Province raises the bar for Driver’s Education programs

News Release
Ont. Govt.

The McGuinty government is setting higher standards for driver education and training in Ontario to help keep our roads safe, Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield announced today.
“Ontario’s roads are among the safest in North America, but there is more we can do,” said Cansfield. “Whether you are a parent sending your teenager to a driving school or a new citizen preparing for a driver’s test, proper driving training and education is paramount in keeping all Ontarians safe.”
Effective September 1, 2007, the Ontario government will regulate schools offering beginner driver education, to ensure provincial standards are being followed.
A new curriculum standard will be implemented by the end of this year and will include leading edge practices and training techniques that will also focus on eliminating reckless driving and speeding. To help educate drivers, the ministry has updated its driver handbook. The new handbook is now available.
The government will also introduce higher standards for driving instructors. Beginning December 1, 2007, individuals applying for a driving instructor licence must have zero demerit points. Instructors who accumulate more than three demerit points will lose their teaching licence.
“Quality driver training provides a solid foundation for safe driving for many years to come,” said Mark Yakabuski president elect of the Insurance
Bureau of Canada, whose many members grant rate discounts to drivers who
complete training courses.
The Certified Transportation Instructor Association also supports the
improvements to the driver education system. Their President, Keith Black
added, “professional driving instructors should be role models on the road.
Improving the beginner driver education program will assure students and all
motorists that driving schools and instructors meet the highest standards
possible.”
“This government is delivering on its commitment to improve the quality
and consistency of driver education across the province,” said Cansfield.
“These improvements will give drivers a safe start.”

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www.mto.gov.on.ca

For further information: Media Contacts: Bob Nichols, Communications Branch,
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