FAQs and Helpful Links

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DRIVEWISE NEW DRIVER TRAINING

Q: Does Drivewise teach the same emergency manoeuvres as other leading schools?

A: Yes! Drivewise teaches Head-on Collision Avoidance and Gravel Shoulder Recovery manoeuvres in the vehicle, along with an extensive in-class presentation on how to handle various mechanical and driving-related emergencies.

All manoeuvres are included at no extra cost in every Drivewise program. Students also receive in-class emergency driving training, including how to handle tire blowouts and a stuck accelerator. Going beyond basic driver education isn’t occasional – it’s the standard in Drivewise’s SAFE START program.

Q: Is Drivewise approved by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)?

A : Yes! Drivewise a certified Beginner Driver Education (BDE) provider. This means our program meets Ontario’s official standards for driver training, helping students learn safe, responsible and regulated driving.

Q: How does Drivewise train new drivers for Ontario road conditions?

A: Our student-centered approach combines in-class, in-car, and online learning tailored to individual needs. We prioritize safety, teaching defensive driving techniques and emergency maneuvers to prepare students for real-world conditions.

Q: Do you offer accessible, inclusive driver training?

A: Yes. Our inclusive training welcomes learners of all backgrounds and abilities, including nervous drivers – with patient, MTO-certified instructors dedicated to their success.

Q: How many hours are involved in the full Drivewise Safe Start program?

A: The Drivewise Safe Start program includes a total of 40 hours including in-class sessions, online learning (Homelink) and in-car lessons.

20 hours of interactive and engaging in class training
10 hours of private one-on-one in-car training
10 hours of Homelink online learning

Drivewise is one of the most advanced and interactive MTO-certified programs for new drivers in Ontario.

Q: What is Homelink and what if I forgot my Username and Password?

A: Homelink is the online portion of the Drivewise Safe Start program. Students complete it at home at their own pace before beginning in-car training.

Access Homelink at https://drivewisesafetyonline.com/. If you forget your password, click “Forgot your password?” on the login page or contact your location directly.

https://drivewiseontario.ca/brantford/contact/
https://drivewiseontario.ca/simcoe/contact/
https://drivewiseontario.ca/woodstock/contact/
https://drivewiseontario.ca/paris/contact/

Q: How long does it take to complete the program?

A: On average, it takes 3-4 months to complete the Beginner Driver Education program. Students are encouraged to practice thoroughly between each lesson, building and reinforcing their newly acquired skills, when possible.

Q: I want to get my license as soon as possible. When should I start the program?

A: Students who wish to take their road test on the anniversary of the 8th month of obtaining their G1 license are encouraged to sign up for the Beginner Driver Education program before they obtain their G1 or shortly thereafter. This allows adequate time to complete the program without rushing through the lessons, allows time to practice and makes it easier to book a road test in a timely manner.

PAYMENTS & FEES

Q: How much does driver training cost in Ontario?

A: At Drivewise, our Safestart program fees are based on a full beginner driving course program that includes in-class, in-car and online learning. Please visit your Drivewise Ontario location for pricing:

Brantford Safe Start
Woodstock Safe Start
Simcoe Safe Start
Paris Safe Start

Q: How does driver education help me save on insurance?

A: Completing an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education course may help new drivers save money on car insurance. Once the course is completed, your certification is recorded with the Ministry of Transportation, and you can provide your Driver’s Licence History to your insurer as proof of completion. Discounts vary by insurance provider, so students and families should confirm eligibility directly with their broker or insurance company.

Q: What are acceptable forms of payment and when is payment due?

We accept cash, cheque, or e-transfer with the following payment options:

Pay Now: Complete payment using a credit card during online registration.
Pay Later: You will receive receive an invoice one week before your course start date. Payment is due within the first week of the course and can be sent via e-transfer. If you would like more information please contact us.
Contact Brantford
Contact Simcoe
Contact Woodstock
Contact Paris

CERTIFICATES & INSURANCE

Q: Can Driver Training Help Lower My Insurance Costs?

