From Jan. 17, 2010, theoretical and practical courses, called Road Safety Education (RSE) Program for a New Generation of Drivers,  in a certified driving school, are mandatory for students who want to obtain a Québec Class 5 driver's licence. The main reason of the implementation of the RSE Program is that young drivers aged 16 to 24 are overrepresentedin road accidents in Québec.

"Too often, people think of learning to drive as simply acquiring the technical skills needed to handle a vehicle. But becoming a driver is much more complex than that, and the learner driver must also acquire awareness skills, like anticipating risk situations and taking other road users into account, as well as attitudes, like courtesy, responsibility and independence." (Julie Boulet, Minister of Transport, Québec), learners need more systematic and standardized driver education.

In the RSE Program, learners are required to complete 24 hours (12 modules) of classroom theory and 15 hours of in-car practice, as illustrated in the following diagram.

Phase 1: Prerequisite for a Learner's Licence   Theory only, lasting at least one month

• Teaching content about the vehicle, the driver, the environment and at-risk behaviours
• Awareness of safe, cooperative and responsible behaviours to use when driving
• Theoretical evaluation in 3D VR Driving School. Learners are required to pass evaluation in order to be issued a learner's licence by the SAAQ

Phase 2: Guided Driving  Theory and practice alternate, lasting at least one month

• Teaching content about guided driving and the OEA strategy
• Learning basic manoeuvres in easy driving environments
• Adopting safe, cooperative and responsible behaviours in easy driving environments

Phase 3: Semi-Guided Driving  Theory and practice alternate, lasting at least two months

• Teaching content about at-risk behaviours (speeding, alcohol and drugs) and sharing the road, in particular with vulnerable road users and heavy vehicles
• Learning more complex manoeuvres in varied driving environments
• Adopting safe, cooperative and responsible behaviours in varied driving environments

Phase 4: Semi-Guided to Independent Driving  Theory and practice alternate, lasting at least two months

• Teaching content about other risk factors (fatigue and distractions while driving) and eco-driving, in preparation for the SAAQ knowledge test, which is at least 10 months later after the learner's licence is issued
• Further learning about vehicle manoeuvres and adopting safe, cooperative and responsible behaviours in varied driving environments
• Summary of what was learned during in-car sessions, in preparation for the SAAQ road test, which is at least 12 months later after the learner's licence is issued

Four competencies to acquire in the RSE Program:

• To establish the profile of a safe, cooperative and responsible driver
• To handle a passenger vehicle
• To share the road
• To use the road network independently and responsibly

The mandatory courses are given in at least 13 months, as shown in the following timeline of the RSE Program.

The sooner you register in 3D VR Driving School,

the sooner you get your driving licence and enjoy freedom and independence!