Winter in Canada can be a big cause of concern, especially if you have recently arrived in Canada and have never driven in snow. Even though winter officially arrives on December 21st, it’s not uncommon to see heavy snowfall, slush, and ice arrive in early November. As beautiful as winter in Canada can be, driving in hazardous winter conditions is much different. So check out these winter driving tips to increase your safety and the safety of others.
Prepare Your Car for Winter in Canada
Winter driving is much different than driving in summer conditions, so you have to prepare your car. With this checklist, you can ensure you and your car are ready for safe winter driving.
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WINTER DRIVING CHECKLIST
✓ Install four winter tires
✓ Test your car battery
✓ Check your headlights and replace them if necessary
✓ Ensure your wiper blades are in good working condition
✓ Place a snowbrush and icescraper in your car
✓ Check the fluid levels
✓ Buy extra washer fluid to keep in your car and check that it’s rated for -40 degrees Celsius
✓ Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent the fuel-line from freezing and your car from starting
Prepare your car for safe winter driving
Installing Winter Tires
Winter tires are essential for driving in hazardous conditions and they exceed specifications for grip and traction. A specialized rubber compound helps winter tires adapt to the road surface and dig into snow and ice. This added traction allows the tires to adapt to winter conditions and grip the road without sliding. Winter tires also improve stability and help you handle your car with greater control when driving on snow-covered roads or changing lanes in slush or on ice.
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According to the Canadian Automobile Association, you should switch to winter tires as soon as the temperature is consistently below 7 degrees Celsius. Most automotive service centers or auto body shops in Canada can install winter tires or offer tire-changing services.
Installing winter tires improves control when driving on snow-covered and icy roads.
Check Winter Weather and Road Conditions Before You Driver
During the winter in Canada, driving can be unpredictable, and you may be unable to avoid a sudden snowstorm. However, if you check weather websites for local and regional forecasts, you’ll be in a better position to delay or change your travel plans. When a snowstorm is in the forecast, it’s best to stay off the roads entirely.
The Weather Network provides essential severe weather outlooks and issues warnings and alerts for snowfall and freezing rain risks.
Or, you can also access the 511 app in winter to check for weather and road conditions before heading out:
Prepare a Driving Survival Kit for Winter in Canada
In addition to preparing your car, it’s also wise to prepare for your comfort and safety if your car breaks down. Consider adding these provisions to your vehicle:
✓ Non-perishable such as granola bars, dried foods, juice, and bottle water
✓ Matches
✓ Flashlight
✓ Cell phone and charger
These are also helpful essentials to assist other vehicles having difficulty.
Clear Snow and Ice from Your Car
Another critical winter driving tip is to make sure you clear your car of snow and ice. That handy snowbrush and ice scraper that you have in your car will help you to see clearly from all windows.
You also want other cars to see you, so make sure to scrape ice from all windows, and brush the snow from the hood and roof of the car. Snow left on the roof of a car can slide down to the windshield and obstruct your vision. When you clear snow from your car, you’ll avoid snow blowing from your car when driving, Blowing snow from your car can impede your vision and that of other drivers on the road.
Remember to add some extra time to your schedule to properly remove snow from your car.
Allow time to remove all snow and ice from your car
Driver Behaviour is Also Important When Driving in Winter
Winter driving is stressful and as a driver, you need to be alert to changing conditions. Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination and reduce your driving speed. It takes a longer time to stop on snow and ice-covered roads.
Drivers must also be aware of snow plows on the road. In Ontario, it’s now illegal to pass snow plows working side-by-side on multi-lane highways. This is a Highway Traffic Act violation that could result in fines ranging from $150 to $1,000.
Leave Lots of Space When Driving in Winter
While it makes sense to always keep plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you, it can be a lifesaving winter driving tip in Canada. A helpful guideline is to keep a minimum of three car lengths between the car that you are driving behind. Or, try to keep eight to ten seconds between you and the car you are following.
