Beginner Driver Education (BDE) Course
At Cops we recognize that every client is unique and requires a customised educational driving plan. However today's family is continually on the move and time is at a premium. As with any new skill, the student driver will greatly benefit from, "time on the tarmac" behind the wheel. For this reason we highly recommend a team approach between our instructors and the family unit.
The student driver's development is optimal if its a collaborative affair between our instructors and a family member. We also realize that for a variety of reasons this may not always be possible. For this reason we offer a variety of different programs and combine this with a convenient door to door in car pick up/drop off service. Our goal is to provide the client with the maximum flexibility possible.
The Beginner Driver Education Course (BDE)
The Cops Beginner Driver Education Course (BDE) or, "Driver's Ed" course is an MTO-approved course that is 40 hours in length. The basic 40 hour program, as directed by the MTO is broken down into 3 parts: 20 hours formal classroom instruction, 10 hours homelink and 10 hours of professional driving instruction. In order to provide the maximum flexibility possible and especially in light of the COVID 19 situation, Cops offers both an online and in class program. This provides the student with different ways to complete the BDE course. Both these programs are recognized and approved by the MTO and upon successful completion by the student, will be entered onto their Driver Licence History.
Online Program
Using an MTO-certified curriculum, the student will complete both the formal (20 hours) and homelinks (10 hours) online and at their own pace. The program is easy to navigate and can be completed at the student's own pace. There is no virtual classroom and no need to log in at a certain time/date. The student must complete the online program before beginning driving lessons.
In class program
Cops immediately realizes that not all students respond well to online instruction and prefer a more traditional classroom. Using the MTO-certified Jetala Curriculum, a former Ottawa police officer will provide students with all classroom instruction. During this 4 day course students are provided real life examples* of good and bad driving including the life long conseqences of poor decision making on the roads. The examples are the officer's own, they are real and from the local area. They are not out of a handbook, storybook or sourced from Youtube. Students are openly encouraged to ask any and all questions so as to explore, interpret and understand the laws related to driving as well as to debunk some of the myths surrounding policing and law enforcement on our highways. *no names are mentioned.
On the roads
At Cops we recognize that students learn best when they are focused and distractions are reduced to a minimum. All our driving lessons are private one on one sessions, no back seat riders! Every student receives a customized driving plan based on their confidence level and abilities. We don't have a template and we are not pedantic, each student progresses at their own rate based on their skills and confidence level. In addition, we will come directly to the student's workplace, school, or home and pick up/drop off the student. These locations do not have to be the same. Our job is to serve you, our client. There is no extra charge for this convenient service.
400 series highways
We will work hard to ensure all our student drivers are trained to safely merge on and off a 400 series highway and how to travel safely at higher speeds. We do this based on two stark realities: Firstly, students will not have to travel above speeds of 60km/h on their G2 road test. Secondly, once students have their G2 licence they can travel just about anywhere on North Amercian highways. This includes 400 series and Interstate highways...without supervision or conditions. For this reason we introduce highway driving to our students as we believe it is critical for them to know how to do it safely and cooperatively.
Instructors
All our instructors are MTO-certified and screened. They will assess the student's driving ability and develop a progressive driving plan suited to that student. We specialize in helping the less confident or apprehensive driver by progressing at a level that builds upon, and reinforces success.
Vehicles
All our vehicles are inspected yearly and fully insured. All vehicles are later model, mid sized and automatic, typical of those vehicles currently on the road. We purposefully chose these vehicles as they are dual control (twin braking systems) safer, and fuel efficient. In addition, once a student masters a larger vehicle they will find driving a smaller vehicle much simpler.
Outcomes
Our instructors are focused on producing respectful, cooperative and safe drivers. At Cops we are very proud of the drivers we train. In fact over 95% of them are successful on their first G2 driving test attempt!
Insurance discount
Without understanding all the nuances associated with your particular family unit situation, no driving school can promise or guarantee you insurance savings from attending a Beginner Driver Education Course. Most of our student graduates will most likely be eligible for an insurance discount, however only your insurance company can tell you this.