Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Young Heart Driving School, an online Ministry-Approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course provider located in Ottawa and operating virtually throughout Ontario. By registering for our services, including the BDE course, private lessons, and road test car rentals, you agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions. These terms are designed to ensure clarity and mutual understanding between the school, its instructors, and students.

Lesson Scheduling and Cancellation Policy

Theory (Digital) Component of BDE Training

The theory component of BDE, which refers to digital instruction, must be completed before starting in-vehicle training and follow the ministry-approved course sequence. Any deviations require ministry approval.

Minimum Time to Complete BDE Programme

The minimum number of days to complete the 40 hours of the BDE course (including 10 hours of flex time) is at least nine days.

The theory component requires a minimum of four days, including 20 hours. The maximum instruction provided to any student does not exceed five hours per day (excluding breaks).

The in-vehicle component requires a minimum of five days, including 10 hours of in-vehicle instruction. The maximum in-vehicle instruction time is two hours per day, or one hour on the day the student receives five hours of theory (digital) instruction. Therefore, the only time in-vehicle training can be provided on the same day as theory training is on the final day of theory training.

Students are required to schedule all in-car lessons through the designated process outlined by the school. Lessons are available six days a week, year-round, ensuring flexibility for students to book sessions that align with their schedules.

Students must adhere to the cancellation policy. If a student cancels or fails to attend an in-car lesson without providing a minimum of 24 hours notice, a $40.00 cancellation fee will be charged to compensate the instructor for their time and must be paid before rescheduling further lessons.

For private lessons and road test car rentals, cancellations made less than 36 hours before the appointment will not be eligible for a refund, and a $40.00 fee will apply.

All in-car lessons must be completed within one year of purchase.

To ensure high-quality training and guarantee that every student receives all required in-car lessons before their course expiry date, Young Heart Driving School implemented a new scheduling policy effective December 8, 2025 at 4:30 pm.

Students must complete all required digital/online instruction a minimum of two (2) months before their course expiry date.

This requirement ensures:

• Sufficient time to schedule all in-car lessons
• Better planning for instructors and students
• Compliance with MTO timelines for BDE certification
• Prevention of last-minute scheduling issues that may result in incomplete training

Students are encouraged to monitor their progress and contact the office well in advance if concerns arise. Our team is available to help students track their timelines and ensure they stay on schedule.

Lessons already delivered cannot be refunded, regardless of whether the student passes or fails the road test or whether the student feels satisfied with the lessons.

If a significant gap between lessons occurs due to circumstances beyond the school's control, the school will assess the situation.

• If the delay is caused by the school, a refund for the remaining lessons will be issued.
• If the delay is caused by the student, no refund will be issued.

Taking 10, 20, or even 30 hours of in-car lessons does not guarantee readiness for the road test. Learning progress varies greatly between individuals.

Some students may require only two hours, while others may require 10 hours or more. The school does not guarantee road test readiness based on lesson quantity or package selection.

Renting the school car for the road test does not guarantee passing the road test. Success depends on:

• The student's skill level
• Preparation
• Performance during the test

Refund and Payment Policy

Payments for all services, including in-car lessons, private lessons, and road test car rentals, are non-refundable once services have commenced.

However, partial refunds may be issued in cases where prior agreements were made between the student and the school or instructor.

Example: If a student purchases a package with 10 hours of in-car lessons but requires fewer hours, the unused portion may be refunded based on mutual agreement.

BDE Course Refund Policy

Refunds for the BDE course are subject to specific timeframes and fees.

If the student starts the online portion

If the student withdraws within 15 days, a refund may be issued with:

• $60 administrative fee
• Any payment processing fees

If the student never starts the course

A refund may be issued within 30 days of purchase, with:

• $60 administrative fee
• Payment processing fees deducted

If in-car lessons were completed within the first 15 days

The school will deduct:

• Cost of completed in-car lessons at the current hourly rate
• $60 administrative fee
• Payment processing fees

The remaining balance will then be refunded.

