While their licences may be new, a survey by the Ontario divisions of the Canadian Automobile Association suggest the wheels new drivers are climbing behind aren't.

The recent survey, which was done in association with Young Drivers of Canada, shows new drivers are hitting the road with cars more than three years old.

The responses came from 400 students who had participated in driving courses offered through CAA or YDC.

More than 50 per cent of those new drivers said they'd be driving cars at least three years old.

In addition, 55 per cent said they didn't know if they would buy into a roadside assistance program.

Because of this, CAA is now giving YDC graduates from 2005 to present a free, 12-month membership.

Peter Christianson, YDC president, said the partnership will add to a parent's peace of mind.

"Parents trust YD because we teach students more than the basics required to pass the road test. We teach them the skills they need to survive all the typical collisions leading to injury or worse," he said.

"The addition of the CAA membership will only add to the parents' peace of mind and confidence in their new driver."

Last year, CAA South Central Ontario handled more than 1.3 million roadside assistance calls.