Freedom to Drive - Driving Instruction Packages

Driving Instruction Packages

CLASS 7 EXAM PREPARATION

Using the Class 5 classroom as preparation for the Class 7 Exam

Have you tried to pass the Class 7 learner’s multiple choice exam and just don’t seem to be able to get it?

The 30 item multiple choice exam given to candidates who are going for their Alberta Class 7 Learner’s Licence is administered at any government registry office, either by computer or by paper and pencil. The Class 7 learner’s exam is written only, and does not involve any driving.

All questions on the exam are taken from the Basic Licence Driver’s Handbook, which is available free from Freedom to Drive or from any registry office.

Many people find that by carefully studying the Handbook they are able to pass the Class 7 multiple choice exam. However some people prefer to learn the material in a group setting.

If you prefer a class setting you can take the Class 5 classroom instruction as basic preparation for your Class 7 learner’s. However you still must pass the learner’s exam before you can start your in-car lessons, or before you can take the Class 5 written exam.

As an alternative you may wish to take the Pre-Classroom Study as outlined above.

NOTE: If you take longer than 2 years to complete your Class 5, provincial regulations state that you will have to take the classroom over again in order to qualify for the insurance reduction certificate.

Efficient — Effective — Economical OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE

The Critical Skills Package is probably the most comprehensive novice driver instructional package in the market today!

The CRITICAL SKILLS PACKAGE starts with 3 hours of intensive DRIVING SIMULATOR INSTRUCTION held at the Blue Quill Driver Training Centre. This program provides each student with a solid foundation upon which to base life long safe driving habits. The interactive session is completed before starting in-car training and covers many basic skills that would otherwise take time away from on-the-road training (see Home Page for further details).

The SIMULATOR INSTRUCTION is followed by our 15 hour CLASSROOM PROGRAM taught by Drew and Margaret, the owners of the company. Here the student becomes familiar with the written and unwritten rules of the road, learns the basics of owning and caring for a vehicle, and develops the proper mindset for becoming a safe and courteous driver. The Class 5 provincial multiple choice exam for the insurance reduction certificate is given upon the completion of this classroom.

This package ends with 10 hours of private IN-CAR INSTRUCTION, with one of Freedom to Drive’s expert and caring road instructors.

Classes are offered every weekend that does not contain a statutory holiday. In addition this series of classes is offered on weekday evenings every second month. Click on Classroom Simulator Instruction for a list of dates and times offered.

FAST TRACK

The FAST TRACK package is intended for experienced novice drivers who want to get their class 5 licence FAST! You pay a little more in order to be rushed through in just 2 weeks!

This is only for very experienced class 7 drivers (with at least 40 -50 or more hours of experience). It does not include simulator instruction. The classroom is optional, but the insurance certificate can only be earned if the classroom is taken. Remember, this package is only for VERY EXPERIERNCED CLASS 7 DRIVERS!

Fast Track is all about frequency and repetition , so don't sign up if you can't keep up to the timetable.

Previous Class 7 experience required – 40 - 50+ hours

Simulator / Classroom – 15 hours - no simulator

Qualifies for Insurance Certificate – Yes (if optional classroom is taken)

Total number of weeks required –2

Number of in-car lessons per week – 3

Length of time per lesson – four at 1.5 hours & two at 2 hours

Total number of hours in-car – 10

Total number of hours for completion – 25

Driving Coach practice hours required – 0

This is for people who already have an advanced class 5 and wish to qualify for the government insurance reduction certificate.

This package is primarily for GDL exempt drivers who are newcomers to Canada or for former Class 5 holders who lost their licence for some reason and who wish to quality for the insurance certificate.

This 6 hour package only awards a certificate after the candidate passes the Class 5 multiple choice test as well as the advanced Class 5 road test. If the non GDL candidate opts to take the test for the Probationary Class 5, the certificate is only awarded if 10 hours of in-car are completed and the in-car instructor awards the candidate with a 75% or better grade.

SENIORS - Sharpen your driving skills with Freedom to Drive!

Many seniors are afraid of losing their drivers' licences and the independence and freedom that comes with it. A few brush up lessons to hone up on your driving skills and to learn what's new in driving might be just that what the doctor ordered!

Freedom to Drive has put together a senior's package that includes 3 hours of simulator instruction with Drew, 6 hours of in-car lessons, plus viewing the CD "Sharpening the Mature Driver's Skills". This all takes about 10 hours.

