We’re always taught “practice makes perfect” and the amount of time spent behind the wheel is invaluable.
Car accidents can happen to anyone but, according to the 2010 Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics, males 18-19 were most likely to be involved in a casualty collision, the next age group was males 16-17.
The graduated driver licensing program (GDL) was designed to give new drivers the extra experience they need for their driving.
The Transportation Alberta’s website it reads: “The GDL improves road safety by extending the learning stage for new drivers, regardless of age.” In order to become fully licensed a new driver has to prove they have “responsible driving behaviours.
“It’s a two-step process,” says Ken Sauter, Criminal Justice instructor at the college. “You have to have a learner’s licence for a minimum one year, then you get a probationary Class 5 licence. Once finished the two-year probation you can become a no-restriction Class 5 driver.
A GDL applies to all new drivers. In order to become a full-fledged Class 5 driver you must be a minimum of 18 years old. Before the program was introduced, Alberta looked at provinces that had already implemented it
“Statistically they did show that young drivers per population are more likely to get into collisions,” Sauter said.
Having worked for the Lethbridge Regional Police, Sauter found that younger drivers were “more risky drivers. Younger drivers were more common for the stunts.
Those risks are exactly what the GDL is trying to prevent.
“You can lose your licence sooner,” says Sauter. “A normal Class 5 driver would lose their licence after 15 demerit points, whereas a GDL probationary licence would lose it at eight.”
Besides having to spend a minimum two years on probation, new drivers must have a zero alcohol level.
Breanna Presley, first-year criminal justice student, and Mark Cuncannon, first-year in general studies, have both had their GDL probationary licence for two years. They each feel that there isn’t difference between a probationary and full license.
“I think it’s pointless to get my full licence,” says Presley. She feels the only difference between the two is the allowed alcohol levels. “I haven’t gone yet because I don’t ever drink and drive.”
“You have to pay each time you take a test- it’s a money grab,” says Cancunnon. “The only thing I don’t get is that there aren’t many rules that have changed.
Both students are unsure of its effectiveness.
“People still do what they do, either way,” says Presley. “The type of licence you have doesn’t matter.