You can measure the seconds by watching the car ahead of you pass a fixed object such as a road sign or fence. Then you count how long it takes for you to pass the same object. If your travel time is less than three or four seconds, it’s time to increase your distance from the car in front of you.
And more space is always better when driving in a snowstorm. The proper amount of space will allow you plenty of time to brake safely.
When you brake quickly, your car can easily lose traction. It’s best to keep your speed down so you can avoid slamming on the brakes. It’s harder to stop your car in snow and icy conditions.
Watch Out for Black Ice
Black ice is another danger when driving in winter in Canada, or even when there is freezing rain. It’s difficult to see because the ice is clear and almost the same colour as the road, (therefore, the name for black ice).
This dangerous driving condition happens when the road is wet and the temperature drops below freezing. Black ice is common in locations such as bridges and overpasses where the cold air flows below the surface of the road.
This road sign shows a vehicle with skid marks to indicate that the pavement is slippery when wet. This indicates that there is an increased risk of car accidents.
This road sign indicates slippery pavement
If you do hit black ice, follow these winter driving tips:
Keep your steering wheel straight to avoid sliding or losing control of your car
Avoid braking because it will cause your car to slide
Take your foot off the gas pedal to reduce your speed and let the car stop on its own
Know how to use the anti-lock brake system (ABS) if your vehicle has it.
Slow Down When Driving in Winter in Canada
You can expect a few big snowstorms each winter in Canada. And, it can be very frustrating when you have to get somewhere during a storm. Traffic slows down, snowplows are busy salting, plowing, and removing snow, and people are impatient.
The best advice is to give yourself plenty of time if you absolutely must be on the road during a snowstorm or freezing rain. Your patience will help you to stay calm, make smart decisions, and be aware of other drivers on the road. Remember, driving in winter in Canada is stressful for everyone. But, when you follow these smart winter driving tips, the roads will be safer for everyone.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
For newcomers, learning to drive a car can be an important first step. If you have never had a driver’s license before, we’ll explore learning to drive and how to get your driver’s license in Canada.
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A driver’s license will help you do many practical activities such as:
Go to job interviews and travel to work
Shop for groceries
Run important errands.
Learning to drive can also allow you to do personal activities like going on exciting road trips, discovering charming small towns, and enjoying scenic drives.
A driving license can also be used as an official piece of Canadian identification. Just one more benefit of having a driving license.
Obtaining your driving license is also helpful if you plan to live in a suburb where communities are more spread out. That distance can make it challenging to get around quickly and efficiently without a car.
You may already have your driving license from your home country. If you currently have a driver’s license you may be able to take advantage of the foreign license exchange agreement or get credits for your foreign driving experience. This will allow you to obtain your Canadian driver’s license more quickly.
Getting Your Driver’s License for the First Time? Where to Start
Getting your driver’s license in Canada may vary depending on the province where you reside. However, all provinces will require you to pass driving tests:
A driving theory exam (a written exam that tests your knowledge of driving rules and road signs)
A vision test
One or two in-car driving tests.
Getting your G1 Driving License
When you successfully pass the driving theory exam and the vision test, you will get your G1 driving license. With a G1 driving license, you are only allowed to drive when there is a fully licensed driver in the car with a minimum of four years of driving experience. As well, there are other restrictions that you have to follow.
Getting Your G2 Driving License
To graduate from your G1 to a G2 driving license, you will have to pass a road test. The road test will test your basic driving skills. You can take this driving test after you have been a G1 driver for 12 months.
Getting Your Full G License
To get your full G license, you must pass a test that covers advanced driving skills such as parallel parking and driving on a highway. You can take this driving test:
After 12 months of driving with a G2 driving license, and
Before the G2 driving license expiry date.
But if your G2 driving license expires, you’ll have to do all of the tests over again. So it’s important to complete your G license driving test before your G2 expires.
When you pass your G driving test, you will successfully get your full G license! With this license, you can drive any car, van, or small truck.
