Working Days:Monday To Saturday
Serving the Ottawa Region And Surroundings
Choose the BDE Course That Fits Your Schedule
Ottawa Driving School offers three MTO-approved BDE Courses — online, in-class, and virtual live — available for automatic and manual shift drivers. Complete your BDE to reduce your G1 wait time from 12 to 8 months and qualify for Ontario insurance discounts.
Online, virtual, in-class — auto or manual
MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education
HomeLink + private in-car training
Virtual live BDE option available
MTO Approved
Beginner Driver Education courses
25,000+ Students
Ottawa drivers trained
3
BDE Courses
Online · In-Class · Virtual
From $549 + Tax
Limited-time BDE offer
One BDE Program. Three Courses, Two Transmissions.
Online
Online BDE Course
From
$549+tax
+ $15 certificate fee
- 20 hrs online theory
- 10 hours HomeLink theory
- 10 hrs private in-car lessons (12 hrs for manual)
- MTO registration & certification
- Manual shift available — $945 + tax
In-Class
In-Class BDE Course
From
$549+tax
+ $30 workbook & certificate fee
- 20 hrs classroom theory
- 10 hours HomeLink theory
- 10 hrs private in-car lessons (12 hrs for manual)
- MTO registration & certification
- Manual shift available — $945 + tax
VIRTUAL
Virtual BDE Course
From
$549+tax
+ $15 Certification Fee
- 20 hrs live virtual theory
- 10 hours HomeLink theory
- 10 hrs private in-car lessons (12 hrs for manual)
- MTO registration & certification
- Manual shift available — $945 + tax
One School. 3 MTO-Approved BDE Courses.
Whether you prefer learning online, live virtually with an instructor, or in a classroom — Ottawa Driving School offers automatic and manual shift training across all three courses. Same MTO certification, same private in-car training, your choice of how you learn.
MTO Certification
Official BDE completion submitted after requirements are met.
HomeLink Assignments
10 hours of guided assignments that support your learning.
Private In-Car Training
Train one-on-one with certified Ottawa instructors.
Pickup & Drop-Off
Available across Ottawa and surrounding areas.
MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education
Online self-paced, virtual live with an instructor, or in-class — for automatic and manual shift drivers.
Trusted Results
Experienced instruction designed to build confidence and safety.
Choose the Course That Works Best for You
Ottawa Driving School offers three BDE courses — online self-paced, in-class, and virtual live — each available for automatic and manual shift drivers. Same MTO certification and private in-car training across all three.
No evening in-person classes
Virtual live class option available
Certified Ottawa instructors
Direct MTO submission
VR simulator add-on for in-class BDE only
Course options for different schedules
How the BDE Course Process Works
Pick your BDE course — online, virtual live, or in-class — complete your theory and HomeLink assignments, finish your in-car training, and receive your MTO certification.
Choose Your BDE Path
Select your preferred course— Online, In-Class, or Virtual Live — then choose automatic or manual transmission when registering.
Complete Your Theory
Complete 20 hours of theory — online at your own pace, in a classroom, or live virtually with an instructor.
Finish HomeLink
Complete the required HomeLink assignments.
Train In-Car
Complete your private in-car lessons with a certified instructor.
Get Certified
We submit completion to MTO so you can use your DLH for insurance savings.
Online vs. Virtual Live vs. In-Class BDE
All three courses lead to MTO-approved BDE completion. The right choice depends on your schedule, learning style, and whether you want automatic or manual shift training.
Online BDE
Best for flexible learning from home
In-Class BDE
Best for students who prefer live structure
Virtual Live BDE
Best for live learning from home
| Feature | Online BDE | In-Class BDE | Virtual Live BDE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic or manual | Automatic or manual | Automatic or manual |
| Automatic Price | $549 + tax | $549 + tax | $549 + tax |
| Manual Price | $945 + tax | $945 + tax | $945 + tax |
| Extra Fee | + $15 certificate | + $30 workbook & certificate | + $15 Certification Fee |
| Theory Format | Self-paced online | Classroom | Live virtual with instructor |
| In-Car Training | 10 hrs (auto) · 12 hrs (manual) | 10 hrs (auto) · 12 hrs (manual) | 10 hrs (auto) · 12 hrs (manual) |
| VR Simulator | Not available | Add-on — $25 | Not available |
| Best For | Busy, self-paced learners | Structured classroom learning | Live instruction without commuting |
Who Should Take a BDE Course?
- New drivers preparing for their G2 road test
- Students who want MTO-approved certification
- Parents looking for a trusted Ottawa driving school
- Busy learners who need online or virtual options
- Students who want automatic or manual in-car training
- Students who want live instruction without commuting to a classroom
Add VR Simulator Training
to In-Class BDE
Students registered for Automatic or Manual In-Class BDE can add VR simulator training for an extra $25.
