Tips for New Drivers in Ontario

New drivers tend to focus on the road directly in front of them. Experienced drivers scan much further ahead and check mirrors every 5-8 seconds. Start practising this immediately. Look 12-15 seconds ahead on city streets, further on highways. Check your rear-view mirror before braking. Check your side mirrors before any lateral movement. And always do a shoulder check before changing lanes or pulling from a curb.

Sudden braking is a sign of late observation. If you are regularly braking hard, you are following too closely or not scanning far enough ahead. Train yourself to begin slowing down earlier than you think you need to. Smooth, progressive braking is safer, more comfortable for passengers, and much easier on your vehicle. It also signals your intentions to drivers behind you earlier.

Maintain at least a 2-second following distance on dry roads. Count it: watch the car ahead pass a fixed object, then count two full seconds before you reach the same point. Increase to 3-4 seconds in rain, 4+ seconds on ice or snow. On the highway, do not exceed the speed limit and avoid sitting in blind spots of larger vehicles.

Ontario's distracted driving laws are strict and the fines are substantial. As a new driver, any phone use also risks demerit points that can affect your G2 status. Put your phone in the glove box or on Do Not Disturb before you start the vehicle. Even hands-free calls increase cognitive load while driving. The safest approach for new drivers is no phone use of any kind while behind the wheel.

If you hold a G2 licence, you have specific legal restrictions. Know them and follow them.