Choosing a Driving School and Beginner Driver Education

As a new driver, your choice of professional driving instruction may be the best way to put yourself safely in the driver's seat.

A beginner driver education (BDE) course in a driving school that has been approved by the provincial government can teach you the skills and attitudes you need to be a safe and responsible driver. The BDE course may also make you eligible to take your road test sooner and allow you to save money on insurance premiums.

As well as teaching the basics, driver training emphasizes strategic driving techniques, positive driving attitudes and behaviour, avoiding driver distractions, risk perception and management, freeway driving, night driving and driving in adverse conditions. Most programs are designed for new drivers, but many driving schools also provide courses and services to upgrade your skills.

If you graduate from an approved BDE course, this will be noted in your driver's licence history, and will reduce the time you must spend at Level 1 by four months. It may also bring you savings on your car insurance.

All ministry-licenced driving schools offer in-class and in-car training for a fee. All lessons are taught by a ministry-licensed driving instructor.

Ministry-approved BDE courses, offered by driving schools, must last a minimum of 40 hours. This may consist of at least 20 hours in-class, 10 hours in-vehicle and 10 hours of flexible instruction that may include the following:

• Classroom driving instruction.

• Computer-based instruction.

• In-vehicle instruction.

• Driving simulator instruction.

• Home links (homework).

The ministry licenses all driving schools offering a BDE course in Ontario. Licences are renewed every three years, if driving schools continue to meet legislative and program requirements. Only licensed instructors working for licensed schools can teach the BDE course.

All ministry-approved driving schools are listed on the ministry's website. Note: The ministry also lists revoked driving schools that are not on the list of approved schools.

Look at the website for an active ministry-approved driving school that offers high-quality instruction and a comfortable learning environment. Please make sure the school offers a ministry-approved BDE course of a minimum of 40 hours. The school should also be equipped with up-to-date videotapes, DVDs, projectors, overheads, computers, and other audio-visual aids.