High School Driver Education Program. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

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1 High School Driver Education Program Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

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3 Table of contents Introduction 2 Co-pilot s responsibility 3 High School Driver Education Program 5 Suggested lesson plan 9 Backing up 9 Right turns 10 Left turns 12 Intersections 14 Parallel parking 16 One-way streets 18 Commercial vehicles 22 Distance 23 Four second rule 23 Gravel Roads 24 Night driving 25 Bad weather driving 26 Other everyday issues 27 Speed control 27 Alcohol and drugs 30 Distracted driving 32 Booking a road test 34 Co-pilot s continuing role 36 Graduated Driver Licensing Program 37 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 1

4 Introduction The purpose of this handbook is to outline ways that you, as a parent/guardian and co-pilot, can help your new driver. It includes step-by-step procedures for practising basic driving manoeuvres and suggestions that will help make the learning process a positive experience for both you and the new driver. Helping the new driver will involve time, effort and patience on your part, but it will be well rewarded you will worry less, knowing that you helped your new driver develop a lifelong skill. This handbook should be used together with the Home based Practice Log. Although it s primarily designed for parents and guardians of teenagers enrolled in the High School Driver Education (DE) Program, the information will be helpful to anyone who is a co-pilot to a new driver. As part of our efforts to improve the safety of Manitoba road users, Manitoba Public Insurance has designed this handbook to assist parents and other responsible individuals who accompany new drivers while they practise their driving skills. New drivers must acquire the required skills to be safe and competent behind the wheel by getting out on the road and driving. With your help, we can ensure that they acquire these skills safely. Reading this handbook will help you to understand your role in driver education. By ensuring your new driver gains safe driving skills and driving experience, you re contributing to the safety of all road users. 2 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

5 Co-pilot s responsibility Be a good model Teenagers often imitate their parents behaviour, so set a good example whenever you drive. Obey all traffic laws. Be courteous. Drive safely. It s very important to your teenager s safety that you: Don t drive after drinking. Young people are more likely to drink and drive if they ve seen their parents do so. Use seat belts. Just as your teenager will mimic your bad habits, he or she will usually adopt your good habits, such as wearing seat belts. No matter how short the trip may be, encourage your new driver to wear a seat belt. Always make sure your vehicle has seat belts that work. Teach your new driver to fasten the belt before starting the engine. If you wear a seat belt each time you get into the vehicle, he or she may do the same. Be the teacher s aide, but... Remember, what you teach your teenager should correspond with what is taught by the driver instructor. If you teach something differently than the instructor, your teenager will become confused and have a more difficult time learning to drive. If your new driver insists that your instructions are different from the DE program, contact the instructor to discuss the matter. For your new driver s sake, please don t teach shortcuts or improper procedures. They could be illegal or lead to increased probability of injury. Driver Education Resources Refresh your memory by reviewing your teenager s Driver Education textbook or the Driver s Handbook available at mpi.mb.ca. The rules of the road and driving techniques may have changed since you learned to drive. For instance, students in the DE program are taught the SIPDE method of driving. SIPDE, which stands for Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute, is a decision-making technique and driving style intended to avoid collisions. You can learn more about SIPDE from the Driver Education textbook. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 3

6 Learner s licence In Manitoba, your teenager may get a Learner s licence at age 15½, as long as: You grant permission The student is enrolled in the DE program New drivers years of age need your initial permission to get a Learner s licence. However, once they obtain the licence, they re legally able to drive with any other driver who currently holds a Full Class 5.0 licence for three years. It s recommended, however, that parents or guardians, rather than peers or friends, offer guidance as they make the best co-pilots. Before your teenager starts driving If you don t feel that your teenager is ready to drive, you can and should withhold your consent. Before you give your consent for a Learner s licence, consider: Attitude: Attitude influences behaviour. A young person with a positive attitude towards people in authority (such as parents, teachers and police), pedestrians and other road users will be a more safety-conscious driver. The new driver must place safety ahead of personal image and prestige. Responsibility: Teenagers who apply themselves to their school work and meet family obligations will be more likely to engage in responsible driving. Intellectual maturity: Anyone who wants to drive must be able to learn and apply the rules of the road. Beyond this, new drivers must understand the risks involved in driving, recognize the serious consequences of breaking the law and be prepared to accept the consequences. Risk-taking behaviour: Research suggests that teenagers who take part in activities or sometimes do things that place themselves or others in danger may be at greater risk of involvement in a serious collision. Emotional maturity: Anyone with poor emotional control shouldn t be given the opportunity to vent anger and frustration behind the wheel of a vehicle. 4 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

