Learn to drive with confidence across Durham Region.
SAFA Driving Academy serves new drivers, nervous beginners, and road-test-ready students across Oshawa, Whitby, Bowmanville, Courtice, Ajax, and Pickering — our certified driving instructors offer MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education, private G2 and G lessons, and focused road test preparation.
- MTO-approved BDE Course
- 25+ years experience
- Pick-up across Durham Region
Nervous about driving? SAFA is here to help you feel calm and confident.
Many of our students arrive feeling anxious — first-time drivers, people returning after years away, or students who didn’t feel supported by another school. Our instructors are patient, experienced, and trained to teach in a way that builds real confidence, not just road test technique.
Patient instruction
Calm, supportive lessons that adjust to how you’re feeling on the day — never rushed.
Clear feedback
Honest, specific feedback after every lesson so you always know what to improve next.
Step-by-step learning
Skills built progressively — quiet streets first, then real traffic when you’re ready.
Patient lessons for every stage of your driving journey
From first-time learners to road-test-ready students — pick the learning method that fits you best.
MTO-Approved BDE Course
The full Beginner Driver Education course — the safest way to start your driving journey in Ontario.
- 20 hours of online asynchronous instruction
- 10 hours of asynchronous homework
- 10 hours of private in-car lessons
Private G2 Lessons
One-on-one G2 lessons focused on safe driving habits, lane control, parking, and local Oshawa-area roads.
- Private one-on-one instruction
- Patient, beginner-friendly approach
- Driving practice in Oshawa and surrounding areas
Private G Lessons
Highway-focused private G lessons covering merging, lane discipline, and confident high-speed driving.
- Private one-on-one highway instruction
- Focused on real G test scenarios
- Build confidence at highway speeds
Road Test Packages & Car Rental
Use one of our SAFA vehicles for your G2 or G road test — combined with a focused warm-up lesson.
- Fully insured, well-maintained SAFA vehicles
- Pre-test warm-up lesson included
- Familiarize yourself with the test vehicle
Clear pricing — choose the package that fits where you are
A quick overview of our most popular package categories. Full details on the pricing page.
BDE Course
Silver, Gold, and Platinum BDE packages — MTO-approved.
G2 Lessons & Packages
Hourly lessons or full G2 road test packages.
G Lessons & Packages
Highway-focused lessons or full G road test packages.
Road Test Car Rental
Use a SAFA vehicle for your road test, with a warm-up lesson.
Trusted by drivers across Durham Region
Real reviews from real students. See what our students are saying about their experience.
Quick answers before you book
The questions students ask us most often. See the full FAQ for more detail.
Yes. SAFA Driving Academy is approved by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) to deliver Beginner Driver Education. You can also verify our approval directly on the official Ontario government list of approved driving schools by visiting https://www.ontario.ca/page/government-approved-driving-schools and searching for “SAFA Driving Academy.” Our certified instructors follow the MTO-approved curriculum, and course completions are submitted to the MTO on your behalf.
Our MTO-approved BDE course includes 20 hours of online asynchronous instruction, 10 hours of asynchronous online homework (completed on your own schedule), and 10 hours of one-on-one in-car lessons with a certified instructor. We submit your course completion to the MTO once you finish.
Absolutely. We work with first-time drivers, nervous beginners, and people returning to driving after a long break. Lessons start in calm, low-pressure environments and progress at a pace that works for you. Many students tell us they finally felt safe and supported with SAFA after struggling with other schools.
It depends on how much practice you need before the road test. If you are unsure, contact us — we will ask a few questions about your experience and recommend a package honestly. There is no pressure to upgrade.
Yes. Our road test packages include a focused pre-test warm-up lesson plus the use of fully insured, well-maintained SAFA vehicles for your road test.
Ready to feel confident behind the wheel?
Book a lesson with SAFA Driving Academy or call us — we'll answer your questions and help you choose the right package.