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Getting a licence
Before too long, you will realise that having a vehicle is extremely
important in Canada. Unless you happen to live and work in an area
where the transit system fully meets your needs, you will find getting
around is sometimes difficult (if not impossible) without a car.
The process of getting a driver's licence is essentially the same
across Canada, though each province has slightly different rules. The
licensing system is administered by the provinces, so when you finally
pass your road test, you get a provincial driver's licence rather than
a "Canadian" one. However, you can use this licence to drive anywhere
in Canada or even in the US.
Most provinces have adopted the "graduated licensing" system
- a three step process to earning a full privilege licence.
The first step is getting a temporary driver's licence, or what would
be termed in some countries as a learner's licence. Even if you have a
long driving record outside Canada, you still need to get this licence
or you will not be able to apply for your road test.
This initial document, which is very easy to obtain, allows you to
drive a car so long as you have a licensed driving instructor sitting
beside you.
To get your temporary driver's licence, you need to register at a
Vehicle Licensing Centre (check!!!) in your area and take a
computerised or written test. You will be tested on your knowledge of
local traffic regulations and road signs. The questions are all pretty
simple, but you would be well advised to pick up a copy of the Official
Driver's Handbook (in Ontario), the Safe Driving Guide (British
Columbia), the Basic License-Drivers Handbook (Alberta) or the Driver's Handbook (Québec) to brush up on local road
laws. These guides are available at most bookstores or at major retail
outlets like Canadian Tire at between $10 and $15.
When you apply for your learner driver's licence, you'll need to carry
acceptable identification. You don't need photographs though, these
will be taken at the centre where you apply. You'll also have to take a
vision test and may have to certify that you are in sound physical and
medical condition.
At most centres, the entire registration and computer test process
takes about two hours. You don't need a prior appointment, just visit
your centre doing normal business hours. Carry enough cash, you will
typically have to pay about $100 which includes an advance fee for your
first road test.
If you have driven elsewhere before and are confident enough, you can
apply immediately for your intermediate licence road test. In major
cities, the waiting period for this test stretches up to two months or
more.
Our advice, however, is that you hold off for just a while, and sign up
instead for a driver education course. There are two reasons for this.
One, it gives you a chance to get used to the North American driving
system and local road laws. And two, the $300-$400 you spend on the
course will be more than offset by the discount you get from the
insurance company after you buy a vehicle. Insurance costs are high,
and a $500-$600 discount is fairly typical for those who have taken the
driving course.
What exactly is the course? It consists of a classroom segment
(approximately 25 hours in all) and in-car training which is a minimum
of 10 hours. You can take additional in-car training if you wish - many
learners prefer putting in an extra couple of hours just ahead of their
road test.
Experienced drivers may baulk at the idea of having to undergo
classroom training, but the fact is the course is very practical in
nature and is an ideal primer for first-time drivers in North America.
Topics include how to read highway signs, what to do in an emergency,
and how long to wait before you take the wheel if you've had a drink.
(While on the subject of alcohol, you should note that drivers with an
intermediate licence must have a blood alcohol content of zero).
You should be careful when choosing which driving school to sign up
with. Ask around for recommendations from recent learners. Preferably
look for a school where you are given a ride to and from the classroom.
And above all, check that the school is indeed recognized. (You can do
this by calling any major insurance company and asking if a certificate
from the school will entitle you to an insurance discount).
Driving school fees vary widely, from as low as $100 to about $650 or
more. Don't get taken in by price alone. You should however find a
good, reputable school for between $300 and $400. There are extra
charges if you choose to take more than 10 hours of in-car training,
plus about $50 if you want to use the driving school car for your road
test. (If you are confident about your driving skills, you can borrow a
friend or relative's car for the test).
The nature of the road test depends on the centre where you apply to
have it taken. Some centres have a closed complex, others test you on
regular city roads. The test, which lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, is
pretty straightforward, examining you on aspects such as
uphill/downhill parking, constant check of mirrors and obedience of
traffic signs.
Once you pass the intermediate test, you are ready to take to the road!
There are only a few differences between owning the intermediate and a
full privilege licence. The former is valid for a maximum,
non-extendable period of five years. Intermediate drivers must have a
zero blood alcohol content, and may not apply for a commercial
(heavy-duty vehicle) licence. In some provinces such as British
Columbia, you must also post a ‘N' (new driver) plate on your vehicle.
You can apply for your full licence 24 months after getting your
intermediate one (21 if you have done the driver education course).
This test, which is almost entirely on city roads, is far more
exhaustive. It typically lasts about 45 minutes, and takes you through
almost every type of road - from residential-area lanes to downtown
city crush and onto the major highways. Pass this and you'll have good
reason to celebrate!
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