The Quebec government is making it mandatory for all new drivers to enroll in driver training schools for extensive road theory and experience behind the wheel before qualifying to take their driver's test.
The new regulations will mean students will have to spend 24 hours reviewing theory and 15 hours behind the wheel with an instructor before being eligible to apply for their driver's licence.
"It's the most revolutionary. It's a huge change . . . We're hoping that it's going to be reducing the accidents," said Janet Laurin, who's been schooling new drivers for 32 years.
The Quebec auto insurance industry says the changes are necessary to keep roads safe and educate new drivers about the dangers of speed and alcohol.
Currently, new drivers can shave four months off of their learner's permit if they take a driver's education course.
However, the new rules will likely make it a whole lot more expensive to get a driver's licence in Quebec. Laurin estimates it will likely cost new drivers about $1,000 to take the course.
