Teen Fails Driving Test After Not Using Her Tesla's Brakes | Carscoops

      A driver in Ontario faced penalties after depending on her electric vehicle’s regenerative braking to decelerate.

      A teenage learner in Canada failed her driving test due to not utilizing the brakes properly. She was criticized for relying on the braking regeneration feature to slow down.

      The young driver was using a borrowed car and was unaware of how to disable that system.

      Utilizing an EV’s regenerative braking can simplify driving in congested traffic, as it allows for a smoother transition between the pedals. However, based on one teenager's experience, it might complicate passing the driving test.

      In North Bay, Ontario, a student did not pass her full (G) road test because she depended on the Tesla Model Y’s regeneration feature to slow down. Since the system slowed the vehicle without her pressing the brake pedal, the examiner marked her down.

      When Tradition Meets Technology

      Eric Simard shared with CBC News that his daughter was driving his Tesla and was unfamiliar with how to turn off the brake regeneration. It was reported that the Drive Test Ontario examiner told her she couldn't stop the test to call her father for guidance on deactivating the feature and indicated on the test report that the vehicle was “out of order,” despite functioning as designed. Additionally, the learner was penalized when the Tesla chimed to signal that a stop light had changed to green.

      Simard expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s aggravating because even though it’s regenerative braking and you’re not engaging the brake pedal, you are clearly in full control of stopping or slowing down the vehicle.”

      Inconsistent Guidelines

      Adding to the frustration, Simard found that some learners in Ontario had been permitted to use the regenerative braking function during their G practical tests, while others were instructed by examiners to turn it off.

      This inconsistency seems to stem from Drive Test Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation not having a clear policy on the technology.

      “Applicants are expected to comprehend how their vehicle’s systems, including lane centering, regenerative braking, adaptive cruise control, and automated parking, may influence handling and performance during a road test,” Julia Caslin, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation, informed Canada’s CBC via email. However, she did not mention that drivers must apply the brake pedal to stop a car, nor is there any reference to regenerative braking on their websites.

      Thanks to DB for the information!