Connect With Us For Your Driving Needs

DriveWise offers extensive training for various professional and corporate industries. DriveWise is able to offer online modules (pre-hire screening, new-hire and recurrent training), in-class lessons (both in-house and mobile/on-site), simulation training, and optional in-vehicle learning. Some of our clients include Brinks, FedEx, Staples and Pacific Western Transportation. DriveWise offers national and international safety standardization based on risk mitigation data provided by our clients. Programming is built to be occupation-specific in order to best satisfy our clients’ needs. Professional program information can be found at: https://www.drivewise.com/corporate-professional.

Please visit http://www.drivewisesafestart.com/locations for a list of our centres, or to do a search and find one near you.

This depends on which Province you call home. Please check for regulations regarding your province by starting here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/driving.html

Each training program varies in length to best reach the learning objectives. Our SafeStart program is 40 hours divided into in-vehicle, in-class, online and simulation training.

DriveWise courses are customized to accommodate your learning requirements, occupation, selected program length, and risk data. Our programs are designed through an instructional design process, and reference applicable Canadian regulatory requirements, and our own “six star approach” to cooperative driving.

Immediately following your secured booking, an advisor from the DriveWise team will contact you to perform a training needs analysis. This analysis will include the following:

1. Identify the participants and occupations
2. Determine the primary profile of participant (new hire, recurrent, remedial, etc.)
3. Fleet Risks
4. Local Operating environment
5. Local procedures (i.e. company specific backing procedure, hours of service, etc.)
6. Program facilities

​Upon completion of the learning needs, DriveWise will customize your program in accordance with the information provided.

DriveWise provides training for the following vehicles:

• Pick-up Truck (With or without trailer)
• Step/Delivery Van
• Heavy Truck (Manual or Automatic Transmission, various speeds including 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, super 10, 13 and 18)
• Fire Truck
• Ambulance
• Police Cruiser (various models including the Crown Victoria, Impala and Charger)
• Hummer and other military vehicles
• Snow plow
• Dump Truck
• Garbage Truck
• Cement Truck
• Private Motor Vehicle
• Taxi

As well as simulating a multitude of vehicles, the simulator offers many different environmental scenarios including: highway, freeway, suburban, rural, city, downtown core, mountain pass, and snowy freeways.

The flexibility of the visual environment enables us to closely replicate the operating environment of the participant. This feature increases learning retention as the participant more readily integrates to the environment and understands how to employ learned skills in everyday tasks. The simulation environment supports many complex and difficult weather effects including snow, ice, fog, rain, and wind.

All weather effects can be adjusted to varying levels of intensity. This is extremely effective in exercising and gauging the participant’s ability to adapt and apply their skills in adverse conditions.

In addition to controlling the weather/environmental conditions, emergencies such as blown tires, failed brakes, hydraulic failure, and failed headlights can also be administered during an exercise. Simulations also contain varying levels of traffic as well as animals (deer, dogs, moose, etc.) and pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles.

Simulation is the most practical way to expose a participant to the highest risk situations. The flexibility of the simulator enables us to expose the participant to challenging and complex situations in a safe environment.

Yes. We have a fully outfitted mobile training unit complete with driving simulator, instructor station and classroom. The trailer, which is powered by a generator, eliminates the need for shore power and is climate controlled, so training can be done in almost any condition.

Yes. We sell occupation-specific simulators in addition to building and delivering service-based training programs.

One of our main tools in learner engagement is the realism of our simulator and its applicability to real life experience. Immersion in the simulation is enhanced by the force feedback of the pedals and steering including terrain following (if you hit a curb you will feel it), the vibration in the seat, surround sound and movement of visuals to simulate weight distribution. Our simulators support occupation specific configurations and vehicles.

TranSim VS6

• Used for commercial trucks, fire trucks, snow plows, buses, etc.
• 180-degree view, using three 55” full HD resolution (1920×1080) allows for the design and delivery of ultra-realistic driving environments
• Force-loaded steering provides real-time feedback during situations such as blown tires and sloshing loads
• 140 transmissions (manual/automatic), 240 engine types, 300 tire sizes and 33 axle ratios
• Realistic gear shift allows for shifting instruction that reduces wear and tear on your equipment
• Glass dashboard allows the flexibility to replicate various makes/models of vehicles
• Truck-like training environment, such as seat, steering wheel, air brakes, clutch, enhances retention for drivers

PatrolSim PS6

• Used for police vehicles, ambulances, passenger vehicles, taxis, vans, etc.
• Virtual environment enables emergency personnel to safely practice high-risk exercises such as emergency response and pursuits
• 180-degree view, using three 55” full HD resolution (1920×1080) allows for the design and delivery of ultra-realistic driving environments
• Lights and sirens, touch screen and transceiver
• Glass dashboard allows the flexibility to replicate dozens of makes/models of vehicles
• True-to-life vehicle training environment, such as seat, steering wheel, brakes, accelerator pedal, etc., enhances training retention for drivers

Your homelink username and password is the same as your account sign in. If you change your account password it will NOT change your homelink password. If you change your password please call the office and we will change your homelink to match.

