If you want to learn how to drive, you’re in luck! Ottawa has dozens of driving schools to choose from. But, how do you know which one is the best fit for you?
Use this list of Ottawa’s top 20 driving schools to find out more about their teaching methods, prices, and philosophy on learning to drive in your city and make an informed choice.
If you take your time choosing the right driving school, you’ll be well on your way to getting your driver’s license and enjoying all the freedom it brings.
The List of Driving Schools in Ottawa
1. Jim’s Driving School
Driving school
Ottawa, ON
Closes soon ⋅ 4PM · (613) 731-1777
WEBSITE
2. Above the Best Driving School
Driving school
10+ years in business · 1902 Robertson Rd Unit 205
Open ⋅ Closes 8PM · +1 613-789-6666
3. Let’s Go Driving School
Driving school
7+ years in business · 1390 Prince of Wales Dr Unit 101 · In Chateau Royale Professional Building
Open ⋅ Closes 5PM · +1 613-890-8833
4. Ottawa Drive Best Driving School
Driving school
35 Elvaston Ave
Open ⋅ Closes 10PM · +1 613-700-7321
5. Nalia’s Driving School
Driving school
520 St. Laurent Blvd
Closes soon ⋅ 4PM · +1 343-558-2223
6. Queensway1 driving school lnc
Driving school
5+ years in business, 1346 Foxwell St
Open ⋅ Closes 5PM · +1 613-501-2028
7. Ottawa Drive Best Driving School
Driving school
768 Brittanic Rd
Open ⋅ Closes 6PM · +1 613-700-7321
8. Jim’s Driving School
Driving school
10+ years in business · 1729 Bank St
Closes soon ⋅ 4PM · +1 613-731-1777
On-site services·Online classes
9. Ottawa Driving School – City Drivers Training
Driving school
7+ years in business · 595 Montréal Rd #105
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon · +1 613-748-5254
10. On Point Driving School
Driving school
5+ years in business · 1061 Merivale Rd
+1 613-581-8181
11. safe2pass driving school
Driving school
3+ years in business · 427 McArthur Ave. unit 8
Open ⋅ Closes 5PM · +1 613-276-0456
12. Walkley Driving School
Driving school
900 Dynes Rd suite # 101N
Open ⋅ Closes 5PM · +1 613-614-6170
13. Young Drivers of Canada
Driving school
10+ years in business · 2211 Riverside Dr. b200
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon · +1 613-829-9394
14. Ottawa Driving School Inc
Driving school
10+ years in business · 1245 Walkley Rd
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon · +1 613-737-9595
15. Ottawa Driving Instructor (Tom)
Driving school
Open ⋅ Closes 6PM · +1 613-501-6066
16. Ottawa Safe Drivers
Driving school
307 Roxdale Ave
Open ⋅ Closes 5:59 PM
Online classes·On-site services not available
17. RITE-WAY Driving School
Driving school
10+ years in business · 2417 Holly Lane Unit# 210 B Intersection of Walkley Road and, Heron Rd
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon · +1 613-737-5070
18. KULMIYE DRIVING SCHOOL
Driving school
2889 Cedarwood Dr
Open ⋅ Closes 5PM · +1 613-698-1245
19. Allpros-Drivers-Ed.com
Driving school
10+ years in business · 569 McArthur Ave.
Open ⋅ Closes 5PM · +1 613-747-0089
20. MG Driving School
Driving school
2252 Grands-Champs Wy
Open ⋅ Closes 8PM · +1 613-799-8090
How much does driver’s ed cost in Ottawa?
The course of 10 hours, 2 hours per session, $400-500
this course includes a 2-hour road test and 20 hours of instruction. It will cost between $600-$1500 MTO-certified driving education program (includes student workbook and MTO certification) $600-$1200; high school completion; insurance discounts
The knowledge test is free and the written exam costs $50. An Ontario Driver’s Licence renewal fee is currently $90 or more depending on age, license type, etc. There are also fees for optional services like updating photo information ($35).
The price of a driver’s license varies depending on age, type of license you have and the length you want your license for. To renew your license at age 16, it costs $90. If you renew at 18 years old it will be cheaper at only $70. To get a new license when you turn 16 it will cost $120 whereas to get one at 18 years old it would only be about $100.
The total for all the paperwork and tests to get your drivers’ license can range from about 500 to 2000 dollars without taking into account any other expenses that might come up such as car insurance or gas prices.
Is it cheaper to do driving lessons in your own car?
