What Is the BDE Course?
The Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course is a comprehensive, Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) approved program designed to prepare new drivers for safe, confident driving on Ontario roads. At Golden Key Driving School, our BDE course combines 30 hours of online classroom instruction with 10 hours of one-on-one in-car driving lessons, totalling 40 hours of professional training.
This course is ideal for anyone who holds a G1 licence (or plans to get one) and wants to progress to their G2 road test. Completing the BDE course allows you to take your G2 test in just 8 months instead of the standard 12 months — saving you four months on your licensing timeline.
What's Included
30 Hours Online
Complete the theory portion at your own pace from home. Our online modules cover rules of the road, defensive driving, hazard perception, impaired driving awareness, and risk management — everything the MTO requires.
10 Hours In-Car
Get behind the wheel with a certified instructor for 10 hours of private, one-on-one driving instruction. Sessions cover vehicle handling, city and highway driving, parking, lane changes, intersections, and a mock road test.
Benefits of Completing the BDE Course
- Get your G2 licence faster: Reduce your G1 wait period from 12 months to 8 months.
- Insurance savings: BDE graduates with a Driver's License History (DLH) from Service Ontario may qualify for a significant discount on car insurance premiums.
- Build real confidence: Our experienced instructors focus on practical skills and defensive driving techniques that go beyond just passing the test.
- MTO certification: Upon completion, your certification is reported directly to the MTO and reflected on your Driver's License History.
Who Is This Course For?
The BDE course is designed for new drivers of all ages. Whether you are a teenager who just got their G1, a newcomer to Canada who needs to learn Ontario driving laws, or an adult who has never driven before, our patient and professional instructors will guide you every step of the way.
You can register and complete the online portion even before you have your G1 licence — however, you will need your G1 before starting the in-car lessons.
Pricing
$625$575+ tax
Limited-time promoWhat to Expect
After registering, you will receive access to our online learning platform where you can complete the 30-hour theory portion at your own pace. Once the online modules are finished, you will email us to schedule your 10 hours of in-car lessons at times that work for you.
We offer free pick-up and drop-off for all in-car lessons across Ottawa, including Kanata, Barrhaven, Stittsville, Nepean, and Orléans. Our instructors drive dual-control vehicles for maximum safety during your training.
Once you complete all components of the course, Golden Key reports your certification to the MTO. You can then visit Service Ontario to obtain your Driver's License History (DLH) — your proof of BDE completion for insurance purposes.
Ready for the Next Step?
After completing your BDE course, many students choose our Road Test Packages for their G2 exam — which include a practice session and use of our vehicle on test day. You can also book additional private in-car lessons if you want extra practice before your road test.
View our complete BDE lesson plan to see exactly what each module covers.