Ontario Behind-the-Wheel Training: BDE Requirements, In-Car Hours and G2 Wait Reduction (2026)

Behind-the-wheel training is not legally required in Ontario.

Behind-the-wheel training is not legally required in Ontario. An MTO-approved BDE course (40 hours total) can shorten your G2 wait from 12 to 8 months. A G1 driver may practise on otherwise restricted 400-series highways only when accompanied by a qualifying Ontario-certified driving instructor.

• Behind-the-wheel training is not legally required in Ontario.
• Completing an MTO-approved BDE course can shorten your G2 wait from 12 to 8 months and may help you qualify for an insurance discount, depending on the insurer.
• A G1 driver may use otherwise restricted 400-series highways during instruction with a qualifying Ontario-certified driving instructor.
• Prepare with Ontario G1 practice tests.

Is behind-the-wheel training required in Ontario to get a G2?

Professional behind-the-wheel training is not mandatory by Ontario law for any age group. The requirement depends on your goal to reduce the mandatory G1 licence waiting period.

Ontario BDE and Approved Instructor Rules

Ontario's Graduated Licensing System has two common paths for new drivers.

• Standard route: Wait 12 months after receiving G1 before taking the G2 road test.
• Approved BDE route: The wait can be reduced to 8 months after successful completion is certified in the MTO system.

An approved BDE course totals 40 hours: 20 hours of classroom or digital instruction, 10 hours of flexible instruction, and 10 hours of in-vehicle training with an approved instructor. Parent-supervised practice does not replace the BDE in-car component.

Can a parent complete the 10 BDE in-car hours with you?

No. Parent or family practice is useful, but the 10 in-car hours that form part of an approved BDE course must be delivered through the approved program by the appropriate driving instructor.

Can a G1 driver practise on a 400-series highway during a driving lesson?

Yes, when the learner is accompanied by a qualified Ontario-certified driving instructor. That instructor exception allows professional highway practice where a G1 driver would otherwise be restricted. See Ontario's G1 rules.

Professional Lesson Hours and BDE Certification

Ontario does not require a minimum number of professional lessons outside an approved BDE course. BDE itself includes 10 hours of in-vehicle instruction as part of the 40-hour program.

The driving school submits BDE completion to the MTO system. A Driver's Licence History can be ordered later as proof of completion if you need it. Any insurance discount is set by the insurer and is not guaranteed by completing BDE.

How long do you have to finish an Ontario BDE course?

An approved BDE course must be completed within the applicable one-year course period. Confirm the school's schedule early enough to finish every required component on time.

Does completing BDE guarantee cheaper insurance?

No. BDE completion may help you qualify for a discount, but the insurer decides whether a discount is offered and how much it is.

Parent Practice vs. Professional Driving Lessons

Parents and other qualified accompanying drivers are useful for regular supervised practice, while professional lessons and the full BDE program serve different purposes.

Course and lesson prices vary by school. Detailed pricing belongs on the dedicated behind-the-wheel training cost page.

Can you take professional driving lessons without enrolling in a full BDE course?

Yes. You can buy individual professional lessons without taking the full BDE program. Those lessons can improve your skills, but by themselves they do not create BDE certification or reduce the G1-to-G2 wait to 8 months.