Maremy's Blog

Yes, that's right. I became officially licensed today...well, to drive in Ontario that is. I passed the final road test in the Graduated Licensing System, also known as the G2 Exit Road Test. I'm so glad I'm done with road tests. Well, at least until I am 80 ;).

The graduated licensing system works the following way:

• G1: Obtained through a written test. With this license, you can only drive with some who has had at least four years driving experience. You also cannot drive on any 400-series highways UNLESS with a licensed driving instructor.
  
• G2: Obtained through a road test (which I failed twice. I know, it must seem like I am a horrible driver). With this license, you can drive by yourself. There are a few restrictions, especially for those under 20. For those over 20, the only restriction is you cannot have any alcohol in your blood (with the G license, you can have the legal limit).
  
• G: Obtained through a road test, which I did today. This is the full license. No restrictions like the other two licenses have.
  

I got my G1 when I was 17, my G2 when I was 21 and my G at about 10:30am this morning. The system is supposed to take you five years. Do the math, and you'll see mine took me a little longer ;). I was able to renew once, about six months before they obliterated that option.

The graduated licensing system is supposed to make better drivers. From what I've seen lately, it's not working. Personally, I think it's a way for the government to get more money out of people. The test I took today was $75.00. I know, it might not seem like a lot BUT Jeremy paid $10.00 for his license, which included his road test.

I made the appointment last week. I told myself just to do it and get it over with. Of course, I was freaked about failing. I attempted the test in November 2005 and failed (bad luck...all to do with parallel parking and a huge truck going at least 60-70 km/h through Clinton). Today, the test went quite well and the only thing I did wrong was forget to put my parking brake on when I parallel parked. I was really nervous about it but gradually started to feel better during the test.

Thank-you to Jeremy for all his help with parallel parking and driving around with me in Clinton last night!

So, yes...that was big achievement today and believe me, it is a huge relief! And, as Jeremy was nice to point out to me last night, it's another 55 years before I need to go back and do it again ;).