Considering that their driving safety, and the safety of other road users, are at stake, it’s important for young drivers in Canada to learn and practice safe driving habits from the moment they first get behind the wheel.
Tips to Help Young Drivers
The sooner young drivers are informed about every aspect of safely operating a vehicle, the higher the chance that they will be confident, safe drivers for the rest of their lives.
Enroll in a Driving School
Good driving starts with knowing and practicing good driving habits. While parents or guardians may be good teachers, the best way to learn the proper and safe operation of a vehicle is by enrolling in a reputable driver education program.
Not only will young drivers learn how to drive properly, but they will be better prepared for their road tests.
Obey All the Rules
Whether young drivers are just learning, or they have received their full driver’s permit, they must obey the rules of the road, and the rules parents set for using the family vehicle.
The reason? The consequences of not following the rules can be fatal. Even if young drivers don’t hurt themselves or anyone else by not staying within the rules, they are penalized more than regular drivers for many infractions.
For example, if drivers with a G1 and G2 license in Ontario are charged with driving after consuming just a single alcoholic beverage, regardless of their blood alcohol content (BAC), they face an immediate 3-day licence suspension, fines and penalties that could total over $1,000, and an automatic 30-day license suspension for a 1st conviction and an automatic 90-day suspension for a 2nd conviction.
Perhaps the worst extra cost of being convicted of a driving infraction as a young driver is higher car insurance premiums, which can be increased drastically in comparison with drivers with full licenses.
Drive Defensively
If there is one thing that all drivers can do to minimize vehicle collisions and traffic tickets, driving defensively is it. And the sooner novice drivers begin to practice defensive driving habits, the better the chances are that those habits remain for the long term.
Considering the costly consequences of novice drivers being convicted of traffic offences like speeding, careless driving or disobeying signs, you need reliable legal advice and representation to protect your rights
The experienced X-Copper team of former police officers and traffic ticket lawyers understand the laws, enforcement methods and court processes. They have helped countless novice drivers minimize the impact of convictions for speeding tickets.
To learn more about the implications for young drivers of being charged with a traffic offense, check out our article “The implications of Drinking & Driving with a G2 License”.
