Question: I am the parent of an irresponsible teen driver and I am concerned that they are danger to themselves and others. I want to withdraw my consent for them to have a driver's licence. How do I do that?
Teen Driver & Parental Consent
At one time a parent could withdraw consent for their child to have a driver's licence until the child became an adult. This resulted in parents that used this as a tool to hold over the head of their teen and control their behaviour.
Of course, this is inappropriate and became an issue for ICBC.
Initial Consent Cannot be Withdrawn
Today a parent or legal guardian is no longer able to withdraw the initial consent to allow their teen driver to be licensed by completing a withdrawal declaration at an ICBC Driver Service Centre.
Acting on Justifiable Concerns
If a parent or legal guardian has concerns about the fitness or ability of their child to drive safely, they are now required to write to RoadSafetyBC and justify their concern.
The letter to RoadSafetyBC requesting withdrawal of consent must contain evidence of their child's lack of fitness or ability to safely operate a vehicle.
RoadSafety BC Options
RoadSafetyBC may take action on a the licence of a teen driver if it is determined that there are legitimate reasons for doing so. These reasons must relate to the minor's fitness or ability to drive safely (e.g., irresponsible driving or dangerous driving etc.)
Depending on the circumstances a number of options are open for RoadSafetyBC to take. They can include warning letters, a requirement to re-test, advising prohibition or a direction to ICBC to cancel the minor's driver's licence.
Request a Review
To request a review of your minor's driver's licence contact:
RoadSafetyBC
PO Box 9254, Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9J2
Telephone: (250) 387-7747
Fax: (250) 356-5577
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That's interesting, it used to be that applicants for a license who were under 19 had to have a parent to approve their license. The exception would be if the applicant was younger, but living outside the home independently. (Yes folks, that was in a different time and place when this was a viable option for young people lol).
It would be my guess that this youngster has changed behaviour from when they were 16 until the present (not unusual) but with GLP making it mandatory that for them to get a Class 5 license, a total of at least two-and-a-half to three years must pass, by which time they would be an adult.
But whether that's the case or not, it places the parent/vehicle owner in a difficult position. They can insure their vehicle(s) specifically to prevent the person from driving. But then, what if the youngster borrows the car without permission (that's theft) and crashes it?
What is ICBC's position on that?
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Interesting development