Add-ons

For BDE courses with add-ons (such as road test car rentals):

• Refunds are not available after 15 days, whether the course has started or not.

Changes to BDE packages or add-ons must be requested within 30 days of purchase.

The school reserves the right to refuse refunds if requests fall outside these timelines.

Payment Plans

Flexible payment plans are available.

For the BDE course, students may choose:

• Two-installment plan
• Three-installment plan

The first payment grants access to the online course. However, full payment must be completed before starting in-car lessons.

Road test rentals and private lessons must be paid in full at booking.

Course Expiry

The BDE course must be completed within one year of the start date, including:

• 30 hours of online learning
• 10 hours of in-car lessons

Failure to complete the course within this period will result in course expiration, and the student must re-register and pay again.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Policy

Pick-up and drop-off services are offered for in-car lessons within our designated service area, which currently includes:

• Rockland and surrounding areas

The school plans to expand services to other parts of Ontario in the future.

Students outside the designated area may request pick-up services for an additional fee, depending on location.

Students should contact the school office for clarification.

Road Test and Car Rental Policy

Road test car rentals provide:

• A dual-brake vehicle
• Insurance coverage during the road test

Students are responsible for any traffic tickets or violations incurred during the test.

If a road test is cancelled due to factors beyond the student's control (for example, issues at the testing centre), the school will assist with rescheduling.

If practice lessons included in a package were already used, additional lessons must be purchased separately.

Location Restrictions

Standard road test rental prices apply within Rockland.

Tests at other DriveTest locations may incur additional fees based on:

• Travel distance
• Instructor time

Students should contact the school in advance for pricing outside Rockland.

Instructor Availability

While every effort is made to maintain scheduled lessons, unforeseen events may occur, including:

• Emergencies
• Personal matters
• Weather conditions
• Other unexpected circumstances

Instructors will provide as much notice as possible.

Lessons may also be cancelled during a session if safety becomes a concern, particularly during severe weather.

Student safety is the top priority.

Liability and Safety

Vehicles used for lessons are insured under the school's policy.

However, students remain responsible for:

• Traffic tickets
• Fines incurred while driving

Students may be held liable for vehicle damage caused by intentional or negligent behaviour.

Students must present a valid G1, G2, or G licence before each lesson.

Failure to present a valid licence may result in lesson cancellation and applicable fees.

Certification Process

To receive BDE certification, students must complete within one year:

• 30 hours of online learning
• 10 hours of in-car lessons

Certification is processed through the Ministry of Transportation Driver Education System.

Students will receive email confirmation once certified.

Proof of completion can be obtained by requesting a Driver's Licence History (DLH). More information is available from ServiceOntario.

Students must confirm certification with the school before requesting a DLH from ServiceOntario.

Insurance discounts may be available but are not guaranteed.

Lesson Scheduling

Students may schedule up to two hours of in-car lessons per day.

Lessons are available seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.

Student Rights

Students have the right to:

• Receive 30 hours of digital instruction and 10 hours of in-car training
• Be informed of lesson schedules and changes
• Choose pick-up and drop-off locations
• Learn in safe vehicles that meet safety standards
• Refuse to operate a vehicle if safety concerns arise
• Be treated fairly and respectfully without discrimination
• Review attendance and progress records upon request

Students who complete a BDE course and full payment within one year must receive certification.

Students whose courses expire without completing in-car lessons have the right to receive remaining classes, but will not receive certification.

Privacy and Data Handling

We prioritise protecting students' personal information.

Information collected during registration includes:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Driver's licence information

Data is securely stored and used only for:

• Lesson scheduling
• Certification
• Communication

Information is not shared with third parties except where required by law or for certification purposes.

Student Behaviour Policy

Students must behave respectfully and follow instructor guidance.

Disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful behaviour may result in lesson termination without refund.

In extreme cases, students may be barred from continuing lessons.

Changes to Terms

Young Heart Driving School reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.

Updates will be communicated via:

• Email
• Website posting