7 High School Driver Education Program About the program Students who meet licensing requirements receive both classroom and in-vehicle instruction. They spend 34 hours of classroom time learning to understand the traffic system. Students also spend eight hours behind the wheel, gaining experience in a training vehicle with a qualified driving instructor. In addition, the students spend eight hours observing and learning from other drivers while they receive instruction behind the wheel. Students practise handling a vehicle, driving in traffic, and special manoeuvres like parallel parking. The classroom content and in-vehicle instruction of the DE program are based on young driver collision information. Aims and objectives The program provides knowledge and behind-the-wheel instruction. It aims to pass on to new drivers the basic skills of operating a motor vehicle. Ongoing practice with a qualified supervising driver is recommended. Home based Practice Log Time and practice are the most important factors in reducing a new driver s risk. The best way to ensure that your teenager will become a safe, responsible driver is to perform as much supervised practice as possible. DE students are required to complete a minimum of 24 hours of driving practice with supervising drivers, in addition to their in-vehicle lessons. A Home-based Practice Log will be distributed at the parent meeting to record these driving practice hours. The log must be completed and returned to a Manitoba Public Insurance office within nine months of the classroom start date. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 5

8 What to practise, and when Like learning to play a musical instrument, learning to drive requires repetitive practise. Just getting it right occasionally isn t good enough! For the first few years, practise is essential to the new driver. As the program progresses and the skill level increases, help your teenager get as much practise as possible. Three to five times a week is ideal; however, each lesson, in the early stages of learning, shouldn t exceed 60 minutes. Commentary driving Commentary driving is used to train and assess novice drivers. With this technique, the novice driver maintains a running verbal commentary while driving about what he or she is seeing, identifying, predicting and deciding. Commentary driving is difficult for new drivers, so it must be introduced gradually and used only for brief periods. It s acceptable to stop the commentary any time the driver needs to focus his or her attention solely on basic driving tasks. Commentary needs to be directed to those things which are potential hazards. One of the main benefits of this training method is learning to focus attention on important things and not wasting mental effort on distractions. 6 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

9 Some tips before you begin to practise Take time to discuss what you and your teenager will be trying to do. Decide what each of you expects from the other. Set rules about when, where and how long to practise and what to do when things get difficult. Take this handbook along. Always practise with only the two of you in the vehicle. Friends and family members are an unnecessary distraction. Also, turn the radio off so the driver can concentrate fully on the road. At first, practise only during the day. Choose a vacant parking lot or a quiet area that offers a variety of traffic and road situations. Then, gradually increase the difficulty of the situation. Recognize that part of the learning process is making mistakes. New drivers don t do things perfectly in the beginning. As part of normal learning, your teenager will progress from saying things out loud, to thinking things through, to behaving as automatically as you do. At each stage, errors are likely. Before starting the engine, have your new driver: become familiar with the vehicle (where things are, how to turn on windshield wipers, emergency flashers, etc.) adjust the seat if necessary make sure mirrors are adjusted fasten his or her seat belt Sit in a position where you can grab the steering wheel or step on the brake, if necessary, but wear your seat belt. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 7

10 Let your teenager drive the way he or she has been taught by the driver instructor. If you change the system, the new driver will get confused. Learn to give instruction well in advance. A new driver needs more time than an experienced driver to prepare for speed or direction changes. Give your directions clearly, briefly and early. Be alert, but not tense. The new driver will feel your tension, so remain attentive, but relax. While your teenager may be confident, this confidence is fragile and can easily be shattered by harsh criticism. Temper your remarks and keep your voice calm. Give your teenager support. Praise works much better than criticism. Incentives and rewards work better than penalties and punishments. Complete every practice session on a positive note. If either of you become stressed or over-excited, stop the practice session. Learning will not occur under high stress and it s dangerous to continue under these circumstances. If you see a bad traffic situation ahead (one your teenager can t handle), pull over and stop. Be prepared, then relax. Have fun! 8 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

