The Ultimate Guide For Driving School In Ontario

Programs offered by driving schools

by Ultimate Drivers | 20 January 2023

In Ontario, are you considering attending driving school?
This resource has been put together to assist you in separating fact from fiction and reaching an informed decision.
There are many misconceptions about driver’s education and driving schools, and the sheer number of shady businesses out there can make it challenging to distinguish between a reputable institution and a fly-by-night business.
Read on if you want to learn how to properly assess a driving school you are considering or if you want to decide if a driving school is right for you.

What programs are offered through driving schools?

Depending on where you are in the licensing process, you should consider what kind of program to enroll in.
For G2 students, driving school is typically the most beneficial, though there are also courses available for those pursuing their G license.
Continue reading below:

Driving school programs for the G1 license:
Driving schools are typically not necessary for the G1 license because it only requires passing a written test.
If a driving school claims otherwise, run the other way because there is no G1 test preparation course that has been approved by the Ministry of Transportation.
Usually, studying from the MTO Driver’s Handbook and then using free online practice tools to test yourself are the best ways to get ready for a G1 license.

Learn more about passing your G1 test tips.
As soon as you have your G1 license in hand, you should start looking for a driving school because This license entitles you to practice driving with an experienced driver.

Driving school programs for the G2 license:
The G2 phase of licensing is when driving school is most beneficial.
Typically, you won’t have much driving experience when applying for your G2, but once you have it, you’ll be able to practice.
Driving schools come into play in this situation.

The first step you should take if you want to obtain your G2 license is to look for a course provider that has received approval from the MTO.
The only organizations permitted to provide a Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course are driving schools with MTO approval.
If any of your friends or family members attended driving school, they almost certainly took a BDE course that was authorized.

All BDE courses offered by MTO include:
Theory of driving for 20 hours (online or in a classroom)
Ten hours of tests (online or in a classroom)
10 hours of instruction in driving

After finishing one of the MTO-approved BDE courses, you become qualified for:

  • A notation on your Ontario driving record confirming course completion.
  • A discount on your auto insurance (between 5 and 30%, but usually between 10 and 20%)
  • The capacity to procure your G2 instead of 12 months after receiving your G1, you should wait 8 months.
Programs for obtaining a G license

It will have been at least a year since you graduated from driving school when it’s time for you to get your G license, so you might be a little rusty.
At this point, driving lessons can assist you in honing your driving abilities, forming lifelong defensive driving practices, and passing your G test.

For the G license, there are no MTO-required courses available; instead, you should look for in-car practice sessions.
To get ready for your G test, you might need 5–10 more hours of driving instruction, depending on how comfortable you are behind the wheel.
Highway driving is a part of the G test, which isn’t covered in the G2 test, so if you’re not yet completely comfortable with it, make sure to practice it with your instructor.

Judicially mandated driver improvement initiatives
You might be required to attend a court-ordered driver improvement program if you’ve recently been in an accident for which you were at fault or committed another significant traffic infraction.
Following a traffic infraction, these programs typically combine classroom theory with on-the-road training to reinforce safe driving practices.

However, not all driving schools with MTO approval provide driver improvement programs, so you must confirm that the school you select does.

When can you start taking driving lessons?
he G1 exam and driving school can both be taken in Ontario as soon as you turn 16 years old.
As soon as you pass the G1 written exam, even on the same day, you can sign up for driving school.
However, unless you attend driving school, you will need to wait at least a year after passing your G1 exam before taking the G2.
By attending driving school, you can pass your G2 exam in 8 months as opposed to 12.

What advantages do driving schools offer?
Building lifelong defensive driving habits and securing our roads require the completion of driving school.
However, there are additional advantages you can access if you enroll in and pass a Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course at a driving school that has MTO approval.
See the main advantages of attending driving school in the section below.

1. Develop enduring defensive driving techniques

The most significant benefit of attending driving school is learning lifelong defensive driving techniques, even though insurance savings and accelerated licensing times are nice.
Even though your parents, friends, and family members may be excellent drivers, they may not be the best when it comes to driver’s education, and you risk picking up some bad habits.
You can learn how to drive safely in hazardous weather, heavy traffic, and other challenging real-life situations by attending a driving school that has been approved by the MTO.
You’ll learn the fundamentals of driving in driving school, such as merging, parallel parking, reverse parking, left and right turns, etc., as well as more complex skills like evasive maneuvers, situational awareness, defensive positioning, etc.
Even if they are excellent drivers, your family members or friends might not be familiar with these sophisticated techniques.

2. Reduce auto insurance costs by 10–20%

The insurance discount you’ll qualify for after completing driving school in Ontario is among its more well-known advantages.
The average savings from a driving school is between 10 and 20 percent on auto insurance.
Insurance companies view you as a safer driver if you successfully complete a BDE course that has been approved by the MTO (it must be a BDE course; it cannot just be in-car lessons).
Drivers are rated by insurance companies using a star system.
New drivers all begin with one star.
However, if you successfully complete an MTO-approved BDE course, you’ll receive a 3-star driver rating, the same as if you had years of driving experience.

3. Receive your G2 in 8 months rather than 12

Driving school is your best option if you want to get your G2 license as quickly as possible.
To ensure that G1 drivers are logging the required number of hours behind the wheel, the Ministry of Transportation requires G1 drivers to complete a year of driving experience prior to receiving their G2.

However, the ministry views you as a safer and more experienced driver if you attend driving school, so you can obtain your G2 in 8 months rather than 12.
This often determines whether or not a high school student receives their license prior to graduation.

4. Boost your chances of passing the driving test

No matter if you’re taking the G2 or G test, the driving school can increase your chances of success.
Good driving instructors can coach you on your weak points and are usually fully aware of what is required to pass your road test.
For instance, did you know that in order to see your reflection in your mirrors, you must turn your head?
The examiner can always see your head turn even if they can’t always see where your eyes are directed.
To ensure that you increase your chances of passing, a driving instructor can provide you with advice of this nature.

5. Achieve highway driving proficiency before everyone else.

G1 drivers typically aren’t allowed to travel on highways in the 400-series unless they’re with a driving instructor.
The only way you will be permitted to gain some experience driving on the highway before taking your G2 is with a certified driving instructor.
Highway driving isn’t covered in the G2 test, but it may come up in your daily life after passing it, so it’s especially crucial to practice before the test.

6. Make driving records in your province better

A permanent record of completion is added to your provincial driving record once you complete a BDE course that has been approved by the MTO.
Contrary to popular belief, driving schools do not actually issue certificates (if they do, it is merely for show); instead, they upload a record of course completion to the Ministry of Transportation’s database.
Then, to determine whether you’ve successfully completed a BDE course, which lowers your insurance rates, insurance companies can access your driving history here.

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