Once perceived as optional, driving classes are now highly recommended for Ontario drivers hoping to take their road test. Getting the right training prior to operating a vehicle is beneficial on both a personal and financial level. From the experts at Ambitious Drivers, here are a few benefits of attending driving classes prior to taking your road test:

Better Safety. Attending a driving school will ensure that you know the rules of the road like the back of your hand. Not only will you possess better driving technique; you’ll have the training to adapt to fluctuating weather conditions, know how to avoid a collision, and be able to drive defensively. Attending driving classes ensures both your safety and that of other drivers on the road.

Practice for the Real Test. There is no better way to increase your chances of passing the road test than with driving classes. Each session, you’ll be put to the test on the road in real-life situations, learning how to safely navigate common problems and challenges on the road. As you practice, you will become more confident on the road. On the day of the real test, you’ll feel like a pro, and won’t be hindered by anxiety or stress.

Stay Up to Date on Rules and Regulations. Rules and regulations on the road are always in flux. A professional driving instructor is aware of all laws associated with driving, and can alert you of recent changes to regulations, so you can ace your road test the first time.

Meet Friends and Driving Partners. Many driving schools pair you with other students during driving sessions, so you can learn not only from your own mistakes, but from that of others. Another advantage? Driving school is a great place to meet new friends and driving partners. You’ll have plenty of people to practice with.

Reduced Waiting Time. With a certificate from a driving school, drivers may take their G2 road test eight months after their written test. Without this certificate, drivers must wait one year.
Better Driving Record. With training from knowledgeable driving instructors, students are less likely to develop bad driving habits in the future, decreasing the likelihood of dangerous accidents, infractions, and costly tickets.

Reduced Insurance Rates. With a certificate from a reputable driving school, the cost of car insurance can be greatly reduced. The discount will vary depending on your insurance provider and coverage, so get in touch with your insurance agent for a quote.

Attending driving classes is beneficial in many ways. You’ll become a better driver, stay up to date on current rules and regulations, and get your full license faster. For more information about our driving classes at Ambitious Drivers, contact us today!

If you’ve recently passed your driving test, congratulations! The most nerve-wracking part is over. Now that you can drive on your own, there are a few responsibilities you should be aware of—proper vehicle maintenance being one of the most important. As a new driver, it’s important for you to recognize the signs that your vehicle needs repair.

To keep you and other drivers on the road safe, here are a few things to watch for that might suggest your vehicle needs a tune-up:

Flashing “Check Engine” Light. An illuminated “check engine” light is no need for immediate concern. If the light is flashing, however, you should take your car in for repairs immediately. It’s a sign that something is wrong with one of the hundreds of systems in your vehicle.

Leaks. If your regular parking spot is covered in stains, your engine is probably leaking. With a simple Online search, you should be able to determine the source of the leaking substance. If the stains are coming from the front half of the vehicle, it could be coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, or engine oil. Get your vehicle to a local garage as soon as possible to diagnose the issue.

Strange Noises While Driving. Most people know what their vehicles sound like on a day-to-day basis. Strange or irregular sounds, like dragging, scraping, or banging, coming from the engine or underneath the vehicle are a major source of concern. If you’re hearing an unpleasant grinding sound when coming to a stop, your breaks likely need replacing. Take your vehicle to a local garage as soon as you can.

Exterior Deterioration. Whether it’s their evenly distributed rust, vintage mirrors, or unique interior, we understand why some people just can’t let go of their old cars. If your vehicle is more than 10 years old, it’s important to ensure it’s safe to drive. A cracked windshield, broken or missing mirrors, and broken turn signals or lights are dangerous and should be repaired immediately. Depending on your location, these may be ticketable offences.

Steam or Smoke Coming from Under the Hood. This problem is generally caused by overheating, which could ruin the engine. If your temperature gauge is constantly going up, you should turn off your vehicle until the engine cools, and seek professional help immediately.

Reduced Comfort on Bumpy Roads. If going over a speed bump or driving across a pothole causes your car to shake uncomfortably, or produce scraping sounds from below, your suspension likely needs repair.

Car trouble is one of the most frustrating things you can face while on the road—it’s also the most dangerous. Each time you get behind the wheel, ensure your vehicle is operating safely. For more driving tips, or to sign up for driving classes, get in touch with the professionals at Ambitious Drivers today.

