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How much does driving school cost in Ontario?
Getting behind the wheel for the first time is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Whether you're 16 and eager for freedom, or older and finally ready to hit the road, learning to drive properly from the start makes a big difference.
Driving school courses in Ontario typically cost between $800 to $1,600 for reputable driving school courses, but the hands-on education and insurance savings you get down the road make it worth every penny.
Ontario has over 1.5 million new drivers (G1 or G2 license holders), according to the latest Ontario Drivers’ Annual Statistics. These drivers are two to three times more likely to be in an accident than experienced drivers.
The Traffic Injury Research Foundation says the risk is highest in the first six months, when new drivers are eight times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision due to their limited skills and experience.
While not legally required, attending a Ontario certified school helps build confidence, speeds up licensing, may qualify you for insurance discounts, and most importantly, it teaches safe driving habits.
About driving school in Ontario
Driving school is a structured program that teaches you how to drive safely and responsibly. In Ontario, new drivers are encouraged to attend a school approved by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO).
Benefits include:
- Learning from certified instructors.
- Taking your first road test sooner (after eight months instead of 12).
- Potential auto insurance discounts.
To access these perks, you must choose an MTO-certified driving school. You can find the full list here.
Are a new driver? Learn all about requirements and restrictions for getting your G1 licence in Ontario
What’s covered in a Beginner Driver Education course?
All MTO-approved schools follow a standardized Beginner Driver Education (BDE) curriculum. The curriculum includes 20 hours of in-class (or online) theory, 10 hours of home study, and 10 hours of driving with a licensed instructor.
Once completed, your certificate is added to your driving record and can be shared with insurers for potential discounts.
The in-car lessons with a certified driving instructor will focus on hands-on skills, such as:
- How to operate the vehicle
- Basic driving skills like turning, stopping, and lane changes
- Parking techniques (parallel, reverse)
- How to drive in city traffic and on highways
- Night driving, winter driving, and handling busy intersections
The classroom or online learning part of the course teaches important road safety information, including:
- Ontario’s traffic laws and road safety
- The dangers of speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving
- How to handle emergency situations like brake failure or accidents
- The basics of your vehicle and how to use its safety features
- Understanding car insurance and how it works
By the end of the course, you should have both the knowledge and hands-on experience to feel confident behind the wheel.
How much does driving school cost?
Driving school in Ontario vary by location and package. Generally, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,600 for a complete beginner course.
More comprehensive packages include more hours of theory classes and test-day warm-up training, as well as use of the instructor’s car for the G2 test.
Some schools may offer cheaper packages starting around $575 but be sure to check what’s included before signing up. They may charge extra for things like online platform access, admin fees, or certification markups (the official MTO fee is only $15).
What does it cost to get a Class G license?
To go from the initial G1 license to a full Class G driver’s license, you’ll need to pay for testing along the way. When you apply for your G1, you’ll pay $159.75, which covers your G1 written knowledge test, your first G2 road test, and your five-year driver’s license. If you need to retake the G1 knowledge test, it’s $16 per attempt. If you don’t pass your G2 road test on the first try, each additional attempt costs $53.75.
When you’re ready to graduate from G2 to your full G license, the G road test costs $91.25. If you ever need to cancel or reschedule a test, make sure you give at least 48 hours' notice, or you’ll lose your test fee. All in, most drivers spend around $250–300 on licensing and test fees.
Can driving school make my car insurance cheaper?
Yes! Completing an MTO-approved course may help you save 5% to 15% on your auto insurance. Some schools even advertise savings up to 40%, depending on the insurer.
While actual savings vary, the financial benefit often outweighs the initial cost of the course — especially for young drivers who face higher-than-average insurance costs. Insurers offer these discounts because they think drivers who complete formal training are statistically safer.
If your parents or a partner has a car, ask to get added as a secondary driver on their car insurance before transitioning to getting your own car. This will help you further reduce your car insurance premiums when you’re ready to get your own car, since it will count towards your driving experience with your insurer.
How should you choose a driving school?
Not all driving schools are equal. Here are some tips to help you choose wisely:
- Look for MTO approval: This ensures the school meets minimum curriculum standards and qualifies you for insurance discounts.
- Read reviews: Google, Yelp, and Reddit are full of real experiences from other students.
- Ask what’s included: Make sure you know how many in-car hours are provided, whether there are hidden fees, and if test packages are included.
Every school caters to different needs. Some prioritize advanced safety training, while others stand out for competitive pricing or personalized service.
Here are a few popular options , plus the approximate cost of their BDE courses:
- Young Drivers of Canada: $1,719 - $2,149 +HST
- DriveWise: $599 - $899 + HST and Certification fee
- Kruzee Driving School: $795 - $1,090 +HST
- G2Drivers Driving School: $600 - $960 +HST
- All Nations Driving School: $499 - $789 +HST
Can you get extra lessons or specialty training?
Some schools offer additional lessons or specialty training for drivers who want extra practice or to learn specific skills, such as defensive driving, winter driving, highway lessons, and parking practice. These extras can boost your driving skills and may qualify you for additional insurance savings.
Ready to get started?
Driving school isn’t just about passing a test; it’s about learning the habits that keep you and others safe on the road. Whether you're nervous about driving, want to fast-track licensing, or save on insurance, enrolling in driving school is well worth the investment. .
Just make sure you check out the official list of MTO-approved schools, compare reviews and costs, and find a reputable program that fits your needs. With the right training, you'll be driving confidently and safely in no time.
Save on Ontario auto insurance
Auto insurance rates change often, so how do you know if you're still getting the best deal? By comparing car insurance quotes upon renewal and at other key milestones (such as when you buy a new vehicle, or more to a different neighbourhood) you can make sure your rates remain competitive. Save money by comparing Ontario car insurance quotes today.
Bethan Moorcraft, Freelance writer
Bethan is a Toronto-based writer with experience in news editing and business reporting across international markets. Previously, she was the senior editor of Insurance Business magazine.
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