How to learn to drive in Canada

Learning to drive can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. Being a new driver is something to look forward to. However, there are a few things you should know before hitting the road for the first time. Learning to drive and getting a Canadian driver's licence are processes that require multiple steps. By following our advice, you can navigate the roads (literally and figuratively) with ease.

You likely understand all the rules of the road from studying for your knowledge test. Despite this, passing your driving test isn’t the only aspect you should consider when working towards getting your driver’s licence. Getting your first insurance policy is just as important. Here’s what you should know when driving for the first time.

Knowledge test for new drivers

Each Canadian province has different rules and requirements for getting a driver’s licence. To obtain your learner’s driver’s licence, you will need to pass a knowledge test.

Let’s use Alberta’s licensing system as an example. The province has a knowledge test comprising 30 multiple-choice questions — a minimum of 25 correct responses are required to pass. New drivers should keep the following in mind when completing their written test:

• Taking the test has a fee.
• The test needs to be done on a computer at a registry office.
• Questions are about safe driving practices, driving laws and road signs.
• After completing and passing the test, you need to speak with a registry agent to update your driver’s licence.
• Passing your knowledge test does not give you a full driver’s licence. However, passing is required to take road tests in the future.
• By passing the test, you can legally practice driving with a driving school or fully licensed driver, such as a family member or friend.

Graduated licensing program

Most provinces use the graduated licensing system. New drivers are part of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program regardless of age. It helps new drivers get the support, skills, and experience required to navigate the roads safely. The purpose is to help new drivers learn to drive at their own pace. Requirements often vary—for example, requirements in British Columbia differ from those in the Northwest Territories. You can check your local government’s web page for specifics, but generally, the steps below are required. As a GDL driver, you will hold one of the driver’s licences:

• Stage one: Learner’s driver’s licence.
• Stage two: Probationary licence.
• Stage three: Full driver’s licence.

Next, we will discuss the key features of the Learner (Stage One) and Probationary (Stage Two) phases of the Graduated Driver Licensing program. Continue reading to learn more:

Stage one: learner

Whether or not you’re a new resident of Alberta, you need the following to obtain a class 7 driver’s licence:

• Be 14 years of age or older (this varies from province to province).
• Pass a vision screening.
• Pass a knowledge test on the rules of the road.
• Have parental consent if you are under 18 years of age.
• Have valid identification (e.g. passport, birth certificate, etc.).

Here are the conditions of a learner’s licence:

• You must hold a learner’s driver’s licence for at least one year before taking your first road test.
• You must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL probationary) driver who is 18 years of age or older. They must be seated next to you.
• There may be restrictions on what times of day and on what roads you can drive.
• You are not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts.
• You must have a level of zero alcohol and drugs when driving (or riding a motorcycle).

Stage two: probationary

To become a probationary driver, you must:

• Hold your learner’s licence for a year.
• Be 16 years of age or older (Other provinces might have different ages).
• Pass the road test.

Probationary conditions include:

• Must be a probationary driver for a minimum of two years.
• There must be no more passengers than seat belts.
• You must have a zero alcohol level when driving.
• You cannot serve as an accompanying driver to someone learning to drive.

Stage three: full driver’s licence

To become a fully licenced driver, you have to:

• Be suspension-free for the last twelve months of the probationary stage.
• Pass the advanced road test.

The learner and probationary stages of the program often take a minimum of three years to complete. Once you pass your road tests, you will become a fully licensed driver. For example, how much car insurance is in Ontario is different from the price somewhere like New Brunswick, and learning to drive is unique based on where you live. To learn to drive in your province, visit the Ministry of Transportation website that’s local to you.

Becoming a proactive driver

What is proactive driving? It’s driving to anticipate possible hazards and take action to reduce, minimize, or avoid danger before it happens. Proactive driving can help you avoid possible car accidents and prevent your car insurance premiums from increasing.

You should never assume other drivers will drive carefully or respond correctly every time. Anticipating what might happen can help avoid collisions caused by others' driving errors. Here are some proactive driving tips:

• Scan all around your vehicle.
• Have a space cushion — don’t drive too close to the person in front of you.
• Plan ahead.
• Watch the road ahead and stay alert.
• Maintain your following time and distance.
• Do not use your cell phone or other electronic devices while driving.

Proactive driving involves anticipating hazards and taking preventive steps to ensure safety. Here's how you can become more proactive:

Attend driving school

Taking driving lessons with an accredited driving school is helpful at any age. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time behind the wheel or if you’re getting your full licence as a new resident with experience from your home country. Regardless, our ultimate guide for first-time drivers can help.

Driving schools in Canada are there to help. These classes can make a difference when you take your written and road tests. They help anyone learn to drive safely, and in some cases, like in Ontario, you can take your probationary road test sooner (eight months instead of one year). Here’s how you can find and choose a driving school:

• Research different driving schools online and ask family and friends for recommendations.
• Read reviews about driving schools before committing to one.
• Check your Ministry of Transporation website to find an accredited driving school.

With this in mind, here are some benefits of going to driving school:

• An instructor car includes safety equipment such as a second brake.
• Instructors are more patient with students.
• Get a complete curriculum that will prepare you for your road tests.
• Makes safe driving easy.
• Lower car insurance rates.

