Kids grow up so fast and, before you know it, they want to learn how to drive!
At Oakville Insurance Brokers, we understand that you want the best for your children and you want them to be safe behind the wheel. This is an important time and you want to be sure you are making the best choices.
Here are our top tips for parents who want to know where to get driver training, and what the rules and regulations are in the province of Ontario.
Key considerations
There are some minimum requirements for drivers’ licences in the province of Ontario to be aware of:
- Drivers must be a minimum of 16 years of age to be eligible.
- Newcomers to Ontario, who hold any type of driver’s licence from another province or country, must apply for an Ontario driver’s licence within 60 days of moving to the province.
- You will require acceptable ID showing your legal name, date of birth (must state the day, month, and year of birth), and signature must be presented at the time of your application.
- Drivers must pass a vision test, a knowledge test, and a road test(s).
- There are fees associated with driver examination services.
You can view more specific information by visiting drivetest.ca.
Now you need to consider the next steps.
Step 1- Enrolling your child in a ministry-approved driver training school.
This is highly recommended.
Not only will you feel better knowing that your child has learned the necessary skills to drive safely, but your pocketbook will feel better too as many insurers offer reduced premiums for successfully completed driver training.
The question is: How do you know which driving school to choose?
Word of mouth may be helpful in this scenario. If you have a family member or friend who has been through this process, it might be helpful to get a recommendation from them.
Be advised that not every driving school is ministry-approved so it is important to check the list of schools that offer beginner instruction. It is integral that a driver training school offer both ministry-approved courses and in-vehicle instruction. A complete list of ministry-approved driving schools can be viewed by visiting the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website.
Step 2- Passing all the stages
Driver training involves reading, written tests, and in-car training. Each stage of the three graduated stages has different regulations:
- Class G1: Level 1 of graduated licensing. G1 holders may drive Class G vehicles when accompanied by a fully licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience. Additional conditions apply.
- Class G2: Level 2 of graduated licensing. Holders may drive Class G vehicles without an accompanying driver. Additional conditions apply, particularly to those 21 years of age or under.
- Class G: A full licence to drive a car, van, or small truck. Additional conditions apply to those 21 years of age or under.
Once your child attains their G1 they will be able to get behind the wheel!
Step 3- Practice, Practice, Practice
Driving on a regular basis and practicing their newly acquired skills is key to help your child succeed. The more they practice, the more comfortable they will become, and the better their driving will be.
Whenever possible, try and have your child practice their driving using the vehicle that they will have at their driving tests — this will increase their success rate.
For more information about automobile insurance for new drivers please contact us.