School Overview
- Address: 654 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K2
- Phone: 613-567-8900
- Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm · Sat–Sun 9am–6pm
- Certification: MTO Approved BDE Course Provider
About This School
Ottawa Driving School is a community-focused MTO-approved driving school located on Somerset Street West in central Ottawa. Established in 2005, they pride themselves on offering personalized instruction with a strong emphasis on road safety and defensive driving. The school provides comprehensive Beginner Driver Education (BDE) courses, G2 and G road test preparation, and specialized training for nervous drivers and new immigrants. With multilingual instructors (English, French, Arabic, Somali, and Mandarin), flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends, and competitive pricing, Ottawa Driving School has become a trusted choice for learners across the capital region.
Student Reviews
4.6★★★★★(Based on 189 reviews)
Jennifer P. – “My instructor was incredibly patient and made me feel comfortable from day one. I passed my G2 test on the first attempt thanks to their excellent preparation!”
Mohamed A. – “As a new immigrant, I really appreciated having lessons in Arabic. The instructor explained everything clearly and helped me understand Canadian driving rules.”
Sophie L. – “Service bilingue exceptionnel! Mon instructeur parlait français et était très professionnel. Je recommande vivement cette école.”
Pros & Things to Know
Why students choose this school
- Nearly 20 years serving Ottawa drivers
- MTO-approved BDE course provider
- Multilingual instruction (English, French, Arabic, Somali, Mandarin)
- Flexible scheduling with evening and weekend availability
- Affordable pricing with package deals
- Central Somerset West location with transit access
- Specialized support for nervous and anxious drivers
Things to know
- Peak times (evenings and weekends) fill up quickly
- Advance booking recommended for specific instructors
- Limited parking at the Somerset St location
Courses & Pricing
Pricing below is for layout demonstration. Please check the official Ottawa Driving School website for the most up-to-date fees.
| Course | Overview | In-car Hours | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Driver Education (BDE) | Complete online theory + in-car lessons for new drivers. MTO-approved BDE course. | 10 hours | $1,195 |
| G2 Road Test Preparation | Focused practice on G2 test requirements: parking, lane changes, residential driving. | 1.5 hours | $90 |
| G Road Test Training | Highway driving, high-speed merging, lane selection, and advanced scenarios. | 1.5 hours | $105 |
| 5-Lesson Package | Flexible in-car lessons for skill improvement and confidence building. | 7.5 hours | $425 |
| Car Rental for Road Test | Use school vehicle for your G2 or G test with pre-test warm-up. | Test day | $65 |
School Features
- Nearly 20 years of experience serving Ottawa drivers
- MTO-approved BDE course provider
- All instructors are fully licensed and background-checked
- Multilingual instruction: English, French, Arabic, Somali, and Mandarin
- Flexible scheduling including evenings (until 8pm) and weekends
- Central Somerset West location with easy bus access
- Modern, well-maintained training vehicles
- Pick-up and drop-off service available in most Ottawa neighborhoods
- Specialized support for nervous and anxious new drivers
- Experienced with G2 and G test routes at all Ottawa test centres
- Affordable package deals and competitive pricing
Instructors (Examples)
- Daniel Beaulieu – 16+ years as a driving instructor. Languages: English, French. Style: patient, encouraging, excellent with nervous beginners. Highly rated for parallel parking instruction.
- Amira Hassan – 11+ years of experience. Languages: English, Arabic, Somali. Style: calm, clear explanations, culturally sensitive. Great for new immigrants and female learners.
- David Thompson – 14+ years of experience. Languages: English. Style: structured approach, strong focus on defensive driving. Experienced with both G2 and G test preparation.
- Wei Zhang – 7+ years of experience. Languages: English, Mandarin. Style: detailed feedback, systematic teaching method. Excellent for highway training and G test preparation.
Nearby Road Test Centres
- Ottawa DriveTest Centre – Walkley Road
Approx. 18 minutes from the school.
Familiar skills: parallel parking, three-point turns, residential driving, stop sign control. - Ottawa DriveTest Centre – Canotek Road
Approx. 22 minutes from the school.
Familiar skills: highway merging, lane changes, high-speed driving, complex intersections.
Official Resources
These are authoritative government and educational resources for driving in Ontario.
- Ontario DriveTest
Official MTO road test booking and information.
drivetest.ca - Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)
Driver’s handbook, license requirements, and official regulations.
ontario.ca/drivers-licence - Ontario Driver’s Handbook
Official study guide for G1, G2, and G license tests.
Official MTO Handbook
FAQ
- Do I need my own car for lessons?
No. The school provides vehicles for in-car lessons and road test preparation. - Is there pick-up and drop-off service?
Yes, instructors can arrange pick-up and drop-off at most locations in Ottawa. Please confirm when booking. - Can I take lessons in French or other languages?
Absolutely! Ottawa Driving School offers instruction in English, French, Arabic, Somali, and Mandarin. Request your preferred language when scheduling. - What if I’m very nervous about driving?
The school specializes in working with nervous and anxious drivers. Instructors use patient, supportive teaching methods to build your confidence gradually. - Is this school recognized by the Ontario government?
Yes. Ottawa Driving School is an MTO-approved BDE course provider. - Do you offer evening and weekend lessons?
Yes! The school is open Mon–Fri 8am–8pm and Sat–Sun 9am–6pm, with lessons available throughout these hours.
