Your next step: Beginner Driver Education.
What the BDE course is, how long it takes, and what you get from it, then compare MTO-approved schools near you and book your course.
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In-vehicle BDE Training
Your journey in Ontario
Where are you right now?
Click any stage to learn more.
What's included
Everything you need for this stage
30h online curriculum
MTO-approved content you complete at your own pace, on any device.
10h in-vehicle training
Paired with a GoGo-vetted instructor for your in-car sessions.
BDE certificate
MTO-recognized certificate, ready for your DriveTest file.
Insurance savings
BDE completion qualifies you for new-driver discounts with most Ontario insurers.
What you get
Built to make finishing easy
Easy registration
Sign up in just a few minutes through a simple online form, no paperwork and no office visit needed to start learning.
Easy to navigate
A clean, intuitive dashboard walks you through every lesson, so you always know where you are and what comes next.
Presentations, videos, animations, quizzes & interactive activities
Engaging presentations, real-world videos, clear animations, and interactive quizzes turn each topic into something you'll actually remember.
5 languages available
Learn comfortably in the language you know best, with the full course offered in five languages for new and multilingual drivers.
24-hour support
Help is available around the clock, so you can get answers and keep moving forward day or night.
Completion & expiry notifications
Get instant confirmation the moment you finish, plus automatic reminders before your course window closes, so you never lose progress or miss the one-year MTO completion deadline.
Good to know
The one-year rule
The full course must be completed within one year, with no extensions. If you don't finish in time, you have to restart from scratch.
Daily caps apply: max 5 hours/day of classroom or online instruction, and max 2 hours/day in-vehicle, so the fastest anyone can finish is around 11 days.
You don't need a G1 to start the classroom/digital portion, but you do need a valid G1 before starting in-vehicle training, and the classroom/digital portion must already be done.
Frequently asked questions
What does BDE stand for?
BDE stands for Beginner Driver Education. It is Ontario's Ministry-approved driver education program for new drivers.
Is BDE mandatory in Ontario?
No. BDE is not mandatory to move through Ontario's graduated licensing system, but completing an approved program provides structured driver education and can reduce your G1 waiting period.
How many hours is an Ontario BDE course?
A complete approved BDE program includes at least 40 hours of training: 20 hours classroom or digital instruction, 10 hours flexible instruction, and 10 hours in-vehicle training.
Can BDE be completed online?
The classroom component can be delivered digitally through an approved online curriculum. The required 10 hours of in-vehicle training must still be completed in person with a licensed driving instructor.
Can I start BDE before getting my G1?
You may be able to begin the classroom or digital portion before obtaining your G1. You will need the appropriate licence before starting your in-vehicle training.
Can I take online and in-car training at the same time?
The required classroom or digital instruction must be completed before beginning the in-vehicle training portion of the program.
How much in-car training is required?
You must complete at least 10 hours of in-vehicle instruction with a licensed driving instructor.
How much online or classroom training is required?
At least 20 hours of classroom or digital instruction is required, plus 10 hours of flexible instruction.
What is flexible instruction?
Flexible instruction is an additional 10 hours that may include classroom learning, digital instruction, homework, driving simulator instruction, or additional in-vehicle training.
Does BDE let me take my G2 test sooner?
Yes. Completing an approved BDE program can reduce the normal G1 waiting period from 12 months to 8 months.
Does BDE guarantee an insurance discount?
No. Some insurance companies may offer a discount for completing an approved BDE program, but eligibility and the amount of any discount depend on your insurer.
How do I prove that I completed BDE?
Your driving school submits your completion electronically to the MTO. If you need proof, you can order a Driver's Licence History, which shows your completed BDE course. A fee applies.
Who provides my BDE certification?
Your MTO-approved driving school certifies your completion after you have successfully completed all required training.
How long do I have to finish the course?
Your required in-vehicle training must be completed within 1 year from the start of your classroom instruction.
Can I complete more than 2 hours of in-car training in one day?
No. Ontario limits in-vehicle instruction to a maximum of 2 hours per day.
How soon can I finish the full BDE program?
The exact time depends on your course schedule and in-car lesson availability. Ontario limits classroom instruction to a maximum of 5 hours per day and in-car instruction to a maximum of 2 hours per day.
What happens when I finish the online portion?
Once you complete the required online or classroom portion, your next step is to contact your driving school and complete the required 10 hours of in-vehicle training.
Is completing the online course enough to become BDE certified?
No. BDE certification requires completion of all required components, including the in-vehicle portion.
Who can offer an approved BDE course?
Only an MTO-approved driving school using a Ministry-approved curriculum can offer an approved BDE program.
What comes after BDE?
After completing BDE and meeting the required G1 waiting period, your next licensing step is the G2 road test.
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