Across Canada, winter brings cold temperatures, snow, sleet, rain, and hail. Slippery roads, snowbank-covered sidewalks, and poor visibility make winter months the most dangerous time of year for drivers—especially new ones. In fact, almost 30% of all car accidents in Canada happen on icy or snowy roads.

To help you stay safe, here is a list of some of the most common car accidents during winter:

Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are a common accident, year-round. With added ice and snow on roads, this accident happens much more often. Icy roads reduce traction and make it difficult for drivers to stop. To avoid a rear-end collision, it’s important to take slippery road conditions into consideration. When stopping at a stop sign or intersection, stop by slowly applying the brake, and give extra room between your bumper and the back of the car in front of you.

Sliding through Intersections
Icy, snow-covered roads are particularly dangerous around intersections. It’s important to give yourself plenty of time to stop, and to avoid running through late yellow lights. You should also be extra vigilant of other drivers. Even if you’re being as safe as possible, cars coming from the other direction may slide through the intersection.

Fishtailing
Fishtailing occurs when you lose traction on a slippery road, and results in the back end of your car drifting from side to side. This type of accident can happen backing out of your driveway or at highway speed. The most dangerous part about fishtailing is the natural reaction to want to jerk the steering wheel back into place to correct your position. This motion can lead to further loss of control, driving into the oncoming lane, or rolling. If you feel your car fishtailing, take your foot off the brake and gently steer into the direction of the skid.

Accidents Caused by Reduced Visibility
If you’ve lived in Canada for at least one winter season, you’ve likely experienced driving or riding in a car through a snowstorm. It’s extremely dangerous. Blowing snow, sleet, and hail can reduce visibility significantly. Common accidents caused by poor visibility include colliding with inanimate objects, highway accidents, and driving into oncoming traffic. The simplest solution to avoiding this type of accident: stay home! It’s always worth waiting for the storm to pass.

Learning how to safely navigate winter roads is an essential part of driving in Canada. When driving in adverse weather conditions, it’s important to drive slow, be vigilant, and give yourself plenty of time to stop. For more information about driving during winter, or to sign up for driving courses, get in touch with the professionals at Ambitious Drivers today.

Hitting the road with a group of friends and a stellar playlist is one of the most exhilarating things to do as a new driver. You are completely free, with an open road in any direction.

Before setting off, it’s important to go through a checklist to ensure your car is safe for the long trip ahead. Here are a few suggestions from the driving instructors at Ambitious Drivers:

•Check Your Fluids. This is a must before setting off an any road trip, whether it be a two-hour venture or a three-day haul. You should ensure your windshield wiper fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil are clean and topped up. Engine oil is perhaps one of the most important fluids on the checklist—and an easy one to check. The type of oil your car requires is generally printed on top of the oil cap. First, pull out the dipstick and wipe it off with a rag. Insert it back into the tube and pull it out a second time. Where the oil reaches on a set of hatch marks on the dipstick will determine the amount of oil in the engine. Ensure it is full and that the oil is clean.

•Test Your Windshield Wipers. If you’re leaving on a bright sunny day, you may not think to test out your windshield wipers. There is nothing more dangerous than getting caught in a thunderstorm on the highway with a broken wiper.

•Check Your Tire Pressure. Dealing with a flat tire can be dangerous and time consuming, especially on the side of the highway. With an air pump, ensure all tires are pumped to their recommended tire pressure (usually between 30 and 35 PSI.) Additionally, you should ensure you have a spare tire and that is fully inflated and rust-free.

•Ensure Your License and Insurance is Up to Date. This is especially important if you are travelling out of province or country. Ensuring your insurance is up to date will keep you and others on the road covered in the case of an accident.

•Pack a Basic Emergency Kit. You might be the best driver in the world, but there are some things, like weather, road conditions, and other cars, that you simply can’t control. Stay prepared with a basic emergency kit, including things like rags and work gloves, jumper cables, a flashlight, basic tools, and personal items like water, emergency food, and a blanket.

•Clean the Inside of Your Car. Cars get messy on road trips—it’s inevitable. Fast food, snacks, and baggage gradually spread across the dashboard and floor until the smell of stale French fries becomes intolerable. Be prepared and clean your car out before you set off on your journey.

Some of the best memories are made on road trips. Before you take off, go through our checklist to ensure a safe, hassle-free adventure. For more driving tips, or to sign up for driving courses, contact us today at Ambitious Drivers.

