Driving lessons in Calgary
Calgary has an extensive network of driving schools offering a variety of driving courses for people of all ages and experience levels. These educational institutions provide comprehensive driver training in accordance with Alberta provincial requirements and road safety standards.
Official requirements for driver training in Alberta
According to Alberta provincial law, all new drivers must complete a mandatory training program that includes a minimum of 15 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of practical driving with an instructor to obtain an insurance premium reduction certificate. This program is part of the Graduated Driver's License (GDL) system, designed to ensure road safety.
To obtain a Class 5 driver's license in Alberta, you must complete three stages: first, obtain a Class 7 learner's permit (minimum one year), then pass a basic road test to obtain a Class 5-GDL probationary license, and finally, after two years of accident-free driving, obtain a full Class 5 license.
Major driving schools in Calgary
Tuscany Driving School
Tuscany Driving School is one of the leading driving schools in the northwest and southwest parts of Calgary. The school offers a comprehensive training program that includes 15 hours of online theory and 10 to 20 hours of practical driving, depending on the course selected. The cost of the basic course is $840 plus GST, and the advanced beginner course is $1,575 plus GST.
A unique feature of the school is its free pick-up and drop-off service for students, as well as the option to choose between online and classroom-based theory training. Instructors are licensed by Alberta Transportation and specialize in training new drivers with a detailed, well-organized, and stress-free approach to learning.
Driving 101
Driving 101 has been operating in Calgary for over 18 years and is considered one of the best driving schools in the city. The school offers a variety of courses, including a basic GDL insurance reduction course, an advanced insurance reduction course, and refresher courses.
A unique feature of Driving 101 is its multilingual instructors who can communicate with Calgary's multinational community. The school offers free pick-up and drop-off throughout the city, and classes are located in a convenient central location with easy access to the LRT.
Shawnessy Driving School
Shawnessy Driving School specializes in providing safe and experienced driver training in Calgary and the surrounding areas. The school offers a special promotional price of $760 plus GST for a Class 5 course, which includes 10 hours of practical driving and an online course.
The school has both male and female instructors, offers instruction in multiple languages, and provides personalized training tailored to the individual needs of students. Both online and classroom options are available with flexible scheduling for busy students.
Alberta Driving Consultants (ADC)
ADC is Calgary's leading driving school with over twenty years of experience. The school focuses on preparing students to pass their road test on the first try through expert instruction and thorough preparation.
ADC courses go beyond the basics, teaching students to understand road dynamics, avoid traffic violations, and reduce the risk of collisions. Personalized driving lessons focus on preparing students to pass their road test.
My Way Driving Academy
My Way Driving Academy offers professional driver's education in Calgary at a promotional price of $700 (including GST) until August 26, 2025, compared to the regular price of $840 plus GST.
The GDL program includes 15 hours of online classroom education and 10 hours of practical road training. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive an insurance discount certificate, which allows them to receive discounts from insurance companies.
Blue Bird Driving School
Blue Bird Driving School has been operating in Calgary for over 7 years and is located at 90 Martinridge Grove NE, Calgary, AB T3J 3M4. The school is open 24 hours a day from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day of the week, including weekends. The school's main mission is to help students pass their road test and obtain their driver's license on the first try.
Blue Bird Driving School offers personalized training with experienced instructors. The school has a particularly flexible schedule and provides door-to-door services, including student pick-up and drop-off. A unique feature is the availability of female instructors, which is especially important for some students.
The school specializes in working with beginners, including those who have never driven a car before. Instructors are known for their patience and detailed explanations of traffic rules, especially those aspects that are most important for successfully passing the road test. According to Trubicars ratings, the school has positive reviews from students, many of whom pass the test on their first attempt even after a minimum number of training hours.
A Proactive Driving School (Drive Proactive)
A Proactive Driving School is one of Calgary's most experienced driving schools with 27+ years of experience in driver training. The school is fully licensed by Alberta Transportation and has instructors trained by the AMA (Alberta Motor Association).
The school has impressive achievements: it was recognized as the #1 driving school in Calgary for 5 consecutive years (2015-2019) and received the Consumer Choice Awards for 6 consecutive years (2020-2025). The school has over 770 reviews on Google with an average rating of 5 stars, making it the most reviewed driving school in Calgary.
A unique feature of A Proactive Driving School is that it offers instruction in 12 languages. This makes the school particularly attractive to Calgary's multinational community, including Ukrainian immigrants.
The school offers a wide range of courses:
- Insurance Reduction Course for New Drivers - includes 15 hours of classroom instruction and practical training
- Advanced Driving Course - for more experienced drivers
- Skill refresher courses - 2-hour classes for drivers who want to refresh their skills before the exam
- Defensive driving course - 6.5 hours of classroom instruction, allows you to remove 3 penalty points from your driver's license
- Corporate safety courses - specialized programs for companies
- Courses for senior drivers - adapted for older drivers, taking into account their physical characteristics
- Post-accident courses - personalized programs to restore confidence after accidents
A Proactive Driving School serves all quadrants of Calgary and has three locations: the main office at 9620 Elbow Drive SW, the northwest location at 4039 Brentwood Rd NW, and the southwest location at 7375 17th Ave SW.