Learning to Drive a Car with a Professional Driving School
If you do not have a driver’s license from your home country and have never driven before, you may want to learn to drive in Canada. A beneficial way to learn to drive is to take driving lessons before you get your license.
When you take driving lessons you can gain several benefits. For example, you can:
Increase your safety:You’ll learn the rules of the road and the best driving techniques. From driving in changing weather conditions to avoiding a collision, you will increase your safety and the safety of others.
2. Develop good driving habits and skills: You’ll get the practice you need to drive with confidence and the skill to pass your driving test in Canada.
3. Learn with professional driving instructors: With an experienced and professional driving instructor, you’ll learn the proper driving techniques as well as the common mistakes you need to avoid. Activities like speeding or following too closely can amount to expensive tickets, collisions, and serious injury to yourself or others.
4. Get your driving license faster: When you complete your driving lessons and receive your certificate, you can take your driving test eight months after you complete your written test. Without a driving certificate from a qualified driving school, drivers must wait 12 months before they can take the G2 driving test. Learn more about Canada’s graduated licensing system.
5. Reduce your insurance rates: With a certificate from a driving school, you may be rewarded for your time and effort with lower car insurance rates. However, the driving school that you attend must be approved by the provincial Ministry of Transportation. Click here for approved driving schools in Ontario.
Key Takeaways About Learning to Drive a Car:
Learning to drive a car in Canada can allow you to do many practical as well as personal activities.
2. While the process to get your driver’s license may vary slightly across Canada, all provinces use a graduated licensing system. This system allows you to progress from a G1 license to a G2 license, and finally to a full G license.
3. To learn to drive in Canada with confidence and skill, you can consider taking driving lessons from a government-approved driving school. Driving lessons provide you with many benefits, including lower car insurance rates in Canada which will save you money.
For more information about living, working, and banking in Canada, check out our upcoming free webinars!
Corinna Frattini is the content marketing strategist at Prepare for Canada and contributes articles related to working in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
Be light-footed: Anticipate changes in speed and traffic and respond with gentle acceleration or deceleration. This is particularly helpful with most types of hybrid vehicles.
Don’t speed: Not only is it dangerous, but speeding also burns more fuel, which will cost you more at the pump.
Stay on top of servicing: Regular maintenance at your local dealership, such as changing your engine oil and filter and inspecting and replacing air filters, will keep your engine operating at peak efficiency to optimize your gas usage.
Give the tires some TLC (tender, love, and care): Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tire size and air pressure. The ideal pressure is listed on the inside of the driver’s side door jam. Believe it or not, this can affect the performance and efficiency of your vehicle.
Stay sleek: To optimize the vehicle’s aerodynamics, remove roof racks, cargo boxes, bike racks and other accessories when you’re not using them.
Pack light: A lighter vehicle is a more efficient vehicle, so remove all non-essential items. If it’s not needed on the trip, leave it at home.
Electrify your ride: Driving a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery-electric vehicle is the best way to save on fuel, whether you borrow, lease or buy. You fuel up and drive a hybrid just like a gas vehicle but you get 30 to 40% better fuel efficiency. A plug-in hybrid gets you all-electric, zero-emission driving when you’re staying close to home, plus a fuel tank as a backup so you never have to worry on those longer journeys. Charging at home means a battery-electric vehicle is an ideal solution for commuting, day trips and stay-in-the-city weekends.
These simple tips should help you save on gas, and reduce your emissions while you enjoy the pleasures of the open road this summer.
There are countless things you need to get in order when moving to a new country. One of them is ensuring you have the proper documents to transfer your driver’s license. It is important to make sure you have a valid drivers license for the province where you reside. But knowing what steps you need to take can be confusing for newcomers to Canada. Here’s what to know to get your Ontario drivers license.
The rules for getting a driving license in Canada differ in each province and territory. If you are moving to Ontario from another country, you may be able to simply exchange your foreign license for a driver’s license in Ontario without the need to take a road test if you are from one of the countries that have a license exchange agreement with the province.
