Ontario has been regarded as a safe place to drive in Canada. With the laws in place and the Graduated Licensing System, it seems to work. But would it surprise you that Canada sits in 10th place as the safest country to drive in, according to an insurance survey?
The top 5 countries to drive in include the Netherlands, the USA, Switzerland, Sweden, and Germany. Here’s a brief breakdown of how to get a license in those countries.
Driving lessons in the Netherlands
If you want to obtain a Dutch driving license it is mandatory to take driving classes at an acknowledged driving school. You must be 18 years of age to get an independent driver’s license in the Netherlands. Additionally, you will need to clear the theory and practical driving tests.
According to driving schools, roughly 48 percent of test-takers in the Netherlands will either fail their written or on-road test in any given year. It is possible to apply for your Dutch driver’s license earlier than 18. You can take a theory test and start driving lessons at 16 and complete your practical test when you are 17, but 17-year-olds can only drive when accompanied by a guardian or supervisor.
Driving lessons in the USA
In the USA, at least 31 states require teens to take driver's education. In the USA, you can apply for your full driver's license between the ages of 16 and 18. You can’t get a full driver's license at the age of 14 in any state, but you can get a learner's permit at 14 in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
These driving school programs are taught through high schools or private companies, or both, depending on the state. The program length will vary, but students would typically need at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel training, with an additional number of hours of observation.
Driving lessons in Switzerland
Young people are allowed to drive with a provisional license from the age of 17. This lets them practice with an accompanying driver. They must first complete a first-aid course and pass a theory test. Once they turn 18, they can sign up for the practical driving test, in order to obtain their full license.
Driving lessons in Sweden
Driving lessons at a traffic school or privately for a category B license require that you are at a minimum, 16 years of age. It is also required that you have a valid learner's permit and a supervisor who has been approved by the Swedish Transport Agency.
Driving practice must be supervised by an authorized driving instructor. Private driving practice is not permitted in Sweden. Lessons must take place with an authorized driving instructor and include a minimum of eight hours of theory time and four hours of practical experience.
1–2 lessons a week, 2–3 months before the practical driving test is done by most people.
Driving lessons in Germany
The minimum age to obtain a driving license is 18 years for unrestricted vehicles and 21 years for buses and cargo vehicles.
German law dictates that you must attend at least 14 lessons of theory classes and 12 practical lessons of “special training rides”. You must complete these classes before you can apply for your theory or practical tests. If you already have a driving license, you won't need to start from scratch.
So, there you have it. Ontario has a good system in place to learn to drive. Now it’s up to you to keep your license and make it safer.