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Frequently
Asked Questions - Graduated Licensing
1. What does graduated licensing mean?
If
you're a new driver, it means you'll earn full driving privileges in two
stages. In the first stage, Level One, you'll learn and practice 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, where there will be fewer restrictions. After a
year in Level Two, you can take another road test to qualify for a full
driver's licence.
2. 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 be involved in a serious or
fatal crash than experienced drivers; Collisions are the leading cause of
death for people between 16 and 24. Graduated licensing is one way of
cutting down the risks new drivers face. It's a way to prevent collisions
and save lives. It's just one of many things the government is doing to
make Ontario's roads safer.
3. How does the program work?
New
drivers of passenger vehicles learn to drive with seven 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. After
completing 12 months in Level Two, they can earn a full driver's licence
when they pass another road test.
New
motorcycle drivers learn to drive with four conditions in Level One, which
lasts at least 60 days. They must pass a road test to enter Level Two,
where they will have more privileges. They earn a full motorcycle licence
when they pass a road test after 18 to 22 months in Level Two.
4. Can I shorten the time it takes to get a full car or
motorcycle licence?
Yes.
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.
5. What is an approved course?
Approved
courses give you one of the following:
- A completion certificate
or insurance discount application stamped by the Ontario Safety
League
- Canadian Professional Driver
Association Certificate
- A Ministry of
Transportation/Ministry of Education and Training certificate.
Any of these courses shortens the time it takes to earn
full licence privileges.
6. 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 drive 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 .05 per cent blood alcohol.
7. Does experience in Level One and Level Two count toward
the four years of experience you need to be an accompanying driver?
Yes,
that experience counts.
8. What are the restrictions for a G1 driver's
licence holder?
Level One drivers:
must
not drive if they have been drinking (maintain zero blood alcohol level
when driving);
must have only one
passenger in the front seat.
That
person, the accompanying driver, must be a fully licensed driver with at
least four years of driving experience.
The
accompanying driver must be authorized to operate a Class G passenger
vehicle and must have a blood alcohol level of less than .05 per cent; must
limit the number of back seat passengers they carry to the number of seat
belts in the back seat of the vehicle.
Unless
accompanied by a licensed driving instructor, must not drive on
"400-series" highways with a posted speed limit greater than 80
km/h, the Queen Elizabeth Way, Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway,
E.C. Row Expressway and the Conestoga Parkway;
Must
not drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.;
May
drive Class G vehicles only; and
May
choose to voluntarily display a vehicle sign indicating their new driver
status. This is
provided by the government
to all new drivers entering Level One.
9. What are the restrictions for a Class G2 driver's
licence holder?
Level Two drivers:
Must not drive if
they have been drinking (maintain zero blood alcohol level when
driving);
Limit the number of
people carried to the number of seat belts in the vehicle
Drive Class G vehicles only.
The number of young passengers that teen G2 drivers can carry will be
limited from midnight to 5 a.m.
Initially, G2
drivers 19 or under can carry only one passenger aged 19 or under.
After the first six months, and until the G2 driver earns
a full G licence or turns 20,
they can carry only three passengers aged 19 or under.
10. What are the restrictions for a Class M1 driver's
licence holder?
Level One drivers:
Must
not drive if they have been drinking (maintain zero blood alcohol level
when driving);
Must
drive only during daylight hours (the period from one-half hour before
sunrise to one-half hour after sunset);
Must
not drive on highways with speed limits of more than 80 km/h other than
those parts of the King's highway known as numbers 11, 17, 61, 71,
101, 102, 144 and 655;
Must
not carry passengers.
11. What are the restrictions for a Class M2 driver's
licence holder?
Level Two drivers:
Must
not drive if they have been drinking (maintain zero blood alcohol level
when driving).
12. 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 practice 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 practice on high-speed roads with a licensed driving instructor as your
accompanying driver.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. What is the log book and what is it used 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
practiced and the conditions you're familiar with. Using the log book,
you'll be able to see what you still need to practice before you take your
road test.
17. 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.
You
can get more information about graduated licensing by contacting the
Licensing Assistance office at (416)
235-2999 or by visiting a Ministry of Transportation Driver Examination Centre.
The
addresses of these centres are also listed in the blue pages of your local
telephone book.
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