11 Suggested lesson plan Your teenager should practise controlling the vehicle during the first lessons. The number of hours needed for practice will depend on the student. Some learn quickly, others need more time. Your first driving sessions should give your student practice in the basic skills of backing up, right turns, left turns, use of signal lights and stopping and starting smoothly. Backing up Practice suggestions Start in a parking lot. Remind the learner Before you back up, look in all directions to make sure the way is clear. Watch all four corners of the vehicle. Don t rely on the rear-view mirror. Always turn and look directly behind as you back up. Check for traffic and other obstacles such as parked vehicles, pedestrians and poles. Always be prepared to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, cyclists and approaching traffic. Back up slowly and cover the brake when you re not using the accelerator. Practice 2 point turns and 3 point turns (please refer to your teenager s Driver Education textbook for details on how to properly perform these driving tasks). Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 9

12 Right turns Practice suggestions Start on a relatively quiet residential street. Avoid quick manoeuvres. Ensure that the vehicle is in the correct lane well before a turn. Give instructions clearly, calmly and early. Once in traffic, state each instruction early so the learner can signal at least half a block before the turn is necessary. The learner needs time to consider the action and get into the correct lane. Avoid saying right when responding to questions (For example: I turn left here, Mom? Right, dear. See the problem? A less confusing answer would be Correct, Okay or Yes, although Turn right would be fine, too). Practise signalling and knowing when to start and stop signalling. Practise lane placement and speed control in a variety of traffic situations. Plan trips to avoid left turns and one-way streets if possible. Remind the learner Slow down as you approach the turn, leaving your foot above the gas pedal. Put on the right turn signal 30 m (98 ft.) before the intended turn. Check the traffic ahead, to the sides and behind. At the intersection look left, right, left. If possible, place the front of your vehicle about 60 cm (2 ft.) from the curb before beginning the turn. When safe, steer hand-over-hand to the right and enter the intersection look where you wish to drive. End the turn in the extreme right driving lane, without entering the lane beside it (see diagram at right). Unwind the steering wheel as the front end of the vehicle enters the proper lane, straighten the vehicle in the lane and press the gas pedal. Don t assume other vehicles will stop at a light or stop sign. Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, cyclists and other traffic during a turn. 10 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

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14 Left turns Practice suggestions Start on a quiet residential street. Master the right turn before attempting the more difficult left turn. As with the right turn, give instructions clearly, calmly and early. Initially, avoid one-way streets. Remind the learner Slow down when approaching the turn. Put on the left signal 30 m (98 ft.) before the intended turn. As you approach the intersection, glance left, ahead, right and back to the left. When safe, steer hand-over-hand to the left and enter the intersection. Press the gas pedal as you allow the wheel to straighten in the new street. End the turn in the extreme left lane, in your direction of travel (see diagram at right). Never turn the wheel until you re ready to make your left turn. Always make left turns from the left-most lane in your direction of travel. Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, cyclists and traffic approaching from the opposite direction. 12 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

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16 Intersections After your new driver has gained confidence in right turns and left turns, review the different types of intersections. Remember: Almost half of all traffic collisions occur at intersections. Check in all directions before entering an intersection. Slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching intersections, particularly if you can t see in all directions. It s unsafe to change lanes in an intersection. Every driver is obliged to yield the right-of-way to avoid dangerous situations. Many drivers get involved in crashes because they insist on the right-of-way. Wherever possible, stop for the yellow light. Watch out for other drivers who run lights or jump green lights. Watch for cyclists and pedestrians. The presence of young children requires extra care from drivers. Young children are unpredictable and may dash out from between parked vehicles, or ride out on a bicycle from a driveway. Uncontrolled intersections Practice suggestions Check that the learner knows the right-of-way rules in the Driver s Handbook. Until your new driver is comfortable with uncontrolled intersections, avoid blind intersections. They can be confusing to a learner. Remind the learner First, identify the intersection as controlled or uncontrolled. Slow down when approaching an uncontrolled intersection. Look for approaching vehicles on side streets. Slow to a speed which will let you stop safely if you have to. Look left, right and left again for traffic on the cross street before entering the intersection. While entering the intersection look right and ahead for approaching traffic. If the road is clear, cross the intersection. If there is already someone in the intersection, yield the right-of-way. 14 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