Unfortunately a person cannot drive forever, and there are some medical conditions that will not allow a person to drive at all, but at Freedom to Drive we will do all we can to keep you safely on the road for as long as possible.

The above packages are all taught on automatic transmission.

Edmonton, AB

Tel: (780) 437- 4833
(780) 4DRIVE3
Fax: (780) 437- 4841

CRITICAL SKILLS PACKAGE FOR NEW DRIVERS

PREMIUM PACKAGES A, B, C

In an ideal world, every new driver would be able to practice at least 3 hours with a driving coach for every hour of in-car with an instructor. No one would ever need to purchase extra lessons and practically everyone would pass the Class 5 road test on the first try.

Unfortunately the responsibilities and pressures of school, work and family take their toll on both the learner and on the driving coach. In spite of the best of intensions, the majority of people do not practice anywhere near as much as they should. They cut corners, argue with their coach and fall short in the number of times they should be practicing Then they feel guilty for not getting as much as they would have liked out of their driver training and wind up spending extra $$$ on failed road tests additional lessons.

Many newcomers to Alberta don’t as yet have any friends to take them out for practice. They need their driver’s licences right away for work but are unable to practice. What to do??

If you are unable or too busy to practice, or if you don't know anyone who can take you out to practice, Premium Packages may be just what you are looking for.

Premium Packages

Draw on previous road experiences (if any)

Provide a solid grounding in the basics gained from simulator / classroom experience

Have shorter, more frequent lessons to allow for essential repetition

Save you time – they can all be completed in 4 weeks or less!

Are intensely focused on developing habits that will keep you safe for the rest of your driving life!

Save you $$$! - The more hours of lessons you take, the cheaper the cost per hour.

One hour of focused instruction with a professional Freedom to Drive Instructor can be equivalent to 2 or more hours with a well intentioned but inexperienced driving coach!

Premium packages are not for everyone! In order to get maximum benefit you must have the time and energy to devote to a concentrated in-car lesson nearly every day! Be sure you are well rested. No omissions, substitutions or cutting corners are permitted in the Premium Packages. The key here is frequent repetition! It takes unwavering commitment and focused concentration and not everyone may be up for this. If you are not confident that this is for you, you should take the regular New Driver Package and find yourself a committed driving coach for practice.

Premium Packages are all completed in 4 or 5 weeks, with 3, 4, or 5 in-car lessons per week.

For all the Premium Packages he rental of the road test vehicle is FREE (a $55.00 value) for as many times as you need to pass (for up to 6 months). You will still have to pay the examiner, however.

It is important to choose the package that is right for you. The idea is that if you have less experience, you require more repetition. Do not lie to yourself about the amount of experience you have had! Do not miss any lessons!

Premium Package

A

Required previous Class 7 hours

Simulator / Classroom hours

Qualifies for Insurance Certificate

Approx. number of weeks required

Number of 1.5 hour in-car lessons per week

Total number of hours in-car

Total number of hours for completion

Driving Coach practice hours required

Total Cost

B

C

20 - 30

10 - 20

0 - 10

18

Yes

4

5

3

4

5

18

22.5

27

36

40.5

45

0

$1,164.00

$1,264.00

$1,364.00

SIX HOUR INSURANCE REDUCTION PACKAGE

BRUSH-UPS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

STANDARD TRANSMISSION

Driving skills can be taught in a vehicle with automatic or standard transmission. However it can be a bit overwhelming to learn to shift gears while at the same time learning to perform all of the basic skills of driving. Since a Class 5 licence in Alberta allows you to drive either a standard or an automatic transmission regardless of the type of vehicle in which you were tested, it is strongly recommended that the student first becomes proficient in the basic skills of driving in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. We recommend taking the Class 5 road exam on an automatic as you have a much better chance of passing

STICK PACKAGE

After earning a class 5 on an automatic transmission the student may then take Freedom's STICK package (Standard Transmission In Car Knowledge) and learn to drive a standard or stick shift. We strongly recommend at least 4 hours.

Note: A student must demonstrate proficiency in driving an automatic before taking a STICK package.

CRITICAL SKILLS PACKAGE WITH STANDARD TRANSMISSION FOR NEW DRIVERS

In some cases a new driver only has access to a standard vehicle for practice. Under these circumstances it is possible to combine instruction in both types of transmission. After the in-car instructor feels that the student has demonstrated adequate proficiency in the automatic, a few hours of lessons on the standard vehicle may be substituted for or added to the in-car lessons on the automatic.

