Driving

Obtaining a driver’s license is a rite of passage for most Canadians. The age at which you can be road ready ranges from province to province (you can apply for your learner’s permit at 16 in most cases), but all provinces have a graduated licensing system. This system requires learners to earn the privilege to drive on the country’s highways and byways in stages as they build experience and develop their skills, usually over no fewer than 20 months.

There are three types of licenses: G1, G2 and G.

To obtain a G1 license, individuals must pass a written test that assesses their knowledge of traffic laws and signs. G1 drivers are restricted from driving on certain roads, including highways, and must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience.

To qualify for a G2 license, individuals must pass a road test. G2 drivers have more privileges than G1 drivers but still face some restrictions, including the number of passengers they can have in their vehicle. G2 license-holders must also have a blood-alcohol level of zero. The final stage, the G license, is a full driver’s license.

To obtain a G license, individuals must pass an advanced road test — the “G Test” or “G2 Exit Test”. G drivers can drive independently on all roads.

Choosing the right driving lessons at the right driving school can no doubt accelerate your learning curve. When choosing a driving school, it’s important to ensure that the school is licensed and accredited by your provincial government. This ensures the instructors are qualified and that the curriculum meets the necessary standards. Also look for a robust curriculum covering traffic rules and regulations, defensive driving techniques, vehicle operation and control, right-of-way and intersection navigation, parking and maneuvering, highway driving skills and hazard perception, among others.

In addition to theoretical classroom instruction, the best Canadian driving schools provide practical behind-the-wheel training with certified instructors. These sessions allow students to apply their knowledge, practice driving maneuvers, and gain confidence as they learn the rules of the road in real-time, under real weather and traffic conditions.

Introductory driving lessons range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Be sure to do your homework, and consider the full value of your driving lessons, including not only the driving and safety skills you will acquire, but also the savings — usually 5-15 per cent — on car insurance you can get by selecting an accredited training provider.