Getting used to small city driving and understanding the subtle changes in the traffic laws that govern our streets can be difficult for new drivers to our city. Many are not aware that traffic rules and driver expectations can be quite different from what they are used to seeing.

In an effort to reduce confusion and frustration, the North City Council has put together a five-hour online small city driver’s training course. New drivers to our city will now be required to complete the new Small City Driver Training Program starting next month. In addition to the online course, there is also a new driver training manual.

NCN has received an advance copy of the new driver training manual and here are some excerpts

1. TRAFFIC ROUNDABOUT RULES: There are no discernible rules that apply in traffic roundabouts (p. 12)
2. MERGING ETIQUETTE: Merging is not something mentioned or talked about. (p. 37)
3. PARKING GUIDELINES: Paying even 25 cents for parking must be followed by a public display of anger and disapproval about having to pay anything for parking.(p. 22)
4. TRAFFIC FLOW: Always try to leave just enough room between you and the car traveling in front of you so that any car waiting to enter from a yield sign feels like he might be able to enter but not quite. (p. 9)
5. PARKING GUIDELINES: It is fine to park on both sides of a thin rural road even if this impedes everyone’s access. (p.13)
6. ROAD SIGNAGE: Never enter the right lane from a yield sign if you can see any car coming anywhere. (p.10)
7. PARKING REGULATIONS: Parking lots are basically the Wild West (p. 18)

This is just a taste of the new manual. The full manual and on-line support videos can be found at NorthCityCouncil-DriverEd.ca