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Improved Driver Handbooks And Education Standards Keep Ontario's Roads
Safe
QUEEN'S PARK, Aug. 31 /CNW/ - 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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For further information: Media Contacts: Bob Nichols, Communications Branch, (416) 327-1158; Public Inquiries: (416) 235-4686 (GTA), 1-800-268-4686 toll free, 1-866-471-8929 TTY
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