FAQs ON NEW MOTORCYCLE COURSE

1. Q: Why are you introducing a GDL program for motorcycles?

A: The Gov’t of NB is implementing a motorcycle GDL program because motorcycle related collisions and deaths are on the rise. Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable of all road users; as a result, Gov’t wants to ensure they gain the necessary experience in lower risk environments before becoming fully licensed.

2. Q: When will the problem come into effect?

A: The motorcycle GDL program will come into effect on April 1st, 2015.

3. Q: If I already have or want to get my motorcycle license before April 1st, 2015, will I be impacted by the new motorcycle GDL rules?

A: Anyone who has their motorcycle license prior to April 1st, 2015 will be unaffected.

4. Q: How long is the motorcycle GDL program?

A: The motorcycle GDL program program will be a minimum of 12 months in duration.

5. Q: How old do I have to be to get my motorcycle license?

A: The minimum age is 16 years old, but applicants under 18 years old will need to have parental consent.

6. Q: I have been a fully licensed driver for years, and want to now get my motorcycle license. Does the new motorcycle GDL program impact me?

A: Yes. Everyone wishing to obtain their motorcycle license must participate in the same program regardless of age or experience.

7. Q: What will the new program include?

A:

• The new motorcycle GDL program will be one stage and will last a minimum of 12 months;
• Those wishing to obtain their motorcycle license will be required to successfully pass an approved motorcycle driver training course before entering and successfully completing the Motorcycle GDL program. All training courses will ensure that riders are able to balance and control their desired size motorcycle as part of their curriculum;
• Individuals will have to perform a vision screening test and a basic written and sign test;
• The Motorcycle GDL program will be 12 months in duration;
• Those in the Motorcycle GDL program who do not currently have another valid drivers license, will be issued four (4) points for the program duration;
• Driving will be restricted between sunset and sunrise with no exemptions;
• Participants will not be permitted to have any passengers on their motorcycle for the duration of the GDL program;
• There will not be a supervising driver requirement;
• When operating a motorcycle, the learner must maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of zero for the duration of the GDL program regardless of age;
• Participants in the motorcycle GDL program will not be permitted to tow a”vehicle ” as defined in the Motor Vehicle Act (i.e. Trailer) while operating their motorcycle; and
• Students will be required to pass an on-road test before becoming fully licensed.

MANDATORY RAINING / TRAINING SCHOOLS

8. Q: Isn’t mandatory training just a cash grab for Gov’t?

A: No. Gov’t does not receive any funds from training. All funds go to the training schools for providing the training to students.

9. Q: Is training mandatory for the passenger vehicle graduated license program?

A: Training is not mandatory, however, the passenger vehicle GDL program is longer in duration. Also, due to motorcyclists being more vulnerable on the road, Gov’t wants to ensure everyone gets the appropriate training to reduce the risk of collisions.

10. Q: How will I know what school to choose?

A: The Gov’t of NB will provide a list of all approved motorcycle training schools on their website.

11. Q: Where can I find the driver’s handbook?

A: The driver’s handbook is available at any Service NB location or at the Motor Branch in Fredericton. The cost is $5.25 for a hard copy. The driver’s handbook is also available online free of charge.

12. Q: How long do I have to wait before I can get my full motorcycle license?

A: You must wait the 12 months and then successfully pass an on-road test before becoming fully licensed.

TESTING

13. Q: How many tests are involved?

A:

• You will have to pass an approved training course;
• You will have to pass a vision screening test and a basic written and sign test before you are issued your motorcycle GDL license; and
• You will have to pass an on-road motorcycle test before becoming fully licensed.

14. Q: I took my on-road test, but I didn’t pass. How long before I can test again?

A:

• If this is your first time taking the test, and you didn’t pass, you are required to wait one week before re-attempting the on-road test; and
• The length of time you are required to wait increases with each unsuccessful attempt at the on-road test.

RESTRICTIONS

15. Q: I purchased a motorcycle later in life; I am currently in the motorcycle GDL program and want to go on road trips with my spouse on the same motorcycle. Can we ride together?

A: As a participant in the motorcycle GDL program, you are not permitted to operate the motorcycle with any passengers on the back.

16. Q: I bought a really nice motorcycle and want to take it touring and have decided to camp, so I also bought a mini trailer to pull behind my motorcycle, can I take it with me?

A: No. You will not be permitted to tow a “vehicle “, as defined in the Motor Vehicle Act, behind your motorcycle while a participant in the motorcycle GDL program.

17. Q: Once I get my full motorcycle license, are there still restrictions?

A: Once you have passed your on-road test, you will have your full riding privileges with no restrictions unless you are under the age of 21, in which case there are still alcohol restrictions.

18. Q: Does the size of motorcycle I want to ride matter?

A: Yes. If you want to ride a motorcycle larger than 550cc’s, you will be required to demonstrate you can balance and maneuver the bike; as well as, pass an on road test with a larger sized motorcycle.

19. Q: Can I ride at night while I am in the motorcycle GDL program?

A: No. Motorcycle GDL participants are restricted from riding from sunset to sunrise.

20. Q: Are there any exemptions to the nighttime driving restriction for those in the motorcycle GDL program?

A: No.

Zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

21. Q: What happens if I get caught with alcohol on my breath?

A:

• IF you are caught operating your motorcycle with a BAC greater than zero while participating in the motorcycle GDL program, you will be suspended from operating your motorcycle for one year, and you will have to return to the beginning of the motorcycle GDL program with no credit going towards any previously passed motorcycle training course, and you will be required to participate in an alcohol re-education awareness course. You may also be subject to further suspensions and penalties if you are found to be legally impaired under the Criminal Code of Canada.
• IF you are caught operating your motorcycle with a BAC greater than zero while participating in the motorcycle GDL program AND you are under 21 years of age and also in the passenger vehicle GDL program, BOTH licenses will be suspended for one year. You will have to start BOTH programs from the beginning with no credit being given for any previously passed training courses. You may also be subject to further suspensions and penalties if you are found to be legally impaired under the Criminal Code of Canada, and you will be required to pass an alcohol re-education awareness course.
• IF you are caught operating your motorcycle with a BAC greater than zero while participating in the motorcycle GDL program AND you are under 21, but not in the passenger vehicle GDL program, you will be suspended from operating your motorcycle for one year, and you will have to return to the beginning of the motorcycle GDL program with no credit going towards any previously passed motorcycle training course. Any other valid driver’s license you have will be suspended for a period of one year. You may also be subject to further suspensions and penalties if you are found to be legally impaired under the Criminal Code of Canada. You will also be required to pass an alcohol re-education awareness course.
• IF you are caught operating your motorcycle with a BAC greater than zero while participating in the motorcycle GDL program, are over 21 years of age, and have another valid driver’s license, you will have to return to the beginning of the motorcycle GDL program with no credit going towards any previously passed motorcycle training course, AND your other drivers license could be impacted if you are found to be legally impaired under sections 253 and 254 of the Criminal Code of Canada or register in the warm range under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act. You may also be subject to an alcohol re-education course.

POINTS AND LOSS OF POINTS

22. Q: How many points do I get at the start of the motorcycle GDL program?

A: You will receive four (4) points at the beginning of the motorcycle GDL program unless you are already a holder of another driver’s license.

23. Q: What if I lose all my points?

A: If you lose all your points for driving infractions, you will be suspended from driving ANY vehicle for at least three (3) months, followed by a return to the beginning of the motorcycle GDL program with no credit given for any previously passed motorcycle training course.

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