Driving lessons are useful to new drivers in a plethora of ways. They’re integral to developing strong skills and habits out of the gate, but the knowledge you’re capable of gaining can also help reduce the costs associated with driving - from maintenance and repairs as they relate to driving style, to saving on taking the road tests only once. Driver training also gives you the confidence and capability to make good judgement calls behind the wheel, keeping you out of the repair shop altogether.
In this post, we’ll look at some ways that driving lessons can save you money, both directly and indirectly.
Time Is Money
We grow up hearing this phrase from adults, role models, motivational speakers, business executives, and other motivated, intelligent people. We believe the old saying, time is money, also relates directly to saving you money behind the wheel.
Consider for example your morning commute. It’s winter and you’ve got a 40 kilometer drive to your office. You’re a little worried about the weather conditions, and your morning routine only gives you 50 minutes or so to get to work on time. Instead of risking your safety and the safety of others on the road, your driving lessons will teach you to proactively gauge and pay respect to the conditions of the roadways.
With the knowledge you gain through an experienced, professional instructor teaching you defensive driving techniques and icy weather precautions to take, you lower the chance of getting into an accident because you’re not speeding on roads that are in less-than-ideal conditions. Fewer accidents and fewer speeding tickets equate to less money spent on repairs and bill payments. In this capacity, driving lessons teach you about using your best judgement to make calls that dictate your driving style, and your ability to reach your destination safely; saving you money and time in the long run.
Take the Test Once!
A great way to help save you the repeated costs associated with taking the ICBC road test, driving lessons are exponentially important. Passing the knowledge test or road test in one go can save you the administration fees associated with achieving your new licence.
ICBC charges everyone $15 for each attempt at all knowledge tests. It costs $10 to renew the 2-year Class 7 Learners licence as well. A 5-year renewal costs $75, as does your first 5-year Class 7 Novice licence. Drivers new to British Columbia will need to pay $31 for their first 2-year licence.
Road tests are more expensive, costing a Class 7 or 8 driver $35, Class 5 and 6 drivers pay $50 for a road test, as do house trailer endorsement test takers. A commercial Class 1 licence costs $60, while a Class 2 and 3 cost $50. Restricted and unrestricted Class 4 licence road tests cost $40.
Whether you’re a new driver, a driver looking to relearn and revamp their skills, or a driver new to BC, it will save you time and money if you only have to take the test once. British Columbia features its own specific driving rules and regulations that all drivers can benefit from learning before undertaking a road test or knowledge test. Racking up a few road test attempts can be frustrating, and your hard earned money is much better spent honing and perfecting your skills as a driver.
Insurance Discounts & Savings
The big question that we encounter more than any other. There’s a stigma with driving lessons that they automatically save you money on auto insurance because in other Canadian provinces, corporate driving schools may enable insurance discounts. While this isn’t the case in beautiful British Columbia, ICBC does offer many discounts and savings that drivers can earn when they apply directly.
You can effectively lower your monthly premiums by qualifying for these discounts determined by your years of safe driving, number of vehicles you insure, your level of protection and how you protect your vehicle.
BC Learner’s Credit for new drivers gives an automatic 13 month credit for time spent in the learner stage of the GLP program. If a driver holds on to their Learner’s licence for longer than 13 months, they can qualify for more credit as well.
Drivers who are new to BC and hold good driving records are eligible for savings on Autoplan insurance, and can be helped when applying with evidence of a reputable driving lesson completion program in their driving record.
The Experienced-driver Savings discount is made available to everyone in your household who has driven your vehicle for 10 years or more. This is only available if your vehicle is situated at a base or lower insurance rate. Related to the experience discount, a Senior’s Saving program can help lower monthly rates and payments up to 25% provided the vehicle owner and principal driver are over 65 years old and don’t use the vehicle for commuting, business purposes, or delivery services.
ICBC also offers an anti-theft device discount to those who use passive electronic immobilizer devices in their vehicles. These devices disable the car’s engine until it recognizes a special key. These devices help qualify you for both comprehensive and specified perils coverage, and could save you a $100 deductible rebate when a properly installed device prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If your vehicle is stolen and is recovered only to find there is evidence that the device was tampered with or compromised, you could also qualify for the $100 discount.
All these potential discounts should be discussed with an Autoplan provider for further information about qualifying for savings.
---
Training with a professional Instructor gives you incredible learning opportunities that will refine and expand your skills as a good driver. Driver Training will also embolden your level of instinct and intellect when it comes to road conditions, weather, and your relationship with others on the road.
Driving lessons not only have the potential to save you time and money related to road tests, accident repairs, speeding tickets and insurance premiums, but they teach you that driving is a great privilege that needs to be respected. When you learn to respect the road and your vehicle you save more than just money and time - you help to save lives in the process.