Yes, however, if your car is more than 5 years old or has more than 120 000 km (or 60 000 miles) of use and it has not been tuned up in the last year, you may have difficulty passing your road test. Additionally, a tune-up will help reduce emissions and make your car run cleaner.
In some cases, yes. If you already own a car and plan on driving that car for another year or so before taking your road test, it may be cheaper to take driving lessons as a ‘’package’’ where one price includes both driving lessons and road-test costs.
This is because even though you will use your own car for road-test purposes, it is still required that you go back to your instructor each time which can be costly if they are not located conveniently near you.
Also, depending on what options they offer, they may not cover all of these costs either.
On average, a complete road test ‘’package’’ for your own car will cost about $330 to $370. If you do not need lessons included and are looking for a driving school, expect to pay roughly $250-$300. Both prices are based on 2010 statistics from Toronto area schools.
While these prices may vary depending on where you live, they should still give you an idea of what type of budget you will need. Just make sure that wherever you choose to go with your budget, be it a driving school or private instructor, is reputable and trustworthy.
What is the cheapest way to learn to drive?
In many cases, you will be able to learn to drive for free from a friend or family member, but this can come at a price. In order to pass your driving test, you need an instructor who knows more about the process.
When looking for the best driving school in Ottawa, consider your budget and what is best suited to you. For those on a tight budget, it may be necessary to take lessons with multiple instructors in order to get enough hours of experience before taking the driver’s license exam.
For those who are not on a tight budget, it may be possible to spend less time taking lessons by choosing a higher-priced driving school that provides fewer hours of instruction per lesson.
As you compare driving schools in Ottawa, be sure to ask about their cancellation policies. If you need to change your lesson schedule or cancel a lesson at short notice, then it’s essential to know what their cancellation policy is.
For example, if you want to learn how to drive with a single instructor, but you find out that they require a minimum block of lessons before allowing you to reschedule or cancel an appointment with them, then it might not be worth it for you.
On the other hand, if you only need a few hours of driving lessons with another instructor because you have had plenty of previous experience or training behind the wheel, then it would be okay for you to take classes at one school without having to worry about these restrictions.
Shorter classes will typically cost around $40-$50/hour, whereas longer classes (2+ hours) may cost as little as $25-$30/hour. The number of hours needed will depend on each person’s ability and level of practice behind the wheel.
One hour of classroom instruction is usually equivalent to 1-11⁄2 hours in a car due to increased discussion time and additional skills demonstrations during class (i.e., parallel parking). Some cheaper driving schools charge between $19-$30/hour.
How many driving lessons do you need to pass your test?
In order to take your road test, you need to complete a minimum of 12 driving lessons. This is the only way that you can be sure that you are ready for the road test and have learned all the skills necessary for passing it. Of course, if you feel like you could use more practice, then this is also an option. But before signing up for more lessons, ask your instructor whether or not this would be a good idea based on how much time you’ve already spent behind the wheel.
In order to get your license, you need to complete 12 driving lessons. Each of these needs to be at least 30 minutes long, so even if you only practice for 15 minutes at a time, you can still meet that minimum requirement.
If you feel like 12 lessons is not enough or if you want more experience behind the wheel before taking your test, then go ahead and take as many driving lessons as are necessary to make sure that you feel prepared. There’s no limit to how many lessons you can take just remember to keep track of them!
What is the average price of a driving lesson?
The cost of a driving lesson can vary from $60 to $150, depending on the type of course and the school. Some driving schools offer discounts for students or for drivers over 60 years old. To find out more about what each school has to offer, take a look at their website before making an appointment.
A great way to save money is by signing up for an automatic payment plan so you don’t have to worry about remembering when your next payment is due!
Many insurance companies will give a discount if you’re taking lessons with one of these top driving schools – call your insurance company and ask if they have any deals available, because it may be cheaper than you think.
It’s never too late to get your driver’s license just make sure you brush up on the rules of the road and study hard for your written exam. If it seems like you’re not ready yet, there are plenty of online resources available that can help prepare you for this important step toward adulthood.
Conclusion
Ottawa is a great city with a lot of opportunities for people who want to learn to drive, the best thing about driving in the city is that there are many schools where you can get your driver’s license.
If you are looking for a driving school that can help you get your license and teach you how to be an excellent driver, then one of these 8 schools will do the trick. Having seen the driving schools in Ottawa, check out the 22 Top Driving Schools in Toronto.
