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How to be a Better Driver in Just a Few Hours Online

By Tom Murray

Even if you’ve had your driver’s licence for decades, you might not feel entirely comfortable driving in winter or pulling a trailer. Whatever your situation, AMA Driver Education can help you improve your skills and get you safely on the road. “If you’re not continually improving, you risk becoming complacent,” says senior instructor John Sibbons. AMA’s affordable online courses use videos and quizzes to help veteran drivers brush up on their skills from the comfort of home, at their own pace.

DISTRACTED DRIVER
An enthusiastic dog. An intense conversation. It only takes a fraction of a second for an accident to occur due to distraction. In this hour-long course, you’ll be shown proactive strategies to help you recognize distractions and understand their effects, so you can keep your eyes—and mind—on the road.

DEMERIT-REDUCTION DEFENSIVE DRIVER
Earn too many demerit points and your licence will be suspended. This government-approved course details the causes and consequences of unsafe vehicle use—and offers tips to prevent it in the future. Upon successful completion, take your certificate to AMA Registries: Up to three demerits may be removed from your record.

SAFE TRAILERING
Camping trailers are great for getaways, but practice is needed to navigate them. This course looks at parking and backing up, the differences in rural and urban terrain, as well as how to deal with the elements. “And we look at securing cargo,” Sibbons says. “If it’s not done properly, you won’t have good control.”

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DRIVER FATIGUE MANAGEMENT
Getting behind the wheel while drowsy? In the eyes of the law, you’re an impaired driver. Transport Canada reports that 20% of fatal collisions in the country involve driver fatigue.
AMA offers two courses looking at ways drivers can identify fatigue, manage its effects and prevent on-the-road sleepiness.

FUEL-EFFICIENT DRIVER
Speeding and other driving behaviours can ding your wallet by decreasing fuel efficiency. Accounting for even the most technologically advanced vehicles, this course offers practical driving and maintenance tips to help you cut emissions and be more environmentally friendly, while driving more safely too!

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WINTER DRIVING
We know snowy, freezing weather is inevitable—sometimes as soon as summer ends. This course helps boost winter-driving confidence by examining everything from driving attire to icy intersections. “People can develop bad habits,” Sibbons says. “It’s our job to identify and help correct those behaviours.”

HOW TO SAVE
Register for these and other online courses with AMA driver education. AMA members save 10% on course fees.