Is there a minimum number of mandatory driving lessons?
No, not for category B - the number of lessons depends on each learner's progress. For categories A, A1 and D, however, a precise number of hours is set by law.
Category B: no legal minimum set
For category B, the OAC does not impose a minimum number of private driving lessons. The number of lessons needed depends on each learner's experience and progress. Only the first aid course and the 8-hour road safety course are mandatory.
Categories A and A1: 12 hours of basic practical instruction
For categories A and A1, the OAC requires twelve hours of basic practical instruction, to be completed within four months of the learner licence being issued, in addition to the 8-hour road safety course.
Category D: a specific minimum training requirement in one particular case
To obtain category D without proving one year of regular driving in category C, the OAC sets a precise number of lessons depending on the licence already held:
- 52 driving lessons of at least 45 minutes for holders of a category B licence or sub-category C1 or D1;
- 24 driving lessons of at least 45 minutes for holders of a category C licence;
- 12 driving lessons of at least 45 minutes for holders of a category D licence limited to scheduled line services.
See the bus and minibus licence page for the full detail of this condition. For what a lesson actually involves, see driving lessons.