The Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course requirements in Ontario, Canada (example: hours of in-classroom/in-vehicle instruction) have been in transition as driving schools meet the new curriculum standards that were announced on April 17, 2008. These new requirements will be mandatory as of April 17, 2009.

Currently Ontario Beginner Driver Education (BDE) Classroom and In-Vehicle Course Delivery Standards include (in part):

• The classroom and in-vehicle training segments of an MTO-approved BDE course consists of a minimum of 25 hours in-classroom instruction and a minimum of 10 hours behind-the-wheel training.
• Maximum daily in-vehicle training provided to each student enrolled in a BDE course shall not exceed 3 hours per day, excluding travel time and meal breaks. The maximum daily in-vehicle training provided to each student following 6.25 hours of classroom instruction must not exceed 90 minutes per day.
• Completion of the in-vehicle training must not exceed 1 year from the start of the classroom training.
• Students are obligated to attend and successfully complete all lessons, including the 25 hours of in-classroom instruction, prior to qualifying for a Beginner Driver Education Certificate.

Ontario is raising the bar for driver training with the introduction of new curriculum standards for Beginner Driver Education. The Ministry of Transportation partnered with the Canadian Standards Association which worked with the industry to create new curriculum requirements that reflect Ontario's high expectations for driver education, raising minimum requirements for both in-class and in-vehicle learning.

Beginner driver courses will place a stronger focus on improving problem attitudes and behaviors such as aggressive driving and speeding. Other key improvements include increasing instruction time from 35 to 40 hours. A new focus on learning needs of young and high-risk drivers, such as:

• Dealing with driver distraction
• Identifying dangerous situations and responding effectively
• Sharing the road with other drivers
• Understanding the risks of impaired driving and making responsible choices.

So the education course for new drivers in Ontario was 25 hours for in class instruction and 10 hours of behind the wheel training for a total of 35 hours however with the new curriculum standards in place this has been raised to 40 hours of instruction time you must attend.

For more information on the how long the driver education course is in Ontario, Canada you can check with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) or a ministry-approved beginner driver education course provider listed on the MTO site.