image: courtesy of ICBC

Looking for a good New Year’s resolution? How does a driver refresher test sound? OK, so it may not be as fun as your pledge to travel more and other self help initiatives but it is just as worthy of your attention if not more so. From city streets to highways, the roads of British Columbia can be hazardous through all four seasons and a small investment of your time can go a long way towards collectively ending a provincial epidemic that counts nearly 1000 vehicle collisions per day. As BC’s premier automobile insurance broker we’re here with some insight into why now is the perfect time to assess and potentially update your skills behind the wheel.

4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Taking a Driving Refresher Test in 2019

1. There’s a 40% Chance That You Need To

If  you were sporting florescent leg warmers, ginormous shoulder pads or corduroy bell-bottoms when you got your drivers license, chances are it has been a while since you tested your knowledge of the rules of the road.

A recent study conducted by ICBC uncovered the startling fact that 4 in 10 drivers would fail a knowledge test. The biggest areas of concern include a lack of understanding about what to do when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, minimum following distances, yielding to a public transit, and common road sign comprehension. With approximately 350,000 collisions reported in the last recorded year and an additional $4.8 billion in claims, there is a clear call to action. You may not be able to do anything about the others on the road, but you can certainly reassess your own adeptness and take corrective measures (via a refresher course) so that at the very least you’re prepared to react as needed.

2. ICBC’s New System of Determining Insurance Premiums 

There’s nothing like a financial incentive for motivation, and when it comes to driving ICBC has made it clear that good drivers will be rewarded with lower premiums while bad drivers will be penalized in the pocketbook. As of 2019, ICBC’s new system of determining insurance premiums will factor in the following:

• Experience
• Crash background
• Other drivers of your vehicle
• Vehicle use (i.e. personal, commercial, etc.)
• Vehicle safety installations and upgrades
• Vehicle mileage
• Other

View our complete guide to ICBC’s new system of calculating premiums for good and bad drivers. Curious how you stack up? By taking the test and corrective measures (as needed) today you may end up with significant insurance premium savings in the future, as good drivers will pay less.

3. Uncertain Times on the Roads

There are the threats we can quickly spot such as seasonal weather and drivers that continue to use their smartphone while operating a vehicle. But there are threats that have yet to fully rear their head, those that we will better be able to calculate in the years to come. One that is of particular concern to BC drivers is the legalization of recreational cannabis use and how it may impact road safety. This is not something being taken lightly as IBC reports that 80 percent of Canadians are concerned about impaired driving with the new legalization. This uncertainty invokes yet another reason to test your own knowledge and skills behind the wheel so that you’re prepared for the lack of consideration of others.

4. It Won’t Affect Your License

Many drivers are game to take a test but neglect to do so because of misinformation. They are worried that the act alone could potentially have a negative impact on their standing. Not to worry!  The refresher test is simply aimed at reminding drivers of the rules, without it affecting their license in any way, shape, or form. In fact, this is a quick, online, anonymous test that provides YOU with some insight on your current knowledge, and tips on how to improve (if necessary.)  Why not find our how you stack up? Now you know, there’s nothing standing in your way of doing the right thing. If collectively BC drivers pulled together in this capacity we could see a dramatic decrease in the record number of motor vehicle accidents in our province.

And, don’t forget to challenge your friends and family to take the test too!  We’re all in this together!

 

Take the Driver Refresher Test

 

In addition to testing your driver knowledge, how about updating your automobile insurance too? Now is as good a time as any to take advantage of the comprehensive policy options available to you as a BC resident.

 

Update Your Automobile Insurance