Choosing a Driving School

Since January 17, 2010, a driving course is mandatory to get a driver’s licence in Quebec. The driving course must be taken at a school that is recognized by the AQTR (Association québécoise du transport et des routes). From the several AQTR-certified driving schools, how can you choose the one that suits you?

The first step is to visit the AQTR website (French only). Under “Écoles de conduite” you will find the list of all certified driving schools by administrative regions. Select your region to display the names and contact information of schools nearby. Contact the schools that interest you and ask them the following questions:

How many years of driver education experience does the school have?
Are their schedules flexible? Do the course schedules meet your needs and your availability?
How much does the driving course cost? Be aware that prices may differ from one school to another. However, the maximum price a school can ask is $825.00. This does not include course materials and taxes.
What is included in the contract?
What are the payment terms? Can you spread the payments and what payment methods do they accept (debit, credit card, cheque)?
What is the maximum duration of the contract? How much time will you have to complete the driving lessons?
Do they use recent-model cars that are safe?
Is it possible to rent a vehicle for the SAAQ road test?

The new Road Safety Education Program of the SAAQ totals 39 hours of training, i.e. 24 hours of theoretical training and 15 hours of on-road training. Whichever school you choose, this basic education is mandatory for anyone seeking a Class 5 driver’s licence (passenger vehicle).

Take the time to compare schools and don’t hesitate to visit driving schools that seem right for you: how they greet you, the place’s atmosphere, whether the accommodations are comfortable, and the vehicles are all factors to consider when choosing a school. The more you feel at ease and confident, the better your chances of success will be.