Working Days:Monday To Saturday
Serving the Ottawa Region And Surroundings
Master Manual Driving With Ottawa's Most Trusted Driving School
Learn to drive a manual transmission with confidence in our dual-clutch training vehicles. Complete the same MTO-approved BDE curriculum, plus the global skill of shifting gears — and drive any car on the road.
20 hours classroom + 10 hours HomeLink
12 hours in-car (8 auto + 4 manual)
Dual-clutch training vehicles
Drive any car worldwide
In-Class Manual
12 hours behind the wheel
Is the Automatic BDE course MTO-approved?
Yes. Ottawa Driving School's Automatic Shift BDE course is fully MTO-approved and includes the 20 hours of classroom theory, 10 hours of HomeLink, and 10 hours of private in-car lessons required for MTO certification.
MTO Approved
Beginner Driver Education Course
25,000+ Students
Ottawa drivers trained
Drive any vehicle
Drive any vehicle
From $945 + Tax
+ $30 workbook & certificate fee
Everything Included in One MTO-Approved Manual Course
Our In-Class Manual BDE course covers every requirement for MTO certification — classroom theory, online HomeLink, and 12 hours of private in-car training split between automatic (8 hrs) and manual transmission (4 hrs) vehicles.
20 Hours Classroom Theory
In-person at Kanata, Walkley, Merivale — or live virtual.
10 Hours HomeLink
Interactive assignments completed online.
12 Hours In-Car (8 Auto + 4 Manual)
Private lessons with certified Ottawa instructors.
Pickup & Drop-off
Convenient lesson scheduling for students.
Dual-Clutch Manual Vehicle
4 hours of manual transmission training with instructor override.
MTO Certification
We submit completion after requirements are met.
Limited Time Offer
Manual Shift BDE Course
+tax
$30 Workbook & Certification Fee
- 20 hours in-class classroom theory
- 10 hours HomeLink theory
- 12 hours private driving lessons
- 8 hrs automatic + 4 hrs manual training
- MTO registration & certification
- Pickup & drop-off in our service area
Clear Price. Clear Inclusions. No Surprises.
One simple price covers your in-class theory, HomeLink, and 12 hours of private in-car training in both automatic and manual vehicles. MTO submission included.
Saturdays & Sundays:
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
10 AM – 3:30 PM
See registration for available date
No hidden fees
Certified Ottawa instructors
Direct MTO submission
Dual-clutch training cars
Group of 10+ private class
Weekend, weekday, or virtual options
How the Manual BDE Course Works
A clear path from registration to MTO certification — with manual transmission mastery built in.
Register & Choose Location
Pick Kanata, Walkley, or Merivale and your class start date. Pay online.
Complete 20 Hours of Theory
Attend in-person at Kanata, Walkley, or Merivale — or join our new Live Virtual classroom from anywhere in Ontario.
Finish HomeLink Online
Complete 10 hours of self-paced online assignments through MTO HomeLink.
In-Car: 8 Auto + 4 Manual
Lock in core road skills first, then master clutch control and shifting.
Get Certified — Book Your G2
We submit your completion to MTO. Use your DLH for the insurance discount.
Manual BDE vs. Automatic BDE
Both options lead to the same MTO certification. The main difference is the skill set you walk away with — and the vehicles you can drive after.
Manual Shift BDE
Drive any car, anywhere
Automatic Shift BDE
Easier learning curve
| Feature | Manual BDE | Automatic BDE |
|---|---|---|
| Course Price | $945 + tax | $549 + tax |
| In-Car Hours | 12 hrs (8 auto + 4 manual) | 10 hrs (automatic) |
| Vehicle Type | Dual-clutch manual + automatic | Dual-brake automatic |
| MTO Certification | Yes | Yes |
| Insurance Discount Eligibility | Yes | Yes |
| Drives Any Car Worldwide | Yes — global skill | Automatic only |
| Difficulty | Steeper learning curve | Easier for beginners |
Who Is This Course For?
- Drivers who want the global standard skill
- Anyone planning to rent or drive abroad
- Future delivery, logistics, or motorsport drivers
- Drivers with manual cars in the family
- Anyone who wants the complete driving toolkit
Train in VR Before Your First Real Lesson
Ottawa Driving School is one of the first driving schools in Ottawa to offer a VR driving simulator. Practice intersections, emergency stops, and lane changes in a safe virtual environment — perfect for nervous first-timers who want to build real-road confidence before getting behind the wheel.
