Road accidents involving young drivers are an important public health issue in Quebec.
The main factors that would explain the overrepresentation of young drivers in accidents is a high propensity to take chances and a lack of driving experience. To counter these two risk factors, the concept of graduated access to the driving privilege appeared as the approach with greatest potential. Accordingly, for learner's licence holders, the learning period was lengthened. At the same time, the obligation to take a pratical course through a recognized driving school was withdrawn. Both in the case of learner's licence and probationary licence holders, the demerit point ceiling that triggers licence suspension was lowered considerably and the notion of zero tolerance with regard to alcohol use and driving was brought into effect.