17 Controlled intersections Practice suggestions Start with intersections that are simple and not busy. Build up to major intersections. Make sure the learner understands all signs, lights (including yellow lights and arrows) and signals at intersections. Make sure that the learner signals well in advance (30 m/98 ft.) of any change in direction. As intersection practice progresses, teach your teenager how to decide when it s safe to stop on a yellow light. As the teenager approaches a green light, have him or her tell you at regular intervals whether it would be safe to proceed if the light turned yellow. Make certain that the student consistently identifies the point at which a safe stop can be made. Remind the learner When approaching an intersection with a traffic light, even if the light is green, be ready to brake and keep plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Look left, right and left again for vehicles on the street before entering the intersection. Check for pedestrians and make sure they see you. Watch oncoming traffic for any vehicles making left turns. Right turns on red lights aren t permitted at some intersections. Check for signs. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 15

18 Parallel parking Practice suggestions Start in a large parking lot using two pylons or other such markers to restrict the learner s parking space, then move to the street. Remind the learner Park where it s safe. Check the signs and curb markings to make sure it s legal to park in the spot. Don t block exits, walkways, roadways or fire hydrants. Check traffic, signal your stop by flashing your brake light or by using a hand signal. Pull up about an arm s length away from, and parallel to, the vehicle ahead of the space in which you wish to park (rear of vehicles must be even). Check traffic behind and shift to reverse. While backing slowly, turn steering wheel sharply to the right. Look over right shoulder (through rear window) while backing. As your front door passes the back bumper of the vehicle ahead, quickly straighten the wheels and continue to back straight. When clear of the vehicle ahead, turn wheels sharply to the left and back slowly toward the vehicle behind. Shift to drive. Turn wheels sharply to the right and pull toward centre of parking space. The wheels shouldn t be more than 45 cm (18 in.) from the curb. Shut off engine. Check the traffic before opening the door. 16 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

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20 One-way streets Practice suggestions Introduce one-way streets into the practice sessions once the new driver has gained confidence with intersections and turns. Remind the learner Watch for road signs before getting to the intersection. One-way streets are always posted. Don t rely on the position of parked vehicles to determine the direction of the street. Always turn into the correct lane (see the following diagrams). 18 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

21 For a left turn from a one-way street to a two-way street start the turn in the extreme left lane. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 19

22 For a left turn from a one-way street to a one-way street start the turn in the extreme left lane. 20 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

23 For a left turn from a two-way street to a one-way street, turn from the lane next to the centre-line and enter the one-way street as close as possible to the left curb. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 21

24 Commercial vehicles Remind the learner Give large vehicles a lot of turning room. Sometimes they turn right from the left or centre lane. And remember, it takes longer to stop a truck than a smaller vehicle (see diagram below). Large vehicle drivers are able to see the sides and rear of their vehicle only with their mirrors. Position your vehicle so that it s always visible to these drivers (see diagrams below). Give buses and large vehicles the right-of-way. Don t take chances. Incorrect Correct 22 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

25 Distance Practice suggestions Review the concept of using time to gauge distance. When driving, pick a stationary object near the road to practise counting seconds thousand and one, thousand and two, thousand and three, etc. Remind the learner Always ensure that there is a four second following distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Leave enough room in front of you so you can stop safely if something unexpected happens. When stopping behind another vehicle at a stop light, stay far enough away to see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead. If someone is following too closely ( tailgating ), and it makes you feel uncomfortable, change lanes or safely pull off the road to allow the tailgater to pass (make sure there are no obstacles on the shoulder, such as cyclists or stopped vehicles, when you do this). However, if you re travelling at the posted speed, and aren t bothered by the tailgater, stay as you are. It isn t your responsibility to adjust your speed in this situation it s the tailgater s. Four-second rule Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 23

