A Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course that is approved by the Ministry of Transportation can qualify you for a car insurance discount. Check with uyour insurer to find out if they offer such a discount.
We looked into Ontario’s official Beginner Driver Education program requirements, the province’s graduated licensing rules, and FSRA’s auto-insurance savings guidance to write this article.
How Can Driving School Lower Your Car Insurance?
The term “Beginner Driver Education” refers to driver education courses approved by the province of Ontario. If you take one of these courses and graduate, you may receive a discount on your car insurance rate.
A BDE course includes a combination of classroom and in-car training. Classroom instruction typically covers Ontario’s rules of the road and defensive driving. Behind-the-wheel training focuses on vehicle control and handling, as well as manoeuvres such as parallel parking and merging onto highways.
In addition to possible insurance savings, novice drivers who graduate from a BDE course can cut the time they have to wait between getting their G1 licence and becoming eligible for the first road test from 12 months to eight months.
Completing a BDE course won’t shorten the 12-month waiting period between getting your G2 and taking the final road test for your G licence.
Calculate Payback Without Assuming a Discount
Completing a Beginner Driver Education course doesn’t necessarily mean your car insurance rate will be discounted.
Ontario doesn’t require auto insurers to offer BDE discounts, and discounts can vary by company. While completing a course could save you money, don’t bank on it when calculating whether the course will pay for itself.
Separate the value of taking the road test sooner and receiving additional behind-the-wheel training from the insurer-specific premium difference.
Step 1: Add Up the Program’s Costs
Factor in:
- The cost of the program;
- Applicable taxes;
- The number of in-car lessons included and the hourly rate for additional lessons;
- Any charge for using the driving school’s car for your G1 exit test;
- Fees for cancelling lessons.
Step 2: Compare Insurance Quotes
Get quotes from several insurers. Mention that you’ve completed a Beginner Driver Education course and ask for comparable rates with and without the BDE discount.
If an insurer requires proof of completion, you may have to order your driver’s licence history.
Step 3: Check the Discount Conditions
Ask:
- How much is the BDE discount?
- Do you need to remain free of accidents or traffic violations to keep it?
- How long will you receive the discount?
- Will the course pay for itself during that period?
Find an Approved Driver Training School
MTO-approved driving schools can offer Beginner Driver Education courses. Graduates of approved programs receive electronic BDE certification after completing the course. Other driving schools may be reputable, but they won’t provide provincially recognized BDE completion.
Before enrolling, confirm that the school and course are approved. Ask the school about the program’s costs and ask your insurer whether it offers a BDE discount.
In the end, get quotes from several auto insurance providers to decide whether completing a BDE course is money well spent.
Read More: 10 Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Rate in Ontario