Lessons
The first expense is the driving course, which is now mandatory. Fortunately, in Quebec, rates are set by law at a maximum of $825. You can teach your child to save to be able to afford these courses, but, as the learning is often spread over a year, you can also suggest that he pay for them by making monthly instalments during his training after having advanced him the sum. . Do not also forget to consider the following costs in the amount that you will lend to him.
The license
First of all, you have to think about the costs of obtaining the permit. In Quebec, for a passenger vehicle, the theoretical exam costs $10.80, the learner’s permit $64.99, the practical exam $27 and the probationary license $186.25 for 24 months: therefore 289 $.04 total.
The vehicle
When your vehicle has had its first scratches, you might not take such a dim view of your big boy or girl having their car. According to George Iny, president of the Automobile Protection Association (APA), owning a small car that you use occasionally costs at least $5,000 to $7,000 a year; this cost includes registration, insurance (for damage caused to others only), gas, tire changes, repairs, etc.
According to George Iny, buying a used vehicle remains the best option for young drivers. “We are often inclined to rent a vehicle because it is cheaper, but the rental contracts are made for four years. However, young people are mobile. We don’t want to be stuck with a lease if, for example, our child decides to study abroad,” he says.
The insurance
When your child starts using the family vehicle, you must notify your insurer… and live with the financial consequences that entail. It’s worth shopping around for our policy again, says Henry Blumenthal, vice-president of belairdirect for the Quebec region: “There are significant differences from one insurer to another when you add a young driver.”
In addition, there has been something new for almost two years: we can plug into our car a device that records our driving habits, such as speed, braking and driving hours (Automérite at belairdirect, for example). Insurers then offer 5% to 25% reductions to reward good driving. “It’s not punitive. It only entitles you to merit reductions,” explains Henry Blumenthal.
We laugh about it in some advertisements, but this tool is particularly relevant for young drivers. “Thanks to monthly bulletins, they are informed about their conduct,” explains George Iny. It’s one of the best ways to change their behaviour because it’s more concrete than getting pulled over by the police, which is something distant and random in the minds of young people. »
And, above all, safety.
Seeing our child take the wheel can be both relieving (no more lifts with friends) and scary. According to the SAAQ, although young people aged 16 to 24 hold only 10% of permits, they are involved in 23% of accidents resulting in bodily injury. However, they risk becoming part of these sad statistics can be reduced by encouraging a few behaviours.
Practice: Although mandatory, driving lessons are far from sufficient. “You have to be personally invested in your child’s learning so that he becomes a good driver,” says Henry Blumenthal.
Alcohol: Young people need to understand that drunk driving is zero tolerance. Parents can, for example, offer them Cool Taxi coupons, redeemable only in taxis, so that they leave their vehicle at the party rather than returning tipsy.
Cell phones: This is another danger we often talk about. A revolutionary app is coming soon: Bumper. Thanks to this application, as soon as the phone detects a rapid movement, it automatically blocks incoming calls, texts and emails.
Big Brother – Manufacturers are increasingly moving towards parental control tools that will limit the car’s top speed (and the volume of the radio!). Navigation systems can even monitor the comings and goings of your child… who is no longer a child.
After all, driving isn’t a right. It’s a privilege!
