Countries all over the world are challenged with young drivers and how to handle the high accident rates because of them. Here are some laws other countries have developed to help decrease the deaths of their youth behind the wheel. Some of us might want to relocate once our children reach driving age!
In Britain, new drivers must display red “L” plates on their vehicles, can drive only with people 21 or older and cannot drive on highways. Learner’s permits, called provisional licenses, are allowed at age 17.
Germany
Once they turn 18, teens can be taught to drive at driving schools. Fairly rigorous; and expensive; training is required. After that’s completed, teen drivers earn a two-year probationary license. That license can be extended for two more years; or revoked in case of a driving infraction, such as running a red light.
France
No licensing until age 18, but teens can begin driver training at 16 if they sign a contract that’s also signed by a driving school and a supervisor. During this period, teens must drive at least 12 mph below speed limits. One study of this practice, though, found it had no effect on the likelihood of crashes.
Nova Scotia, Canada
After obtaining a learner’s permit after they turn 16, drivers spend two years with licenses that restrict late-night driving. To get an unrestricted license, teens must complete a defensive-driving or other driver-training course. Graduated licensing has cut crash rates by 50% for beginner 16- and 17-year-olds during their first six months.
Victoria, Australia
Sixteen-year-olds can get learner’s permits but are ineligible for unrestricted licenses until they’re 18. During the probationary period before teens are fully licensed, their vehicles cannot surpass a certain ratio of horsepower to vehicle weight.
Denmark
Requires driver education that includes defensive driving, hazard perception and driving maneuvers. Fewer crashes were reported in the first year after tougher licensing rules were imposed. Teens can get a learner’s permit when they’re 17 1/2. They can get a probationary license at 18; they must hold that for three years before all restrictions are lifted.
Ontario, Canada
Drivers with learner’s permits, which can be issued at 16, can’t drive on high-speed roads. A “probationary” license can be issued at 16 years, four months. Teens can take the test for a full license 12 months later or at age 18, whichever is later.
New Zealand
In 1987, it became the first nation to use graduated licensing. At 15, teens can get a learner’s permit, which they must hold six months before they can get a restricted license. For 18 months, those licenses bar nighttime driving or any teen passengers in the vehicle without a supervising adult present. At 17, full licenses can be issued. Early evaluations showed about a 25% drop in fatal crashes. Longer-term studies found graduated licensing cut teen deaths about 7%.
British Columbia, Canada
Teen drivers in an 18-month novice stage after the learner’s permit period (which can begin at age 16) must display an “N” on their vehicle. Teens who complete driver education can reduce, from six to three months, their time with a learner’s permit. But though the rate of crashes fell 16%, crash rates rose 27% among teens who needed learner’s permits for only three months because they’d taken driver’s education.
Can you guess which country has the most cars per capita in the world? Here are your choices:
1. United States
2. Austria
3. Italy
4. Cyprus
From the choices below, which country has the fewest cars per capita?
1. India
2. China
3. Greece
4. Kuwait
Answers:
Cyprus – 753 cars per 1000 people
India – 18 cars per 1000 people
http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-auto-nations-with-most-number-of-cars-per-1000-people/20110909.htm
