Watch Out! A New Wave Of Student Drivers Take On The Roads
Shaan Sandhu (12), a self-proclaimed “passenger princess”, poses by his car | Photo Credit: Riya Sandhu
After nerve-wracking practice tests, embarrassing license photos, and years of asking for rides, a new generation of Hamber’s student drivers are ready for the roads. After getting their Learners (L) permits at 16, teenagers can take their Novice (N) road test after one year. Once passed, they are allowed to start driving without supervision. The student parking lot near the turf is now home to new rides, and seniors are excited to show off the cars they have worked so hard to acquire.
Many students have found cheap ways to score their own first car. A popular and affordable option for new drivers is a secondhand vehicle.
“I have my uncle’s old car, and he’s a mechanic so he helped fix it up for me. It’s pretty old, but I really like it,” said Marcus Seid (12) about his beloved 1996 Toyota Corolla. “I started practicing my driving last summer, and I got my N about a month ago. I have been driving ever since!”
When it comes to actually hitting the road, Seid reveals he’s been largely unscathed except for one incident: “I was driving near UBC, when suddenly someone started driving towards me, in the same lane! It was scary, but I survived.”
Grade 12 drivers are also enjoying the perks of having their own car, as well as all the freedom and responsibility that comes along with it. “You can go out for lunch and not really have to worry about the time. I’m also the driver of my group, so I drive my friends home. I don’t trust any of them to drive,” revealed Kelly Ho (12). “If you want a quiet space to study or be by yourself, then your own car is a great place to go.”
Gina Hallensleben (12) proudly shows off the N badge | Photo Credit: Katja Radovic-Jonsson
Ho is also a proud driver of a vintage vehicle. “I have my Grandpa’s old car. It’s a BMW 330. She’s a little old, but she’s pretty luxurious.” When it comes to being a student driver, Ho had some simple advice for younger Hamberites. “Learn how to park. There are lots of cars wanting to park in the student parking lot every morning, so it can get super hectic.”
While some students are tackling Vancouver’s roads head-on, other students are getting ready to take the Learner and Novice exams. Ho and Seid also both had some words of wisdom for those who are feeling nervous about taking these important tests.
“I think it’s important to be patient. If you don’t get your N the first time, definitely wait until you feel like you have improved,” Ho explained. “Don’t just book the test two weeks later — wait until you feel really ready and then try again.”
Seid’s advice leaned more towards the practical side. “Winter is the best time to practice. If you can drive in that weather, then you can drive in anything.”
After getting an L, there is a long wait before you are eligible to try for an N. Some seniors are still waiting for their chance to get behind the wheel. “My birthday is in November, and I got my L last December, so I cannot take the N test yet,” said Shaan Sandhu (12), who has reserved his spot in Seid’s passenger seat. “I don’t really mind not having my N yet though. I am a passenger princess.”