New Drivers

Information regarding new drivers and the Graduated Licencing Program.

CASE LAW - R v Almardy

BC Courts Coat of ArmsKhalid Almardy was stopped by police in the early morning hours of October 21, 2017 in Victoria as he was a novice driver who was not displaying a new driver sign on his vehicle and was carrying too many passengers. Cst. Christians of the Capital Region Integrated Road Safety Unit detected the odour of liquor on Mr. Almardy's breath. Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program must have zero blood alcohol when driving.

CASE LAW - R v McEachern

BC Courts Coat of ArmsMira McEachern was a novice driver on September 17, 2016 when she was issued a traffic ticket for using an electronic device while driving. She was convicted of that offence (records do not indicate if it was because she paid the fine or was not successful in a traffic court dispute). Shortly after the conviction RoadSafetyBC notified her of a pending prohibition of 3 months due only to that conviction.

Q&A - Twin Daughters and GLP

New Driver Signs 2011I have twin daughters who will very soon be getting their 'L'.  The believe the passenger restriction for a learner's licence is 1 supervisor and 1 other passenger.  This will be a considerable lost opportunity for them to practice driving when we go somewhere as a family.  If you've dealt with this situation do you have any advice?

Q&A - First Ticket

New Driver Signs 2011A few days ago, I have just received my first Novice License and had retained my L for a year without any issue or ticket. Today, I have driven up Burnaby mountain, and down for the first time and was ticketed out a speeding at 92km/hour in a 60km/hour zone.

CASE LAW - R v C.J.S.

BC Courts Coat of ArmsC.J.S. is a young person who held a class 8 motorcycle learner's licence. He was participating in a group ride from Campbell River to Gold River on Highway 28. He was seriously injured in a collision near the intersection of McIvor Lake Road when a Prius that he had been following signalled right and turned left.

CASE LAW - Gainder v The Minister of Justice

BC Courts Coat of ArmsMandeep Gainder, a novice driver, was discovered sitting in his idling car which emitted a strong odour of marihuana from the passenger compartment. Constable Troughton performed a Standardized Field Sobriety Test on Mr. Gainder who admitted smoking the drug and failed the test. A 24 hour prohibition for drug use was issued by Constable Earle. This suspension was not disputed.