To become a driving instructor in Ontario, you must meet several requirements, including holding a valid Ontario G license and having at least four years of driving experience. and completing an MTO-approved driving instructor course. You also need a clean driving record (zero demerit points and no license suspensions in the past two years), and you must pass a vision test, a G1 knowledge test, and a G road test. Let’s break it down:
Become a Driving Instructor in Ontario: Pre-Requisites
If you want to teach students pursuing a Class G licence, you must:
- Hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence (other than class G1, G2, M1, M2, or M(L)).
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have no demerit points on your driver’s record.
- Pass a terminal check at the DriveTest Centre to ensure you meet licensing requirements.
- Meet Ministry of Transportation (MTO) vision standards.
- Pass a G1 knowledge test (there is a one-year wait period following two unsuccessful attempts).
- Pass a Class G road (highway) test (there is a one-year wait period following two unsuccessful attempts).
- Pass a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters (CRJM) Check or equivalent.
- Complete an MTO-approved driving instructor’s course.
Process for Obtaining a New Driving Instructor’s Licence
From the time your application is made to become a driving instructor in Ontario, you will have one year to meet all the requirements. If you cannot complete all the steps within one year, you will need to pay all the fees again. The process for getting a driver’s instructor’s licence is as follows:
1. Study for the Knowledge Test
You must be very familiar with the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook and the Highway Traffic Act in order to pass.
2. Visit the DriveTest Centre
This is necessary in order to complete the Application for Ontario Driving Instructor Licence and present a valid Ontario driver’s licence (other than class G1, G2, M1, M2, or M(L)) at the time of your application. You will also need to collect:
- A Highway Traffic Act sheet, and
- A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters (CRJM) Check or equivalent.
A customer service agent will check your driving record to ensure you are eligible (e.g., no demerit points, no licence suspension in the past two years).
3. Pay the Non-Refundable Application Fee at the DriveTest Centre
Fees are set by the MTO and are subject to change. Please note that, if you are successful in earning your driving instructor’s licence, there is an additional driving instructor licensing fee that will be calculated automatically. To find out more about all necessary fees related to becoming a driving instructor, please click here.
4. Take a vision test at the DriveTest Centre
The vision test takes only a few minutes. Make sure to bring any corrective lenses with you!
5. Complete and Pass a G1 Knowledge Test
The knowledge test is the same test that your students will take. The test typically takes 30 minutes. If you are unsuccessful with your knowledge test or the Class G Road test, you may pay the fee and take the test again.
Driving instructor applicants are disqualified from applying for a licence for a period of one year upon failing their second attempt (within a period of 365 days) at the G1 knowledge test or Class G Road test. Disqualified applicants must retake all tests, and repay the appropriate fees, once the disqualification period has passed.
6. Book and Take Your Class G Road Test (Highway)
For the Class G Road test, a driver examiner will assess your more advanced driving skills. This is the same road test that your students will take.
A licensed driving instructor must carry a regular Ontario licence card and openly display a separate driving instructor’s licence card in the vehicle while teaching.
7. Initiate a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters (CRJM) Check (or Equivalent)
A CRJMC must be obtained and filed with the Ministry of Ontario to evaluate whether it is appropriate for you to deal with children, the elderly, and many people with impairments. Most applicants for driving teacher positions can finish this procedure online or by going to a nearby police station. You might want to start this process before taking your examinations because, depending on your jurisdiction, as these test take a few days or weeks.
8. Complete an MTO-Approved Driving Instructor Course
You can choose the training course either full-time or part-time as per your convenience. Generally, it takes four weeks to complete a full-time course or 12 weeks for part-time. Both classroom and on-the-road components are present in these courses.
During the in-class session, you get a chance to learn about the rules & regulations about driving and roads. You’ll become acquainted with the Highway Traffic Act and fully comprehend the procedures needed to carry out both straightforward and difficult driving maneuvers.
Several colleges, associations, and private companies offer driver instructor courses. Courses may include:
- In-class and in-vehicle topics
- Avoiding and managing collisions
- Defensive driving
- Highway Traffic Act, and
- First aid
Once you have passed the driving instructor course, ask the course instructor to complete the required section along with their signature on the reverse of your application and take it to a DriveTest Centre.
9. Pay the Driving Instructor Licensing Fee
The fee for the driving instructor license is calculated automatically. You can expect to receive your official driving instructor’s licence card in the mail. The temporary licence is valid for 90 days. In the meantime, you will receive a temporary license to keep with you.
Important Considerations:
- You must work with an MTO-approved driving school to serve G1 students.
- Your car must be equipped with dual brakes.
- 6D endorsement for your auto insurance is required (to protect yourself and your students when delivering lessons).
- A rooftop sign that the driving school will furnish is required.
- To work as a driving instructor, you might need to apply for a municipal license, depending on the city.
An “SEF6D endorsement” on an auto insurance policy, also known as the “Driver Training School Endorsement”, specifically allows you r vehicle to be used for driver training purposes, including carrying passengers for compensation or hire. This endorsement is crucial for driving schools and instructors to ensure they have the necessary coverage when providing lessons.
Insurance Needs After Becoming a Driving Instructor
Aviva Insurance does offer insurance for driving schools and instructors, but it’s not a standalone product. Instead, it’s typically offered through brokers or as part of a broader commercial auto insurance policy. Aviva partners with isure brokers to provide coverage tailored to the specific needs of driving schools and instructors.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Commercial Auto Insurance
Aviva offers commercial auto insurance that can be customized for driving schools and instructors. This type of policy covers vehicles used for business purposes, including those used for driving instruction.
Coverage Options for Driving Instructors
Aviva’s commercial auto insurance can include features like:
- Multi-vehicle discounts for schools with multiple vehicles.
- Conviction-free discounts for instructors with clean driving records.
- Commercial driving record protection to help mitigate increased premiums after accidents.
Working with Brokers
Aviva often works with independent brokers like Cowan Insurance Group who specialize in understanding the unique risks associated with driving schools and instructors. These brokers can help customize a policy to fit the specific needs of the business.
Not a Standalone Product
Aviva’s driving instructor insurance isn’t a separate, readily available product. Instead, it’s a component of their broader commercial auto insurance offering, often accessed through a broker.
Importance of a Knowledgeable Brokerage
It’s recommended to work with a broker experienced in the driving school industry to ensure you have the right coverage for your specific needs. They can help you navigate the options and tailor a policy to protect your business, vehicles, and students.
We hope this guide helps answer any questions you may have about becoming a driving instructor in Ontario. If you have recently passed your driving tests and are a new driver in need of an auto insurance policy, get a quote from us today!
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