Specialized Driving Schools and Courses
Derek Brown's Calgary Driving School
Derek Brown's Academy of Driving is a comprehensive driving school with a fleet of six trucks and 15 cars. The school offers classes for driving passenger cars, trucks, and buses.
A special feature of the school is a $100 discount on the basic Class 5 course (for both automatic and manual vehicles). The school offers both online and classroom training and specializes in winter driving instruction in Calgary.
Road Runner Driving School
Road Runner Driving School is a BBB-accredited business with over a decade of experience. The school serves Calgary, Okotoks, Airdrie, and Red Deer, offering programs for beginners, experienced drivers, individuals preparing for road tests, and those looking to refresh their skills.
A unique feature is that the school works with drivers of all ages and abilities, including those who may experience anxiety behind the wheel. Road Runner also offers professional motorcycle training.
Driving schools with multilingual instruction
For the Ukrainian community in Calgary, there are driving schools that offer instruction in Ukrainian. In particular, Tanya Driving School offers driving lessons in English, Russian, and Ukrainian. The school serves the Greater Vancouver area but has instructors who can conduct training in Ukrainian.
Punjab Driving Academy also offers multilingual training, with multilingual instructors who overcome language barriers. Although the school is located in northeast Calgary, it serves all quadrants of the city and surrounding towns.
Specialized Training Programs
Motorcycle Training
Specialized motorcycle training schools are available in Calgary. Road Runner Driving School offers professional motorcycle training for beginners and experienced riders. Comprehensive courses cover essential topics such as safety considerations for new riders, controlled braking, right-angle turns, emergency braking, and cornering acceleration.
Shifting Motorcycle School offers small class sizes of no more than 5 students for better individual feedback. The school offers a “Learn to Ride” course for $649 plus GST, which is designed for anyone who wants to learn to ride a motorcycle for the first time.
Winter Driving
Some driving schools in Calgary offer specialized winter driving courses. Derek Brown's Academy of Driving notes that they “take the fear out of winter driving in Calgary” and can teach you how to drive on icy and slippery roads.
Jerry's Crowfoot Drivers Education has also announced the introduction of winter driving lessons to help students navigate the roads with confidence all year round.
Cost of driving courses
The cost of driving courses in Calgary varies depending on the school and type of program. According to Trubicars, the average cost of an individual private lesson is $50 plus tax, while a new driver training program, which includes 15 hours of online theory and a minimum of 10 hours of practical driving, costs an average of $599 plus tax.
South Trail Driving School offers Bronze ($866.25 including GST), Silver ($1,198.05 including GST), and Gold ($1,352.40 including GST) programs. The difference between the programs is the number of lessons and additional services.
Universal Driving School has different prices depending on the area of Calgary. For example, a 4-hour Class 5 course in the northeast costs $219 plus GST, while the same course in the southeast/southwest or downtown costs $279 plus GST.
Additional services offered by driving schools
Most driving schools in Calgary offer additional services for the convenience of their students. Tuscany Driving School, Shawnessy Driving School, and many others offer free pick-up and drop-off for students. Some schools also provide cars for rent for the road test.
Many driving schools offer online registration and self-scheduling through their own web portals. Students can easily cancel or reschedule lessons, add additional lessons, and download driving course completion certificates directly from their personal account.
A Proactive Driving School also offers the option of renting a school car plus an hour-long lesson before the road test. This is especially useful for students who do not have their own car to take the test.
Features for Ukrainian immigrants
There is a special driver's license exchange program for Ukrainian immigrants in Alberta. Starting April 18, 2023, Alberta residents from Ukraine who have a physical Ukrainian driver's license of category B (passenger vehicles) or BE (passenger vehicles with trailers) can exchange it for an Alberta Class 5 license.
This program was introduced to facilitate the process of obtaining a driver's license for Ukrainian evacuees who have fled the conflict and to help them resettle in Alberta while maintaining road safety.
Preparing for the road test
Calgary driving schools place special emphasis on preparing for the road test. The Class 5 road test lasts approximately 45 minutes and focuses on basic driving skills such as navigating uncontrolled/controlled intersections, knowledge of vehicle controls and switches, parking (uphill, downhill, parallel), proper and safe lane changes, right and left turns, school/playground zones, and speed limits.
A minimum of 60 hours of practical driving is recommended to prepare for this road test. Many driving schools offer special exam preparation courses and the option to rent a car for the exam.
Certification and Licensing
All driving schools in Calgary must be licensed by Alberta Transportation to operate. Instructors must also be certified by provincial authorities. This ensures high standards of training and safety for all students.
Upon successful completion of the driver training program, students receive a driver training completion certificate, which can reduce the cost of car insurance. This certificate is recognized by insurance companies and can provide significant discounts on insurance premiums.
Calgary offers a wide selection of high-quality driving schools that provide comprehensive driver training in accordance with Alberta provincial standards. From basic beginner courses to specialized winter driving and motorcycle training programs, prospective drivers can find a program that suits their needs and budget. Multilingual instructors, flexible schedules, and additional services make the driving training process accessible and convenient for all Calgary residents, including the Ukrainian community. A Proactive Driving School stands out with its many years of experience and 12 languages of instruction, as does Blue Bird Driving School with its personalized approach and flexible schedule.