It is up to the instructor's discretion whether or not the student has the skills necessary to take lessons on a standard.

ADAPTIVE CONTROLS FOR PERSONS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

We teach young physically disabled people who have never driven before, as well as newly disabled adults who now must relearn how to drive with adaptive controls.

Becoming skilled at using vehicular adaptations involves extra practice, training and expertise. Persons with disabilities frequently do not have anyone with whom to practice, so we recommend shorter, more frequent lessons, say 1½ hours in length (instead of the usual 2), so that more lessons may be taken for the same dollar value. Everyone's schedule is different so we will work this out on an individual basis.

People with physical disabilities often require many more hours (up to 30 - 40 hours of in-car training plus up to 100 hours of practice) to master the skills required to earn a class 5. It can also be more difficult to arrange practice in an adapted vehicle in between your lessons. This is where the adapted simulator experience can be of tremendous benefit!

All adapted packages include classroom and simulator instruction.

Freedom to Drive has THREE packages for instruction with vehicular adaptations for persons with disabilities

ADAPTED 10 - 10 hours of adapted In-car, adapted Simulator, plus Classroom, for $875.00

Cost of adapted 10 in-car is $55.00 per hour

ADAPTED 20 - 20 hours of adapted In-car, adapted Simulator, plus Classroom, for $1,275.00

Cost of adapted 20 in-car is $47.50 per hour

ADAPTED 30 - 30 hours of adapted In-car, adapted Simulator. plus Classroom, for $1,515.00

Cost of adapted 30 in-car is $40.00 per hour

The only two things that we require from you before we can sign you up for simulator, classroom and driving lessons (besides $$$!), is a class 7 learner's licence (you must first pass the multiple choice at a registry), and a letter from your doctor stating that it is medically safe for you to drive. (You may wish to take the pre-classroom study package to help you prepare for the exam).

Remember that pick-up/drop-off is arranged with your driving instructor, and is usually at shopping mall locations. As for any driving instruction, a no-show without 24 hours notice (unless you are sick or have a real emergency) costs one hour of training). We have to pay our drivers for showing up and many other clients could have used the booking time.

For all the Adaptive Packages the rental of the road test vehicle is FREE (a $55.00 value) for as many times as you need to pass (for up to 6 months). You will still have to pay the examiner, however.

METHOD OF PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION CHARGES

Lessons can only be booked after payment has been received. Payments can be made by VISA or Mastercard over the phone. Debit or cash or is also accepted at the Blue Quill Driver Training Centre. Cheques are accepted for non-brush-up lessons. Note that there is a $25.00 service charge for NSF cheques.

Cancellation Charges

We run a very tight schedule and are unable to accommodate last minute changes without inconveniencing other clients!

There will be a charge of $50.00 no-shows or for non-emergency cancellations within two days of the in-car lesson.

If you are unsure of your schedule, please phone your individual instructor to double check. Better to make a phone call than to pay a penalty!

If you miss your simulator class without first giving 24 hour notice, you may forfeit the lesson.

There will also be a $50.00 handling charge if you decide to cancel all or part of your pre-paid package once you have started your lessons, and a $20.00 processing fee if you decide to cancel before the classes start.

Note: All Freedom To Drive Prices are subject to change without notice.

5% GST will be added to all Freedom to Drive prices.

BASIC PACKAGE FOR INSURANCE CERTIFICATE

This is a no frills package for people on a limited budget. The package includes the bare minimum requirements to get your Class 5 and your insurance certificate. There is no fast tracking and no simulator class. This package may be adequate for some people who have had 50 or more hours with a dedicated driving coach, but it is NOT recommended for green drivers. Novice drivers should take the Critical Skills Package so they can benefit from the Simulator Experience.

Freedom to Drive is very much in touch with the needs of persons with disabilities. Drew used to be a DATS driver, and Margaret has been disabled for over 20 years.

Our aim is to provide a driver training experience for persons with disabilities that is on par with instruction for non-disabled people. We have all the usual adaptations (hand controls. spinner knob , left and right gas and brake adaptations etc.) that can be added to our training vehicles, as well as to our driving simulators. Other than the adapted vehicle and simulator instruction, everything else is exactly the same as for drivers without disabilities.

Our aim is to make the cost of driver education for persons with disabilities similar to the cost of instruction for students without disabilities.

In Car cost per hour

$47.15

$42.20

$38.85