From flashy billboards to waving hitchhikers, roadside distractions are everywhere. For young drivers, these distractions can be deadly.

According to CAA, distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a crash.

To help educate you on the dangers of distracted driving, here are 8 common reasons why drivers lose focus behind the wheel:

1)Cell phones. There are laws preventing it, but texting remains one of the biggest distractions to date. When your eyes leave the road, even for a second, you risk missing what’s going on around your car, like a sudden stop or a pedestrian crossing the road.

2)Eating, Drinking and Smoking. You just bought a Big Mac and it smells delicious. Your passengers are gnawing down on fries and chicken wings and your mouth is watering. Resisting the urge for the five minutes it takes you to get home will ensure you get home safely, with both hands on the wheel.

3)Passengers. For young drivers, noisy passengers are a common distraction. New drivers require extra focus, especially when driving at night or in severe weather conditions. With excessive background noise, it’s easy to get distracted.

4)Stereo. Most stereos nowadays are built for maximum ease and convenience. Even so, to operate they involve leaning forward and looking downwards with one hand off the wheel. This motion, vaguely reminiscent of composing a text, turns the driver’s attention away from the road. Certain music, when played too loudly, can also play a role in distracted driving.

5)Grooming. Have you ever noticed people flipping down their visor mirrors and checking themselves out at stop lights? Plucking eyebrows, applying makeup, and poking at pores are all things you might notice people doing while they drive.

6)Daydreaming. Being dazed or lost in thought is another common cause of distracted driving. Lack of sleep or consumption of alcohol or prescription drugs can also be a contributing factor.

7)Roadside Distractions. Who doesn’t stare when driving by a nasty accident on the highway? Colourful billboards, roadside attractions, and wildlife also play a role in taking your eyes off the road.

8)Moving Objects. This can be anything from a mosquito buzzing in your ear to a leaping kitten on your dashboard to a coffee cup flying out of its holder. These happenings are often caused by things out of your control. When driving with animals on board, be sure to keep them secure and in a cage.

As a driver, there is a lot that is simply out of your control. There are a few things you can monitor, however, to reduce your risk of becoming distracted.

For more information about the dangers of distracted driving, or to sign up for driving courses, contact the professionals at Ambitious Drivers.

For new drivers, driving can be totally liberating. For the first time, new and young drivers have the ability to travel long distances on their own, completely undisturbed. It is important at this stage to avoid picking up bad driving habits, and ensure safe driving practices.

As driving experts, we’ve seen it all. Here are some common bad habits you should avoid while driving:

1.Distracted Driving
Every time you get behind the wheel, you should be completely focused on the road. Eating, texting , reading, or checking yourself out in the mirror while driving are all examples of distracted driving that commonly contribute to accidents.

2.Speeding
Speeding is a dangerous habit that starts early and is difficult to shed. Speeding drivers are not only putting themselves at risk—they are endangering the lives of everybody else on the road.

3.Drafting Semi-Trucks
Following too close to a semi-truck is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. When turning, allow semi-trucks extra room and never put yourself in their blind spot for an extended period of time.

4.Not Wearing a Seatbelt
Seatbelts save over 13,000 lives per year. Why risk it? Clipping in your seatbelt as soon as you get behind the wheel is an important habit to start practicing early on.

5.Not Shoulder Checking
A brief glance in the mirror is not sufficient enough when it comes to changing lanes or passing vehicle on the road. In order to tell if a car is in your blind spot, you must turn your head and glance over your shoulder.

6.Driving Drunk
In Canada, approximately four people are killed in crashes each day because of an alcohol or drug-related accident. Signs of an impaired driver include unnecessary speeding, slow response to traffic signals and signs, tailgating, and dangerous drifting or changing of lanes.

7.Not Using Blinkers
Turning or changing lanes without signalling to other cars is extremely dangerous and can lead to unnecessary accidents. If a car is in your blind spot, or pulling out of a driveway up ahead, how are they supposed to know you are turning?

8.Speeding Through Yellow Lights
Most of the time, driving through a yellow light is relatively safe. Speeding through a late yellow, however, is very dangerous and can lead to serious collisions—and a ticket. In some provinces, there are ticketing systems installed at intersections, and the fines are hefty.

To ensure a safe driving experience throughout your life, it’s important to avoid bad habits early.

