News Release Archive
BUSINESS/CONSUMER SERVICES--RMV EXPANDS LIST ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Registry of Motor Vehicles is expanding recognition of driver improvement programs under graduated drivers licensing (GDL) beyond the Nova Scotia Safety Council's defensive driving course. "We recognize that several driving schools throughout the province provide the skills and attitude training necessary to create safe and responsible drivers," said Business and Consumer Services Minister Sandy Jolly. "We want to give young drivers and their parents a choice in where to obtain training." In the past, all drivers under GDL were required to take the defensive driving course, even if they had already successfully completed a program offered by a private driver training school or the high school driver education program. Now the Registry of Motor Vehicles has approved the training courses offered by several other driving schools as meeting the criteria for new drivers to graduate out of the program. To be approved, courses must include a minimum of 25 hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of in-car instruction. A list of approved courses can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-898-7668. Therefore, all new drivers who have completed their two years in the graduated drivers licensing program and have completed the required driver training program should present their course certificate at any RMV office to have their licence upgraded from "new" status. "The purpose of a driver improvement program is to take driver training beyond skills training," said Ms. Jolly. "It would focus on developing the proper attitude to continue a driving career." The criteria for approved courses stipulates that the following topics must be covered through videos and classroom discussion: continuous development of driving skills through experience, responsibilities of driving beyond GDL, proper safe driving skills and attitude, accident avoidance, sharing the road with all users, alcohol-and drug-free driving, emotions and driving, and driving with passengers. The programs will be audited on a regular basis to ensure they continue to meet the criteria. "The bottom line is that it's more efficient -- it's one-stop shopping," said Eric Bolland of Precision Driving Schools, Kentville. "Thanks to this decision by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, students will be able to complete an eligible driver training program and know that they've met all the training requirements for graduating out of the graduated drivers licensing program. Since they'll no longer need to take a second course, it's cost-efficient for new drivers, province-wide." -30- Contact: Louise MacDonald 902-424-0394 trp Feb. 7, 1997 - 11:38 a.m.