Category: driving basics

Left foot or right foot?

Growing up I saw my parents do many things that I find I do now myself. I think that’s a pretty common thing in most of our lives. They of course were a big influence in our adult lives. That also includes how they drove when you were a kid. I remember watching my dad…



Would you turn blind?

Turning left; it’s one of the most dangerous things we do while driving. Granted, driving in itself is always dangerous. Whether it’s distracted driving, poor road conditions, mechanical breakdown, whatever; it’s always dangerous. Most of the time, our vehicles can protect us with their safety features, but we’re not always that lucky. Considering that most…



Are you complacent with your driving?

I’ve often written about teen drivers and new drivers that I’ve taught at Young Drivers of Canada. They’re often the types of drivers I take out in the car and share my knowledge with them about safe driving practises. However, the teen drivers and the new drivers may not be the highest risk of drivers…



Will it haunt you or save you?

I often get asked by the new students I train at Young Drivers of Canada if I drive the way I teach. The quick answer is yes. For the almost 24 years that I’ve been an instructor compared to the over 30 years I’ve driven, I honestly can’t remember much of my driving life before…



Are your weaknesses really that weak?

We all have strengths and we all have weaknesses. It doesn’t seem to matter who we are, it just seems that way especially when you compare yourself to other people. However, to some people you may have a weakness, but in reality it’s not a weakness; it’s just a difference of ability. I once had…



Help is on the way

Over the many years that I’ve been a driving instructor for Young Drivers of Canada I’ve come across many nervous students. It’s not only my job to teach them how to drive safely, but it’s also my job to relax them and keep them calm behind the wheel. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. These new…



Driving can be related to…

I’ve coached kids in a number of sports over the years. A few years ago I was coaching my son’s hockey team. During one of the practices I noticed a few of the players weren’t following through with their shots. When I asked them to follow through, they looked a little confused. I asked if…



Did you see a sign?

In just about every jurisdiction around, you need to know what basic road signs mean in order to get your beginner’s permit. In Ontario, you’re allowed 4 signs wrong out of 20 and can still pass that portion of the written test. That’s not bad, but shouldn’t we know what all of the signs mean?…