I remember the day I took my driver’s test, the fear, the anxiety and the scary truth that I knew that I wasn’t ready. Sure, I knew the “rules of the road”, I could perform them as required, but my brain wasn’t ready for the whole experience and responsibility of driving a car.

That was back when we could take our learners 1 month before our 16th birthday, and then our driving test on our 16th. And from then on, always and forever, I would be a driver.

We had 1 month to learn EVERYTHING, or maybe learn enough to pass. Because that was what it was about back then, passing. Passing the test. Getting a car. Having freedom.

I love that these rules have changed, that now there is more support to train GOOD drivers, (or even excellent) than there was in the past.  The free Ontario g1 program is a place that students can test, and retest, all in the name of practice.

Driving isn’t a reward, it is a responsibility and we should treat it like one.

Now with a tween daughter, things are going to start getting REAL very soon.  I finally understand what my parents used to mean when they would say “It isn’t YOU we are worried about, it is the other people on the road”

And so as parents, lets support each other and provide our kids with everything possible to become safe drivers. Sign this pledge with your child and bring the discussion of safe driving to the dinner table.  Make it real!

And while you are there, check out the Ontario g1 practice test to help your new driver (or soon to be) be the best driver they can, or even better, take the test WITH them.

I re-tested myself, and I thought some of the questions were tricky. Now I did pass, but could have done better.  Having the chance to double check and work through the questions was interesting and beneficial.

Safe driving is yet another important skill to teach our children, so use the support you have to ensure they are prepared for whatever is to come.