Driving schools in Ontario, particularly those that are approved by the Ministry of Transportation, offer numerous benefits for new drivers and those looking to enhance their driving skills. Here are some benefits of attending driving school in Ontario:

1. Structured Learning: Driving schools provide structured lessons that cover all aspects of driving, from the basics to more advanced techniques, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.
2. Professional Instructors: Certified instructors are trained to teach driving skills in a methodical and patient manner. They understand the common mistakes beginners make and can provide corrective feedback.
3. Reduces Wait Time for Road Test: In Ontario, new drivers who have completed a driver’s education course from an approved school can book their G2 road test after 8 months instead of the standard 12 months.
4. Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a certified driver’s education course, potentially saving you money on car insurance.
5. Improved Driving Skills: Attending driving school can significantly improve your driving skills, making you a safer and more confident driver.
6. Practice in Different Conditions: Driving schools often provide opportunities to practice driving in various conditions, such as night driving, driving in the rain, or driving in heavy traffic.
7. Knowledge of Rules and Regulations: Instructors ensure that students are well-versed with current traffic rules, regulations, and road signs, which can be particularly beneficial for the written portion of the driving test.
8. Increased Confidence: Being trained by a professional can boost your confidence on the road, making you less nervous when you’re driving on your own.
9. Use of School’s Car for Testing: Some driving schools offer the option for students to use their vehicles for the driving test. These cars are often equipped with dual controls, which examiners might find preferable.
10. Reduction in Collisions: Studies have shown that new drivers who have undergone formal driving education have a lower risk of being involved in traffic collisions compared to those who haven’t.
11. Simulation and Defensive Driving: Some schools might also offer simulation driving or defensive driving courses, which provide further training and techniques to handle challenging driving scenarios.
12. Holistic Curriculum: Many driving schools go beyond just practical driving and also provide theoretical knowledge about vehicle maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and the environmental impact of driving. This broader education equips drivers with a comprehensive understanding of their vehicles and the role they play in the larger transportation ecosystem.
13. Tailored Lessons: Driving instructors often tailor their teaching methods based on individual students’ needs. If a student struggles with a specific aspect of driving, such as parallel parking or highway driving, the instructor can provide additional training in those areas.
14. Peer Interaction: Some driving schools offer classroom sessions where students can interact with their peers. This environment allows students to learn from others’ experiences, ask questions, and share their own concerns or apprehensions.
15. Risk Awareness: Through various training modules, driving schools often emphasize the importance of understanding and anticipating potential hazards. This risk awareness is crucial for developing the skills needed to avoid accidents.
16. Updates on Changing Regulations: Traffic laws and regulations can change over time. Attending a driving school ensures that students are educated on the most recent rules of the road.
17. Increased Pass Rate: Individuals who attend driving schools generally have a higher pass rate on both the written and practical driving tests compared to those who don’t. The structured training and thorough preparation make them better equipped to face the exams.
18. Emergency Handling: Some driving schools offer training on how to handle emergency situations, such as tire blowouts, brake failures, or sudden obstructions on the road. This training can be invaluable in real-life situations.
19. Feedback and Continuous Assessment: Regular feedback sessions help students understand their strengths and areas of improvement. Continuous assessment ensures they remain consistent in their learning and performance.
20. Building a Foundation for Further Training: For those interested in pursuing advanced driving courses in the future, such as those for commercial vehicles or performance driving, attending a basic driving school serves as a strong foundation.

In addition to these benefits, driving schools in Ontario instill a sense of responsibility and awareness in new drivers. It’s always a good idea to consider professional training when learning to drive, as it can provide a strong foundation for a lifetime of safe driving.

How much does driver’s ed cost in Ontario?

The cost of driver’s education or “driver’s ed” in Ontario can vary widely based on several factors:

1. Location: Prices might be higher in urban areas compared to rural ones.
2. Type of Driving School: Premium driving schools with high-end vehicles or those with an especially good reputation might charge more than others.
3. Course Content: While most schools offer standard packages, some might offer additional training or special modules, which can influence the cost.
4. Classroom vs. Online Instruction: Some schools offer online courses which can sometimes be cheaper than in-person classroom instruction, but this isn’t always the case.
5. Duration of the Course: While many courses are designed to meet the minimum required hours, some might offer extended training, which can impact the price.
6. Additional Services: Some schools might charge extra for services like providing a car for the road test, or for additional in-car lessons beyond the package.

To give a general ballpark:

• Basic driver’s ed packages from reputable schools usually range from $400 to $800.
• More comprehensive packages or those from premium schools can exceed $1,000.

