To begin, people between the ages of 16 and 21 are on a graduated license system. This means that in the first three years, people can go from a learner's license to a fully unrestricted license. To clarify, this means in the first three years people can go from a learner's to a novice license to an unrestricted license. While holding a novice license, people can not transport more than one passenger who is under the age of 19 and who is not immediately related to them. After the second year with a novice license, people can have fewer restrictions while driving.
Currently, people as young as 16 can legally take the driving test to receive a learner's license; however, people under the age of 19 do need parental or legal guardian consent to receive a learner's license. After receiving a learner's license, people can not drive without an accompanying person who is over the age of 25 with a valid class five license.
To prepare for the full license, people can take a driving course or be formally trained by a person who meets the same criteria as stated above for holding the learner's license. People are allowed to take the first test to get a full license after one year of formal training. The second test is waived after two years of holding a novice license.
Restrictions include not being able to transport certain people if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other restrictions include displaying an “N” or “L” sign on the vehicle. If people break any of these restrictions, they are subject to getting three demerit points and a 167 dollar fine.
Furthermore, alcohol consumed recently can still be detected in your body and system beyond the driving time. In such cases, your driver's license will be suspended immediately.
Drivers breaking 1 or more traffic laws will face suspension of their driving privilege for a period of 6 months. A single incident may result in a number of violations and accordingly, a longer prohibition period. Excessive demerit points in a single incident may lead to prohibition from driving for a period of 1.5 years.
Disobeying the rules will certainly result in losing your driving privileges, and if an accident occurs during the rule-breaking behavior, your driving license will be suspended, you will be assessed a financial penalty, and your demerit points will be cleared. Rules are always enforced, and violations will always be treated seriously, especially if a crash occurs. The consequences may also include an increase in your insurance premiums.
Previous research showed that age is a better factor in predicting crash involvement than driving experience. It is therefore recommended that when you are driving, give it your full attention and concentration. The road is a school, and it has a lot to teach you. Once out of school, that information is to be applied at all times.
