What's inside the BDE course
Self-paced e-learning available 24/7 — road signs, traffic laws, defensive driving, distraction awareness and Ontario's graduated licensing system — plus the assignments and activities that develop your road skills and lock in what each module teaches, from your phone or laptop.
Private behind-the-wheel instruction split into five 2-hour sessions with an MTO-certified instructor, including free pickup and drop-off within our 10 km policy.
The full MTO structure — 30 hours of coursework you complete online, plus 10 mandatory hours behind the wheel with a certified instructor.
You walk away with
The official MTO certificate
The government-recognised BDE certificate — the same one every Ontario driving school issues.
- G2, 4 months sooner
- Insurance discount
- Ready in ~5 working days
One student's road to certified
Follow Mitchell from sign-up to passing his road test — 60 days, at his own pace, around school and hockey practice.
- Day 0
Registers for $49
Mitchell registers on Drivisa for $49 to start his driver education.
- Day 1
Starts the online coursework
The day after signing up he opens the first module, studying 2 hours a day over Christmas break from his phone.
- Day 30
Finishes the 30 hours online
Between school starting again and hockey practice, he works through all 30 hours of online instruction and the assignments that go with them.
- Day 45
Uploads his G1, books his first lesson
He uploads his G1 in the Drivisa app, gets verified, and purchases the remaining in-car hours. He books his first class with a 5-star instructor, using his high school as the pickup point.
- Day 60
Passes his road test
After another weekend session with a highly-rated instructor, he finishes his fifth in-car class and passes.
Licence in hand
His MTO certificate arrives 5 working days later. Mitchell gets in behind the wheel and drives away — road-ready.
What's the Beginner Driver Education
Beginner Driver Education (BDE) is the MTO's foundational program for novice drivers — typically teens and young adults — combining theory and hands-on practice to build the safe, responsible, lifelong driving habits the Ministry of Transportation requires.
- Level
- Beginner
- Duration
- 40 hours
- PricePromo
- Regular price
$794$494.00 - Benefit
- G2 4 Months Earlier
- Benefit
- Possible Eligibility for Insurance Discount
- Starting fromPromo
- Regular price
$79$49 - Best For
- Teenagers, Newcomers
- Traffic laws
- Road signs
- Vehicle maintenance
- Graduated licensing
- Defensive driving
- Distraction awareness
- Weather handling
- Parking & merging
- Emergency stops
- Total lessons
Self-paced e-learning, plus in-car sessions split into five 2-hour blocks
- Lesson duration
Up to 5 hours a day online, 2 hours per in-car session
- Flexible scheduling
Weekdays, evenings and weekends available
- Validity
1 year from registration (MTO requirement)
- Average completion time
2–3 months
- Minimum time to complete
2 weeks
How you learn
The curriculum balances defensive-driving lessons, distraction awareness and weather handling in the online coursework, paired with instructor-guided practice for real manoeuvres. Drivisa's approach uses simulators and real-world scenarios to build confidence, decision-making and accident prevention.
Why it matters
Investing in certified driver education makes for safer roads — with benefits like insurance discounts, a smoother path to independence, and reduced crash rates through vigilance, rule-respect and empathy for other road users.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario BDE Courses
What is an MTO-approved BDE course in Ontario?
A Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course is an official driver training program approved by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO). It consists of 40 hours total: 20 hours of online coursework, 10 hours of flexible homework, and 10 hours of private in-car lessons with a certified driving instructor.
Does taking a BDE course reduce the G1 to G2 waiting period?
Yes. Completing an MTO-approved BDE course reduces the mandatory waiting period between passing your G1 knowledge test and taking your G2 road test from 12 months down to 8 months, allowing you to get your licence 4 months faster.
Can I complete the Ontario BDE course online?
The theory curriculum (20 hours of online coursework plus 10 hours of flexible home study) is completed online at your own self-paced schedule, accessible 24/7 on any smartphone, tablet, or computer. The mandatory 10 hours of in-car driving lessons are completed in person with a certified instructor in your local Ontario area.
How much does an MTO-approved BDE course cost?
Drivisa's full MTO-approved BDE course is $494 + HST. This covers 20 hours of online coursework, 10 hours of flexible homework, 10 hours of private in-car training, and official MTO certificate processing upon completion.
Does a BDE certificate lower car insurance rates in Ontario?
Yes. Graduating from an MTO-approved BDE course qualifies you for an insurance discount of approximately 10% to 25% with most Ontario auto insurance providers once your certificate is recorded in the MTO driver licensing database.
Can I start a BDE course before getting my G1?
You can register and start the online theory coursework and flexible homework before taking your G1 knowledge test. However, you must obtain a valid Ontario G1 licence before starting the 10 hours of in-car driving lessons.
Ready to get your licence, made simple?
Start the MTO-approved BDE course for $49 today — same certificate, half the price.
Your whole licence,
in your pocket.
Drivisa connects you with MTO-certified instructors in your city. Browse profiles, see live availability, and book, reschedule or pay — all from your phone.