A: Yes! Completing a Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) program, like Drivewise, can help you save on car insurance. Many insurance providers offer discounts for new drivers who complete an accredited driver training program. Savings vary by provider, so we recommend checking with your insurance company to see how much you can save!

Q: How do I receive my Drivewise certificate?

A: After completing all course components (in-class, Homelink, and in-car training), submitting a copy of your driver’s license, and making full payment, we will certify you and email your certificate to the address on your registration form. You can then forward it to your insurance provider to qualify for potential discounts.

Q: What is a New Drivers History, and how do I get one?

A: A Driver’s History Report, available from Service Ontario, provides details about your driving record, including any tickets or collisions. It can be purchased at your local Service Ontario.

IN-CAR LESSONS & SCHEDULING

Q: How do I start my in-car driving lessons?

A: In order to start your in-car lessons, you must complete your classroom sessions and Home Link assignments. Once these are completed, please contact our office to be assigned to an instructor.

Choose your location:
Contact Brantford
Contact Simcoe
Contact Woodstock
Contact Paris

Q: What if I miss a class or in-car lesson?

A: Missed in-class sessions may need to be rescheduled. Contact us for options. If you miss an in-car lesson, inform your instructor as soon as possible

Choose your location:
Contact Brantford
Contact Simcoe
Contact Woodstock
Contact Paris

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION ONTARIO (MTO)

Q: What is Ontario’s Graduated Licensing System?

A: Ontario’s Graduated Licensing System (GLS) helps new drivers in Ontario gain experience over two stages before earning full driving privileges. The process for drivers allows time to gain valuable experience and skills. This process takes at least 20 months and includes new drivers applying for their first car or motorcycle license. Drivers have 5 years to complete the program.

Q: How many steps are there to obtain my full driver’s license in Ontario?

A: Ontario’s Graduated Licensing Program involves the following steps:

G1 Licence: Pass a vision and written knowledge test (road signs & rules). Must be at least 16 years old and provide valid identification. The written test is made up of two parts: Signs and Rules of the Road. To best prepare for this test, purchase and read ‘The Official MTO Driver’s Training Hand Book‘, or take the Drivewise Safe Start training program before your test.
G2 Licence: Eligible after 12 months with a G1 (or 8 months if you complete an MTO-approved driving program like our Drivewise Safe Start Program). The G2 License requires a road test to pass. During your G2 road test, you are evaluated on your knowledge and skills behind the wheel.
Full G Licence: Eligible 12 months after getting a G2. Includes a highway driving test. You must complete the process within five years of getting your G1. At Drivewise, our in-car training will help you prepare for both for G2 and G license.

Q: How do I book my G1, G2, or G road test?

A: You can book online at www.drivetest.ca or by visiting your local DriveTest centre. You will need to bring a safe, roadworthy vehicle for your road test.

Q: What does my G2 licence allow?

A: After passing your G1 road test, you receive a G2 licence. You must practice with your G2 for 12 months. With a G2, you can:

Drive without another experienced driver in the car.
Drive on all Ontario roads at any time, in most cases.

Q: What are the driving restrictions with a G2 license?

A: The restrictions for a G2 license are:

You must have a zero blood alcohol level.
All passengers must have a working seatbelt.
Drivers under 19: For the first 6 months, you can only carry one passenger under 19 between midnight and 5 a.m. After 6 months, you may carry up to three passengers under 19 during those hours.
Exceptions: This restriction does not apply if you have a fully licensed driver (4+ years experience, zero alcohol) in the car or if your passengers are immediate family members.

Helpful Links

Obtaining a drivers licence in Ontario is no easy task. The links provided below are a great resource for understanding the process. Learn everything from what is needed from getting your G1 – to renewing your licence plate sticker, and more. When you are done here, please check out the Drivewise Safe Start program. The most advanced driving school in Brantford, Simcoe, Woodstock and Paris, Ontario. Need help for your road test? We offer driving lessons in Simcoe.