Last but not least, students will complete their practical training by observing one of their colleagues behind the wheel while the instructor sits on the back seat. Each course will also include a short demonstration video produced by the American Automobile Association where actors speak only English and the vehicle measures speed in miles an hour. No Canadian version is planned.
Oh yes. Students will have to review the rules of the highway safety code themselves via a web site.
On a positive note, the new program puts more emphasis on driver responsibility by promoting fuel-efficient and safe driving and denouncing dangerous behaviour.
Evaluating abilities
In terms of theoretical knowledge, driving schools can choose between various tests found on the internet that they will correct themselves. We can thus reasonably expect a high pass rate.
But at SAAQ counters, the tests students will have to take will be exactly the same ones that have been used for years.
Both the theoretical and practical evaluations will be identical to the exams currently set by the Ministry, which in no way take into account the new measures of the teaching program.
And what about the costs?
The actual costs related to the new program are still unknown at the moment. The Ministry mentioned a maximum price of $850 per student, which already represents an increase of a few hundred dollars, but one that is explained by the longer course hours.
However, it is still unknown if driving schools will have to pay for the mandatory learning kits handed out to students and produced by the SAAQ. Also unknown is whether these costs, and other related fees, will be added to the students’ bill.
Generally speaking, all driving school operators are satisfied with the return of the mandatory driving course. But they are questioning the tools used as well as the fact that the acquisition of skills will not be supervised in any way. Not to mention the use of English language tools that aren’t appropriate for Quebec’s linguistic environment.
photo:Jupiter Images
Oh yes. Students will have to review the rules of the highway safety code themselves via a web site.
On a positive note, the new program puts more emphasis on driver responsibility by promoting fuel-efficient and safe driving and denouncing dangerous behaviour.
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Evaluating abilities
In terms of theoretical knowledge, driving schools can choose between various tests found on the internet that they will correct themselves. We can thus reasonably expect a high pass rate.
But at SAAQ counters, the tests students will have to take will be exactly the same ones that have been used for years.
Both the theoretical and practical evaluations will be identical to the exams currently set by the Ministry, which in no way take into account the new measures of the teaching program.
And what about the costs?
The actual costs related to the new program are still unknown at the moment. The Ministry mentioned a maximum price of $850 per student, which already represents an increase of a few hundred dollars, but one that is explained by the longer course hours.
However, it is still unknown if driving schools will have to pay for the mandatory learning kits handed out to students and produced by the SAAQ. Also unknown is whether these costs, and other related fees, will be added to the students’ bill.
Generally speaking, all driving school operators are satisfied with the return of the mandatory driving course. But they are questioning the tools used as well as the fact that the acquisition of skills will not be supervised in any way. Not to mention the use of English language tools that aren’t appropriate for Quebec’s linguistic environment.
photo:Jupiter Images