Spring Driving In New Brunswick

Yes, you can drive in New Brunswick in April. The province's highways are well-paved and maintained, and there are plenty of attractions to visit by car. However, it's worth noting that the province closes highways for annual maintenance between 15 October and 15 March, so some roads may be closed during this time. New Brunswick also experiences winter conditions in April, so driving schools are recommended to learn the rules of the road and specific skills for driving in winter.

Driving with a foreign licence

If you are a tourist or temporary resident in New Brunswick, you can drive on a valid foreign driver's license for up to three months or 90 days without needing to get a local license. Your foreign driver's license must be in English or French, the two official languages of New Brunswick. If it is not, it is recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified translation of your license.

If you are a permanent resident or immigrant in New Brunswick, you can also drive on your valid foreign driver's license initially. However, you must apply for a New Brunswick driver's license as soon as possible after establishing residency. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with New Brunswick, allowing for a direct exchange of a foreign driver's license for a New Brunswick license without taking a road test.

International students can apply for a New Brunswick driver's license, but they will be required to surrender their home country license and pass a written exam and road test.

Driving schools and courses

Driving schools in New Brunswick, Canada, are easy to find in your local telephone directory. A driving school course is recommended to learn the rules of the road and specific skills for driving in winter. Breaking the driving rules could cause you to lose your licence.

New Brunswick has a Graduated Driver's Licence (GDL) law, which means that new drivers must pass a written test and a road test to get a full licence. The GDL program creates two levels of licence before a new driver gets a "full" unrestricted licence. All new drivers spend a minimum of 24 months with a GDL before they get a full licence.

• Hub City Driving School (Dieppe)
• Moto Elite NB - Cours de Moto et Spyder (Saint-Leonard)
• École de conduite Chaleur Driving School (Bathurst)
• Collége Trans Canada College (Moncton)
• RightLane Driver Training (Moncton)
• Republique Education Automobile enr. (Rivière-Verte)
• Aaron's Driving Academy (Saint John)
• Young Drivers of Canada (Moncton)
• No Limits Driving School Inc. (Fredericton)
• Lynn's Driver Education (Woodstock)
• Atlantic Transport Training Academy (Moncton)
• Precision Drivers Education (Wicklow)
• École Grande-Rivière (Saint-Leonard)
• Versatile Training Solutions (Sussex)
• Dieppe Driving School Ltd. - École de conduite Dieppe Ltée. (Dieppe)
• Sewells Drivers Ed. (Grand Falls and Florenceville)
• Transport Training Centres of Canada Inc. (Sussex and Miramichi)
• Dornan Academy of Defensive Driving (Moncton)

In New Brunswick, NJ, USA, there are also several driving schools, including:

• Kilmer Driving School
• Windsor-Brunswick Driving Academy
• 1st Choice Driving School
• Easy To Learn Driving School
• MMN Roma Driving School
• 1 Way Driving School
• Ez-Driving School
• Avi Driving School
• Road Rules Driving School
• Rider Education of NJ
• Ajay Driving School
• Jersey Drive Driving School
• Safety First Driving School, Inc.

New Brunswick's strict seat belt laws

New Brunswick has strict seat belt laws to keep drivers and passengers safe. These laws are governed by the Seat Belt Regulation ("Regulation") under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act. Here are the key provisions of New Brunswick's seat belt laws:

• All drivers must ensure that any passenger under the age of 9, weighing less than 36 kg (79 lbs), and standing less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall, is properly secured in a child seating and restraint system.
• This child seating and restraint system must meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and specifications based on the child's weight and height.
• Drivers are responsible for ensuring that all passengers under the age of 16 are securely buckled up, regardless of whether the child's parent is present in the vehicle.
• Children under the age of 1 must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 1 year old and weigh 10 kg (22 lbs).
• Children must be at least 1 year old and weigh at least 10 kg (22 lbs) to use a forward-facing car seat. They must remain in this seat until they weigh a minimum of 18 kg (40 lbs).
• A child must weigh at least 18 kg (40 lbs) before transitioning to a booster seat. They must continue using the booster seat until they meet the following criteria: at least 9 years old, weighing 36 kg (79-80 lbs), and/or 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.
• According to New Brunswick law, a child can use an adult seat belt when they meet all three of the following criteria: 9 years old or above, weighing 36 kg (79-80 lbs) or more, and 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall or above.
• Drivers of vehicles registered in jurisdictions outside of New Brunswick with different seat belt laws are exempt from the province's regulations. However, if the vehicle is rented within New Brunswick, the exemption does not apply.
• The driver of a taxicab, private passenger vehicle, bus, school bus, or authorized emergency vehicle is exempt from the law when transporting passengers under the age of 16 in the course of their duties.
• Failure to comply with these laws can result in a reduction of damages if a person is not wearing a properly secured seat belt. A child's damages may be reduced by 25% if they are not properly restrained.
• The driver is responsible for ensuring that all child seating and restraint systems are properly installed.
• In the event of a collision, it is recommended to always replace a child's car seat, regardless of the severity of the accident. Most automobile insurance policies in New Brunswick cover damage to car equipment.

Renting a vehicle

When renting a vehicle, it is important to consider the number of people travelling and the amount of luggage that will need to be accommodated. For example, a small economy car may be suitable for a couple, while an intermediate car or SUV would be more appropriate for a group of four or more adults. If you are travelling with children, it is also important to ensure that the rental company can provide the appropriate child car seats, as required by law in New Brunswick.

In terms of pricing, the average daily cost of renting a car in New Brunswick is around $61 or C$62. However, prices can vary depending on the rental company and the type of vehicle. It is recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially if you are travelling during peak season, to ensure availability.

Some popular rental companies in New Brunswick include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget Rent A Car, Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, and National. These companies have locations at the airport and in downtown areas. When renting a vehicle, be sure to review the terms and conditions, including insurance options, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Overall, renting a vehicle in New Brunswick is a great way to explore the province and its many attractions, such as the Bay of Fundy, Hopewell Rocks, and the historic city of Saint John.

Studded tires

The only mandatory winter tire regulations in New Brunswick are for school buses, but the government recommends the use of snow tires for all drivers. Studded tires can be particularly useful for those living outside of populated urban areas, as they can improve grip and make driving safer, especially in icy conditions.

If you are renting a car in New Brunswick, it is recommended to put it in satellite mode to stay updated on road closures and traffic information.

Frequently asked questions