- Optional add-on for in-class BDE students only
- Practice hazard awareness and reactions
- Build confidence before your first road lesson
- Add-on price: $25
What's Included in Every BDE Course?
Ottawa Driving School is a Ministry-approved Beginner Driver Education Course Provider. BDE courses include a minimum of 40 hours of total training, combining theory, HomeLink assignments, and private in-car lessons.
20 Hours Theory
Online, in-class, or virtual live depending on your selected course.
10 Hours HomeLink
Self-paced assignments completed at home.
10–12 Hours Behind the Wheel
Private in-car lessons with certified Ottawa instructors.
BDE Courses Across Ottawa & Surrounding Areas
BDE training is available across Ottawa and surrounding areas. Please call for pricing and instructor availability in distant service areas.
Please call for pricing in surrounding areas.
Courses Available in Different Languages
Learn in the language that helps you feel most comfortable and confident.
MTO-Approved BDE Course Topics
The theory portion covers the essential rules, habits, risk awareness, and decision-making skills every new Ontario driver needs.
Introduction
- Course code of conduct
- Course introduction
Session 1: Rules of the Road
- Importance of traffic laws and regulations
- Traffic control devices
- Quiz
Session 2: The Vehicle and Its Components
- Basic vehicle components
- Pre-trip checks and circle checks
- Quiz
Session 3: Vehicle Handling
- Safe and responsible vehicle control
- Handling the vehicle under various conditions
- Collision avoidance and basic manoeuvres
- Principles of skid control and slide control
- Quiz
Session 4: Driver Behaviour
- Adjusting driving behaviour for different driving conditions
- Control over emotions
- Positive driving attitudes and behaviours
- Responsible and informed decision-making
- Quiz
Session 5: Respect and Responsibility
- Safe and responsible response to emergency situations
- Leadership in promoting safe driving
- Environmentally conscious and efficient driving behaviour
- Lifelong learning approach to driving
- Module quiz
Session 6: Sharing the Road
- Co-operative driving
- Appropriate communication with other road users
- Quiz
Session 7: Attention
- Safe and responsible actions related to impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Managing attention
- Quiz
Session 8: Perception and Risk Management
- Safe and proper observation skills
- Accurate perception of personal limits, abilities, and risk tolerance
- Accurate risk perception
- Recognition and avoidance of common collision situations
- Potential hazards of driving and effective responses
- Effective decision-making to ensure safe driving
- Driving actions to minimize risk
- Quiz
Complete the Final BDE Exam
The final exam includes 35 questions. Students must achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass the course according to BDE MTO standards.
BDE Can Help You Drive Sooner and Save More
A completed BDE course may reduce your G1 wait time, support insurance discount eligibility, and give you a stronger foundation for safe driving.
Insurance Discount Eligibility
BDE graduates with a Driver's Licence History may qualify for insurance discounts.
Reduce G1 Wait Time
Eligible students may reduce the G1-to-G2 wait from 12 months to 8 months.
Build Safer Habits
Learn road rules, risk management, and practical driving skills with certified instructors.
Trusted by Ottawa Students and Families
BDE Course FAQ
The most common questions students and parents ask about Ottawa Driving School's BDE course options.
Which BDE course should I choose?
Start by choosing your delivery: Online if you prefer learning from home at your own pace, In-Class if you want a structured classroom setting, or Virtual Live if you want live sessions with an instructor from anywhere. Then choose your transmission — automatic or manual — when registering.
What is the current BDE course price?
For a limited time, the base BDE price is $549 + tax for automatic shift, and $945 + tax for manual shift — across all three courses. Online and Virtual Live include a $15 certificate fee. In-Class includes a $30 workbook and certification fee.
Can I take the BDE course in a manual transmission car?
Yes. Manual transmission is available across all three BDE courses — online, in-class, and virtual live. Manual BDE includes 12 hours of in-car training (8 hours automatic + 4 hours manual) and is priced at $945 + tax. Automatic BDE is $549 + tax.
What is included in a BDE course?
BDE courses include theory, HomeLink assignments, private in-car lessons, and MTO registration and certification after completion.
Can I add VR simulator training?
Yes. In-class BDE students can add VR simulator training for an additional $25.
Can I get an insurance discount?
Yes. After completing BDE, students can use their Driver's Licence History as proof of completion, which may help with insurance discount eligibility.
Ready to Start Your BDE Course?
Choose the BDE course that fits your schedule and take the first step toward becoming a safer, more confident Ottawa driver.
