in Effect as of January 17, 2010

The requirement to take a driving course is part of the Government strategy to improve Québec's road safety record. Eighty percent of new drivers are young people between the ages of 16 and 24. These new drivers are involved in a disproportionately higher number of accidents and traffic violations. But they are not alone. It has also been shown that all new drivers, regardless of their age, are at greater risk during their first few years of driving.

The contents of the driving course have undergone a comprehensive review to enable new drivers to acquire the competencies necessary to become safe, cooperative and responsible drivers. The course focuses on anticipating risks, dangerous behaviour (speeding, alcohol or drug consumption, distractions) and sharing the road. The knowledge tests and road tests have also been updated in light of the latest knowledge about driver training and testing.

AUTOMOBILE - FULL COURSE

The new mandatory driving course for obtaining a class 5 drivers license is separated into 4 Phases that are completed within a minimum of 13 months.

To establish the profile of a safe, cooperative and responsable driver.

• Recognize the personal characteristics that can influence one’s behaviour as a prospective driver
• Determine the factors that increase risk while driving
• Determine the legal framework and the rules of courtesy that make safe, cooperative and responsible driving possible
• Determine the characteristics of ecological, economical and safety-conscious driving (eco-driving)
• Establish one’s profile as a prospective driver

To handle a passenger vehicle

• Prepare the vehicle for travel
• Perform driving manoeuvres
• Drive ecologically, economically and safely (eco-driving)
• Evaluating one’s skills and limitations with regard to the manoeuvres performed

To share the road

• Take the other road users into account
• Drive cooperatively and courteously
• Evaluate one’s behaviour with regard to sharing the road

To use the road network independently and responsibly

• Decide to drive or not to drive
• Make one’s way independently on the road network
• Drive responsibly
• Anticipate potential at-risk situations
• Handle the vehiclein difficult or emergency situations
• Evaluate one’s driving practices and behaviour with regard to independent and responsible driving