Becoming a licensed driving instructor in Ontario means meeting the Ministry of Transportation’s requirements, passing tests at a DriveTest centre and completing an MTO-approved instructor course. This guide walks you through each step.
What is a Driving Instructor?
A driving instructor teaches new drivers how to drive safely and prepares them for their G1, G2 and G tests. In Ontario, instructors who teach Class G driving and Beginner Driver Education must hold a driving instructor licence and teach through a ministry-approved driving school.
Requirements to Apply for a Driving instructor
To apply you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence other than a G1, G2, M1, M2 or M(L)
- Have no demerit points on your driving record. DriveTest also checks for licence suspensions in the past two years.
- Meet the MTO vision standards
- Get a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters (CRJM) check, or an equivalent, from your local police service or an authorized provider
- Complete an MTO-approved driving instructor course
You also need to pass a terminal check, the G1 knowledge test and the Class G road (highway) test at a DriveTest centre. These are the same tests students take.
Steps to Obtain a Driving Instructor License
To get familiar with the application for Hamilton driving instructor license, there are some essential steps. These steps will lead you to a career as a driving instructor in Ontario.
- Study. Read the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook and the Highway Traffic Act.
- Apply at a DriveTest centre. Bring the application form (SR-LD-007) and pay the non-refundable application fee.
- Pass the vision test.
- Pass the G1 knowledge test. No appointment is needed.
- Pass the Class G road (highway) test.
- Get your CRJM check and submit it to a DriveTest centre. It can take several days or weeks, and fingerprinting may be required.
- Complete the MTO-approved driving instructor course. The course instructor completes your form, and you submit it at a DriveTest centre.
- Pay the driving instructor licensing fee. The amount is shown when your temporary licence is issued.
- Receive your licence. You first get a temporary licence, valid for 90 days. The official card arrives by mail. If it has not arrived before the temporary licence expires, contact ServiceOntario.
Time limit and retake rule: You have one year from the date you apply to meet all the requirements. If you do not, you must pay all fees again. If you fail the G1 knowledge test or Class G road test twice within 365 days, you cannot retake them for one year.
Renewal
Driving instructor licences must be renewed every three years, before March 31 of the renewal year. There is no licence exchange for instructors moving from another province or country, so you must complete all the steps.
Things to keep in Mind Before Instructing Novice Drivers in Driving
There are some crucial points to keep in mind when you start instructing your novice drivers to drive:
- You must carry your regular Ontario driver’s licence and display your driving instructor card in the vehicle while teaching.
- Instructors teach through an MTO-approved driving school, which will explain its vehicle, insurance and employment requirements.
- Fees and rules can change, so confirm the latest details on the DriveTest driving instructor page before you apply.
Conclusion
Becoming a driving instructor in Ontario takes preparation, but the steps are clear: meet the requirements, pass the DriveTest tests, complete the MTO-approved course and keep your licence up to date. Read our guide on how to choose a driving instructor to see what students look for, or contact G-Class Drivers to learn about our MTO-approved driving school
FAQS
What is the minimum age to become a driving instructor in Ontario?
18.
Can I apply with a G2 licence?
No. You need a valid licence other than G1, G2, M1, M2 or M(L).
Do I need a clean driving record?
Yes. You must have no demerit points.
How long is the licence valid?
Renewal is every three years, before March 31 of the renewal year.
How long does it take?
It varies. The MTO-approved course can take several weeks or months, and you have one year from your application to meet all the requirements.
