How to Choose the Best Driving School for You

Mar 3, 2026 | Driver Training

The best driving school is one that is MTO-approved, has qualified instructors, offers structured in-class and in-vehicle training, and supports safe driving habits beyond the road test. Choosing a driving school is a big decision, especially for new drivers and parents who want to feel confident in the quality of instruction. By comparing certification, reputation, training methods, instructor experience, vehicle safety, scheduling support, and road test preparation, you can choose a program that helps build confidence, awareness, and lifelong safe driving skills. Here’s what to look for: 

1. Certification and Reputation 

  • MTO-approved: In Ontario, driving schools must be certified by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to provide driver education. Check that the school is MTO-approved to ensure you’re getting quality, regulated instruction. 
  • Experience & Reviews: A good driving school will have at least 15 years of experience, positive feedback and a solid reputation for delivering quality education. 
  • Qualified Instructors: Instructors should be MTO-certified and should have experience teaching drivers of all skill levels. DriveWise instructors are trained in our own MTO approved private career college.  

2. Training 

  • Classroom vs Online: While online courses cover the basics like rules of the road, essential skills like situational awareness, risk recognition, and driver attitude are best learned in a dynamic live classroom environment. Completely on-line training programs satisfy government regulated hours but do not meet high standards for training. It is a way to do the minimal training to get MTO approval in the cheapest way possible. Quality schools go beyond minimum standards by using advanced tools like driving simulators to teach both fundamental and advanced driving skills in a safe, interactive environment.
  • In-Vehicle : Ensure lessons are 1-on-1, follow a structured plan, and aren’t shared with other students. The lesson should be dedicated to one student, not acting as a taxi service.

3. Programs & Facilities 

  • Beginner Driver Education (BDE) Program: This is the standard program for new drivers, combining in-class learning with in-car training. Ensure the school offers a complete BDE program that meets MTO guidelines. 
  • Training Facility: Does the school operate a proper training facility or offer low quality, off the shelf on-line training to accompany in vehicle. 
  • Service: Reliable admin support and flexible scheduling are a must. Does the school have administrative staff to offer timely service? Is the instructor pool large enough that your personal schedule can be matched to an instructor?

4. Cost and Payment Options 

  • Prices: Watch out for hidden fees or overly cheap programs.
  • Bundles & Plans: Look for packages that include in-car and in-class training, and ask about payment plans that can make training more affordable.

5. Instructor & Vehicle Quality 

  • Instructor Fit: It’s essential to feel comfortable with the instructor. Ask about their training process and how they adapt to different learning styles.
  • Vehicles: Cars should be clean, safe, insured, and properly maintained.

6. Insurance Benefits

  • Insurance Discounts: Some insurers offer discounts upon completion of the BDE course. Check with your insurance provider if they offer any incentives. 

7. Accreditation & Certifications 

  • Recognized Excellence: Look for schools with awards, accreditations, and a solid track record. DriveWise has won National Awards for Excellence in Training, training innovation, research grants while locally winning multiple awards for service, employer of the year, and entrepreneurs of the year. 

8. Road Test Support 

  • Test Prep: Some schools help with booking and offer pre-test lessons to boost your confidence.

Choose a Driving School That Sets You Up for Safer Roads

Choosing the right driving school is about more than getting your licence. It is about learning the skills, habits, and confidence needed to stay safe every time you get behind the wheel. At DriveWise, our driver training programs are designed to support new drivers with MTO-approved education, experienced instructors, interactive learning, and a focus on real-world road safety. With driving schools in Barrie, Oakville, and Burlington, DriveWise helps students across Ontario take the next step toward becoming safer, more confident drivers.

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