26 Gravel Roads As evidenced by the high number of rollover accidents, gravel roads present unique driving challenges. When you find yourself traveling down a gravel road, you should adjust your driving accordingly. Be aware of your surroundings, reduce your speed, leave plenty of room, break gently and break earlier than you normally would on a paved road. Remind the learner Start out slowly and practice in ideal conditions first. Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop safely for a hazard. To avoid losing control: o Slow down significantly when turning and approaching intersections. o Don t make sudden changes in direction, such as swerving to avoid an object or animal. o Coast to a stop when possible rather than using hard braking. o Don t stop or speed up too quickly. Watch for dust clouds as they could indicate oncoming traffic. Slow down when approaching oncoming vehicles and move to the right. This will prevent rocks and dust from reducing your visibility. Keep a following distance of a minimum of 8 seconds. This will help to reduce the likelihood of flying rocks damaging your vehicle or dust obscuring your vision. Keep to existing tire tracks if you re the only one on the road. Practice suggestions *Novice drivers should be introduced to gravel roads after getting comfortable driving on hard, paved surfaces (and after at least 2 lessons). Find a practice area as close to home as possible or somewhere that the student is familiar with. Begin with straight away driving so that teens can get a feel for the difference in traction and slope of the road. Encourage gentle acceleration and deceleration. Practice with them often! 24 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

27 Night driving Practice suggestions Explain when to have headlights on high beam and how to avoid the glare from street lights and the headlights of oncoming vehicles. Coach the new driver in switching the headlights from low to high beam without looking at the controls (practise this procedure away from traffic). Remind the learner Drive at a safe speed. In darkness, this may be below the posted speed limit. Use a night mirror to avoid glare from headlights behind you. Assume that any vehicle approaching with a single headlight is a vehicle with only one light working. Give the vehicle enough room to manoeuvre. Never drive when you feel drowsy or after you ve consumed alcohol or taken medication. This may affect your judgment and alertness. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, who can be difficult to see at night. Dim your high beam lights at least 450 m (1,500 ft.) away from a vehicle that you re approaching, or 60 m (200 ft.) when following a vehicle. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 25

28 Bad weather driving Remind the learner Don t drive in bad weather unless it s necessary. Never drive in heavy fog and avoid driving in snow or icy conditions until you re an experienced driver. To help you anticipate hazardous situations, observe the vehicles ahead. Use headlights at all times. They help you see better and also help others see your vehicle. In cold weather, keep your gas tank at least one-quarter full. Wet roads are especially dangerous if there has been rain after a long dry spell, because oil and grease may have accumulated on the road surface. Make sure your tires have ample tread and the correct air pressure to handle slippery conditions. Slow down! Ice and snow dramatically reduce manoeuvrability and increase the distance needed to stop. The faster you travel, the less time you have to avoid a hazard. Also, increase your normal following distance by six times when travelling on icy surfaces. In slippery conditions, brake slowly and smoothly, well in advance of where you need to stop. Make sure family or friends know when you leave and when you expect to arrive at your destination. Don t be a peep-hole driver. Clear snow and ice from all windows before attempting to drive. 26 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

29 Other everyday issues Emergency vehicles An emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, will sound an alarm and use flashing lights. The alarm may be a horn, gong, bell or siren. When an emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire or police), sounding an alarm and flashing lights is approaching from any direction you must yield right-of-way by: immediately moving clear of an intersection if you re stopped for a red light or stop sign (If blocking the path of an emergency vehicle, you must proceed through a red light or stop sign with caution, to clear the way.) driving as closely as possible to the right curb or edge of the roadway remaining stopped at the edge of the road until the emergency vehicles have passed on one-way streets, pull right or left to the nearest curb so as to not block the emergency vehicle When passing a stopped emergency vehicle, you must slow down and move safely as far away as possible. Speed control Remind the learner Posted speed limits are the maximum speed to be travelled under ideal conditions. Slow down in poor weather (rain, snow, fog). Always drive to conditions. Watch for road signs indicating a change in speed limit (school zone, dangerous curves). Guard against driving too slowly. Even new rivers should keep up with the flow of traffic. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 27

30 School buses All traffic in both directions (approaching from the front or the rear) must stop five metres (16 ft.) away from a school bus with flashing red stop lamps and stop arm extended. Wait until the lamps stop flashing and the driver indicates it s safe, or drives on. Then, check one more time for vehicles and pedestrians. School buses, and most other buses, are required to stop at all uncontrolled railway crossings. The greatest threat to children who ride in school buses is motorists who pass the bus when children are loading and unloading. In the city, when you see a school bus stopped, watch for children crossing. Cyclists Through cooperation and respect, drivers and cyclists can share the road safely. When encountering cyclists on our roadways you should be aware of the three R s that apply to drivers and cyclists: Same Roads: Motor vehicles and bicycles share the same roads. Same Rights: When on the road, cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers, and must obey all signs and traffic control devices. Same Rules: Other than the difference in a cyclist s position on the road, cyclists are expected to follow the same rules of the road as drivers. 28 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

