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Driving in Canada:

2 Mandatory Things You Need to Know About Culture and the Law

Introduction

Welcome to OpenGlo’s driving section! Being able to drive yourself to explore new roads is one of the most wonderful experiences when starting life in Canada.

However, driving here is about more than just steering a wheel. It’s also about understanding and integrating into a culture that highly values safety and strict legal regulations. Before we dive into the detailed steps of getting a driver’s licence, let’s join OpenGlo to learn the two most essential things every driver in Canada must know.

Part 1: The Driving Culture in Canada – Safety and Respect Above All

If two words were to describe the driving culture in Canada, they would be “safety” and “respect.”

Seriousness: The first thing you need to know is that traffic laws in Canada are strictly enforced, and penalties for violations are often severe. This creates a collective consciousness about obeying the law to protect oneself and others.
Patience and Respect: You will quickly notice common courtesies on the road, such as always stopping and yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks, maintaining a safe following distance, and strictly adhering to the “first-come, first-served” rule at 4-way stops.
Safety in All Conditions: Safety is a top concern, especially in harsh weather conditions. Driving on icy or snowy roads in the winter requires special caution and skills, an important topic we will explore more deeply.

Part 2: The 2 Mandatory Conditions for Legal Driving

Besides understanding the culture, there are two legal requirements you absolutely cannot ignore.

Mandatory Condition #1: Must Have a Valid Driver’s Licence To drive legally in Canada, you must have a valid driver’s licence issued by the government of the province or territory where you live. This licence must always be carried with you whenever you are driving.
Mandatory Condition #2: Must Have Car Insurance This is a rule with no exceptions: Driving without car insurance is illegal in Canada. The purpose of insurance is to financially protect yourself and others in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Conclusion

In summary, before you think about driving, always keep two golden rules in mind: Always drive with a mindset of safety and respect, and ensure you always have the two mandatory documents: a valid driver’s licence and car insurance.

Now that you have grasped the most basic principles, let’s begin your journey to getting your driver’s licence with us.