If you have any questions about safe driving, or are looking to sign up for driving courses, the professionals at Ambitious Drivers are here to help. Contact us today for more information.

With winter on its way, young drivers can expect an onslaught of unpredictable weather during the next few months. In other words: rain.
It’s too warm to snow, but too cold to be sunny, resulting in a dreary, rainy few months before winter hits. For new drivers, wet roads can be challenging. To help you stay safe this fall, here are a few tips for driving on wet roads:

Adjust Your Settings
There are some precautions you can take to stay safe on wet roads, even before you start driving. Rain causes your window to fog up almost immediately. Visibility is important when driving on wet roads. To avoid a foggy windshield, turn your defrost setting on high.

Check Your Wipers
There is nothing more dangerous than broken windshield wipers in the middle of a heavy storm. If you notice one or both windshield wipers are ineffective, replace them immediately.

Wipe Your Feet
To keep your foot on the pedals while driving, it’s important to dry off your feet beforehand. Wet boots or shoes can cause your feet to slide off the pedals unexpectedly, putting you and others at risk on the road.

Be Cautious Around Corners
Water can be just as dangerous as black ice. Aquaplaning, which occurs when a thin layer of water on the road’s surface causes you to lose control, is a serious concern for new drivers. To avoid aquaplaning, slow down around corners and going down hills.
If you do find yourself aquaplaning, it’s important not to slam on the brakes. Similar to how you would react when hitting an ice patch, keep your hands firmly on the wheel and brake gently if you need to. Try to stay calm.

Drive Under the Speed Limit
In adverse weather conditions, you should always drive under the speed limit. Rain makes it difficult to stop, accelerate, or turn quickly.

Leave Space Behind Cars
In heavy traffic especially, it’s important to leave space between your vehicle and other cars. Rain can increase your chances of rear-ending another vehicle by sliding.

Turn Your Lights On
Even in broad daylight, rain can significantly decrease visibility. To ensure you can see, and that other cars can see you, it’s important to drive with your lights on in the rain.
Driving in the rain is something all drivers must face. As long as you know which precautions to take, and how to stay calm in challenging situations, you will adjust to driving on wet roads in no time.

If you are interested in taking your driver’s test, or want to learn more about safety tips for driving on wet roads, the professionals at Ambitious Drivers can help. Get in touch with us today!

One of the most significant moments for many young teens today is the passing of the infamous driving test. For some, it’s a cake walk, for others, more nerve-racking than a final exam.
If you’re thinking of taking the test, here is a list of dos and don’ts to help you get ready:

Do

Remember Your Seatbelt. You might find this silly, but it’s easy to forget doing up your seatbelt when you’re nervous.

Take Your Time. This point is crucial, especially during the parallel parking portion of the test. Nerves cause many young drivers to rush, often resulting in panic and or failure. Not only will staying calm and taking your time increase your chances of doing it right—it’ll show the instructor how cool and unfazed you are in the face of a challenge.

Leave Your Phone at Home. Your phone should be left at home during the test. Beeps from a text message or an incoming phone call are unprofessional and can distract you.

Be Confident. You have been practicing for months. Don’t let an examiner with a clipboard and a pen scare you. Trust yourself and your confidence will shine through.

Be Smart Booking Your Test. Try not to book your test during rush hour, or during a massive local sporting event. If you operate best at a certain time of day, take this into account when booking a time for your test.

Don’t

Talk Too Much. It is important to build a friendly rapport with your examiner, but don’t go overboard. Talking throughout the test will distract you and make it difficult for the examiner to give you proper directions.

Turn on the Radio. This is a big no-no. Music is distracting, and the examiner may take it as a sign that you are not taking the test seriously.

Get Emotional. The way other people behave behind the wheel is out of your control. If someone cuts you off or yells at you during the test, keep your cool and try not to get agitated.

Show Off. At home, your parents might let you drive the family car all the time. The examiner doesn’t need to know this. Don’t try to impress them by any quick or funky maneuvers on the road—you risk losing the test and putting yourself in danger.

Don’t Stay up Late the Night Before. You should be in prime mental state for your driving test. This means no parties or tomfoolery the night before. Be sure to eat and eat well the morning of the test. To keep the jitters at bay, switch out coffee for tea.

The most important thing to remember: stay safe and have fun. Your driving test examiner is human too, and understands how stressful the first test can be.
If you are interested in taking driving courses, sign up today with Ambitious Drivers.

