I'm 32 and the last time I had a driving lesson was in Belfast over ten years ago and I never did do the test I just gave up. I never felt I really needed to learn but now with 2 kids I'm starting to think it would be a good idea. My OH can't drive either.

So I just thought I'd ask if anyone has experienced learning to drive in Ontario. I'm really nervous about the whole thing and I know the last thing Toronto needs is another crappy driver. Maybe I should do everyone a favour and stick with the TTC

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Why not take/complete a driving course and see how you feel after that?. I don't know about Belfast, but having experienced traffic in places like England, Mexico, Turkey and others, I would say Toronto should be a piece of cake, maybe not the traffic itself in all areas of T.O., but certainly the driving here is better and rules are enforced.

Even if you don't end up driving, it is always good to have your license as you never know when you might need to drive for whatever reason, ie: job, etc.

Good luck & don't be afraid.

Thanks Monique. I really don't want to buy a car just be able to hire one every so often just to get out of the city and actually see a bit of Canada!

Are you aware that you wouldn't be able to take your kids anywhere until you got your G2 license? There are several restrictions to driving in Ontario, unlike in England...

I didn't know that. I'd just have to hide them in the boot then!

I really know nothing about the whole system here. I guess I better do some research.

This may be a dumb question but do you know can you just book a lesson at a time with an instructor or do you have to sign up for a full course?

I have absolutely no idea! LOL

I just turned up with my pretty pink UK license and asked to exchange it !

I'm sure someone will be able to tell you soon though!

google "Ministry of Transportation Ontario" and look through the site, there should be everything you need there

Yes, you can, but note that you must have passed your written license first before being able to drive at all. If you already know to drive, it is ok. to take a refresher course and/or lessons, but if you don't know, I would not advise it. Full courses are neither long nor expensive and it will help you with your insurance rates, should you decide to eventually buy a car.

I believe the restrictions on the graduating license is for a year so the sooner you get it, the better!.

Sorry, I made a mistake, you cannot take a road test that fast. See info. below from CAA, hope it helps.

New drivers earn full driving privileges in two stages, and have 5 years to complete the program (G1, G2) and graduate to a full licence (class G).

Class G1
A new driver must hold a G1 licence for a minimum of 12 months before attempting the G1 road test. This time can be reduced to 8 months if an approved driver education course, such as the CAA Driver Training Course, is completed.
New drivers learn to drive with six important conditions: • Maintain a zero blood alcohol level while driving
• Be accompanied by a fully licensed driver, who has at least four years driving experience, and a blood alcohol level of less than .05 percent just in case it is necessary to take overthe wheel
• Ensure that the accompanying driver is the only other person in the front seat
• Ensure the number of passengers in the vehicle is limited to the number of working seat belts
• Refrain from driving on Ontario's "400 series "highways or high speed expressways. If accompanied by a driving instructor licensed in Ontario, this restriction does not apply
• Refrain from driving between midnight and 5:00am


Class G2
A new driver must hold a G2 licence for a minimum of 12 months before they can attempt the G2 road test. At this level the driver has more privileges due to their driving experience. They may now drive without an accompanying driver on all Ontario roads at any time.
They still must:
• Maintain a zero blood alcohol level while driving
• Ensure that the number of passengers in the vehicle is limited to the number of working seat belts

According to the statistics, new drivers of all ages are much more likely to get into crashes than experienced drivers. Collisions are the leading killer of people between 16 and 24. Graduated licensing is one way to reduce the risks new drivers face.

Class G2 Driver
A premium charge will be applied to your insurance. All G2 drivers residing in your household and driving a vehicle MUST be added to your insurance policy. Credit will be given for one year's driving experience for G1 and the driver will receive a rate reduction of 10%(if accident and ticket free) for all coverage's where the driver's experience is used as a rating factor for a period of one year. Driver training discounts will also apply where applicable.

I forgot to add that if you do not complete all steps within 5 years, ie: you get the G2 license, then don't bother going for a G license, then you have to start the process ALL over again, ie: G1, G2, G....It happened to me . Also, as soon as you get G, the insurance will decrease dramatically.

I know you're not in the market for a car, but just in case you change your mind, with kids, it is very likely you will.

Wow Thanks there Monique, great info. Now I really wish now I had done my test back home. Can you believe I had at least 20 lessons passed the written test then just give up, what an idiot!!

Hey Elaine

We are in a similar situation here, although we have not moved to Toronto yet, it will be my intention to start lessons asap.

I also took lessons in the UK and even went for a road test. I failed on hesitation at a roundabout. The reason for mt hesitation was that as I approached a hearse was was coming around the roundabout and I could notice that the 1st car of mourners were a little bit behind, (maybe 8 secs) so I stopped out of respect ! I was thinking how awful it would look Hearse, me in as learners car and then the mourners.

It was ironic as the actual instructor was a lay preacher !!!! Go Figure !!!

Anyway, went we were on our recci earlier this year, I brought the drivers handbook for Ontario, which is available from all good bookshops. Its also available online I believe.

Anyway its actual a good read and better put together than the highway code.

Good LucK with it all anyway.

Rob

My wife took Young Drivers of Canada as it had the added benefit of offering a reduced rate of insurance afterwards. Vicki, then put off her tests as long as possible. She then took a few lessons before her test. Yes we had to wait for her to get to the second stage of her license, but I think that was only 6 months or something like that. She then drove for five years on her second stage license.

Hi Elaine,
No idea what it would be like to drive in Toronto... Still stuck here!

But here's my thoughts on driving in general.

Up until 4 years ago I did not drive, but with three young children, getting the bus to do the school/nursery run twice a day really began to take it's toll, and I decided to take the plunge....

(I was absolutely terrified, I learnt to drive when I was 17 years old, I was involved in a pretty minor traffic incident, which put me off for ever).

I started by having a scooter, that gradually gave me some road sense and confidence. Then graduated to a car, I loved driving straight away but the nerves did not go for a long time. I had driving lessons for a year and my father in law took me out in my car as often as possible.
(I did try with OH but that almost resulted in a divorce )

I eventually passed my test on the second attempt, and it was honestly the best thing I ever did, it has made my life much easier, transporting the children around, for clubs, shopping etc.

Most importantly it gave me independence, it really I would say give it shot, I passed my test when I was 35 years young, if I can do it, anyone can.

Go on, try it.
Charlie

Toronto drivers are a nightmare, I wasn't a religious person until I used to have to get on the 401 and go past Markham!!

Thanks Charlie it's good to here the experience of someone learning in their 30's. Actually my brother only just learned to drive last year and he's 2 years older than me I guess we're a family of late starters