Keeping your passengers safe

On top of following our safe driving tips, an important part of the driving experience is keeping your passengers safe. Here are some ways to keep your passengers safe:

• A child under six years of age who does not weigh more than 18 kilograms (40 pounds) must be safely secured in a child safety car seat.
• From birth, all children must ride in a rear-facing infant seat or a rear-facing convertible seat until reaching the recommended weight to switch to a forward-facing safety seat, as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Children weighing more than 18 kilograms (40 pounds) should be secured in an approved booster seat before using only the vehicle’s seat belt without a booster seat.

Determining if you’re fit to drive

Part of the driving experience is understanding the risk of impaired driving. Not only does it risk your safety and that of other drivers on the road, but some laws and penalties come with this choice.

Alcohol, drugs, some medications, stress, fatigue (mental, emotional, and physical), and lack of sleep can impair your judgment and ability to drive safely and responsibly. If you don’t follow driving laws, you could face the following consequences:

• Heavy fines.
• A criminal record.
• Jail time.
• Losing your driver’s licence.
• Higher car insurance premiums.
• Property damage.
• Serious injury or death.
• Loss of employment if driving is part of your job.

Ready to hit the road in Canada? Ensure you're fully prepared with the proper driving knowledge and comprehensive car insurance from BrokerLink. Our experts are here to guide you through the process of understanding Canadian driving regulations and securing the perfect insurance coverage to suit your needs. Drive confidently with BrokerLink by your side—contact us today to get started on your journey!

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Advice for parents of young drivers

As a parent and an experienced driver, it’s up to you and a driving school to help your child learn to drive. It’s essential to help your child learn safe driving habits because inexperienced drivers are more prone to car accidents. Even though you won’t be with them every time they drive, as a parent, you can help them learn to drive and develop good habits behind the wheel. Here are some ways to help your child have a positive driving experience:

• Parents should set a good example in order for kids to remain focused behind the wheel.
• Enrol teenagers in driving lessons and ensure they are prepared by learning to drive in adverse weather conditions.
• Add your child to your roadside assistance program. It will let them call for help if they get stuck.
• If your young adult is learning to drive on your insurance policy, restrict them to a car that’s affordable to insure.
• Call your insurance broker and add the new driver as a secondary driver on your policy.

What are some good driving rules, laws and regulations to follow? Let’s review some below:

• Drive on the right side of the and only use the left lane when passing others.
• Always give pedestrians the right of way.
• Everyone in the vehicle has to wear a seat belt.
• Unless you have a hands-free device, using mobile phones and changing the radio stations can be considered distracted driving.
• Always signal when turning or moving into a new lane.
• Always carry your driver’s licence, registration and proof of insurance when driving.

Car insurance for young drivers

Many factors determine the costs of car insurance for a young driver, especially when it comes to getting car insurance in a bustling city like Toronto. Here are some things insurance companies consider when determining your rates:

• Young drivers are considered anyone under the age of 25. If you are licensed after 25, you may still pay inexperienced driver prices.
• Insurance companies base rates on risk factors such as the likelihood of the driver getting into an accident.
• Young drivers comprise 10 percent of drivers in Canada and, unfortunately, account for a quarter of all accidents resulting in serious injury or death.
• Because of this, drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 are considered high-risk drivers.

Reach out to BrokerLink today!

Learning to drive safely can make a difference when it comes to the price of your car insurance rates. Insurance companies reward safe drivers with lower rates regardless of the provinces and territories they live in. Having car insurance will protect you if you get into an accident or if your car gets damaged in some other way.

There are several types of insurance coverage available. You should contact a broker to find a policy that includes coverage that suits your needs. Whether you’re renewing your car insurance policy or updating an expired car insurance renewal, finding the right coverage can help. The following types of coverage are the most common in Canada:

• Third-party liability coverage
• Accident benefits coverage
• Direct compensation - property damage coverage
• Uninsured automobile coverage
• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Accident forgiveness coverage

Let BrokerLink be your guide to all things car insurance. Whether you’re a new resident with experience from your home country or a teen getting behind the wheel for the first time, we ensure you’re protected. Give our brokers a call today to find a car insurance policy at the best rate.

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Learning to drive in Canada FAQs

What are the most common mistakes on the driving test?

Whether you’re writing your knowledge test or a road test, preparation is key. Practice and review the rules of the road, which can vary across Canada. Common mistakes include:

 

• Not adjusting the seat and mirrors.
• Improper lane changes.
• Not maintaining the correct speed.
• Ignoring pedestrian right of ways.
• Not following traffic signals and lights.
• Making incomplete stops.
• Distracted driving and parking.

 

What is the best way to prepare for the driving test?

Use the same vehicle you have been practicing with for your road test, even if it means borrowing a car from your driving school. Your vehicle has to be ready for the road — your examiner will ask you to test the brake and signal lights, and horns and ask you about other elements of the vehicle, like if you have enough fuel. Practice by taking driving lessons with an approved driving school and by driving around the roads of the area you’ll be taking the test in. Remember parking acronyms such as “Dr. Lu” to remember which way to turn your wheels. Downhill is to the right (DR.) and to the left if uphill (Lu).

How can I stop being scared of driving?

Being nervous behind the wheel as a new driver is completely normal, and weather conditions can contribute to this. It’s important to keep practicing to lessen fear—you can do this by starting your commute earlier and driving in the slower lane. Give yourself positive affirmations and coach yourself through different situations like your instructor did during your classes. Taking a few deep breaths and remaining calm can help you drive without fear in no time.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.