Young Drivers: How graduated licensing keeps our road safer



(NC) -- Becoming a safe and effective driver does not happen overnight. Learning how to properly operate a vehicle and drive according to the rules takes time. This is why graduated licensing was designed to help new drivers gradually develop their skills and driving knowledge. Young and inexperienced drivers need this time, insurance specialists say.

While some people look at the graduated licensing system in Ontario and think that it takes too long to complete, the reality is that young and inexperienced drivers need this time to become responsible and educated drivers.

From the time you write your G1 test, you have five years to complete the graduated licensing process. This does not mean that you will have to wait five years to get your full G license. There is one way, however, that you can speed up the process: take a driver's education course.

Driver training allows you to take your G2 test after eight months as opposed to waiting a full year without the course. From that point on, once you have your G2 for one year, you are free to take your G exit test to get your full driver's license.

“Going to driving school will not only help you become a better driver, it will also help save you money on auto insurance,” says Achiel Goossens, Senior Manager of Auto Claims with Aviva Canada. “While many teens focus on the fact that they can shave some time off the graduated licensing process, getting a discount on insurance rates is not a benefit that should be overlooked.”

Young drivers need to focus on understanding driving restrictions. A violation of these restrictions will impact both your ability to get your full license, and ability to get a good rate for auto insurance going forward.

Here is a refresher about the driving restrictions for the G1 and G2 license:

G1

• Zero blood alcohol level

• Must be accompanied by a full licensed driver

• Passengers limited to fully licensed driver. No children as passengers

• No driving on 400 series highways

G2

• Zero blood alcohol level

• Number of passengers is limited to number of seat belts

• Restrictions on carrying passengers between midnight and 5am

Learning to drive is a process and the graduated licensing system helps us to learn the rules of the road in a safe and effective way. Circumstances vary so the tips above are for general purposes only. If you have personal questions about your insurance coverage, be sure to contact your insurance broker.

www.newscanada.com






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