Ready for the road - Log Book

New Driver's and Motorcyclist's Log Book

Getting Behind the Wheel

Circle checks

Before starting out, make sure the vehicle is in good working condition. Get in the habit of doing a daily "circle check"—a 10-point check of your vehicle—before leaving the driveway.

Automobile Circle Check

Outside:

1. Tires all fully inflated
2. Headlights and signal lights clean and working
3. All windows and mirrors clean
4. Licence plates visible
5. Wipers in good condition and washer fluid topped up

Inside:

6. Adjust your seat
7. Buckle your seat belt and make sure your passengers are buckled in
8. Adjust your mirrors, test the lights and windshield wipers
9. Check your gauges for fuel, oil, battery and engine temperature
10. Turn on your defroster or heater, as needed

Motorcycle Circle Check

1. Tires fully inflated with good tread
2. Brakes working properly
3. Clutch and throttle working smoothly
4. Cables free of kinks and breaks
5. Headlight, tail, brakelight and turn signals clean and working
6. Horn working
7. Adjust and clean mirrors
8. Check gas and oil levels
9. Check drivechain condition and tension
10. Remember to buckle your helmet securely

As a new driver, you want other drivers to see you clearly. You can help by turning on your low beams if you don't have daytime running lights. It's a good idea to put the black and green "N" Novice Driver sign you may have received with your Level 1 (Class G1) permit in the back window of your vehicle.

With the help of your accompanying driver, explore the controls, learn where they are and what they do. As well as the brakes, steering and transmission, learn how to use the vehicle's headlights, turn signals, hazard lights, wipers and defroster.

Plan your route with your accompanying driver, and talk about the driving tasks you'll face—the kinds of turns, the type of traffic, and so on.

If things get confusing at any time, or you don't know what to do, pull off the road to a safe place to talk it over, and consult the Driver's Handbook.

• Guide To Newcomers And Ontario Expired Driver’s Licence Holders

For more information call: 1-800-387-3445

If you have any questions concerning new drivers and insurance, call the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 362-9528; from area code 807 call collect (416) 362-2031; elsewhere in Ontario call 1-800-387-2880.

Ready for the road is sponsored by Ontario's car insurance companies.