- Real-world intersection & hazard scenarios
- Emergency braking & hazard response training
- Builds confidence before your first real lesson
- Zero risk — practice mistakes in complete safety
What's Included in the Manual BDE Course?
Ottawa Driving School is a Ministry-approved Beginner Driver Education Course Provider. The Manual BDE program covers every MTO requirement plus 4 hours of dedicated manual transmission training in our dual-clutch vehicles.
20 Hours Classroom Theory
In-person classroom learning at Kanata, Walkley, or Merivale.
10 Hours HomeLink
Self-paced online assignments completed at home.
12 Hours Behind the Wheel
8 hours automatic + 4 hours manual transmission training.
Manual BDE Across Ottawa & Surrounding Areas
In-class Manual BDE classroom sessions are held at Kanata, Walkley, and Merivale. In-car pickup is available across Ottawa and the surrounding region.
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 20-hour in-class theory portion covers every MTO requirement — plus dedicated time on manual transmission fundamentals before your in-car training begins.
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.
Manual BDE Pays You Back for Years to Come
Beyond MTO certification, your manual BDE course unlocks insurance discounts, faster G2 eligibility, and a lifelong skill that opens doors automatic-only drivers will never have.
Insurance Discount Eligibility
BDE graduates with a Driver's Licence History (DLH) qualify for 10–20% discounts from most Ontario insurers.
Reduce G1 Wait Time
BDE shortens your G1-to-G2 wait from 12 months to 8 months — start driving solo sooner.
Drive Any Car For Life
Once you can shift gears, no rental, borrowed car, or international road is off-limits. A skill that lasts forever.
Trusted by Ottawa Students and Families
Manual · Automatic · Online
You're Viewing
Manual Shift BDE
+tax
+ $30 Certification Fee
- 20 hrs in-class theory
- 12 hrs in-car (8 auto + 4 manual)
- Dual-clutch manual vehicles
- Pickup & drop-off included
- MTO certification + DLH
In-Class BDE
Automatic Shift
+tax
+ $30 Certification Fee
- 20 hrs in-class theory
- 10 hrs private in-car lessons
- Automatic dual-brake vehicle
- Pickup & drop-off included
- MTO certification + DLH
Online BDE
Auto or Manual
+tax
+ $15 Certification Fee
- 20 hrs online theory
- 10 hrs HomeLink at home
- 10 hrs private in-car lessons
- Manual option available
- MTO certification + DLH
Manual BDE Course FAQ
The most common questions students and parents ask about our In-Class Manual BDE program.
Is the Manual BDE course MTO-approved?
Yes. Ottawa Driving School's Manual Shift BDE course is fully MTO-approved and includes the 20 hours of classroom theory, 10 hours of HomeLink, and 12 hours of private in-car lessons required for MTO certification.
Why does Manual BDE cost more than Automatic?
The Manual course ($"1020" + tax) includes 12 hours of in-car instead of 10, plus uses our specialized dual-clutch manual transmission vehicles. You're also gaining a lifelong skill that lets you drive any vehicle anywhere in the world.
How does the 8 + 4 hour in-car split work?
You start with 8 hours in our dual-brake automatic vehicle to lock in core road skills like observation, lane positioning, and Ottawa traffic awareness. Once those are solid, you move to 4 hours in our dual-clutch manual vehicle to master clutch control, gear shifting, and hill starts.
What if I’ve never driven a manual transmission before?
Most of our manual students haven't driven stick before. Your first manual lessons happen in empty parking lots and quiet streets — never in heavy traffic. Our dual-clutch system means the instructor can take over instantly if you stall or struggle with a hill start.
Can I get an insurance discount?
Yes. After completion you can request your Driver's Licence History (DLH) from Service Ontario and present it to your insurer. Most providers apply a 10–20% discount to BDE graduates — typically $300–$500 in savings per year.
Can I take the Manual BDE classroom theory virtually?
Yes. Our brand-new Live Virtual BDE classroom is open to all in-class students — including Manual BDE. The 20-hour theory portion is delivered live with our instructor online, with the same MTO-approved curriculum. Your 12 hours of in-car training (8 auto + 4 manual) still happen in person. Check the registration form for the next available virtual session date.
Ready to Master Manual Driving?
Register today and master manual transmission with Ottawa Driving School's MTO-approved In-Class BDE program. College-trained instructors. Dual-clutch vehicles. 25,000+ graduates and counting.
