DriveSmartBC

A properly educated driver is a safe driver, wouldn't you say? Taking an approved driver training course when you start driving should set the tone for driving behaviour that results in a lower crash risk. Not necessarily so says ICBC!

A review of the current Graduated Licencing Program (GLP) shows that new drivers who have taken driver training courses actually have a higher crash involvement than new drivers who did not take formal training. ICBC suggests that the reason for this is twofold, the training may be producing overconfidence and the reduction in the learner stage granted to those who take formal training may be removing the needed supervision too early.

Currently a GLP driver spends 12 months in the learner stage and 24 months in the novice stage before they may take the test for a full privilege licence. If they complete an approved course, the learner stage is reduced to 9 months in length.

New drivers entering the GLP after March 31, 2007 will face a different program. The learner stage will last 12 months with no reduction. If the driver completes an approved training course during the learner stage and completes the first 18 months of the novice stage without having receiving a ticket or having an at fault crash, they will be allowed to test for their full privilege licence then. This is a reduction of 6 months in the novice stage.