How Long Is the BDE Course in Ontario?

The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario sets the minimum requirements for every BDE course. No MTO-approved school can offer less than this. The minimums are 20 hours of classroom or online instruction, 10 hours of in-car driving lessons, and 1 hour of in-car observation.

Most driving schools structure BDE so that students can complete the classroom portion over 4 to 5 weeks. In-car lessons are booked separately, one at a time, and are typically scheduled around the student's availability. From start to finish, most students complete the full BDE course within 6 to 10 weeks.

Many driving schools now offer the 20-hour classroom component online. This gives you the flexibility to complete modules at your own pace, on evenings or weekends, without commuting to a classroom. The in-car hours must always be done in person with a certified instructor. Online classroom delivery does not change the total hour requirements.

In-car lessons are typically booked in 1-hour blocks. Ten hours means ten separate lessons, though some schools offer 1.5-hour or 2-hour sessions. Scheduling lessons too far apart can slow your progress, so most instructors recommend booking at least one lesson per week to retain the skills learned in each session.