At Ottawa Safe Drivers, we offer two distinct Ministry-approved programs tailored for licensed drivers in Ottawa: the Defensive Driving Course (DDC) and the Driver Improvement Course (DIC). These are not beginner driving lessons—they are structured, in-depth programs designed to improve knowledge, skills, and attitude (KSA) for drivers who already hold a valid G2 or G license.
Whether you’re addressing demerit points, have a history of repeated collisions, or want to become a safer, more responsible driver, our courses provide the in-class and in-vehicle training required to meet Ministry standards and help you drive with greater awareness and control.
The Ministry-approved Defensive Driving Course (DDC) in Ottawa provides advanced driver safety training, focusing on accident prevention through hazard recognition, risk management, and defensive driving techniques. This 5-hour in-class program, combined with a 2-hour in-vehicle session, helps drivers develop proactive skills to avoid collisions and maintain safe road behaviour.
The Ministry-approved Driver Improvement Course (DIC) is designed for drivers who have accumulated demerit points or been involved in traffic violations. The program is 6-hour in class and 1-hour in-vehicle. The Driver Improvement Course focuses on correcting unsafe driving habits, understanding traffic laws, and enhancing overall road awareness.
Both courses are Ministry-approved and designed to help Ottawa drivers reduce demerit points and potentially qualify for insurance discounts. Whether you’re attending the Defensive Driving Course to enhance hazard perception or the Driver Improvement Course to address specific driving infractions, these programs improve driver responsibility and confidence. Trust Ottawa Safe Drivers’ courses to provide expert training, promote safer driving habits, and keep you compliant with Ontario’s traffic regulations.
Objective: To prevent accidents by trying to anticipate hazardous situations and adjusting driver behaviour to compensate.
Description: The defensive driver tries to recognize potentially hazardous situations sufficiently in advance to allow time to maneuver past them safely. The defensive driver assumes that other drivers may make mistakes and remains vigilant in the event an error is made. The defensive driver searches ahead of what is immediately in front of them, to have advanced warning of approaching hazards.
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Participants will receive a Defensive Driving Course Certificate of completion at the end of the course, which may be used for insurance or demerit point reduction (where applicable)
Objective: To improve driver performance through the retraining of drivers and adjust their behaviour to compensate.
Description: The driver must be aware of the many attitudinal factors that affect driving ability, be able to demonstrate awareness, discuss, and compensate for that awareness.
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Upon successful completion, you will receive a Driver Improvement Course Certificate, which may be used for license reinstatement, demerit point reduction, or insurance benefits. (where applicable)
To register for any of these courses, please click the red button below. Please note that you need to attend an in-class theory at 2444 St. Joseph Blvd. Ottawa, K1C 1G1. Once we receive your registration form and payment, we will contact you to schedule your theory session.
Please send your payment via e-transfer to info@ottawasafedrivers.ca You can pay in person as well
1- You can send your payment via e-transfer to info@ottawasafedrivers.ca
2- Payments can be made in person using a bank check, debit, or credit card.
3- If preferred, we can send you an invoice for online payment.
Please note: An additional charge of 2.7 % applies to payments made with email invoices
Driving safely in Ottawa requires more than just technical ability—it demands the right mindset and a commitment to responsible behaviour. Whether you’re retraining after a violation or proactively improving your skills, Ottawa Safe Drivers offers the structured, Ministry-approved education you need to drive with confidence and accountability.
No. All theory components must be completed in person. These are not online or hybrid courses.
No. These courses are not connected to insurance discounts and are not intended for that purpose.
Licensed drivers (G2 or G) who need to improve their driving skills or attitudes due to collisions, demerit points, or court requirements.
Each course is 7 hours total, including breaks. DDC includes 5 hours of in-class instruction and 2 hours of in-vehicle training. DIC consists of 6 hours of in-class instruction and 1 hour of in-vehicle training.
Licensed drivers (G2 or G) who need to improve their driving skills or attitudes due to collisions, demerit points, or court requirements.
Attendance for the full duration is mandatory. Courses cannot be certified if time requirements are not met.
Our Locations
No need to worry about getting to your driving lesson — we come to you!
Ottawa Safe Drivers provides home pick-up and drop-off for your in-car training anywhere in Ottawa. From Orleans to Kanata, South Keys to Stittsville, Barrhaven to Manotick. We make learning to drive easy and convenient, right from your doorstep.
If you live outside our Ottawa service area, no problem — we can still help!
You may meet your instructor at any convenient location within our service area, or contact us to discuss special arrangements for pick-up and drop-off.
