7 Important Tips for New Drivers in Ontario
Congratulations, the big day is here and you’ve finally for your driver’s license! Getting behind the wheel for the first time is pretty scary and exciting. That’s why we’re giving you the best tips for new drivers that should ease your transition into this big step.
Our team at Duliban was young once, too! We remember what it was like to finally get mom’s car keys and have the freedom to drive.
But we also remember how intimidating the road can be when you’re a first time driver. And we speak with drivers every day, whether they’re making claims or searching for better insurance rates.
It’s essential to make sure you’re familiar with the Ontario driving laws before you hit the road. But there’s more to it than the law.
We want everyone to be safe on the road, so our team at Duliban has put together this essential list of tips for new drivers that you should read before you get going.
1. Don’t Skip Driver’s Training
Driver’s training is essential for all first time drivers to ensure that you’re being properly trained and prepared. There are many programs and organizations in Ontario that offer driver’s training courses, so pick one that works for you.
When you complete your course, you can get your G2 faster than if you were to learn to drive on your own. You’ll come out feeling confident and ready to drive by yourself.
It’s also important to take Driver’s training because most insurance companies in Canada offer a discount on car insurance when you complete the course.
Talk to your local insurance broker to find out how you can get a discount on car insurance for new drivers.
2. Make Sure Everyone is Wearing a Seatbelt
When you’re a first time driver, and you’re one of the first people in your friend group to get your license, it’s tempting to try to stuff everyone in the car to go somewhere.
But you should never have more people in your car than there are seatbelts. Seatbelt laws in Canada require everyone to be wearing a seatbelt or face fines if you’re pulled over.
The fine could be anywhere between $200 to $1,000 dollars, and you’re responsible for paying it for any passengers who are under 16.
3. Account for Other Drivers on the Road
You might feel confident and ready, but that doesn’t mean that other drivers are.
When you drive in Ontario, you’re dealing with many types of roads, from dim rural country roads to major highways. That’s a lot of different scenarios to be careful of.
Be proactive and responsive, and always make sure you’re aware of your surroundings. Just glancing around your mirrors every few seconds can keep you alert to other drivers or pedestrians.
Always practice defensive driving and make sure you’re prepared.
4. Always Keep Your Windshield Clean
A bit of dust or dirt on your windshield might not seem like that big of a deal to you, but driving at night with a dirty windshield is dangerous.
In fact, at night, a dirty windshield can actually alter your perception of streetlights and traffic signs. Light can also temporarily blind you when it reflects off the dirt on your windshield.
5. Avoid Driving in Bad Weather Until You’re Confident and Ready
However, if you find yourself in a situation where you’re forced to drive in bad weather, make sure you understand what you need to do.
Any time you have your windshield wipers on, you should also have your headlights on. When you drive in heavy rain, visibility gets low. Slow down and be extra cautious on the road.
True Canadian winters are unpredictable and can be dangerous. Make sure you have proper snow tires and are properly prepared for winter driving in Ontario.
No matter what time of the year it is, you should always have a properly stocked emergency car kit in your vehicle. This will help you if you find yourself stuck or stranded.
6. Give Others the Right of Way
You’ll notice as you begin to drive more often that four-way stops can get a little tricky. In addition, you will encounter other situations where you and another driver aren’t who should go first.
In this situation, give the other driver the right of way and let them go. This way, you won’t risk one of those situations when you both try to go at the same time and hit one another.
You will also avoid the dreaded “is this person going to go?” scenario, where you both waste time seeing if the other will make the first move.
7. Master the Left Turn
Turning left is something that many first time drivers struggle with because it can be intimidating. Especially so when you’re on busy city roads.
It will take a bit of experience before you fully learn how to properly judge the time you have to make your turn. Before that, exercise as much caution as possible.
Always keep your wheels straight while you’re waiting to make your turn. If someone comes up behind you and hits you while your wheels are turned, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.
For New Driver Insurance at Rates You Can Afford, Talk to a Hometown Broker at Duliban
When it’s time to get new driver insurance, Duliban will help you find the best coverage at the most affordable price.
We work with 20 different insurance companies in Canada, and have them compete for your business. It’s our job to make sure you’re happy, and we will keep working until we find you the best coverage, premiums, and price.
Our team of friendly hometown brokers is ready to help you with your claim, any questions you might have, and to get you your free quote. We treat all of our customers like family and we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service.
Get your free car insurance quote now!
