Being a new driver in Ontario is both exciting and daunting. You may have many questions about becoming newly licensed, undergoing driver’s testing, as well as the cost of insurance. In this article, we answer common questions for new drivers to help ease stress.
How do I apply for a G1 licence?
To apply for an Ontario licence, you must present two pieces of original identification that provide proof of your legal name, date of birth and signature. Documents must be original and valid, meaning photocopies and expired documents are not acceptable. These documents may include a passport, Canadian Citizenship Card, Ontario Photo Card or Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card.
For the complete list, visit ontario.ca
What do I need to bring with me to my driving test?
You are required to bring two pieces of original identification that provide proof of your legal name, date of birth and signature. In addition, you also need to bring money for test fees and glasses/contact lenses (if you require them to drive) to your nearest DriveTest Centre. You can find the nearest centre and hours of operation at drivetest.ca.
What fees are associated with my G1 test?
When at the centre, you must pay a $159.75 fee when you apply. This includes the cost of the knowledge test, your first G2 road test and a five-year licensing fee. Additional charges apply to your second road test and any retests you may need to take; see drivetest.ca/fees.
When can I start Drivers Ed or training?
As soon as you turn 16, you are eligible to write the G1 test and get your beginner’s driver’s licence. At this point, you can begin driver training with an MTO-approved driving school.
What are the most common mistakes on the driving test?
Practicing and reviewing the rules of the road will help you succeed. Some common mistakes during the road test include:
- Not correctly adjusting the driver’s seat and mirrors
- Improper lane changes
- Not maintaining the correct speed when turning a corner
- Not checking your surroundings
- Ignoring pedestrian right-of-ways
- Not respecting traffic signals and lights
- Making incomplete stops
- Distracted driving and parking
How are car insurance quotes calculated for new drivers?
Several factors go into calculating car insurance quotes for new drivers. Here are a few factors taken into consideration when calculating your premium:
- Your driving record
- How frequently do you use the car
- Location
- Age
- Gender
- Type of car
- Credit history
- Type of coverage you need
How much does car insurance cost for a new driver?
Ontario is the second most expensive province for car insurance. A breakdown of auto insurance in Ontario is as follows:
- The average auto insurance policy in Ontario is approximately $2,120 per year.
(Other consumer-quote platforms estimate $2,700–$2,800, depending on location and vehicle.) - Drivers ages 16–19 pay the most, with average annual premiums typically ranging from about $3,500 to over $4,500. (Toronto-area teens may see quotes even higher.)
- Younger adults, ages 20–34, generally pay between $2,000 and $3,200 per year, reflecting higher-risk pricing until they have more driving experience.
- Gen X drivers (approximately ages 35–51) usually pay between $1,500 and $2,800, depending heavily on driving record, location, and vehicle.
- Boomers (ages 52–70) often pay among the lowest rates, typically around $1,200 to $2,200 annually, unless impacted by claims or high-risk postal codes.
In Canada, a newly licensed driver is referred to as a new or first-time driver. For some car insurance companies, drivers are “new” until they have at least three years of driving experience; for others, it can take up to five or even nine years.
How long are you considered a new driver in Ontario?
This process is called “graduated licensing.” It is designed to give new drivers time to practice and gain driving experience. You have up to five years to finish the whole process. If you do not get your full G licence within the five-year timeframe, you will need to start over.
What happens if I cause an accident while driving my parents’ car?
If you cause an accident while driving your parents’ car, it will go on your driving record, but it will also affect your parents’ policy. Since you’re listed as a driver on their policy, their premiums will increase until you leave their policy. Accident Forgiveness coverage can be added to your parents’ policy — a one-time get-out-of-jail-free card for your first at-fault accident. The incident will still go on your driving record, but it won’t affect your insurance premiums.
What happens if I get a ticket while driving my parents’ car?
If you are pulled over by the police and issued a ticket in person, you will be personally responsible for paying the fine, and your licence will incur demerit points. If, however, you receive an automated ticket from a photo radar or red-light camera, a ticket will be sent to your home address. These cameras track the car’s licence plate (which is registered to your parents), and they will quickly figure out who was driving their car when it happened.
Who can drive my car under my Ontario insurance?
If you sometimes lend your car to a child, a parent, or a neighbour, you may be wondering whether your automobile insurance policy will cover them. The short answer is ‘yes’. In Ontario, a friend or associate is covered under your auto insurance policy as long as they have a valid driver’s licence.
What insurance coverages are required to drive legally in Ontario?
To drive any vehicle on a public road in Ontario, the owner of the vehicle must have the following minimum insurance coverage in place:
- Third-Party Liability: Provides compensation for drivers if they’re at-fault in an accident and the other party is hurt or killed. It also covers damages to the other person’s property and related repair costs.
- Accident Benefits: Includes coverage for injuries sustained in a collision.
- Uninsured Automobile Coverage: Offers coverage for injuries and damages sustained through the fault of a driver who is uninsured or unable to be identified (in the case of hit-and-runs).
- Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD): In provinces with no-fault insurance, DCPD means you will deal with your own insurer for car repairs and other damaged property.
Other optional coverage, such as collision, comprehensive, loss of use, and waiver of depreciation, can be purchased to protect your vehicle and cover the costs of replacing it while it is being repaired.
Does age affect the cost of insurance for new drivers?
Premiums for older new drivers are generally lower than for those under 25. Therefore, a new driver in their 30s or 40s may pay anywhere from $50 to $100 less per month. The reason is simply that, statistically, young drivers tend to have more accidents due to their inexperience. The good news is that as you drive and maintain an accident-free record, your insurance costs will decrease over time.
What are some of the most common driving mistakes?
According to Carfax.ca, the top 10 most common driving mistakes are:
- Driving too close to the car in front of you: Don’t tailgate!
- Check blind spots: Know your vehicle’s blind spots and be aware of other vehicles’ blind spots.
- Ignore your side mirrors: Reposition them as needed for the best view.
- Road rage: If you feel a driver is driving erratically and is a danger to others, call 911 and do not engage in a confrontation with them.
- Not using turn signals: Use your turn signals when making a turn, and turn them off when you are done to avoid miscommunication with other drivers.
Other common mistakes:
- Ignoring the rules of a four-way stop: First vehicle at the stop has the right of way. Right-hand turners and oncoming vehicles have the right of way when two vehicles arrive at the same time.
- Making turns into the wrong lane: Avoid wide turns into adjacent lanes; stay in your lane.
- Staying in the passing/overtaking lanes: The left lane is NOT the fast lane. You must move into the travel lane to the right to allow someone else to pass once you’re done.
- Not following merging etiquette: Allow others to merge onto the highway in front of you. Even when it is busy, you should always try to change lanes to allow space for merging vehicles.
- Braking too much: Don’t ride the brakes! Maintain a safe distance from the car ahead in case of an emergency stop.
Whether you’re in your teens or an adult, becoming a new driver is an extraordinary rite of passage. Remember, driving in Ontario without insurance is illegal. To ensure you have adequate coverage, speak with one of our isure representatives today. We can help explain which coverage is best for you, suggest endorsements to help reduce costs, and share other helpful tips to get you behind the wheel while paying the best rates.
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