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Or, if you’re moving from another province, you should do your research on the steps you need to take to exchange your license from another province.
Research How to Exchange Your Drivers License
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Before you arrive in Canada, it’s a good idea to understand the steps you will need to take in order to get your licence in Ontario. Being prepared is essential. Here are some steps to take before you move:
Get a copy of your driving history from your home country’s licensing authority to prove your license type and the number of years you have been a fully licensed driver.
Get proof of insurance. Insurance companies will want to see your insurance history. If you can provide your history, it can help you get a better car insurance rate, especially if you have a clean driving record.
Bring your actual drivers license with you. You will need to provide this to the Ministry of Transportation when getting your Ontario license.
Having the appropriate documents (including the actual licence itself) ready when you arrive will help when you apply for a drivers license in Canada.
Getting your Driving License When You Arrive In Ontario
Valid non-Ontario licenses may be used for the first 60 days while you get settled in the province. Once that time has elapsed, a valid Ontario license is required. There are certain countries the province has agreements with that allow for a simple exchange.
You may exchange your existing license for an Ontario equivalent if your license is from:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
France
Germany
Great Britain
The Isle of Man
Japan
Korea
New Zealand
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Switzerland
Taiwan
United States
A learner or novice license cannot be exchanged. However, you may still receive credit for previous driving experience and proceed through the Ontario graduated licensing process more quickly as a result.
Exchanging Your Foreign Drivers License In Ontario
To exchange your foreign license, you will need to go to a DriveTest Centre and:
Take an eye test
Bring original identification showing your legal name, date of birth and signature.
Bring your valid non-Ontario licence
Show any original supporting documents that show proof of your driving experience
Pay the applicable fees
Fill out an application form (where you will state how long you have been driving).
If you have less than two years of driving experience, you will receive a G1 license. This is equivalent to a learner’s permit. It is the first of three steps to becoming fully licensed in Ontario. Here are the different licensing classes and requirements as outlined on Ontario.ca:
G1 License Requirements
Maintain a zero-blood alcohol level (no alcohol in your blood)
Ensure every passenger wears a properly working seatbelt
Avoid driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
Do not drive on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways (i.e. 401, Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), Gardiner Expressway)
Drive with a fully licensed driver who has at least four years of driving experience
Practice with your G1 licence for 12 months.
G2 Drivers License
After you pass your G1 road test, you get a G2 Ontario drivers licence. With a G2 license you:
Must practice with your G2 licence for 12 months
Can drive without another experienced driver in the car
Must have a zero-blood alcohol level.s
If you are 19 and under, some other restrictions still apply.
G License
A G license is a full drivers license in Ontario. You will receive a G drivers license if you are from one of the countries that have an exchange agreement. If you are not, the MTO will assess your driving experience and assign you a driver’s license based on the information you provide. You may be required to take a knowledge and road test. With a G Ontario drivers license:
You pass a comprehensive road test
All driving restrictions are removed
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
If you’re a newcomer thinking about buying a new car in Canada, the auto market offers a wide range of vehicles to meet different financial situations, lifestyles, and driving habits. If you’re in Canada from a country with a smaller auto market and fewer choices, this can be daunting as you begin your search. Buying a new car is often the second most expensive purchase after buying a home. So it’s worth it to do some research to determine what kind of vehicle will suit your needs.
But before you buy a new car, it’s a good idea to consider if you even need a new car. Most large cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton have extensive public transit systems. Public transit allows you to move about cost-effectively and conveniently. Or you can even consider buying a used car. However, if you still want to buy a new car here are some important things to do and think about.
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Do Your Research Before Buying a Car
Talk to people who own the make and model of the car that you are interested in buying. That way you can get first-hand knowledge about their experience. Their insights about reliability, repair costs, and gas mileage can be helpful information that can save you money. Also, don’t be invested in brand loyalty too heavily as the quality gap between domestic and import brands has narrowed in recent years.
