A: What
does graduated licensing mean?
If you're a new automobile driver, it means you'll earn full driving
privileges in two stages. In the first stage, Level One, you'll learn
and practise driving under conditions that reduce your risk of collisions.
When you have more experience, you'll be able to take a road test
to enter the second stage, Level Two, with more privileges. After
a year in Level Two, you can take another test to qualify for a full
driver's licence.
A: Why do we need graduated
licensing?
Too many people are being killed and injured on Ontario roads: New
drivers of all ages are much more likely to get into crashes than
experienced drivers; Collisions are the leading killer of people between
16 and 24. Graduated licensing is one way of cutting down the risks
new drivers face - a way to prevent collisions and save lives. It's
just one of many things the government is doing to make Ontario's
roads the safest in North America.
A: How does the program work?
New drivers of passenger vehicles learn to drive with five important
conditions in Level One, which lasts at least eight to 12 months.
Drivers earn more privileges after passing a road test to enter Level
Two. At the end of 12 months in Level Two, they can earn a full driver's
licence when they pass another skills test. New motorcycle drivers
learn to drive with four conditions in Level One, which will last
at least 60 days. They must pass a road test to enter Level Two, with
more privileges, They earn a full motorcycle licence when they pass
a skills test after 18 to 22 months in Level Two.
A: Can I shorten the time
it takes to get a full car or motorcycle licence?
Yes - when you learn more about safe driving in an approved driver
education course, you will be eligible to apply for some tests sooner.
A passenger vehicle driver can finish Level One after only eight months
by completing an approved driver education course. Motorcycle drivers
who complete a motorcycle safety course in Level One can move into
Level Two after 60 days; Level Two will take 18 months instead of
22 months if you complete an approved safety course in either level.
A: What is an approved driver
education course?
An approved driver education course for automobile drivers is one
that: Gives you a minimum 25 hours classroom and 10 hours in-car teaching
(12 hours for standard transmission); Gives graduates a certificate
of completion or insurance discount application stamped by the Driving
School Association of Ontario and the Ontario Safety League or, if
it is a high school course, a Ministry of Transportation/Ministry
of Education and Training certificate. Many commercial driving schools
registered with the Driving School Association of Ontario and all
high schools with driver education programs offer Ministry of Transportation
approved courses. Shop carefully because only if you pass an approved
course can you shorten the time it takes to earn full licence privileges.
For an approved motorcycle driver education course contact your local
community college or call the Ministry of Transportation: 1-800-387-3445.
A: What should accompanying
drivers do?
If you are going to be an accompanying driver, it's a good idea to
re-read the Driver's Handbook to refresh your knowledge of the rules
of the road. Accompanying drivers help new drivers develop their skills,
remind them about the rules of the road and warn them about dangers
they may not see. Accompanying drivers advise new drivers about courteous,
defensive driving, and, if necessary, stop other passengers from distracting
the driver. Accompanying drivers are also there to take the wheel
if you need to use a 400-series highway or continue a trip after midnight,
for example. Since they may have to drive, they must have less than
the legal suspension limit of .05 per cent blood alcohol.
A: Does experience in Level
One and Level Two count toward the four years' experience you need
to an accompanying driver?
Yes, that experience counts.
A: Why can't I drive on high-speed
expressways, in Level One?
High-speed collisions cause more damage than those at lower speeds.
That's why it makes sense to reduce the risks while you practise in
Level One. When you have more driving skills, you'll have a better
chance of reacting quickly to avoid collisions. There are always roads
you can use instead of 400-series highways and expressways, but if
you do need to use a high-speed road, your accompanying driver can
take over. You may practise on high-speed roads with a licensed driving
instructor as your accompanying driver.
A: Why must there be a seat
belt for every passenger?
Seat belts are the best way to avoid injury in a collision. This condition
lets you drive with family and friends and at the same time ensures
that the vehicle is not overcrowded and everyone is protected in case
of a collision.
A: Why can't I drive after
midnight?
Staying off the road when the risks are highest is a good way to avoid
collisions. Half of the fatal collisions involving new drivers happen
at night. People are tired, it's harder to see, and those drivers
who break drinking and driving laws usually do so late at night. These
factors put lives in danger, especially for new drivers who are still
developing the skills they need to avoid collisions.
