In regards to "gradual licensing", I think it is a biggest joke I have ever heard (and a money grab). When I came from Croatia in 1995, I already had years of driving experience behind me (including being an truck driving instructor during my mandatory army service). Still, Ontario government did not recognize it and I had to start from scratch again. I did not mind, since I could understand their concern for road safety when it comes to many immigrants from different countries coming to Canada. So, I went to the MoT and asked them about the process. They told me to go for a written exam first. I passed it and they gave me G1 license. They explained me that I cannot drive from dusk until dawn, I cannot drink at all while I am driving and I cannot go to major highways. When I clarified what I just heard, I asked them:"Are you letting me drive without actually ever seeing me do so?" Official there said: "But you have to have someone who has full G for more than five years with you." And what that "someone" can do if I screw up? Does "possession of full G" make one good driver? In the country where you have to have license for everything, having "full G" qualifies you automatically to be in charge of someone less experienced.
Instead of this idiotic gradual licensing, we should look into MANDATORY driver's lessons, which should include driving in slippery conditions (mandatory in Finland with equally crappy climate; one of the reasons why Fins are among best drivers in the world), as well as MANDATORY stick shift training. That way, people would fully understand how and why engine does certain things. That way people could avoid embarrassing moments like the one that friend of mine had while on vacation in Europe. He rented a Smart car with six speed semi-automatic transmission (you have to shift, but no clutch). He complained how he could not make it up the hills there. When I asked him what he did when he started climbing, he stated: " I would upshift". This confirms me that he has no idea how the transmission works.
![Huh ???](https://www.autos.ca/forum/Smileys/CarTalk/huh.gif)