Impaired, Distracted and Aggressive Driving
Alcohol and drugs
- A fully licensed driver must stay under 0.08, but provincial sanctions start at 0.05 in the warn range, bringing an immediate roadside suspension.
- Level 1 and Level 2 drivers must have zero alcohol - any amount is an offence.
- Cannabis, illegal drugs and impairing prescription medication are treated like alcohol; impairment, not only the amount, can support a charge.
- Alcohol is cleared slowly - roughly one standard drink per hour at best - and coffee, food, cold air and showers do not speed that up. Only time works.
Distraction
Hand-held phones and texting are prohibited, and the law also covers any activity that takes your attention from driving, including eating, grooming and programming a GPS. Hands-free calls are legal but still distracting. Set your route and music before you move.
Aggression
Speeding, tailgating, weaving, yelling and deliberately cutting people off are aggressive driving and can escalate into road rage. If someone behaves aggressively toward you, don't respond, don't make eye contact, and let them pass.
Worked example
You had two beers with dinner at 8 p.m. and plan to drive at 10 p.m. Your body has cleared roughly two drinks at best, but your blood alcohol may still be over 0.05 - and if you hold a Level 1 licence, any reading above zero is a violation. The correct answer on the exam and on the road is not to drive.
Traps that cost marks
- Believing coffee or a cold shower sobers you up.
- Thinking a hands-free phone is safe because it is legal.
- Assuming a small amount of cannabis does not affect driving.