It was a sunny day in 1988. My 16th birthday. I did what all my friends did, skipped school and took the subway downtown for what was hopefully the last time. The reason? To take my “365” (now referred to as a G1) driving test.
Before taking the test, I read the manual. Kind of. And my test results reflected that. I passed but barely.*
Looking back now, I realize that not a thought was given to the huge responsibility that was being bestowed upon me. All I could think about was the freedom I would enjoy in a few short weeks after I took my driving test.
Turns Out I Wasn’t Prepared.
I’m embarrassed to admit this but only 10 days after getting my license, I was pulled over by the police. I had completed an incorrect left hand turn, on a yellow light and almost caused an accident. I was also driving without my license. Fortunately, no one got hurt. Well, unless my ego counts. Truth be told, I wasn’t prepared enough.
That’s why, when I heard about the Free G1 Practice Tests and the “Sign the Pledge Campaign from G1.ca, I was interested to find out more.
G1.ca would like to encourage parents to actively participate in their teens’ learning of what it means to be a safe driver. The Parent Driver Contract is a tool that can be used to facilitate a discussion between parent and teen about the elements of remaining safe behind the wheel. This “Sign the Pledge” contract is available for download on the G1.ca site.
It’s been 24 years since taking my last written test so I was a bit nervous. What if I didn’t pass? However, making the streets a safer place for my Family is top on my list and our roads are only as safe as the weakest driver. So, I took the test and I’m pleased to say that…
I passed!**
As a parent, I want my kids to make smart choices and that includes when they are behind the wheel. Given that Prom is coming up, why not have your kids take a FREE refresher course (or two) to give you some piece of mind and them the confidence that they have earned the privilege to drive. Times have changed but driving is still a major responsibility.
Will You Sign the Pledge?
** Note that the only questions I didn’t pass were those related to fines, suspensions or G1/G2 driving privileges.
Disclosure: Journeys of The Zoo received compensation in exchange for posting this review. All opinions are 100% our own.
I only got 98%….What is a “Prohibited sign”?
This is great, driving is a privilege we need to take seriously. Anything that makes us safer on the road is a great idea!
safety is just so important ,people die everyday because of error
I remember only wanting my license because of the freedom of would gives Me. I still don’t have it mainly because I don’t trust myself on the road but maybe if I took this pledge my thoughts would change.
Amanda @ The Mommy Mix recently posted…Onion Turkey Burgers
It took me a trip to Town and I finally figured out what that “Prohibited Sign” meant.
Anything inside the circle is prohibited.
I took the test too early in the morning.
I think we could all benefit by a driving refresher course! It has been a long time since my test!
I am *so* old that I didn’t have a graduated license situation to deal with, but I was a good driver right off the bat!
Having 6 drivers before me to learn from is really great. Talk about learning from the best – and worst – of drivers and situations. 😉
I love this idea of a refresher course. It’s fantastic. Frankly, many people who have been driving for years might do well to refresh their knowledge and skills!
Peady recently posted…Let’s get our “buts” in check, so we can get our “butts” in gear!
Okay, I took the test, yep! Okay I’m not from Ontario, and I’m not up on the graduated drivers rules. But everything else I fared really well in.
What a great idea, to have a questionnaire like that for young people and parents to go over! Adults will definitely benefit from this as well.
Each province should have their own too!
I think it is important for us all to take the pledge and refresh our knowledge regularly. Especially about right of way and traffic circles, etc. It can only benefit everyone to have reminders. I see adults all the time that clearly do not know the rules of the road.
Cathy C recently posted…FOOD FOR THOUGHT FRIDAY FEATURE: WORTH THE READ MAR 21, 2014 The #OnlineCommunityManager
great idea even for advanced drivers! I think we all tend to forget the rules over time and this would be a agreat idea to refresh our knowledge!
Love this! I was a cautious teen driver but my brothers, not so much. I think my parents could have really used something like this for them!
mommy oustide recently posted…Feeding the Joy (and doing it safely) with Springfree
My brother took the practice tests online. They were extremely helpful.
Stephanie LaPlante recently posted…FunDayMental Friday
I got my license before this was even a glimmer in the eyes of the government. It is a good way for kids to learn respect for the road and to adhere to the laws and learn how to drive properly. At least lets hope so.
We supported our children and took each one out for driving lessons and talked to them diligently about safety.They all got their licenses and we are proud of their safe driving habits.Hopefully none of us make errors due to ignorance of safety.
Wanda Tracey recently posted…Travelling without Medical Insurance
I am a quite new driver (6 years ) lol but this is very helpful and everyone needs a refresher 🙂
some teens and adults should not be driving..sorry..it makes me mad when newly licensed drivers are out speeding and squealing their tires, they should respect the law. then on the other hand you have the excellent drivers who follow the rules do no mistakes and yet they have to pay a ridiculous price for insurance
Hmmm I just took this online test and actually got a few wrong….I’ve never seen a prohibited sign before?
This test would be good not just for new drivers, but refresh for older drivers. Some people think I might be picking on the well weathered drivers, but habits become sloppy and sometimes over confident.
I’ll sign, this is a great idea! Parents should definitely be more involved with their teen’s learning to be a safe driver.
its great to see a site like this to help teenagers and maybe adults who never did learn to drive
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I think it is important that people take classes to help pass their driving test
That is a great resource! My daughter is way too young right now, but I would happily use this resource (if it still exists) or a similar one. My parents spoke with us about safe driving, and even paid for our drivers education courses.
I was on older driver when I took my test and passed! I had a cousin of my husband instruct me and he was a really good teacher. i am happy that younger people may get more practise as that age group have the greater number of accidents, according to statistics and the more practise the better. I know my adult children signed the pledge for their young teens- a wonderful idea.
yes this pledge is a great idea, so many people including kids are not prepared to driving, some are too nervous
Sadly I only got 88% right.