Let’s face it, no matter where you live in Canada, having a driver’s licence is a right of passage. However, those who have their licences know that driving comes with several risks and costs. Insurance rates are one of the most significant and noticeable costs. With this being said, there are numerous ways for young drivers to save on car insurance. These range from having reasonable rates to driving a safer vehicle. Learning the safest driving methods through a certified driving school is now more critical than ever. Not only does it make you a more skilled driver, but it helps you save on insurance! Whether you’re a new driver or experienced, isure is here to tell you everything you need to know about driving school in Ontario.
When can I start driving school?
There isn’t a specific answer to this, as you can start driving school whenever you’re ready. Whether you have been driving for years or have just passed your G1, there’s no bad time to attend school. As soon as you turn 16, you are eligible to write your G1 test and get your beginner’s licence. At this point, you can start driving school with an MTO-approved instructor. With this being said, many people are unaware that some driving schools allow you to begin school before your G1! However, you will only be able to complete the in-class portion once you get your G1.
How much does driving school lower your insurance in Ontario?
In Ontario, taking driving lessons from a Ministry-approved driving school can help lower your insurance rates. Most car insurance companies offer savings of 5% to 15% when you complete a driver’s education at a reputable institute. For young and new drivers, this is an excellent way to lower your premiums. Additionally, G2 drivers who complete driving school classes can graduate with a G license after eight months rather than the usual 12 months.
You may wonder why attending driving school can lower your insurance rates. This is due to experience. In the eyes of insurance companies, people who attend driving school are perceived as more experienced behind the wheel. As a result, there is a lower likelihood of being involved in an accident. In return, insurance companies will generally offer you savings on your premiums. Even if you’re experienced and have been driving for years, driving school can still benefit from your monthly payments.
How much is driving school in Ontario?
The average cost of attending driving school is $600, with a range from $575 to $800. Of course, the price depends on the driving institute and package, as well as your preferred choice of practice hours. While it may seem pricey, it should be considered an investment in getting cheaper car insurance in the long term. With a savings of 10-15%, this can result in even more substantial savings. A young driver faces the same rates more or less for three years. This means that driving school can result in significant savings throughout that period.
Benefits of driver’s education classes
When it comes to driving, the benefits of attending driver education courses far outweigh the costs. Along with better insurance rates, driving courses can also provide you with the following:
- Allow a young driver to get comfortable with driving and take a gradual approach to learning how to drive
- Grant the opportunity to get behind the wheel and practice all-important driving skills
- Help novice drivers learn the principles of defensive driving
- Personalize driving lessons to help develop the hands-on skills you need to work on
- Teach real and new driving situations, from avoiding hazards to weather-related maneuvers
- Eliminate poor driving habits before they begin
- Gain driving practice hours on a highway that are mandatory for taking your G licence road test
How to find an approved driving school course
To receive the driver’s course discount on your car insurance, you must use an MTO-approved driving school. Regardless of your location, there are numerous MTO-approved driving schools in Ontario for you to choose from. Once you complete your course, OND will pay for and complete your online MTO certification. From there, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the savings! It is essential to consider the specific details of the driving school when making a choice. These include factors such as the course length, cost, and the times at which the course is held.
What does driving school in Ontario include?
Most MTO-approved driving schools will include the same teachings and lessons. These lessons will include:
- Teach and review the rules of the road
- Take drivers out on the road and get them comfortable being behind the wheel
- Demonstrate how to handle a vehicle properly, and
- Review the process of moving through the licensing journey
This is a good way for drivers to learn the information they need to be successful during their official driving tests. One of the benefits of taking a driving course is that it is now possible to complete the majority of classes online. This can be especially handy for some young drivers who don’t own their car, as it means they won’t need to be present at the driving school to take the course.
Tips for choosing a reputable driving school
According to carhub.ca, there are a few things you should look for in a driving school:
1. Ensure your school is officially licensed by the MTO and not on a list of revoked schools
Remember, the perks of driving school only come if the Ministry of Transportation approves the school. You can always check the MTO website to see if the school you’re researching is approved! Additionally, many schools in Ontario have had their licenses revoked and may not be MTO-approved as they claim to be. If you come across a school like this, be sure to steer clear of it!
2. Make sure that you are paying for a sufficient amount of in-car lessons
The MTO requires each driving school to offer a minimum of 10 in-car lessons. When you sign up for a beginner’s driver education course, you typically have both a classroom component and an in-car component. In-car lessons will get you behind the wheel, on real roads, and in authentic situations that you will face as a driver once you’re ready to drive independently.
3. Meet with your driving instructor beforehand to ensure they are a good fit
To ease the anxiety of being in a new, unfamiliar situation (behind the wheel) with a relative stranger, it’s essential to ensure that you are comfortable with the driving instructor. Have a phone chat or meet in person at the school for a sit-down conversation. There is nothing worse than getting behind the wheel of a car with someone you do not see eye-to-eye with.
4. Research online reviews and ask your networks
If you have a family member or friend who has recently completed driver’s education, ask them for recommendations. Additionally, with the power of the internet today, online reviews can save you a significant amount of time in researching a reliable and trusted school. Please review Google and Facebook reviews, as well as consult sources such as your social media network and online forums.
How can you save on insurance as a teen driver?
Sadly, teen drivers often have the highest insurance premiums due to their inexperience. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try to reduce insurance costs. Beyond recommending driving school, the best ways to save include:
- Listing all drivers in your family under one policy
- Listing your teenager as an occasional driver
- Bundling auto insurance with existing home, condo, or other insurance policies
- Avoiding purchasing flashy, high-powered vehicles (which usually come with higher insurance premiums)
- Engaging in telematics insurance. This innovative program rewards safe driving with reduced premiums based on real-time monitoring of your vehicle
- Ask your isure broker about additional discounts!
At the end of the day, a solid driving foundation pays off in the long run, benefiting both your insurance and your safety. If you have any more questions about setting up a new driver on your policy or about driving school discounts, please don’t hesitate to contact us or request a quote today.
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