31 Your responsibilities as a driver: Take extra caution as some cyclists may not know or follow all the traffic safety rules. Reduce your speed when encountering cyclists. Leave a safe following distance should the cyclist need to stop suddenly. Recognize the hazards that cyclists may face (e.g. debris on the road) and give them plenty of space. Cycling advocacy groups suggest providing at least one metre (3 ft.) of clearance when travelling alongside or passing cyclists. Depending on the position of the cyclist in the lane, this may mean changing lanes in order to pass safely. When turning left, watch for and yield to oncoming cyclists, just as you would to oncoming drivers. When turning right, yield to any cyclist travelling on your right. Don t try to pass a cyclist if you re planning to turn right at the next intersection or driveway. Look for cyclists before opening your vehicle doors. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 29

32 Alcohol and drugs Driving gives most teenagers a feeling of freedom and independence. While they re gaining this independence, they may encounter alcohol and drugs. Mixing alcohol or drugs with driving increases the risk of collisions and death. This is especially true at night. The legal age for purchasing alcohol in Manitoba is 18. While not condoning underage drinking, we must recognize the reality that many teenagers drink. Misuse of alcohol is a separate topic from drinking and driving. When discussing drinking and driving with your teenager, focus on the immediate concern, which is to keep any drinking separate from driving. 30 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

33 Remind the learner In Manitoba, many fatal collisions involve alcohol. Alcohol is a drug, a depressant, which reduces the brain s control over the body. When you drink, you lose control of your body. And if you can t control your body, how can your body control a vehicle? Alcohol and motor vehicles are a deadly mix because alcohol interferes with the motor skills necessary to drive a vehicle. Blurry vision, impaired judgment and a lack of co-ordination make an unsafe driver. It s not just your safety and that of your passengers that s at stake an impaired driver endangers everyone using the road. Time is the only path to sobriety. Cold showers, coffee and exercise won t sober you up. There is only one way to be sure you re safe after drinking: don t drive. Every family handles issues such as alcohol and drugs in its own way. Discuss with your teenager what to do in the following situations: You ve forbidden your teenager to use alcohol, but he or she has gone to a party where liquor was served and is now feeling a little strange. It s getting late. Your teenager is afraid to drive home, but doesn t know whether to call you. Your teenager is to be driven home from a party by a friend who arrived sober, but who now appears to have been drinking. A date becomes intoxicated at a party and insists he or she is sober enough to drive. Your son or daughter is riding in a vehicle with older teenagers. One of them lights a joint of marijuana and begins passing it around. Consider drawing up an agreement that each of you will pick up the other if one of you has been drinking or if anyone expresses concern that you re impaired. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 31

34 Distracted driving Distracted driving is anything that diverts the driver s attention from the road. Distractions take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and your mind off the job of driving. Being distracted, even for a few seconds, can cause a fatal crash because distracted drivers take longer to react to changing road conditions. They fail to see other vehicles and road users and can miss important traffic signs and lights, increasing their risk of collision. One of the most dangerous distractions is using a hand-held, electronic device while driving to talk, text or . Remind the learner In Manitoba it s illegal to use a hand-held, electronic device while driving to talk, text or . If you text or call while driving you could face a $200 fine and five demerits. If you drive distracted you re putting yourself and others at risk each year on average in Manitoba 28 people are killed in collisions linked to distracted driving.* Common distractions Distractions can happen both inside and outside your vehicle. Some of the most common are: In your vehicle hand-held electronic devices such as cellphones and MP3 players passengers including pets eating, drinking, smoking adjusting the radio, CD player and climate controls programming GPS navigation reading including maps personal grooming daydreaming * Traffic Accident Report Database, Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

35 Outside your vehicle pedestrians and other road users domestic animals and wildlife building and road construction commercial signs roadside distractions such as emergency situations As a driver, it s your responsibility to learn how you can avoid these distractions and to lead by example for your new driver. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 33