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You can also research Canadian automotive websites that are full of reviews and road tests for all types of vehicles. Specific factors to research include:
Cost
Performance
Features
Fuel economy
Warranty
Reliability
Running costs
Depreciation and eventual resale value.
Be sure to evaluate how the car you want to buy compares to the competition’s price.
Know How the Pricing System Works
Before buying a new car it’s worth knowing how you can get the best price for your new vehicle. Here it’s important to the difference between the suggested retail price (SRP) and the dealer invoice price.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MRSP):
The MRSP is also commonly known as the list price or “window sticker” price. This is the price point that new car dealers work from. In many cases, you can negotiate a lower cost. However, if the car is in high demand, it may sell for more.
Dealer Invoice Price:
This is the actual price the dealer pays the manufacturer for the vehicle. And there is usually some variance. The price margin is important as it tells the new car buyer how much profit the car dealer can make on the sale of the car and help you negotiate a lower price.
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Rebates, Incentives, and Special Offers:
Car dealers commonly offer special promotions, factory/dealer rebates, and other incentives to increase car sales. Find out when manufacturers and dealers offer these programs before buying a car as you could make big savings.
The Best Time to Buy a Car
There are different Canadian automotive websites that show what manufacturers and dealers are offering incentives and for what models. Also, some good times to look for and buy a new car include:
Slow sale periods in the winter
End-of-year inventory clearances, and
End of the month when a car dealer is making way for new models.
Car dealers will offer other incentives to new car buyers such as no interest payments, low financing rates, attractive leasing rates, and cash rebates.
Take a Test Drive Before You Buy a Car
Before you buy a car, it’s important to take a test drive. The car dealership will allow you to take a half-hour test ride on urban and highway roads so you can get an idea of how the vehicle drives and feels. If a spouse will drive the car, ensure they come along for the ride to use the controls, explore the features and evaluate the vehicle. . You can also bring the family to test out the back seat room!
Another helpful way to take a test drive is to rent the make and model you’re considering buying. That way, you can drive the car for a longer period of time to experience the car and its benefits. Or, you may discover that the vehicle doesn’t meet your needs. Either way, a test drive is an important first step to take before buying a car.
To Lease or Buy a Car
When buying a car, you have two types of financial agreements to consider: buy or lease a vehicle.
Whether you choose to lease or buy a car, you’ll have a monthly, weekly, or bi-weekly car payment for a few years, unless you pay cash. Typically, most car-buyers put down a deposit on a car and get a loan from a bank to buy it. In which case, you’ll also have to pay interest on the loan. . The other option is to lease a car. When you lease, you don’t own the car. You are essentially renting it for a specific period. At the end of the lease term, you will have the option to return the vehicle, trade it in for a newer model, or buy it out.
With a lease, instead of borrowing the full purchase price of the car, you are only borrowing the amount the car will depreciate over the term of the lease. For example with a three-year lease, and taking into account regular wear and tear (known as the “residual value”), then you only have to finance the difference between the purchase price and the residual value. This is the basic reason lease payments are lower than loan payments.
Pros and Cons of Leasing vs. Buying a Car
Both leasing or buying a car has pros and cons. When you buy a car, you own the car at the end of the payment period – you own the car fully and it has some residual value and equity. The cons are that payments are more expensive than leasing and once the vehicle is out of its warranty period you are responsible for maintenance and repair costs.
When you lease a car, you have lower car payments and better cash flow. And since car leases are generally between two and three years, the vehicle you buy is almost always going to be covered by warranties. Once the lease is up, you can either walk away or upgrade to a newer model. However, unless you negotiate to buy the car at the end of its lease you will never really own the vehicle and will not build equity.
When Does Leasing Make Sense?
Deciding to lease or buy a car in Canada can be a difficult decision. Basically, you have to decide what option makes sense given your financial situation, individual, or family lifestyle. Here are some things to know about leasing:
Lease periods are usually two to three years, so leasing makes sense if you like to change new vehicles often.
