Learning to Drive
In most regions of North America the prevalence of driver’s licenses among the population is so great that it is used as the primary form of identification. The reason the licensing systems in Canada and the United States are so ubiquitous, though, is because anyone who wants to drive must have one. It’s one of the many ways that our countries enforce driver safety – you can’t get a license unless you’ve jumped through several bureaucratic hoops, many of which are related to safe driving practices and overall knowledge of road and traffic safety.
“Put your seatbelt on.” I rolled my eyes but dutifully complied with my father’s instruction.
“Now check your mirrors,” he continued, “and make sure you know where your blind spots are.”
Parked in the empty lot of a grocery store I waited for Dad to finally let me start his car. It had been two weeks since I passed the written driver’s exam necessary for my learner’s permit. I was now legally allowed to drive, as long as I was accompanied by someone with a full license. Dad was reluctant to start teaching me, but then he was always very cautious anyways. He prided himself on his ability to keep a cool head behind the wheel.
“It’s not a race,” was something he’d say whenever some other driver raced around him. He never went over the speed limit. Back in the parking lot Dad continued his instruction.
“Now, if you’re comfortable, you can start the car,” he said solemnly.
And so I did. It felt amazing to know that I would finally be able to control this wonderful machine. The freedom of the open road, long a mere fantasy in my teenage head, was now that much closer. The engine roared to life and a broad smile creased my face. This was going to be a great day.
The way a citizen is licensed varies between jurisdictions, but in general the rules of the system are designed to gradually expose new drivers to the rules of the road. Often new drivers are given free reign to practice, as long as there is a qualified driver with them in the car. New drivers will also have several restrictions concerning the amount of alcohol they are allowed to consume as well as the number of people allowed to be in the car with them.
Should a person wish to drive a more complicated, or perhaps riskier, vehicle such as a transport truck or a motorcycle, then they must begin an entirely separate process to obtain that license. Again, this is to ensure that everyone begins learning how to drive the vehicle with the idea of safety as their priority. The more a new driver knows about road traffic safety, rules of the road, and safe driving practices, the more likely they are to obtain (and keep) their license.
As much as I hated having to obey all of my father’s directions, it was clearly the best way to learn. He had the experience and knew what was considered safe. That was, until we got pulled over.
- The Thin White Line – Improving Car Safety One Piece of Paper at a Time
- How to Get a Vehicle History Report
- Emissions Testing – It’s the Law
- Emissions Test – The Basics
- Demerit Points – An Effective Deterrent
- Unsafe Driving Practices
- Speed Limiters Keep Highways Safe
- How Fast Can I Drive?
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Learning to Drive