36 Booking a road test Once your new driver has gained sufficient skill in basic driving manoeuvres, is at least 16 years of age and has held a Learner s licence for at least nine months, he or she can take a road test. In Manitoba, the learner must be successful on a road test to receive an Intermediate level driver s licence. The driver examiner will test only basic driving skills nothing tricky. This will include: Vehicle condition The new driver is responsible for the condition of the vehicle. The examiner will ask the new driver to check basic operating features of the vehicle. Vehicle control The new driver must demonstrate the ability to control the vehicle when starting, stopping, steering, shifting, signalling, backing, parking and turning. Rules of the road The new driver must demonstrate the ability to interpret and react to stop signs, railway crossings, traffic lights, right-of-way, speed, road or lane use, intersections and other rules of the road. Observation The new driver must demonstrate the ability to observe all relevant conditions around the vehicle by using mirrors correctly. He or she must check behind and in the blind spots and must look well ahead to anticipate changing traffic situations and conditions. 34 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

37 When you bring your new driver for the road test, avoid disappointment: Check in 15 minutes before your appointment time. Have a Learner s licence. Ensure that the vehicle is safe and has a clean passenger compartment. Ensure that the vehicle is operational and equipped in accordance with the laws; for example, it has seat belts, the horn and signals work, etc. After the road test, your teenager will have an opportunity to discuss any errors made during the test. The driver examiner will make suggestions for improvement. If your teenager fails the road test, ask the examiner to explain why, so that you can help them bring up these skills through additional practice. The new driver will have to wait two weeks before taking another road test. If they are unsuccessful on four road test attempts, they will be required to take a minimum of two hours of professional instruction from a driving school with a permit from Manitoba Public Insurance before booking a fifth road test. A signed Driving Instruction Verification form, including the driving instructor s permit number, must be presented to an Autopac agent in order to pay for and book the fifth attempt. An additional two hours of driving instruction will be required prior to each additional attempt. Please note: All driving schools must have a valid permit from Manitoba Public Insurance. To ensure a school has a valid permit, customers should ask the school or instructor to see their permit or contact the Permit Unit at or permitunit@mpi.mb.ca. Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 35

38 Co-pilot s continuing role Once your teenager has earned his or her driver s licence, remember it takes several years for a new driver to develop the good driving habits that will last for a lifetime. The highest crash rates are in the first few years of driving, from the ages of 16 to 20. Your role as co-pilot, therefore, should continue for some time. Research has shown that young drivers drive faster than, and closer to, other vehicles and fail to yield more often. There is evidence that passengers are a source of peer pressure and distraction for new drivers. Research also suggests that nighttime driving is a problem for young drivers. In fact, 16- and 17-year-old drivers are four times as likely as other drivers to be involved in a fatal collision at night. Take positive steps toward preventing bad driving habits: praise newly acquired, safe driving skills and remind the new driver of ways to improve weaker areas. Most of all, continue to practise driving together. Don t assume that seat belt use when you re in the vehicle with your 16-year-old means they re used all the time, especially when your teenager is out with peers. Seat belt use is lower among teenagers than older people, so insist on seat belt use all the time. Prohibit driving after drinking any alcohol. A lack of driving experience combined with liquor can be deadly. Make sure that your teenager never drives distracted or uses their cellphone or mobile device while driving. For more information, please contact Manitoba Public Insurance at , or visit us at mpi.mb.ca. 36 Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers

39 Graduated Driver Licensing Program Learner Stage Class 5 (L) Must pass written knowledge test (seven-day wait for retakes) Minimum nine months 0 Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) required No operation of a Class 3 vehicle registered as farm truck Supervising driver must: - be the only front seat passenger - have held Full Stage licence for three years - be under.05 BAC Backseat passengers equal to number of functioning seatbelts No authorized instruction in Class 1-4 No operating off-road vehicles (ORVs) along or across the highway No towing permitted Intermediate Stage Class 5 (I) Must pass road test (14-day wait for retakes) Minimum 15 months 0 BAC Passenger limits May tow vehicles May operate ORVs along or across highways May operate a Class 3 vehicle registered as farm truck May apply for authorized instruction in Class 1-4 if at least 18 years of age and meets medical standards Full Stage Class 5 (F) Restricted to 0 BAC for 36 months May supervise after three years May upgrade to Class 1-4 Full Co-pilot s Guide for New Drivers 37

40 1 /18 DE46/FR0015 Ce document existe aussi en français. mpi.mb.ca