How much is driving school in Ontario? Here's what you need to know

If you're considering driving school in Ontario, expect to pay between $600-$1,600 for a Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course at most schools. 

Whether you're a teen ready to get behind the wheel or an adult finally tackling the G2 test, driving school is a rite of passage in Ontario. But it can also be confusing and expensive. 

From figuring out which schools are Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)–approved to understanding what package deals really include, here’s a full breakdown of what driving school costs, how to choose a good one, and which programs are actually worth your money. 

How much does driving school cost in Ontario? 

Most MTO-approved driving schools in Ontario charge between $600 to $1,600 for a Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course. This includes: 

• 20 hours of classroom or online instruction 
• 10 hours of in-car lessons with a licensed instructor 
• 10 hours of at-home study 
• A $15 MTO certification fee 

Be wary of programs that charge under $600; some schools advertise low base prices but tack on fees for admin, booking, or online learning, which can quickly inflate your final cost.  

On the higher end, premium programs like Young Drivers of Canada can cost anywhere from $1,599 to over $3,000. These often include road test bookings, vehicle rental, and additional perks. Your choice depends on what makes you feel secure and comfortable, all while staying within your budget.  

Related: Auto insurance in Canada for newcomers: A guide 

What are the top driving schools in Ontario? 

Here are some of the most popular and reputable options in the province.

Young Drivers of Canada

Canada’s most well-known driving school, Young Drivers of Canada has trained over 1.4 million drivers since 1970. They’re MTO-approved and offer multiple package tiers. 

• Cost: $1,599–$3,799 
• Packages: Online or in-person BDE, with optional road test bookings and vehicle rentals 
• Hourly Lessons: $200+ 
• Locations: 140+ across Canada 
• Extras: Defensive driving training, insurance tie-ins, flexible payment plans 

While it’s one of the more expensive schools, it’s remained popular for thorough training and well-structured lessons. 

All Star Driving School

A GTA favourite, especially among high school students, All Star Driving has operated since 1980 and offers BDE programs at a more accessible price point. 

• Cost: $549–$854 + HST and certification (Total: $650–$1,000) 
• Packages: Basic BDE to premium options with extra in-car hours and test-day car use 
• Hourly Lessons: $100-$120 (2 hours minimum required) 
• Locations: 30+ across the GTA 
• Extras: Free pick-up and drop-off, strong local reputation 

Reviews vary by instructor, so it’s worth asking if you can switch if the fit isn’t right. Payment plans may be available, though they’re less prominently advertised, so be sure to hop on a call and find out what your options are. 

Kruzee

A newer, online-first option with MTO approval, Kruzee offers convenient online scheduling and lesson booking. For that reason, it’s great for self-directed learners or those wanting more control over scheduling and instructor choice. 

• Cost: $795–$1,095 
• Packages: Standard BDE with optional road test vehicle and additional lessons 
• Hourly lessons: $85+ 
• Booking: Fully digital with instructor profiles and scheduling flexibility 
• Locations: Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and more 
• Extras: Digital-first model, transparent instructor matching, insurance-friendly certification 

Related: Everything you need to know about getting your licence in Ontario 

How to choose the right driving school 

Mikael Castaldo, co-CEO of Kruzee, recommends doing some research when looking for a good driving school. Some will boast 99% pass rates, which he calls “nonsense”. Others hire “the first person who meets the criteria off Indeed” with little to no training, he says. 

Reputable programs screen candidates thoroughly hire only top-tier instructors and provide them with ongoing training. To make sure you’re getting high-quality driving education, he recommends reviewing each school’s website for details on their hiring process. If the information isn’t clear, call or email them directly to ask about their instructor training and monitoring practices. Transparent schools will be happy to share this information. 

Some other questions to consider when choosing the right driving school: 

1. Is the school MTO-approved? 

This is non-negotiable. Only MTO-approved schools can certify your BDE completion, which qualifies you for an insurance discount and allows you to take your G2 road test after eight months instead of 12. To confirm approval, search your school on the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's official list. 

2. Do reviews really matter? 

Reviews are one of the best ways to vet a driving school, but you shouldn’t rely solely on the ones posted on the school’s website. You can get a better sense of what works for you by also reading Google reviews, Reddit threads (search, for example, “Young Drivers review Ontario” or “best driving school Toronto”), Yelp or third-party aggregators like CourseCompare.  

For instance, when it comes to the schools mentioned above, some of the most consistent feedback you’ll find is that Young Drivers offers top-tier instruction (at a price), while All Star provides great value if you find the best instructor for you. 

3. What's included in the program — and what’s not? 

When checking out each school, it’s important to note the below:  

• Is the MTO certification fee included? 
• Are e-learning materials free or extra? 
• Do you charge admin or test booking fees? 
• Is vehicle use included for my G2 or G road test? 

Read the fine print to avoid surprise charges and clarify refund policies if something changes. 

4. Can you try a lesson first? 

Many schools offer: 

• Trial lessons ($50–80 per hour) 
• Standalone G2 or G test prep packages 
• Hourly rates if you’re not ready to commit to a full program. 

And if you’re uncomfortable with your instructor, ask if you can switch; some schools have strict policies with reassigning instructors, but others are more flexible. 

Are there car insurance discounts for graduating from an MTO-approved driving school? 

New drivers, especially those under 25—are often considered higher-risk by insurers, which is why their premiums can be anywhere between 25% to 250% higher than those of low-risk drivers.  

However, completing an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course can help reduce your insurance costs significantly.  Most provinces, including Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, offer auto insurance discounts for graduated students.  

“Instead of insurance companies treating you as a new driver, if you've completed an MTO-approved BDE course, they'll treat you as a driver with 1-2 years of experience,” Castaldo says. “This can lower your insurance rates by 10 to 20 per cent for the first few years. New drivers [typically] get really high rates for insurance” 

That said, discounts aren’t automatic and vary by insurer. 

Some providers extend them to new drivers of any age, while others limit eligibility to those under 25 or with no prior driving history. To make sure you qualify, confirm with your insurer before enrolling. Given the high cost of insurance, a $600-$1,600 driving school program can often pay for itself within a few years. 

It’s also worth noting that the driving school you choose doesn’t impact your discount. 

“Insurers don’t actually look at which driving school you went to,” Castaldo clarifies. “All they see is your driving record: ‘Did you complete a BDE course—yes or no?’” 

Learn more: When buying insurance, should you go with a broker or agent? 

Bottom line: Driving schools pay off in more ways than one 

A good school teaches lifelong defensive driving skills, not just how to pass your road test.  

According to Castaldo, “the overall pass rate for the road test in Ontario is around 60 to 70 per cent but those rates improve with driving school coaching because instructors know what examiners are looking for.” 

In Ontario, attending an MTO-approved driving school comes with added perks. Not only do these schools provide expert coaching, but they also issue a Beginner Driver Education (BDE) certificate. This certificate allows you to take your G2 road test in just eight months instead of the usual 12. 

But ultimately, the real benefit of a good driving school isn’t just insurance discounts or faster licensing: It’s learning safe driving habits. 

“If it prevents an accident, it pays for itself,” he says.  

Read next: How to negotiate the best price for a new car