New Drivers

We are an affluent society. Teens today own vehicles in numbers only dreamed about when I was that age. Often their disposable income doesn't end there and many dollars are spent on vehicle modifications and improvements. Do you know if your teen's vehicle is safe?

Novice drivers licensed in BC are prohibited from using any type of electronic device while driving. This includes the use of GPS navigation and any type of hands free unit as well as devices that fully licensed drivers are allowed to use.

Last week's column looked at the 24 hour prohibition from driving for all drivers who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 50 mg% or higher and were either the driver of or who had care and control of a vehicle on a highway or industrial road. This week we'll look at 12 hour suspensions that apply to drivers who are in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP).

Whenever we hear of a high speed crash involving a new driver we shake our heads in dismay. How could young drivers consider operating their vehicle at such speeds? Don't they know that it is dangerous to drive like this?

Question: This past year my 18 year old son was stopped and ticketed for having an extra passenger in his vehicle. He was also given a 24 hour prohibition for drug use without any investigation to support this.

Question: How do I display my N new driver sign if the magnet won't stick to my car? The back window is too dark for it to be on the inside. I've tried mail label envelopes and they only work for a little while. I've lost so many N magnets, I'd like a better solution. Help!

I spoke to a woman this week who was upset at the way the police had handled the clearing of an out of control party at a residence. Impaired driving was the inevitable consequence of requiring the teens to leave immediately.

A learner driver who had made a serious error in judgment asked about collision coverage. He had taken the family car without consent, did not have the required supervisor present and caused a crash. What kind of trouble would he be in?

Question: My teen is an irresponsible driver and I am concerned enough at the danger they present to themselves and others that I want to withdraw my consent for them to have a driver's licence. How do I do that?

I spoke with a father once about his teen's vehicle. I had inspected it at roadside and because of various defects I had issued it a Notice & Order #2. The father was trying to convince me to withdraw the order because he knew that the vehicle would not pass inspection and it would be too expensive to repair.