A: Why should I display the
new driver sign?
The sign, N for novice, or new driver, lets other drivers know they
should avoid risky behavior that may cause problems. You don't have
to display it, but you may find it very helpful.
A: What is the log book for?
The log book helps you get ready for your Level One road test. It's
a handy place for you and your accompanying drivers to record the
skills you've practised and the conditions you're familiar with. Using
the log book, you'll be able to see what you still need to practise
before you take your road test.
A: What happens if I break
one of the conditions of my licence?
If the police stop you for any reason, the officer checking your licence
will see that you are a Level One or Level Two driver. If you are
charged with and convicted of breaking any of the conditions, your
licence will be suspended for 30 days. For more information call:
1-800-387-3445
A: HOW TO GET AN ONTARIO DRIVER'S
LIVENCE
First, you must be at least 16 years. Before you apply for a licence,
read the Driver's Handbook if you want to drive automobiles. For a
motorcycle licence, read the Motorcycle Driver's Handbook. Your local
licence issuing office or Ministry of Transportation Driver Examination
Centre has both handbooks for sale. When you apply for a Level One
licence at a Ministry of Transportation Drivers and Vehicles Centre,
your eye-sight and your understanding of the rules of the road will
be tested. When you pass both tests, you receive your Level One licence,
a log book to record your driving practice and a sign for your rear
windshield to let other drivers know you are a new driver.
A: FOR AUTOMOBILE DRIVERS
LEVEL 1.
In Level One, you can begin learning to drive cars, vans or small
trucks. In Level One, five conditions help make your driving practice
safer:
1. You must not drive alone. A fully licensed driver who has at least
four years of experience must sit in the front passenger seat. This
is the only person who can be in the front seat with you while you
drive. This person's blood alcohol content must be less than .05 per
cent, the legal suspension limit for fully licensed drivers.
2. You must not drink any alcohol if you are going to drive. Your
blood alcohol content must be zero when you're driving.
3. You must not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
4. Each person in the vehicle must have a seat belt, so everyone is
protected and your vehicle is not over-crowded.
5. You must not drive on Ontario's "400-series" highways or on high-speed
expressways such as the Queen Elizabeth Way and the Don Valley Parkway.
Your Driver's Handbook has a complete list of those highways.
Level One lasts at least 12 months, but you can reduce that time to
eight months by completing an approved driver education course - see
question 5 in this booklet for information about approved courses.
At the end of Level One, you must pass a road test to move to Level
Two.
LEVEL 2.
In Level Two, which lasts at least 12 months, you have the experience
and skills to drive at any time of day or night, without an accompanying
driver. You may also drive on any Ontario road. Two important conditions
still apply in Level Two:
1. You must not drink any alcohol if you are going to drive. Your
blood alcohol must still be zero when you're driving.
2. Each person must have seat belt, so your vehicle is not overcrowded
and every passenger is protected.
It will take at least 20 months from the time you start in Level One
to the time you can take the Level Two test to earn full driving privileges.
The final test measures your overall driving ability.
A: FOR MOTORCYCLE DRIVERS
LEVEL 1.
In level One, you can begin learning to drive motorcycles, with four
conditions that help make your driving practice safer:
1. You must not drink any alcohol if you are going to drive. Your
blood alcohol content must be zero when you are driving.
2. You may only drive during daylight hours (one-half hour before
sunrise to one-half hour after sunset).
3. You must drive during only on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h
or less, except where there is no other route you can use. You may
drive on highways 11,17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144 and 655.
4. You may not carry passengers.
Level One lasts at least 60 days, and the licence is valid for 90
days. Before moving to Level Two, you must pass a road test, either
as part of' an approved motorcycle safety course or at a Ministry
of Transportation Driver Examination Centre.
LEVEL 2.
In Level Two, which lasts 22 months, (or 18 months if you complete
an approved motorcycle safety course in either level), you have the
experience and skills to carry a passenger and drive at any time of
day or night, on any Ontario road. You must still not drink any alcohol
if you will be driving.
It will take at least 20 months from the time you start in Level One
to the time you can take the Level Two test for full driving privileges.
The final test measures your overall riding ability.
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