There are many good reasons to get instruction from a qualified driving school if you are a new driver. Firstly, you will learn valuable skills which will stay with you throughout your life. Secondly, it will make you a safer driver on the road. Did you also know that you may receive a significant reduction on your insurance if you have completed an approved Class 5 Driver Training Course?

Choosing a Driving School

Many of the best driving schools in Calgary bring their students to East Calgary Registry for road testing. We have their cards on the wall beside our Road Test desk and are happy to provide guidance if you are looking for a school which offers a specific type of course (online, Air Brake, etc.), female driving instructors or a specific language. Please note that we are not affiliated with any of these schools and we don’t recommend any one school over another. It’s a good idea to call around to compare rates, course content and company policies. You may also want to ask if they can put you in touch with a previous student who can tell you about the instruction they received.

Alberta Transportation Licensed Schools

It is also important to make sure that the school you choose is approved by Alberta Transportation. A licensed driving instructor will have demonstrated skills and knowledge by passing tests administered by Alberta Transportation. He or she will also have a valid criminal record check. Licensed driving schools are required to provide you with a written fee schedule, course outline and refund policy upon request. Certified driving schools also have to have their vehicles inspected each year, so you can be sure that you are being taught in a vehicle which is safe to be on the road. Most driving schools in business in Calgary are licensed by Alberta Transportation, and we strongly encourage you to make sure that the school you choose is approved.

Driver Training Program

Class 7 or Class 5 GDL License Holders

Class 7 and Class 5 GDL license holders must take a 25 hour course. This will consist of 15 hours online or in the classroom and 10 hours in a car, followed by a written exam.

Class 5 License Holders

If you already hold a Class 5 non-GDL license, you can receive the course completion certificate with 15 hours of classroom training and just six hours of behind-the-wheel training, followed by successful completion of a written exam.

Exam

Upon completion of the course, you will have the chance to take a written examination which consists of 25 multiple choice questions. You must get 80% on this exam in order to pass. If you do not pass the exam, you may re-write the exam on another day. You do not need to take the course over again in order to re-write the exam.

How to Get an Insurance Discount

Do not assume that your insurance company will automatically grant you an insurance discount because you have completed the course. You may need to shop around. Be clear about your requirements to be sure that different providers are offering you an apples-to-apples quote. In our experience, some providers might offer up to a 40% discount for drivers with an Insurance Reduction Certificate, while others will offer no discount or a very small discount. Therefore, it can be worth your while to call around to get the best rate.