Obtaining a driving license in Ontario is a straightforward process that requires passing a series of tests and meeting certain eligibility requirements. Here is a brief overview of the steps involved:
- Eligibility: To be eligible for a driver’s license in Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old and pass a vision test. If you are under 18, you will also need to provide parental consent.
- Written Test: The first step in obtaining your license is to take a written test, which covers Ontario’s traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study for the test using the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook or take a driver education course.
- G1 License: After passing the written test, you will receive a G1 license, which allows you to practice driving with a fully licensed driver in the passenger seat. You must hold this license for at least 12 months or 8 months if you complete an approved driver education course before you can take the next step.
- G2 License: The next step is to take a road test and obtain your G2 license, which allows you to drive on your own with some restrictions, such as a zero blood alcohol level. You must hold this license for at least 12 months before you can take the final step.
- Full G License: After holding a G2 license for at least 12 months, you can take a final road test to obtain your full G license, which allows you to drive without restrictions.
At North Simcoe Driving School, we offer a variety of driver education courses to help you prepare for the written and road tests, as well as gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a safe and confident driver. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you obtain your driver’s license in Ontario.
Taking an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course from a driving school like North Simcoe Driving School offers several benefits, including:
Benefits of Taking an MTO-Approved BDE Course
✅ Faster Road Test Eligibility – With an MTO-approved BDE certificate, you can take your G2 road test 4 months earlier (i.e., in 8 months instead of 12 months).
✅ Insurance Discounts – Many insurance providers offer discounted rates to drivers who complete an MTO-approved BDE course.
✅ Professional Training – Learn from certified and experienced driving instructors who teach proper road safety techniques.
✅ Higher Passing Rate – Students who take a BDE course have a better success rate in passing their road tests on the first attempt.
✅ Defensive Driving Skills – The course helps develop safe driving habits and teaches how to handle emergencies, bad weather, and other real-world scenarios.
✅ Certificate on Driver’s Record – After completion, your driving record will be updated with the BDE course certification, which can be verified by insurance companies.
What’s Included in the MTO-Approved BDE Course?
✔️ 20 Hours of Online Learning – Covers road rules, defensive driving, collision prevention, and driving laws.
✔️ 10 Hours of In-Car Training – One-on-one lessons with a certified instructor to practice driving skills on the road.
✔️ 10 Hours of Homelink (Independent Study) – Online or workbook-based assignments for extra learning.
✔️ MTO-Approved Digital Certificate – Upon completion, the certificate is registered with the MTO Driver’s License History and can be used for insurance discounts.
Benefits of Taking One-on-One Private In-Car Driving Lessons.
Personalized Instruction – The driving instructor tailors the lesson to your skill level, focusing on your strengths and areas that need improvement.
Undivided Attention – You get the instructor’s full attention, allowing for better guidance and quicker learning.
Faster Progress – Since the lesson is customized, you can advance at your own pace without waiting for others to catch up.
Increased Confidence – Private lessons provide a comfortable learning environment, reducing anxiety and improving confidence.
Flexible Scheduling – Most driving schools offer flexible time slots to fit your schedule.
What’s Included in a 1 or 2 Hours of Driving Lesson?
Private driving lesson typically covers:
✅ Vehicle Familiarization – Adjusting mirrors, seat position, understanding dashboard controls.
✅ Basic Maneuvers – Starting, stopping, turning, signaling, and lane changes.
✅ Parking Techniques – Parallel parking, reverse parking, angle parking.
✅ Defensive Driving – Identifying hazards, maintaining safe following distances, handling emergencies.
✅ Intersection Navigation – Understanding right-of-way, making left and right turns safely.
✅ Highway Driving (if applicable) – Merging, lane discipline, handling higher speeds.
✅ Night or Bad Weather Driving (if needed) – Learning how to drive in different conditions.
✅ Mock Road Test – Simulating the real driving test to prepare you for success.
