sit beside them.
When a new driver acquires a "G1" license, at the cost of $100.00, similar to the "365 learners permit", there are 5 restrictions that must be acknowledged.
- Co-driver must have "G" license for minimum 4 yrs. in good standing
- No driving between 12 midnight to 5 a.m.
- No driving on any 400 series freeways plus D.V.P, Q.E.W., Gardiner or Allen Expressways etc.
- 0% Alcohol (co-driver up to .05%)
- No more passengers than seatbelts in vehicle. (not redundant) "G" License does not have this restriction
The new driver cannot go for a road test for twelve months unless they enroll in an approved driving school that meets the requirements set out by the M.O.T. Then the wait is reduced to eight months.
The first test lasts for 15 minutes and has been included in the cost of the "G1". If the applicant is not successful
each succeeding test will cost $40.00.
When the student passes this driving test and reaches the "G2" license, two restrictions still apply. Number's 4 & 5. The driver must stay at this level for a minimum of 12 months gaining experience and driving on an expressway.
Then they may book an appointment for another road test and pay the M.O.T. $75.00. This test is more advanced, takes 30 to 35 minutes, and will require all compulsory maneuvers, on & off a freeway, and an emergency pullover. It is advised that the new driver take this test as soon as possible, as it reduces their insurance, no more restrictions, and must be before the expiry of the holders license. This graduated system should be fully completed before the renewal of the holder's license, which lasts 5 years.
The plan behind this program is that the new driver will enroll with a school as soon as possible, after acquiring their "G1" license. Then lessons can be spaced out over the eight-month span, and parents can learn from an approved school what is required. The student achieves confidence and success at test time if they practice after each lesson in the parent's vehicle, over a period of time. After all, more time is spent driving the parents' vehicle and the student will eventually be insured as an occasional driver.
The lack of public knowledge is obvious, as many schools do not inform parents of their important involvement, or invite them to seminars to teach how to coach their new driver.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada recognizes this program and promotes the new driver to a three star rating, which gives a reduction on insurance. Statistics have proven that Graduated Licensing is working in reducing crashes and collisions with new drivers.
Graduated licensing has been criticized by many mainly because of the lack of information. Hopefully, this article will help to educate and promote involvement by the parent/partner to assist the new driver to become a knowledgeable and responsible driver and to successfully join the driving community. Remember, the most precious person in your life will be driving the most expensive thing you own. Their lives and your property should be worth the time as a consumer to hire a driving school that is dedicated to road safety, and that teaches more than just passing a road test.
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