As a novice driver, it's important to understand the driving restrictions that apply to the program's 2 steps and 3 types of licences.
What Happens to My Insurance if My Licence Is Suspended?
Following a licence suspension, your insurer/broker will determine the impact on your premiums should you choose to renew your policy. You must report your licence suspension to your insurer immediately.
If you are convicted of a driving offence in the province or any other Canadian jurisdiction, demerit points will be added to your record. Novice drivers can only accumulate 6 points within a 1-year period before their licence is suspended.
If your licence is suspended, you must pay a fee and attend a mandatory suspended driver's course during your suspension or prior to reinstatement. By successfully completing a point-reduction course, an eligible driver may have up to 4 demerit points deducted from his or her record.
How Long Does it Take to Become Fully Licensed?
It takes at least 2 years on the road to become a fully licensed driver. After 8 to 12 months in Level I and completion of an approved driver training or motorcycle program, you can apply to take your road test.
To take your road test, make an appointment at a Driver Examination Centre. On the day of the road test, your auto will be checked for mechanical fitness. To take the road test, you must present:
- A receipt for payment of your road test
- A valid Class 5 or 6 Level I driver's licence
- A valid insurance policy and vehicle registration permit for the vehicle you are using for the road test.
Why So Many Steps?
Novice drivers have caused many traffic-related deaths and injuries. In response to accident statistics and the successful licensing systems used in other countries, provincial and territorial governments introduced new driver licensing standards in the mid-2000s.
Graduated licensing is based on research that clearly demonstrates the safety value of this approach. Most programs include a multi-stage system with mandatory learner and intermediate stages that take place over set time-periods before graduation to a full licence.
IBC and Best Practices for Graduated Licensing in Canada
IBC has a history of advocating for improved road safety across the country. In 2005, with IBC's support, the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), an independent charitable road safety institute, created a report about best practices for graduated licensing in Canada .
IBC circulated a draft of this report to all relevant contacts in driver licensing agencies, or their equivalent, in all jurisdictions across Canada.