Frequently Asked Questions1

Is National Defensive Driver Training an approved driving school?
Absolutely! National is a Ministry Approved Beginner Driver Education Course Provider.

Why is “that other big school” so much more expensive than you and is your school as good as their ads claim them to be?
The fact is we don't have huge franchise and advertising fees. National can offer a high level of training at a great price because we don't have all of the expenses that "the other big school" has. Our success has been through word of mouth and referrals. We succeed because our students succeed.

Here is something to consider:
We were approached by a road test examiner about teaching her son how to drive. Taking into account the number of driving schools that an examiner has a chance to compare, we think that speaks volumes. (We were very honoured by the request.)

After I successfully complete your course, is the certification that I receive from National the same as the one from other driving schools?
YES!! All Ministry Approved Beginner Driver Education Course Providers receive the identical certification from the government.

What kind of insurance discount can I expect after passing the in-class and in-car lessons?
Discounts vary among insurance companies but you can be sure that you would be eligible for the MAXIMUM insurance discount available that your insurance company gives for driver education. In some cases, your insurance savings could more than cover the cost of the program.

What should I bring to the in-class sessions?
Students should bring:

• A photocopy of the front and back of their driver's licence
• At least 2 pens and a highlighter
• A current copy of the Official Drivers Handbook (An MTO requirement)
• A signed consent form (you will receive through email or that you can pick up from our office)
• Possibly pack a lunch or bring money to buy something if the session is all day

Does the driving course include the use of the instructors' car for the road test?
The ministry road test is separate from this program. However, you may arrange for the following services after successful completion of the program: A one hour pre-test review lesson; 30 minute registration and any last use of the instructors' car for the road test.

Are the in-car lessons private?
At National your lessons are suited to your needs. We offer your choice of either private one-to-one lessons or piggybacking. Piggybacking gives students the opportunity to get a little extra observation time AT NO EXTRA COST. We find that it also helps students get more prepared for the road test by exposing them to a similar experience to that of the test.
(Most students benefit from having some observation time in the car when they are not actually driving. This gives them extra exposure to traffic situations in a training setting which can help them increase their learning curve.)

Is there a fee for the certification?
At National there are no hidden costs. The certification is included in the fee for the course. Some schools have a surcharge for the certification.

NOTE: The MTO went paperless with certification in September 2009 and will issue proof of successful completion at any Driver Licence Issuing Office for your insurance company. Unfortunately they charge $12 and will only issue the Driver Licence History to the specific applicant, not a parent.

Can I be picked up at home, school or work?
Pick-up and drop off is provided at no extra cost within Guelph city limits.

Do I have to finish all of my classes?
Yes. It's mandatory that you successfully complete a minimum of 20 hours of in-class and 10 hours of in-car training to be eligible for certification.

How soon can I get my G2?
Upon successful completion of the course you will receive a 4 month credit toward the graduated licensing system. You will be eligible to take the road test 4 months earlier than someone who has not taken an MTO-Approved course. However, because at National we are more interested in our student's safety than how fast you get your G2, we recommend you attempt the test only when we feel you are road worthy.

How many hours of behind the wheel training should I have before attempting the test?
We strongly recommend at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training with your instructor and co-driver(s). Statistics show that the average new driver is most likely to get into a collision in their 1st couple of thousand kilometres of driving so we strongly recommend a minimum of 40 hours of behind-the-wheel experience; whether with a professional instructor or a qualified co-driver (like a parent) before they should attempt to drive alone.

What is your road test pass rate?
Based on our most recently available statistics, it is approximately 98%.