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 a number of risks and costs. With insurance rates being one of the biggest and most obvious costs. With this being said, there are numerous ways for young drivers to save on car insurance. These range from having good rates to driving a safer vehicle. Learning the safest driving methods through a certified driving school is now more important 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, because you can start driving school whenever! Whether you have been driving for years or you just passed your G1, there isn’t a bad time to attend school. As soon as you turn 16, you are eligible to write your G1 test  and get your beginners 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, when you take driving lessons from a Ministry-approved driving school, it can lower your insurance rates. Most car insurance companies may give you savings of 5% to 15% when you complete driver education from a reputed institute. For young and new drivers, this is a great way to lower premiums. Additionally, G2 drivers who takes driving school classes can graduate to a G licence after eight months instead of the usual 12 months.

You may be wondering why driving school will lower your insurance rates. Well, this is due to experience! In the eyes of insurance companies, people who take driving school are more experienced behind the wheel. Due to this, there is less of a chance of getting into 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 known some money off 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 per your choice of practice hours. While it may seem pricey, it should be considered an investment towards getting cheaper car insurance, long-term. With a savings of 10-15%, this can translate to even bigger savings. A young driver faces the same rates more or less for a three-year period. This means that driving school can result in big savings over the course of 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

You must use an MTO-approved driving school in order to receive the driver’s course discount on your car insurance. No matter where you’re located, there are a number of 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 important to keep in mind that when you’re choosing a driving school, it is important to look at the schools specific details. These include things such as the length of the course, the cost and the times in 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 of the rules of the road
  • Take drivers out on the road and get them comfortable being behind the wheel
  • Demonstrate how to properly handle a vehicle, and
  • Review the process of moving through the licensing journey

This is a good way for drivers to learn the information they will need in order to be successful during their official driving tests. One of the nice things about taking a driving course is that it is now possible to take the majority of classes online. This can be especially handy for some young drivers who don’t own their own car, as it can mean they will not need to be present at the driving school to still 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 licenced by the MTO and not on a list of revoked schools

Remember, the perks of driving school only come if the school is approved by the Ministry of Transportation. You can always check the MTO website to check if the school you’re researching is approved! On top of this, many schools in Ontario have had their licences revoked and may not be MTO-approved like they claim to be. If you stumble across a school like this, be sure to avoid it!

2. Make sure that you are paying for a sufficient amount of in-car lessons

Each driving school is required to offer a minimum of 10 in-car lessons, according to the MTO. When you sign up for a beginner’s driver education course, you typically have a classroom component, as well as in-car. 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

In order to ease the anxiety of being in a new, unfamiliar situation (behind the wheel) with a relative stranger, it’s important to ensure that you are comfortable with the driving instructors. Have a phone chat or meet at the school in-person and have 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 driving school, ask them for recommendations! On top of this, with the power of the internet today, online reviews can save you a large amount of time in researching a reliable, trusted school. Look at Google and Facebook reviews, and also turn to sources, such as your network on social media and online forums.

How can you save on insurance as a teen driver?

Sadly, teen drivers often have the highest insurance premiums because they are inexperienced. 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 safe driving foundation pays off down the road, for both your insurance and your safety. If you have more questions about setting up a new driver on your policy or driving school discounts, contact us or request a quote today!

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