Regular maintencance may be included in your leasing contract. Be sure to confirm this.
A lease usually limits the number of kilometres you can drive. After you drive more than the limit, you will have to pay mileage. So if you expect to drive long distances over the course of your lease this will drive up your cost at the end of the lease.
Monthly lease payments may be lower than financing options.
Carefully evaluating your driving habits and your car needs will help you to make the decision the lease or buy a car.
Payment Options When Buying a Car
You have a few ways you can pay for your vehicle when you buy a car in Canada:
Cash: You pay the full amount upfront to the dealership or private seller.
Financing from the car dealer: Financing and payment options are readily available from auto dealers through their financing company. However, you may face challenges getting approval if you don’t have an established credit history.
Bank loans or line of credit: You can apply for financial aid through your bank or credit union. Most banks have programs in place to help newcomers get a car loan with little or no credit.
Do the math to figure out which option makes the most financial sense.
Making the Deal to Buy a Car
If the test drive goes well and you’re ready to buy a car, ensure you use all the information you researched to work out a fair price. The price should take into account any factory and dealer rebates, discounts, and incentives. It is a good idea to have this information in a report to use as a negotiating tool when dealing with a salesperson. This can be the most difficult stage of buying a car since car dealers want to get the suggested retail price. So, at a minimum, you should know what price the dealer paid the factory for the car and what rebates are available to them.
Your solid research can help you to negotiate the best price and save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on the new car price. The art of the deal is to allow the dealer to make some profit, but not all at your expense.
During the buying stage, the cost of the car can go much higher when the salesperson tries to sell dealer-installed extras such as:
Roof racks
Fabric protection
Paint protection
Rustproofing
Entertainment systems, and
Undercoating.
In most cases, these are high-margin profit items for the dealer that reduce any cost-savings you negotiate. These are added profits that only come out of your wallet. And most of these extras aren’t necessary. If there are options that you want to purchase, it will drive up the price of your car. So, try to negotiate the price on the options as well. Or, you can also add options at a later date from other places outside of the dealership at a reduced price.
Negotiation Tips When Buying a Car
Remember as the buyer with money to spend you have the upper hand. Dealerships don’t want to lose a sale and will try their best to win and keep your future business. So keep these tips in mind when negotiating price:
Be firm and confident
Research as much as possible in advance of buying a car
Make a counter-offer if the deal is not in your favour
Know the price that other dealers are offering for the same vehicle
Be prepared to walk away if the dealer does not accept your counter-offer.
Other Factors to Consider Before You Buy a Carin Canada
There are certain steps you will need to take and documents you will need before you can drive off the lot with your new car. Don’t expect to arrive and buy a car on the first day you are in the country. It will take a little bit of time to get things in order first. If you have recently arrived in Canada, here’s some additional information to know and things you need before buying a car.
You Need a Canadian Driver’s Licence
Depending on your country of origin, you may be able to exchange your driver’s licence for one in your new province. If you can’t transfer your licence, you may be able to get some driving experience credit. Bring your current driver’s licence to a local licencing office to start the process of getting a Canadian driver’s licence.
You cannot get car insurance without first getting your Canadian driver’s licence. Once this is in place, you can compare car insurance quotes and find coverage for your vehicle. If you are buying a car from an auto dealership, they can help you get your insurance documents in order. Using an insurance broker is also a good option. Brokers can help you explore your insurance options and find affordable premiums.
You Must Register Your Vehicle with the Provincial Government
To finalize the purchase of your vehicle, you will need to register your car with the provincial government where you reside. Check out this post for links to Provincial Ministries of Transportation. You will need your drivers’ licence, insurance, and bill of sale to complete this process. Again, if you are buying from a dealership, they will take care of the registration process for you.
These tips and information are important things to consider if you are thinking of buying a car in Canada. A new car is a large investment and these tips can help you to make a wise financial decision.
For more information about your financial first steps in Canada, visit our banking in Canadaresource page. Get the essential information you need to manage your finances in Canada!
