Have you ever been interested in teaching others how to drive? Are you curious as to how one becomes a driving instructor in Ontario? Well then, you have come to the right place! Getting your driving instructor licence in Ontario can sometimes be tricky. However, isure is here to inform you of all the necessary steps one has to take in order to become a fully-licenced driving instructor!
Getting your driving instructor licence
In order to obtain your driving instructor licence in Ontario, there are a few things you need to know first. To begin, you won’t be surprised to know that a licenced driving instructor must carry a regular Ontario G class licence in order to become an instructor. Additionally, they must openly display a separate driving instructor’s licence in the vehicle. The process of receiving this licence can take several months. If you were an instructor in a different province or country, you will have to start the process from scratch upon your move to Ontario.
What are the requirements to get a driving instructor licence?
Before you begin the process of obtaining an Ontario driving instructor licence, there are certain requirements that must be met. Keep in mind that these requirements are specifically for people who wish to teach people getting their G licences. Requirements may differ if you plan on teaching other licence types. The current requirements for obtaining a driving instructor’s licence are as follows:
- Must hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence (aside from a G1, G2, M1, M2 or M(L)).
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have no demerit points on your driving record
- You must pass a terminal check at an Ontario DriveTest centre to ensure you meet requirements
- Must meet the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) vision standards
- Must pass a G1 knowledge test (if you fail twice, there is a one-year waiting period)
- Must pass a G highway test (like above, if you fail twice, there is a one-year waiting period)
- Must pass a vulnerable sector check (a screening done by police)
- Must fully complete a MTO-approved driving instructor’s course
If you fully meet all these requirements, then you are ready to begin the process of obtaining an Ontario driving instructor licence.
Steps for obtaining a Ontario driving instructor’s licence
The steps required for obtaining your driving instructor’s licence can be long and tedious. However, by following these instructions, you will receive your licence in no time! Keep in mind that you will most likely be making multiple trips to a DriveTest centre during the process. It is also worth nothing that from the time your application is made, you have one year to meet all of the requirements. If you fail to do so, you will need to pay all of the fees again and start from scratch. The required steps for getting an Ontario driver’s instructor’s licence are as follows:
1. Apply and study
- Study! The perfect place to start. When teaching people how to drive, you must be super familiar with the Official MTO Driver’s handbook, as well as the Highway Traffic Act. You should know both of these like the back of your hand before you continue forward.
- Apply for a licence. You can do this by visiting a DriveTest centre. During this application, you will need to fill out a bunch of paperwork and complete the Application for Ontario Driving Instructor Licence form. While here, a DriveTest worker will go over your driving record and make sure you are eligible to continue. You must not have any demerit points or a licence suspension in the past two years.
- Pay the application fee. When paying your first fee, you must keep in mind it is non-refundable. Because it is set by the MTO, the first fee is subject to change. You may pay your first fee by cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Interac or by Canadian traveller cheque.
2. Testing
- Take a vision test. This vision test takes place at an Ontario DriveTest centre and generally only takes a few minutes.
- Complete a G1 knowledge test. This is the same G1 test that you took years ago, and the one your future students will be taking! It only takes about 30 minutes and does not require an appointment. Taking this ensures that you are still able to remember basic driving facts. If you fail your test, you may repay the fee and take it again. If you fail twice, you must wait a year before you start again.
- Complete a G road (highway) test. Another test! For this one, a driver will look over your advanced driving skills. Like the G1 test, this will be the same test you took back when receiving your G. It will also be the same one you will be teaching your students in the future. These appointments are usually available on a first-come-first-served basis.
- Complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). A VSC is a screening process that makes sure you are able to work and teach vulnerable people. You can get more information on one of these by visiting rcmp-grc.gc.ca. These tests can generally be started at a local police station and can take up to several weeks to finish. When you’re done, bring your results and your ID to a DriveTest centre to advance to the next step.
3. MTO-approved driving instructor course
- Complete an MTO-approved driving instructor course. There are many options available when it comes to where to take your course. Many colleges and private companies in Ontario offer driving instructor courses. Make sure you sign up for a course that allows you to learn all of the licencing requirements. This includes in-class and in-vehicle topics, avoiding accidents, First Aid and the Highway Traffic Act. It is also important to plan this course accordingly, as some can take several weeks, or even months, to complete. When you are finished with the course, ask your course instructor to complete the required section of your DriveTest Centre application.
- Bring your application to a DriveTest centre. When your application is signed, make sure to bring it to a DriveTest centre. From there, you will pay your driving instructor fee and be able to get your temporary driving instructor’s licence. Your permanent licence will then arrive in the mail. Congratulations, you are now officially a certified driving instructor in Ontario!
There is a lot to take in when it comes to becoming a driving instructor, but we hope these instructions helped make the process easier! if you are looking to purchase a new car in the future or are interested in switching insurance plans, why not contact isure? Request a quote today!
