Having a Licence

If you want to drive, a licence is what you will need to drive legally in Ottawa and anywhere else in Canada. Where you get one varies between the territorial and provincial government offices designated to monitor and control licencing drivers. Once you have one, you have the ability to drive throughout Canada unhindered.

In a situation where you have a licence from another country and you have moved to Ottawa, you must relinquish that licence for a Canadian one. However, you are able to function with your original for a certain period beforehand. To find out more it is suggested that you check with the local territorial or provincial government driver’s licence office.

Depending on your driving record, you may have to submit to a written test along with a test of your driving skills. If you have a child that is learning how to drive there are driving classes available in addition. In any case, there are study guides available at any licencing branch within the Ontario province, and you can find a driving school by researching online.

Insurance is a Must

Even with a licence, you cannot legally operate a vehicle on the Canadian roads or highways without automobile insurance. This pertains to everyone that owns a vehicle and has a spouse and/or children that are licenced to drive. Any individual that drives your vehicle should be listed on your insurance policy. This means even if you let friends or relatives outside your immediate family drive you car. Naturally, you are aware that the cost of insurance varies according to,

  • Age
  • Experience
  • Geographical location
  • Past and present driving record

Additionally, different companies have different rate they charge for coverage. Therefore, it is helpful to shop the different companies available throughout Ottawa and the surround provincial area.

The Rules and Laws for Driving

Everyone understands that driving takes a high level of awareness and attention to detail. Accordingly, we understand further that the rules for driving are simple, which makes the laws very comprehensive. When you get a study guide to obtain a drivers licence you find this information there.

Understanding your obligations when you are behind the wheel helps you to operate within the law, and any careless disregard of the Ottawa driving rules or laws can result in a severe traffic violation, (ticketing, jail, and heavy fines), or an accident. In the case of being involved in an accident, leaving the scene is punishable by law and ill-advised, always call 911 to contact an ambulance, (when needed), and the police. When an accident involves another vehicle you need to provide the following information to the other person and the police,

  • Your full name
  • Your correct address
  • Your phone number
  • Your vehicle licence plate number
  • The number on your driver’s licence
  •  Proof of Insurance, (the name of your insurance company and the policy number)

If You Lease or Purchase A Vehicle

Buying a new or used vehicle or even if, you lease a vehicle you can go to the provincial office in Ottawa that regulates vehicles and driving privileges. If you want to know more about consumer issues with buying, leasing, and selling vehicles you may want to get a copy of the  Consumer Handbook provided by the office of consumer affairs.

The options available when you are in the market for a vehicle are buying one or leasing. Leasing a vehicle is similar to renting yet it is for a longer term than for a few days of driving. A lease can last up to five years and you will still make monthly payments. You will also have the option to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease or trade it in for a new one to continue the contract. One drawback is the mileage on a leased vehicle is limited, which translates to paying for the overage at the end of the contract.

Another option, in some cities outside of Ottawa, a program called car-sharing exists. What this does is, it lets you drive a car without owning or leasing it. If this is something you might consider, it is suggested that you research the topic online to find further information.

Rule on Safety

The best resource for safety regulations that pertain to driving is located through the Safety Council’s online page. Living in Ottawa, you are aware of the changes of the road conditions as they relate to the change in winter and summer weather patterns. Part of living and driving in Canada is own tires specific to the winter and in some provinces it is mandatory. For more information on this, contact the local Ottawa office for vehicle licencing.

You can consult with these Ottawa Driving Schools to know about rules & regulations for safe driving :

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City Drivers Training

Ottawa Driving Courses[/column]

[column size=”1/3″]595 Montreal Road, Unit 105

Ottawa, ON K1K 4L2

Phone: (613) 748-5254

Email: office@citydriver.com

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