INTRODUCTION TO CANADA

Driving

Cars

If you think about buying a car, consider some of the costs involved:

• Insurance

• Gas

• Oil

• Maintenance

• Parking
  　

Five points to consider when buying a second-hand car:

• Be sure to have a "lien check" carried out at the provincial courthouse to determine if the car was used as collateral to secure a loan.

• Have a "buyer's check" carried out (cost about $50.00) to make sure the car is in good mechanical condition. You will be buying a used car "as it is" so be careful.

• Do not pay for the car until you have the results of the lien and buyer's check available.

• Be sure to get a receipt which includes the value of the car and the serial number

Acura 1.6EL 1998

 Price: 10,995 $

 Options -

Ford Explorer 1999

Price: 14,995 $

 Options -

 Financing -

Driver's Licenses

All drivers must carry a driver's license when they drive a motor vehicle. If you have a driver's license from your home country, you can use it to drive in Western Canada for three months. Then you must take a written and road test to obtain a Western Canada License. To obtain a license you must:

1.       Go to any Driver Testing Office

2.       Buy a Driver's Handbook ($5 + taxes). or get a copy of the handbook from the web site: (www.gov.mb.ca/tgs/ddvl/handbk.html). Study the handbook to learn about driving and road safety in Manitoba.

3. When you feel ready to write the Beginners Test, go to one of these Driver Testing offices between 8:30 a.m. ?3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. You may be able to take the written test in your first language. Ask about it when you go to the Driver Testing Office. You must pay $10 for the written test. The test questions are based on the information in the Driver's Handbook. If you pass the test, you will receive a Learner’s Permit. If you fail the written test, you must wait 7 days before being re-tested.

4. If it is your first time obtaining a Learner's Permit (i.e. if you have never had a driver’s license before), will have to wait nine months before taking a road test. This is called a Graduated License. During this time you must:

• drive with a licensed driver (with three years of experience);

• carry passengers only in the back seat of the vehicle, up to the number of seat belts in the back seat.

• have no alcohol in your blood; and

If you have a driver's license from another province or country, you may be exempt from the above rules. Contact the Driver Testing Office for more information

4. With your Learner’s Permit, or Beginner’s License, you can practice driving a vehicle. You must always take a licensed driver with you when you drive with a Learner's Permit. The driver must have a Class 5 license or higher, with a minimum 3 years of driving experience.

5. After completing the written test, you may request a list of some common phrases examiners use during the road test. Then you can study them so that the phrases are familiar to you during the road test. The phrases are available in English and several other languages. Ask at the Driver Testing Office.

6. When you are comfortable driving a car, call to make an appointment for your road test. You must pay a $25 fee to take the road test. A driver examiner will test your driving skills. The examiner will tell you whether you pass or fail the test and why. If you fail the road test on your first attempt, you can inquire about taking the road test again. You will have to wait 14 days to retake the test.

Driving Schools

Many people learn how to drive a car by taking driving lessons. Adults can pay for lessons at private driving schools.

Snow and freezing rain can make the roads in Western Canada very icy. Driving conditions can become very dangerous. If you are not familiar with winter driving conditions, you may wish to take a Safe Driving Course at a local driving school.  The course will familiarize you with winter road conditions and safe driving practices in Western Canada.  The cost for driving school is usually around $400 Canadian dollars. 

Vehicle Registration and Insurance

All vehicle owners must buy insurance and register the vehicles they own. The amount you pay for insurance varies, depending on the type and year of vehicle, and your driving record.  Often car insurance will cost you between $1000 and $3000 Canadian dollars per year.  People who live in rural communities pay less for insurance.

Seat Belts and Child Safety Seats

Everyone in Western Canada must wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a car. The law states that infants and small children must be securely belted in special car seats in the back seat. You could receive a fine if you are caught driving without your seat belt. 

Insurance

Purchasing insurance is a common practice in Canada as its protects you from bad luck and unfortunate events.  In many cases, you are required to purchase insurance by law such as automobile insurance.  Various types of insurance offer protection against the damage or loss of home, business or personal possessions.  Some examples of the different types of insurance available in Canada include:

• Automobile Insurance. You must have this insurance if you own a vehicle.

• Business and Commercial Insurance

• Dental Insurance (This may be provided by your employer)

• Disability Income Insurance

• Fire Insurance

• General Insurance

• Homeowner or Tenant Insurance (you should purchase this if you rent or won a home)

• Life Insurance

·         Travel Insurance (if you are traveling outside the province in which you reside)