For those of us who got our drivers licence before 2003, when graduated licensing was introduced in Alberta, the program can be a bit of a mystery. Getting a licence used to be a relatively simple process. First, at the tender age of 14 you could take a written exam to get your learners licence, which allowed you to operate a vehicle with another licenced driver in the car with you. Then, at 16, you could take another written exam plus a road test and if you passed, you were off to the races, so to speak.
Graduated driver licensing was brought into effect to ensure that new drivers get the experience and support they need before tackling the complications of driving in Calgary and Alberta. As experienced insurance brokers in Calgary, we support the concept of graduated licensing, as it has been proven to dramatically reduce the rate of fatal crashes on highways for teen drivers. It has also allowed car insurance providers to bring down rates to be less prohibitive for new drivers. It does take time, though, and those just starting can expect to spend a minimum of three years in the program before becoming fully licensed. Here’s how it works.
Class 7 – Stage One Learner
To obtain a Class 7 licence drivers must:
- Be at least 14 years old
- Pass a vision test
- Pass a written knowledge test on the rules of the road
- Have parental consent
Conditions of a Stage One Learners Licence
- Must be held for at least one year
- Drivers must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver who is at least 18 years old at all times in the vehicle
- The accompanying driver must be seated in the passenger’s seat
- No driving is permitted from midnight to 5 a.m.
- No more than 8 demerit points can be earned
- Drivers must not have any alcohol in their system (a blood-alcohol (BAC) content of 0.00)
Class 7 – Stage Two Probationary
Probationary drivers must have held a Learners Licence for at least a year, be at least 16 years old and pass a standard Alberta road test.
Conditions of a Stage Two Probationary Licence
- Must be held for at least two years
- No more than 8 demerit points can be earned
- Drivers must not have any alcohol in their system (a blood-alcohol (BAC) content of 0.00)
- Drivers cannot be a supervisory driver to someone with a Stage One Learners Licence
To Become a Class 5 Driver
All Stage One Learners and Stage Two Probationary conditions must have been met, as well as:
- Drivers must have been suspension-free for at least one year
- An advancer drivers road test must be passed
Remember that taking an accredited drivers training course in Alberta can earn discounts on your car insurance rates.
Changes to Impaired Driving Laws
Recent changes to Alberta’s impaired driving laws have included the use of cannabis for graduated drivers. As well as having a BAC of 0.00, graduated drivers cannot have consumed any cannabis (whether or not it has been prescribed) before getting behind the wheel. If found to have any alcohol or drugs in their systems, GDL drivers will be subject to an immediate 30-day licence suspension, a seven-day seizure of their vehicle and be required to remain in the GDL program for two years, with at least one year of suspension-free driving.
Teaching a New or Teen Driver
Instilling the values of defensive driving techniques are key. These have been proven over and over to be the best way to operate a vehicle
The top seven tenants of defensive driving are:
- Always think safety first. Do not be aggressive.
- Check mirrors frequently and anticipate for other drivers’ reactions at least 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you.
- Plan movements considering a worst-case scenario. For example, if a car is beside you, don’t assume they see you.
- Stay at least three to four seconds behind the driver in front of you.
- Don’t speed. Not only is speeding reckless, it usually doesn’t get you anywhere any faster.
- Always make sure you can be seen. Make sure you have an escape route for every situation.
- Do not drive distracted. Not only is it against the law, it is one of the most common causes of accidents.
A dash cam is a good idea for all drivers – experienced or not. Handy for many reasons – a dash cam can be an irrefutable witness after an accident, and you can also use the footage as a learning opportunity. Review the video after a practice drive with your teen to go over errors and discuss how to handle different situations on the road.
New Driver Intelligence Program
One exciting development that’s on the cusp of a wide introduction across the Canadian insurance industry is telematics. These systems essentially track and report on driver habits by outfitting vehicles with monitoring technologies that keep tabs on things like, and are currently in place for owners of Alberta fleets:
- Speed
- Braking
- Cornering
- Acceleration
- Location
Young people are far more likely to drive responsibly if they know someone is watching. Ask your broker about the New Driver Intelligence program, which employs telematics to track your teen’s habits on the road, and can bring peace of mind while also encouraging your child to be a safer driver from the get-go.
Insurance companies are also planning to introduce telematics as an optional feature of regular car insurance programs. The idea is to reward drivers who consistently prioritize safety and good driving habits with lower rates.
Lane’s Insurance Is Here to Help With all Your Car Insurance Needs
Lane’s Insurance is a top provider of car insurance in Calgary and throughout Alberta, with trustworthy advice, excellent customer support, and money-saving bundles for holders of auto and home insurance policies. Visit Lane’s Insurance online today to get a fast, free quote for car insurance.
