FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO TAKING THE COURSE? You can start the course as soon as you are 15 years and 9 months old. However, to take any in-car driver training, you must have a valid C7 license, which can be obtained no sooner than your 16th birthday. Also, the course must be completed within 12 calendar months, as per the MTO, for us to issue a certificate of completion. It is best to have your C7 test scheduled within 4–8 weeks of starting the course in order to best use the in-class education while driving.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING THE FULL DRIVING COURSE? Benefits of Taking the Full Driving Course: 1. Master Your Skills: Gain both classroom knowledge and real on-road experience. 2. Drive with Confidence: Professional in-car training builds safer, more confident drivers. 3. Faster Road Test: Reduce the mandatory 12-month waiting period to 9 months with a completed course. 4. Save on Insurance: Many providers offer discounts for completing a Ministry-approved course.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE MY C7 (LEARNER LICENSE) TO TAKE THE COURSE? No, you can sign up for the full course without C7. Complete the online learning with us and then take your written knowledge test to obtain your C7 learner’s license. Only then can you begin any in-car training. The MTO also mandates that the course be completed within 12 calendar months in order to receive a certificate of completion.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE FULL COURSE? It all depends on your availability and the pace you would like to move at. In general, students spend 25 hours completing the online course plus 10 hours of driving after passing the written knowledge test. We suggest leaving some time between each in-car lesson to practice and absorb what you have learned, therefore best retaining all the information you will need for your road test. However, the full course can very realistically be completed within 3–4 weeks. Whatever your preference, we are here to work around your busy schedule.
DO YOU HAVE PAYMENT PLANS? Unfortunately, we do not offer partial or instalment payment for courses at this time. However special consideration may apply, so contact school office directly to discuss your situation.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A CLASSROOM SESSION? The course is designed as self-paced online theory course so each student is learning at his/her own schedule, so there no missed sessions.
CAN I BOOK LESS 2 HOURS AT A TIME? We found that a one-hour lesson makes it difficult to deliver the “full road” experience, so a two-hour lesson is the most efficient for a student. We can provide less than a two-hour lesson on a case-by-case basis upon request, but no more than two hours. It is often a lot of information to retain, and it is best to have some time in between each two-hour lesson to absorb and practice what you have learned, therefore ensuring you are on the road to success.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE IN-CAR-LESSONS? It all depends on your availability and the pace you would like to move. We suggest leaving sometime between each lesson to practice and absorb what you have learned therefore best retaining all the information you will need for your Road Test. It's realistically to complete all your in-car-training within 2 weeks, but whatever your preference we are here to work around your busy schedule.
CAN I RETAKE THE COURSE IF I FAIL? We make learning really easy and fun for all of our students. We adapt to your needs and pace to ensure you can pass our course. If, however you do not pass your Road Test, we always have the option of retaking a few more lessons to prepare you promptly for your next Road Test.
CAN I GET A CERTIFICATE WITHOUT A FULL COURSE COMPLETION? No, you must take a full course in order to qualify for a certificate of completion as per the MTO. This certificate will make you an eligible candidate for any insurance discounts. Please refer to full Terms and conditions for additional information.
DO I HAVE TO READ THE TERMS & CONDITIONS WHEN SIGNING UP FOR THE COURSE? Yes, it is essential that you read and fully understand all Terms & Conditions prior to enrolling in the course, as they outline important policies, requirements, and responsibilities. Failure to read the Terms & Conditions does not exempt you from any liability.
IS THE COST OF MY DRIVE TEST INCLUDED IN THE COURSE FEE? No. Student is solely responsible for cost associated with Drive Test Center (1) Knowledge Test receipt: $15.15 (tax included), (2) Learner's License: $25.10 (No tax is charged), (3) Road Test receipt: $53.00 (tax included) and must complete it by using Access NS online services.
WHERE DO I PAY FOR MY DRIVING TEST? Your road test can be paid online https://beta.novascotia.ca/pay-road-test-driving-test. Please provide us copy of payment receipt and we will book your road test according to your schedule. For information on Driver Examination and Testing locations and time go https://novascotia.ca/accesslocations/
WHAT MY ROAD TEST WILL INCLUDES? The driving test includes such operations as: 1. Stopping and starting, both on a level road and on a hill. 2. Changing gears in vehicles not having automatic transmissions, both on a level road and on a hill. 3. Making left and right turns. 4. Backing 5. Following another vehicle properly. 6. Giving proper signals. 7. Parallel and /or angle parking. 8. Observing and complying with traffic control devices (signs, signals, and pavement markings) 9. Making lane changes The examination will be conducted over a course of at least 20 minutes and, where possible, in traffic. The exam will also test your ability to apply your knowledge of the rules of the road, to recognize road signs, and to react properly to actual driving conditions. At the end of the driving test, the Driver Enhancement Officer will tell you if you passed or failed and will explain any areas where you’re driving needs improvement and offer suggestions on how to improve.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL MY DRIVE TEST? It happens! Sometimes we get nervous, sometimes we are over confident whatever the case not to worry. If you do not successfully pass the driving examination, the Driver Enhancement Officer will advise you of the reasons for your failure. You will be advised to obtain more practice and study prior to booking another appointment to be re-examined not sooner that 14 days from your unsuccessful road test. There are an additional retake fee needs to be paid. Remember if you feel you need some more time to build your confidence you can always book lessons here https://www.drivexpert.ca/index.html#section_services at a time and pay as you go. Our instructors are happy to help.
CAN I USE SCHOOL VEHICLE FOR THE DRIVE TEST? Yes of course. The use of our vehicle is included in some of our course package, but if you didn't purchased that package is an optional at an additional cost. Often students find it easier to take the car they have done all their lessons with and feel comfortable and confident. If you use your own vehicle, drive test examiner will inspect your vehicle for safety and if it passes you can proceed. You may use a vehicle with a rear-view camera, but cannot use the rear-view camera to assist during your drive test.
HOW I OBTAINING MY DRIVER LICENSE? After you have successfully passed the road test, the Driver Enhancement Officer will give you documentation for you to take to the nearest Registry of Motor Vehicles to have your license upgraded to an Operator's license (Class 5). The Registry of Motor Vehicles will give you a temporary document with the updated class and information which is valid for 30 calendar days. You will receive your new card with the update class and information in the mail within 14 calendar days of visiting an Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles Office.
DO YOU SPECK ANY OTHER LANGUAGE THAN ENGLISH? We also provide services in Russian and Hebrew languages.
HOW DO I GET AN INSURANCE DISCOUNT? An insurance discount is typically provided for students who have a certificate of completion from a Ministry-approved BDE course provider, like us, and is offered by a number of insurance providers. However, you should always check with your insurance company to ensure they offer these types of discounts. A certificate of completion is only available to those taking the full course (both classroom/self-paced online and in-car lessons) and the Defensive Driving Course, and who meet the passing qualifications. Please see the full Terms and Conditions for additional information.
DO YOU OFFER TO PURCHASE GIFT CERTIFICATES? Yes, we do. We think it’s a great gift idea! We suggest to buy as final product/course/package, however you can buy any amount you like that a student can put towards a full course, private lessons or any other services we offer.