Driving lessons for new drivers: their impact on your car insurance

Driving lessons for new drivers, inexperienced drivers, and drivers looking to refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road can be a huge advantage for many reasons. Some courses are available at your high school, university, or college, at driving schools, or even online! The courses are generally practical, informative, and allow you to acquire skills that can make you a better driver in the long run.

15- and 16-year-olds are not the only ones who take driving lessons! These lessons apply to everyone, even drivers who are new to the country and unfamiliar with Canadian traffic laws.

What are driving lessons?

As its name suggests, a driver training course is an educational program designed for new and inexperienced drivers who want to develop a solid foundation for driving. It can also be for older drivers with several years of experience who simply want to refresh their skills and update their knowledge of traffic regulations and safe driving practices. In Quebec, a driver training course is strongly recommended for those seeking to obtain their Class 5 driver's license. Personalized courses are offered by CAA Quebec Driving Schools and other schools recognized by the Quebec Transport Association (AQTr). Courses are generally divided into several formats and delivered in person or virtually. They will include a number of exercises and readings.

Why take driving lessons?

There are many reasons why drivers take driving lessons. For one thing, it makes them more competent drivers. Whether you're inexperienced or young, driving can be intimidating. While it gives many drivers the freedom they crave, it can also be a huge responsibility.

A driving course can also refresh older drivers' knowledge of road rules they may no longer be familiar with. Older drivers can review vehicle safety and basic driving habits, revisit fundamental traffic laws, and relearn about impairments drivers may encounter and how to recognize them.

Finally, driver education courses can qualify you for a car insurance discount. Even as a new driver, enrolling in an (approved) driver education course demonstrates to your insurer that you are willing to take the necessary steps to improve your driving skills. These courses can discourage drivers from taking certain risks, educate them about the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving, and assess their driving abilities. Overall, a better-educated driver is a safer driver!

Ask your insurance broker which courses may qualify you for a discount. Generally, courses offered by the AQTr are approved, but it never hurts to double-check. In some provinces or states, driver education courses are mandatory and must be taken to teach you the right attitudes, knowledge, skills, and more to protect yourself and others on the road.

Other ways to save money as a new driver…

One of the factors that determines your car insurance premiums is your driving experience, which can be difficult for a new driver, especially one on a tight budget. Drivers with the highest car insurance rates are generally young men under 25. Statistically, they are the most likely to be involved in an accident, especially since they tend to drive more riskily, drive under the influence, and so on. One way to reduce car insurance costs as a new driver is to take a driver training course, but there are more ways than that!

For example:

• If you have other insurance policies, purchase them from the same provider. Bundling your insurance policies may entitle you to discounts.
• Increase your deductible. If you're comfortable paying a little more out of pocket and don't mind having a higher deductible, increasing your deductible can directly reduce your car insurance premiums.
• Request a credit check. Some insurers include creditworthiness as a factor in calculating your premiums.
• Inquire about occupancy bonuses or see if the institution you attend qualifies you for additional discounts.
• Buy a car with a higher safety rating that will be less likely to be damaged in the event of an accident.
• Speak to a broker! A broker, like Panda7, is one of the best resources you'll have to ensure you can find affordable car insurance at a lower cost.

Car insurance can be complicated, and as a new driver, you may already be dealing with other financial obligations, such as tuition fees, student loans, rent, etc. Fortunately, a broker is always available to discuss your car insurance in Quebec and suggest ways to save money based on your situation.

A final note on driving lessons

Not all courses are created equal, and some car insurance providers have a list of approved courses that will qualify drivers for a discount. Some courses may be easier on your wallet but aren't worth the discount you'd receive; it's best to ask your insurance provider which courses they approve or request a list of their preferred courses and compare the cost of taking them with the discount you'd get. Even without considering discounts, taking a driver education course can significantly reduce your chances of having an accident by teaching you the skills needed to avoid collisions and better understand traffic laws.