Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your Driver Education Certificate in Ontario

If you’re planning to obtain your driver’s license in Ontario, completing a Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course from an MTO-approved driving school is a crucial step. Not only does it provide structured training for new drivers, but it also qualifies you for a Driver Education Certificate—a document that can help reduce your road test wait time and may lower your insurance premiums.

This guide outlines the complete process of how to get your driver education certificate in Ontario.

1. Understand the Driver Education Certificate

A Driver Education Certificate is issued upon successful completion of an MTO-approved BDE program. This certificate is not a physical document but is recorded on your official driving record with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). It is often required:

When booking your G2 road test earlier (eligible after 8 months instead of 12)
For car insurance providers offering lower rates to certified drivers
As proof of structured training

2. Choose an MTO-Approved Driving School

Only Ministry-approved schools can issue the certificate. It’s important to choose a school that is officially listed by the Ontario government. You can find the complete list here:
🡪 Government-Approved Driving Schools in Ontario

SteerNGo Driving School Ottawa is one of the MTO-approved providers. The school offers a comprehensive BDE program with certified instructors and flexible learning options (online, in-person, and virtual). It has also been consistently ranked among the top driving schools in Ottawa.

3. Enroll in the Beginner Driver Education (BDE) Program

The BDE course consists of two parts:

Classroom or Online Theory Instruction (20 hours)
In-Car Driving Lessons with Certified Instructors (10 hours)
Some schools also provide 10 additional hours of flexible homework or online learning.

Topics typically include:

Ontario traffic laws and rules of the road
Safe and defensive driving techniques
Vehicle handling and operation
Hazard perception and risk management
Responsible driving behaviors
Preparation for emergency situations
Attention and focus management while driving

At SteerNGo, these modules are offered through multiple formats to accommodate students’ needs:

In-class lessons
Online digital modules (self-paced)
Virtual classrooms with instructors

4. Complete In-Car Driving Lessons

Alongside classroom training, in-car lessons are mandatory. These are typically one-on-one sessions focusing on real-world driving skills, such as:

Starting and stopping smoothly
Lane changing
Parallel and reverse parking
Navigating traffic and intersections
Handling road conditions and inclement weather

SteerNGo Driving School offers customized in-car training with certified instructors across locations in Orléans, Nepean, and Stittsville.

5. Pass the Final Written Exam

At the end of the theory portion, you’ll need to pass a written exam, which typically includes 35 multiple-choice questions. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass. You’ll usually get up to three attempts.

6. Certificate Submission to MTO

Once you’ve completed both the classroom and in-car portions of the course, your driving school will electronically submit your completion to the MTO.

To view or obtain your official record of certification, you can request your Driver’s Licence History (DLH) from ServiceOntario. This record acts as your proof of course completion and is often requested by insurance companies.

7. Book Your Road Test

Once your certificate is recorded, you become eligible to book your G2 (G1 exit) test after 8 months (instead of waiting 12 months).

Note: You must provide your own vehicle for the road test that meets Ontario safety standards. If you don’t have one, some driving schools—including SteerNGo—offer a Road Test Car Package which includes car rental and transportation to and from the test centre.

Conclusion

Understanding how to get a driver education certificate in Ontario is essential if you want to fast-track your licensing process and build safe driving habits. Enrolling in a Ministry-approved course gives you the foundational knowledge, hands-on experience, and the official certification to help you move confidently toward your G2 license.

To begin the process, consider a reliable provider like SteerNGo Driving School Ottawa—an experienced, MTO-approved institution offering flexible, high-quality driver education programs across the Ottawa region.