However, prices are subject to change, and it’s also possible to find discounts or promotions. It’s always a good idea to shop around, read reviews, and possibly ask for recommendations to find a school that offers good value for money and fits your specific needs. Before committing, check if the driving school is approved by the Ministry of Transportation, as this can impact eligibility for insurance discounts and reduced waiting times for road tests.

How long is driving school in Ontario?

In Ontario, the length of a driving school program, particularly for those programs designed for new drivers seeking their G1 and G2 licenses, is standardized if the school is recognized by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) under the Beginner Driver Education (BDE) curriculum. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Classroom Instruction: The BDE curriculum mandates at least 20 hours of classroom instruction. This can be conducted in a physical classroom or, more recently, through virtual online classrooms due to the rise of digital platforms and changes in response to situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. In-Car Instruction: The program must also include a minimum of 10 hours of in-car instruction. This provides hands-on experience and allows students to apply the theoretical knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom to real-world driving situations.
3. Independent Learning or Homework Component: Additionally, there’s a 10-hour independent learning or homework component.

In total, a BDE course in Ontario provides a minimum of 40 hours of instruction.

However, the distribution of these hours can vary. For instance, while one school might offer a two-week intensive program, another might spread the lessons out over several weeks or months, especially for in-car training. It’s essential to choose a schedule that best fits your availability and learning preferences.

Remember that while the BDE course provides a structured learning environment, additional practice outside of the driving school (with a licensed accompanying driver) can be invaluable in reinforcing skills and building confidence.

How much does driving school lower insurance in Ontario?

In Ontario, completing a driver’s education program from an accredited driving school can lead to a reduction in car insurance premiums, especially for new drivers. However, the exact amount or percentage by which insurance rates are lowered after completing a driving school program can vary based on several factors:

1. The Insurance Provider: Different insurance companies may offer different discounts for new drivers who’ve completed a driving course. It’s always good to shop around and inquire directly with multiple insurers to understand potential savings.
2. Type of Driving School: Generally, insurance companies give discounts to drivers who’ve completed a program from a school recognized by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) under the Beginner Driver Education (BDE) curriculum. Not all driving schools or courses might be eligible for the discount.
3. Driver’s Profile: The overall profile of the driver, including age, driving record, type of car, and other factors, will influence the insurance rate. The discount from completing driving school is just one of many factors insurers consider.
4. Location: Where you live can also influence insurance rates. For instance, rates in urban areas, especially in places like Toronto, can be higher than in rural areas.

As a ballpark figure, new drivers in Ontario who’ve completed an accredited driver’s education program might see a discount anywhere from 5% to 25% on their insurance premiums. For young drivers, who typically face higher rates, this discount can translate to a substantial dollar amount.

List of best 10 MTO-approved driving schools in Ontario

There are many MTO-approved driving schools in Ontario, each with its own strengths, curriculum, and reputation. What’s “best” can be subjective and might depend on specific needs, location, budget, and personal preferences. However, some of the well-regarded driving schools based on reputation, student feedback, and program offerings include:

1. Young Drivers of Canada: This is one of the most recognized driving schools in Canada. They offer a variety of courses and emphasize defensive driving techniques.
2. All Star Driving School: With multiple locations throughout Ontario, they have a good reputation and have been featured in media due to their teaching methods.
3. Ultimate Drivers: Serving multiple locations in Ontario, they focus on both in-class and in-car training and boast high passing rates for their students.
4. DriveTest: Although better known for conducting the driving tests in Ontario, they also offer training programs.
5. Drivewise: They offer a modern approach to driver training, including simulator experiences in some of their courses.
6. BDE Driver Education: Serving various locations, they’re known for comprehensive driver education and training.
7. Aapex Driving Academy: Offers a range of courses including defensive driving and winter driving techniques.
8. AMB Driving School: Operating in the GTA, they’ve been around for quite some time and have a solid reputation.
9. Saint Elizabeth Driving School: Known for patient instructors and comprehensive training.
10. Shifters Driving School: Offers manual transmission training in addition to standard driving lessons.

Remember, the “best” school isn’t just about reputation or passing rates. It’s also about how comfortable and confident you feel with the instructors, the convenience of the location, the format of the lessons (in-person vs. online), and whether the teaching style aligns with your learning preferences.

It’s always a good idea to check reviews, get recommendations from friends or family, and maybe even conduct a visit or interview with a potential school to ensure it’s the right fit for you.