HELP’S AT HAN HELP’S AT Hand, by North Shore Community Services (NSCS), is a forum for discussing government policies and pro- grams, benefits, consumer and legal rights, taxation and public services. Answers are intended cnly as a general guide and should not be applied to individual cases without curther consultation. Question: My daughter will be 16 years of age soon and is anx- ious to get her driver's licence. We would like to know about the procedure for getting her licence, if there is a fee, insurance regula- tions, and how long it will take for her to receive the official licence. There was a lot of publicity last year about major changes to the rules, so we're a bit confused. Also, do --you recommend a driver’s education program? Answer; The new rules about which you heard publicity were actually proposed changes, which have not been passed. As_ it stands, the procedure for becom- ing a first-time driver in B.C. is as follows: If the prospective driver is under 19 years of age, as in your daughter’s case, she will require the signed consent of a parent or guardian to receive what is known as a learner’s licence. This allows you as the parent or guardian to make a judgment about her ability to handle the re- . sponsibility of driving. It is sug- gested that parents consider the child’s general attitude, social re- sponsibility, emotional and intel- Jectual maturity, and financial resources, To receive a learner’s licence, she must submit her application signed by you and fulfil vision, hearing and physical condition E v OFFER EXPIRES MAY STH a for both Entrees! & UPTOWN CHARLIES 15 N. RENFREW ST. 253-6092 A tests set out by the Motor Vehicle Branch (MVB). She will also have to study for and pass a multiple choice theory exam based on the S:.fe Driving Guide, in addition to an oral test about traffic signs, signals and road markings. The knowledge test costs $10. Eyeglass wearers are reminded to bring glasses to all tests. Prospective drivers will also be tested on the information in the booklet entitled The Do’s, Don’is and Dangers of Drinking/Driving and Drugs. This publication and the Safe Driving Guide are avail- able at MVB offices. Locally, the MVB office is located at 124 E. 13th St. in North Vancouver and the tele- phone number is 660-1266. Be sure to ask for another useful booklet entitled Co-Pilot: A Manual for Parents of Yourig Drivers. The learner’s licence is valid for 180 days — about six months. During this period, the jearner must be accompanied by a licenc- ed driver who is at least 19 years of age. Before attempting the road test she must complete at least 30 hours of behind-the-wheel train- ing and wait a minimum of 30 days after receiving the learner’s licence. The road test is conducted by MVB examiners and the learner must provide the vehicle and pay a $30 fee. If she passes the road test, she can purchase her licence for $15. She will require two pieces of identification, including a birth or baptismal certificate and any document bearing her signature or photograph, such as a_ student card. If she fails the road test she must wait at least two weeks be- fore trying again. FOR onwy$4.5 95: — RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED — | el 4 You and your guest choose from our huge selection of Steaks, “* Chicken, Ribs, Pasta, & Seafood (maximum $14.95 value). . Estep 2 Present this coupon to your server, and we charge you only $1 5.95 gy 4 of any entree exceeds $14.95, rhe raximum discount is $10.95 per couple a couples in your grot a B ° Good for aif jot valid ON concert ar hockey mans IMAGE CENTRE INC. 925-1238 1975 5 Marine, West Vancouver the Pacific Coliseum. Taking driving lessons does not reduce the cost of car insurance, as some people think, but they can be an effective way of learn- ing driving skills, as well as pro- viding practice time. You may decide that you are the best person to assist your daughter, when you have consid- ered your level of patience and ability to teach her. The parent’s manual has some helpful guidelines to consider for choosing a driving program. it also contains some suggestions on steps to take after your child has received the learner’s licence. In order to provide a_ safer learning experience for your daughter, you could consider limiting her driving until she has more experience on the road; for example, restricting her driving privileges to daylight hours with only one licenced adult as a pas- senger, or asking her to remain in Quieter and well-known areas. Either way, it is worthwhile establishing any necessary condi- tions for permitting your teenager to drive. Your daughter, as a licenced driver, is insured io drive your registered and insured vehicle at no extra cost, as along as the vehicle was not purchased solely for her use. Keep in mind, how- ever, that an accident with your vehicle will affect your safe-driv- ing insurance discount. This column is prepared with financial assistance from the Notary Foundation. For more in- formation call NSCS at 985-7138. North Shore’s Private Counselling Centre UPCOMING GROUPS Stress Management Autogenic Training Leam to relax through 6 sessions of progressive relaxation. 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