🚘 Driving in Canada (License & Cars)

🪪 1. The License System (Graduated Licensing)

You cannot just "buy" a license. You must earn it in stages.

📍 Ontario (The "G" System)

1. G1 (Learner):
• Test: Written Knowledge Test (Rules & Signs).
• Cost: $159.75 (Includes test + 5-year license).
• Rule: You CANNOT drive alone. You must have a fully licensed driver (4+ years exp) in the passenger seat. Zero alcohol.
2. G2 (Probationary):
• Test: Road Test (City driving).
• Wait: You must wait 12 months after G1 (or 8 months if you take a driving school course).
• Rule: You can drive alone.
3. G (Full):
• Test: Highway Road Test.
• Wait: 12 months after G2.

📍 British Columbia (The "L & N" System)

1. "L" (Learner):
• Test: Knowledge Test on a computer.
• Cost: $15 test fee.
• Rule: Cannot drive alone. Must have a supervisor (25+ years old).
2. "N" (Novice):
• Test: Class 7 Road Test.
• Wait: 12 months after getting "L".
• Rule: Can drive alone, but only 1 passenger allowed (unless family). Green "N" magnet must be on the car.
3. Class 5 (Full):
• Test: Advanced Road Test.
• Wait: 24 months of safe driving on "N".

🇮🇳 2. The "Extract" Hack (Skip the Wait)

This is the most valuable piece of paper you bring from India.

• What is it? A "Driver's License Extract" (DL Extract) from your local RTO in India.
• The Benefit: It proves your driving history.
• The Magic:
• Ontario: If you show 2+ years of Indian experience, you can SKIP the 1-year wait for the G2 test. You can give the G2 road test immediately after passing the G1 written test.
• British Columbia: Similar rules apply to reduce the "L" stage wait time.
• Condition: The Extract must be original and usually dated within 6 months of landing.

💸 3. Buying a Car (The Hidden Costs)

Don't get scammed by a cheap "As Is" deal.

1. Safety Certificate (Ontario):
• In Ontario, a used car cannot be registered to you without a Safety Standard Certificate.
• The Scam: Seller says "Car runs great, selling 'As Is' for $3,000."
• The Trap: You buy it, then the mechanic says it needs $2,000 in repairs to pass Safety.
• Rule: Only buy a car that comes "Safety Certified".
2. UVIP (Used Vehicle Information Package):
• The seller must show you this. It tells you if the car has a lien (unpaid loan) on it. If they don't show it, walk away.
3. Winter Tires:
• BC: Mandatory on highways from Oct 1 to Apr 30.
• Ontario: Not mandatory by law, but insurance companies give you a discount (approx 5%) if you have them.

❄️ 4. Winter Driving (A New Skill)

Driving in snow is not like driving in rain.

• Black Ice: You can't see it. It looks like a dry road but is a sheet of ice. If you hit it, do NOT brake hard. Steer gently.
• The "Snow Brush" Rule:
• You must clear ALL snow off your car (roof, hood, windows) before driving.
• Fine: If snow flies off your roof and hits the car behind you, it's a $110+ fine.

TVT’s Final Reality Check:

"If you drink and drive (DUI), you will be arrested, your license suspended, and you will be deported. Canada has Zero Tolerance for international students with DUIs. Uber is $20. Your future is worth more."