Learning how to drive in Newmarket has taken an unusual turn as the town has banned students from some roads.
Hundreds of new drivers line up every week to get their licence at a drive centre in Newmarket.
During their test, many will drive in a five square kilometer neighbourhood beside the centre, but the town now says they're not allowed to practice on these streets in a driving school car.
“That's a bit ridiculous. If you're learning to drive in any situation, you should be able to drive anywhere,” says Ashley Stigwood, resident.
Many who live in the area say large numbers of inexperienced drivers was becoming a safety concern.
“It's quite an issue. They're up and down the street 30 to 40 times a day. They go around the corner for turns in the middle of the street. There’s been a couple accidents on our street,” Grant Ratcliffe, an area resident.
Newmarket has posted signs all around the affected neighbourhoods. New drivers could face a fine of up to $5,000, but only if they're practicing in a driving school vehicle.
“It doesn't restrict residents from practicing on the streets. Just bringing the driving schools in with the students and practicing on the actual test routes,” says Lisa Lyons, a spokesperson with the Town of Newmarket.
No student drivers wanted to comment on camera, but driving schools share students concerns.
“It's frustrating not being able to practice in the area and I understand when you practice for a test you want to practice what you think the route is going to look like,” says Allen MacDonald, Young Drivers of Canada.
Young Drivers of Canada instructors say they'll take this unexpected decision on practice roads and move forward because that's what driving is all about.