Whether you have just gotten back from school supply shopping yourself (with an extra notebook just for your driving lessons) or this is simply your first time on the roads as a driver at this time of year, driving during the school year requires some extra thought and skill. There are many more pedestrians, most of which are young children, walking around at peak commute hours. The laws surrounding driving near school buses also need to be taken into account. At Ambitious Drivers, we value the safety of our drivers and of the entire community. So, we have compiled a helpful list of things to remember when you’re on the road as the school year begins.

Remain Aware

Distracted driving is extremely hazardous at any time, but when there are young pedestrians about, it is important to pay extra attention. Young children might not be fully aware of the dangers of the road; and while parent supervision and crossing guards on duty do their utmost to keep these youngsters safe and on the sidewalk, you should never assume that they won’t stray onto the road. If your route goes through a school zone, or even if you are driving along a common commuter way, be aware of large groups of children on the sidewalks. As always, fully stop at stop signs and never go above the speed limit.

Driving Near Buses

If the road you’re on does not have a median, you must stop for any school bus that has its upper red lights flashing. If you do not stop for a stopped school bus, the first offence can cost you a fine of up to $2000 and six demerit points. You can also be liable if your car is driven past a school bus, even if you weren’t driving it at the time.
If you are driving towards the front of the bus, stop a good safe distance from the front door and allow all the children to get on the bus or exit. You must not begin driving again until all the lights have stopped, and give the bus room to drive away first.
If you are driving on a road with a median, traffic going in the opposite direction to the bus, on the other side of the median, does not need to stop.

Safety for Students

We know many of our students are still in high school as well, so here are some things anyone riding a school bus this year should remember:
Always remain at least ten paces from the front or side of the bus while waiting. Never wait behind the bus.
Be at the bus stop a few minutes before it arrives; never run to try and catch the bus.
Wait for the flashing lights to begin before you board or exit.
If you drop something on your way on or off the bus, do not stoop to pick it up. Alert the driver of the situation and wait for them to tell you it is safe to retrieve the item.

If you have any questions about any aspect of safe driving, or to register for an upcoming course, contact Ambitious Drivers today.

Whether you signed up for driving classes as soon as you were eligible or have taken a more relaxed route towards becoming a driver, most people have a lot of experience taking tests in general by the time they get into a car with a driving instructor. All that time in school will definitely come in handy, as the driving test is quite similar to other forms of exams you may have taken in the past. However, there are some key differences—and thus different approaches to passing—between a math exam and a practical driving test. At Ambitious Drivers, we want you to get the most out of your driving school experience.

Here are some general and driving-specific study tips to help you ace the test on your very first try:

Understand the Criteria

This may seem obvious, but you need to know the rules of the road to pass your driving test. More than that, though, you need to know how your own knowledge will be assessed. With enough practice and great instruction, anyone can be a safe and conscientious driver. However, many of those great drivers failed their test the first time. That is because there is a difference between understanding something yourself and being able to communicate that understanding to others. The best way to bridge that gap is through communication. While talking to any experienced driver is a good way to gain insight into the skill and realities of the road, your driving instructor has the most valuable and direct knowledge about your upcoming driving test. During your last few classes, make sure to take a moment to ask them about the details of the test: of course you’ll be tested on parking, but how, exactly? On what type of street and in what conditions? Every test experience is unique, but the more information you have, the more you can fine tune your practice sessions.

Be in the Right Frame of Mind

As you will have gone over in class, distracted or drowsy driving can be incredibly dangerous on the road. No matter how well you know your stuff, anxiety can take its toll before any kind of test. That is why we recommend drawing up a study plan a few weeks ahead of your test. Knowing what you are going to practice on each can take a lot of the pressure off, and make for calmer and more productive driving sessions. Similar to physical workout routines, it can also help to have a driving “warm-up” and “cool-down.” Have a set route or series of actions you take at the beginning and end of each practice session. Having a solid routine in place will translate into readiness for the actual test.

The evening before the test, try to do a non-driving related activity you enjoy. Eat a filling, but not too heavy meal, and get to bed at a reasonable time. You will want to be at your test appointment at least 15 minutes early, so that means you need to make sure you have enough time for a good night’s sleep and the commute there.

For more information about driving tests, and comprehensive personalized lessons, contact us at Ambitious Drivers today.