## Being a life-long learner 

Some people stop learning as soon as they pass their test. You may know people who still drive the same way now as they did when they got their driver’s licence many years ago. This may not be safe because even if their driving skills and knowledge haven’t changed, other things have. Road signs may be different now. Traffic has probably increased. Vehicles have changed — the car they are driving now may be quite different from the one they learned to drive on. 

In your driving career, you may take on additional driving challenges such as towing a trailer or driving a large recreational vehicle. You will need to get information to help you know how to drive safely. You may decide to take driving lessons or practise with a driver experienced in this type of driving. 

Even if you do not change the type of vehicle you drive, your driving will probably change with age and experience. Research shows that it takes about five years for new drivers to develop into fully experienced drivers who are able to do several driving tasks at once. But after that, people still need to work at keeping their driving skills sharp and up-to-date if they want to be safe on the road. 

Here are some ways to help you keep sharp and up-to-date: 

• Use feedback. Ask a friend to watch your driving and give you some suggestions for improvement. 

• Know your vehicle. Make sure you know all the controls of any vehicle you drive. The owner’s manual is a good place to start. 

• Keep up with the driving guides. Pick up a copy of the current guide to make sure you are up-to-date. 

• Take advanced training. You may decide to take a course in defensive driving skills or a refresher course. 

• Know yourself. You may experience physical and mental changes that affect your driving. Be aware of your condition. Regular medical checkups will help. 

## Strategies: sharpening your skills 

