Although completing a Ministry of Transportation (MTO) approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course is not mandatory for a Class G2 road test, it is highly recommended.

Successfully completing an MTO-approved BDE course with a licensed school and instructor may allow you to shorten the time required at the Class G1 level. Additionally, it could make you eligible for potential discounts on your insurance rates.

When selecting a driving school, ensure it is MTO-approved and reputable. Schools without MTO approval are not authorized to provide instruction to beginner drivers.

Benefits Of Driving Schools Or Drivers Ed For Young And New Drivers

 

Become a Confident Driver and Save on Insurance with an MTO-Approved Driving School

Illustration idea: A driving school car surrounded by traffic signs.

Congratulations on getting your G1 driver’s licence! You’re likely eager to get behind the wheel and start driving, but hold on—learning to drive the right way from the beginning is essential.

Gone are the days when learning in an empty parking lot with your parents was enough. With busier roads, advanced vehicle technology, and an increase in distracted driving, proper training from a certified driving school is more important than ever.

Benefits of Learning from an MTO-Approved Driving School

  • Develop Safe Driving Skills: Certified schools teach core skills like defensive driving, parking, highway driving, and handling real-world situations.
  • Shorten Your G1 Phase: Completing an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course allows you to take your G2 road test in just 8 months instead of 12.
  • Save on Insurance: Completing driver’s training can help you save 10-25% on insurance, translating to hundreds of dollars in annual savings.

When Can You Start Driver’s Training?

You can start driver’s education as soon as you turn 16 and get your G1 licence. Some schools even allow you to begin classroom lessons before getting your G1, but you’ll need it to start in-car lessons.

Driver’s training isn’t just for beginners—mature drivers can also benefit from improving their skills or refreshing their knowledge.

What to Look for in a Driving School

Not all driving schools are the same. To qualify for insurance discounts and ensure quality training, choose an MTO-approved school. Approved courses include:

  • 20 hours of classroom instruction
  • 10 hours of in-car training
  • 10 hours of flexible learning (online modules or simulators)

Avoid schools that aren’t ministry-approved, as their training won’t qualify for insurance discounts.

What You’ll Learn in Driver’s Ed

  • Classroom Training: Rules of the road, understanding road signs, and the impact of impaired driving.
  • In-Car Training: Signaling, braking, lane changes, parking, three-point turns, and freeway driving.

Why Driver’s Ed is Important

  • Builds confidence and eliminates bad habits before they start.
  • Provides real-world experience in various driving situations.
  • Helps you develop essential defensive driving skills.
  • Saves time and money by allowing you to take the G2 test earlier and lowering insurance rates.

Tips for Parents of New Drivers

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their teen’s driving journey. Here’s how you can help:

  • Communicate with the driving instructor about areas your teen needs to improve.
  • Encourage regular driving practice to build confidence.
  • Discuss driving-related topics to improve awareness.
  • Add them to your insurance policy to build their record as an insured driver.
  • Be patient and supportive as they learn—mistakes are part of the process.

Learning to drive with an MTO-approved driving school ensures that new drivers are equipped with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to become safe and responsible drivers. Invest in quality training—it’s worth it for both safety and savings!