In Ontario, you can apply for your G driver’s license if you’re at least 16 years old. Your G license will allow you to drive standard cars, vans, and small trucks, and it takes about 20 months in total to earn.
During that time, you’ll not only need to get comfortable behind the wheel but know all the rules of the road as well as the basic functions of your automobile. If you’re planning to learn to drive, you need to be familiar with these key points.
1. Train Yourself Not to Overthink as You Learn to Drive
Driving a car requires a high level of multitasking. You need to be aware not only of what you’re doing but what everyone else on the road is doing at all times. So while it may sound counterintuitive, you need to learn not to overthink in that situation.
It’s important to remember the rules of the road, of course. But overthinking them can cause you to hesitate, and it’s in those moments that accidents tend to happen. Learn to clear your mind of distractions and be present in the moment.
2. Gain Basic Car, Engine, and Transmission Knowledge
You don’t need to be a mechanic to drive a car, but having a cursory knowledge of how your vehicle operates can make it easier for you to get familiar with operating it.
The most important point in terms of learning how to drive is the vehicle’s transmission.
In 2023, most cars will have an automatic transmission. This means it will automatically shift between gears as you accelerate or slow down. If you have a manual transmission, however, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the relationship between the clutch, flywheel, and engine.
3. Know the Traffic Laws and the Meaning of Roadsigns
Your first driving test will deal with your knowledge of road signs and traffic laws. Hence you need a firm grasp on them before you can start getting firsthand practice behind the wheel.
Stop and yield signs are self-explanatory, but learning things like roundabout etiquette and how to navigate inner-city junctions can take some time. To begin, consider going out for a drive with a licensed driver and watching how they handle different traffic scenarios.
4. Get Your Learner’s Licence
Every new driver will need to pass a written examination before they can earn their G1 license. This is a practice license that permits you to drive under specific circumstances under the supervision of a fully-licensed driver.
The written exam will test your knowledge of road signs and traffic laws to ensure that you’re ready to get behind the wheel. This is basic knowledge and should be a breeze after a little studying. But it never hurts to have extra preparation. To get an idea of what your written exam will look like, check out this free practice test.
Preparing for Your Road Test
As you learn to drive, it’s important not to let your nerves get the better of you. It takes just over a year to complete your driver’s training curriculum, which will be plenty of time, which is more than enough time for driving to become second nature.
Learning to drive is only the beginning, however. Once you have your new license, you’ll have to contend with auto loans, maintenance, and insurance. To make sure that you’re always prepared for wherever life’s roads might lead you, be sure to keep up with our latest automotive news.