Unfortunately, other than for initial registration, we do not have a partial payment online feature. This is something we are working on to have available in the future. When you are wanting to make a payment, please call 705-730-1130.

Once you have completed the in class portion, you will need to complete your 10 hours of online work and any outstanding balance must be paid. Once you have all of these completed, please contact the office. We’ll then match you with an instructor based on your location and schedule lessons with you.

Once you start the course the Ministry gives you 1 full year to complete 20 hours of in class, 10 hours of online and 10 hours of in vehicle. You can go at your own pace to complete the course within the 12 months.

You can start our course without having your G1. You still have 1 year to complete the course. You can also start the course when you are 15 years old, however we do recommend that you start within 3 months prior to your 16th birthday so you have enough time to complete all the required components of the course within the year.

If you cannot make it to the original course you signed up for you can call the office or email [email protected] and we will gladly switch you into a new course of your choosing.

If you attend classes 1 & 2 and you miss class 3 you cannot do class 4 until you complete class 3. You must complete the course consecutively in order to meet the Ministry requirements.

Our virtual SafeStart program consists of a 3 day virtual classroom via online Zoom technology. The 4th day will be a full day in our simulation lab once it is safe to do so. You can register for the online, virtual classroom on our website or by calling 705-730-1130. Once students have completed all 4 days of the program as well as 10 hours of HomeLink online training, they will be assigned to a driving instructor for their 10 hours of in vehicle lessons.

Yes. We do offer a payment plan for our SafeStart programs. There are no extra fees for going with the payment plan versus paying in full. The payments are as follows:

• $200 to reserve spot in the class
• $275 due on the first day of class
• Remainder due before starting in-vehicle lessons

You can visit our tutorial page to find out how to start your self-paced learning. 

Please check our packages page for more information.

The regular SafeStart program consists of 40 hours of targeted learning: 20 hours are spent in class, with 6 hours in the simulation lab, 10 hours of online learning and 10 hours of private in-vehicle instruction.

The Deluxe SafeStart program consists of 20 hours of in-class training, including 6 hours in the simulation lab, 10 hours of online learning and 14 hours of private in-vehicle training (2.5 of the 4 additional hours can be used for road test at the discretion of the student).

The Blended SafeStart and Blended Deluxe SafeStart have the same hours with in-person programs, but are 2 days in-person and 2 days online.

DriveWise offers a wide variety of programs that are suited to different learning objectives and risk factors. Our SafeStart program is perfect for new drivers looking to get their licence. The Road Ready and Test Ready packages are ideal for practice and preparation for road tests.

Yes! DriveWise is one of the only driver training centres that offer both standard and automatic lessons using the power of simulation. Students are able to practice shifting techniques on the simulator without worrying about harming the vehicle’s clutch or transmission. Please contact us directly if you would like to set up a lesson. 705-305-1130

In Toronto, applicants for new vehicle-for-hire (taxicab or limousine) driver licences must demonstrate completion of a new driver training course and will be required to submit the certificate of completion as part of their licence applications. Drivers currently licensed also have to take this training program before renewing their licence in 2023.

According to the City of Toronto Government, you need a licence from the City if you are a:

• Taxicab owner, operator or broker
• Limousine owner or service company
• Private transportation company (PTC), such as Uber & Lyft
• Taxicab, limousine or PTC vehicle driver

Depending on the situation, you may need: a Vehicle for Hire (VFH) licence and a Private Transportation Company (PTC) licence. These are two distinct types of licences related to transportation services.

Getting a training certificate is essential for both licences.

The Price is $225 + HST

Please notice that this cost is nonrefundable. Transferring to another course date will incur a $25 transfer fee. Find out more about our Vehicle-for-hire training.

The training will be provided with English. 

But you are welcome to bring your own translator. They can sit with you in the classroom and help you throughout the training.

No, there is no in-car training. You will participate in the simulation labs included in the program modules.

Participants in simulation labs and cooperative driving scenarios apply theoretical concepts from the classroom to real-life situations, promoting effective learning transfer and improving long-term retention.

The Training is located at The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 286, 11 Irwin Rd, Etobicoke, ON

Please visit https://www.drivewise.com/vehicle-for-hire, and register on this page.

Yes. After you register for the training, we will contact you for a copy of your valid Province of Ontario Class G (or higher) driver’s licence.

Great job completing your training! We will send the Training Certificate to your registered email within 24 hours. Please make sure to save a copy of your certificate when you receive it.

You need a Vehicle-for-Hire driver licence to drive a taxi in Toronto. You need a valid Province of Ontario Class G (or higher) driver’s licence to apply for your Vehicle-for-Hire licence. Drivers need to have a minimum of three years of driving experience.

Yes, you need a training certificate as well if you want to drive for a Private Transportation Company(such as Uber/Lyft). You need to ask your Private Transportation Company to insist you apply for a PTC licence. You will be asked to provide your training certificate to prove that you have completed a third-party training program approved by the City.

Yes. Drivers currently licensed will have to take this training program before renewing their licence in 2023. New licences are not being issued and licences will not be renewed if this training is not completed.

The registration fee is non-refundable. Please contact us at 705-730-1130 to transfer to another course date. A $25 transfer fee will be incurred.