Dear Cop - License Restrictions

I enjoy your column very much. I have a question about your 22 March 2004 Article regarding the graduated licensing program. Is there a requirement to eventually have to get your class 5 licence? Or can you drive around forever as long as you follow restrictions?

The following are the restrictions on the back of my sons drivers licence, valid until Oct 2005.

Restrictions:
44 no operation of motor vehicle with alcohol in body must clearly display official new driver sign

In your article you write about passenger limitations and to see the back of the licence.

If a driver has a Class 7 "N" licence, the driver may renew the licence upon date of expiry for another Class 7 licence. There is no requirement to upgrade to a Class 5 licence.

After a minimum of 24 months, most novice drivers are eligible to take the Class 5 road test. If you pass it, you get your full-privilege, Class 5 driver's licence.

As of October 2003, there was a change to Class 7 licence restrictions for the amount of passengers permitted. If your son wishes to keep his Class 7 licence the restrictions for his Class 7 licence will be automatically updated to the following:
1. Must display an N sign
2. Must not drink and drive. There must be no alcohol in your body when you drive
3. Is permitted carry only one passenger. You are limited to one passenger unless you have a supervisor 25 years or older with a valid Class 1 - 5 driver's licence. This restriction does not apply to immediate family members: mother, father, sister, brother, child, spouse, grandparent including step and foster relationships.
"Immediate family member" does not mean aunt, uncle, cousin, or other relative

Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.