Graduated driver licensing in Canada: slowly but surely

Graduated driver licensing programs vary significantly across the country but new evidence about best practices shows there is room for improvement (see editorial, pages 737 and 739).

Since 1994, nearly every province has implemented some form of graduated driver licensing program, where new drivers are gradually introduced to more challenging driving. These include everything from lower demerit point thresholds to zero tolerance for drinking alcohol (the drinking age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 elsewhere in Canada).

The Traffic Injury Research Foundation, an independent road safety institute, has identified best practices for graduated licensing, and emphasized 5 priorities (Table 1). Most jurisdictions are doing well in implementing these but there are notable lapses, such as the lack of a ban on night driving for learners, says Senior Vice President, Dan Mayhew.

Mayhew is also concerned that many jurisdictions now shorten the duration of learner's permit for youths who take driver's education. These so-called “time discounts” are “peculiar to Canada,” he says. And there is “little evidence” that driver's education reduces accidents.

“These drivers may have more skills, but not as much practice as another driver,” says Mayhew. In British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia “time discounts” proved to have a negative effect; as trained youth had more crashes than untrained ones.

The foundation also recommends a learner stage of at least 12 months with certified practice requirements.

Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and BC are in the midst of updating GDL legislation. Nova Scotia, for example, is planning stronger legislation in regard to blood alcohol levels, as well as an extended learner stage.

For more information see Best practices for graduated driver licensing in Canada (www.trafficinjuryresearch.com).