1. What is Graduated Driver Licensing all about?
Under the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, new drivers earn increased driving privileges as they gain more knowledge, skill, and experience.
2. What are the laws regarding drinking and driving for drivers in the GDL program?
Drivers in the Learners or Probationary stages and those individuals accompanying a Learner who is operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle are not permitted to drive after consuming any amount of alcohol. A violation of this requirement will result in a 30 day licence suspension.
3. What are the laws regarding drinking and drivers for all drivers in the NWT?
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles has the authority to impose administrative suspension requiring drivers to meet certain conditions before they can get their Drivers Licence back. Police also have the power to take drinking drivers off the road. If a driver blows over .05 but less than .08, it will trigger an automatic 24-hour suspension, and a 30-day license suspension if it is the second offence within two years of the first. They will also be able to seize and impound vehicles involved in impaired driving offences. Police can impound the vehicle of someone who drives with a suspended licence. In the case of a suspension that was caused by an impaired driving conviction, the vehicle is taken away for 30 days, at the owner's expense. However, the legislation does allow for someone whose vehicle has been impounded to apply to the Registrar to review the impoundment and, in exceptional circumstances, release a vehicle. Anyone convicted of an impaired driving offence in the NWT is subject to suspensions on top of any penalties imposed under the Criminal Code. The worst offenders can be banned from driving for life. Anyone convicted of a drinking-and-driving offence is required, as a condition of getting a licence reinstated, to purchase an Impaired Driver Assessment Package and complete a self-assessment with respect to drinking and driving. An offender must also undergo an enhanced driver medical. The reason for the assessment is to find out if there are underlying issues of substance abuse or other conditions that may be connected to why the offence happened.
4. Will the Drivers Licence for a person in the Graduated Driver Licencing Program show what stage a driver is at?
Yes. A Drivers Licence will display the current stage, Class 7, Class 5P, or Class 6P.
5. What other provinces or territories have a Graduated Driver Licensing Program?
With the exception of Nunavut, all provinces and territories have a GDL program.
6. Is there a cost to upgrade or move from stage to stage?
Yes, there is an upgrade fee plus testing fees (if applicable) as progression through the GDL stages takes place.
7. Once the year is up, do I automatically qualify for the next stage?
No. If the Registrar is satisfied the driver would benefit from extending the period of probation, based on the person's driving record, the Learners or Probationary period may be extended.
8. How many demerits are allowed?
The accumulation of demerit points can result in a suspension of the Drivers Licence and a prohibition from operating a motor vehicle. Six or more demerit points will result in a suspension and a one month prohibition, 12 or more will result in a suspension and a three month prohibition, and 15 or more will result in a suspension and a six month prohibition. In addition, the driver will also be required to pay a demerit point reinstatement fee, and will remain in the Learner or Probationary Stage for the same amount of time as the period of the prohibition.
9. What other conditions are there for Learners and Probationary drivers?
There must be a seat belt for every passenger. Time spent suspended because of demerit points must be made up before moving on to the next stage.
Learners are subject to some additional restrictions. A learner must drive only with a fully licensed driver who has had a full class 5 licence for a minimum of 24 months. No other occupants of the vehicle are permitted. The learner may not drive between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
10. Does my probationary Class 5P licence automatically become a Class 5 when I become eligible?
No. After 12 months, if your probationary period is not extended, you become eligible for an upgrade to a Class 5 licence. However, it is your responsibility to apply for the upgrade at your nearest driver and vehicle licensing office.
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