Courtenay British Columbia Canada
Frequently Asked Questions about Driving Lessons
How long are the lessons? How often should I take them?
Lessons are generally 1 hour long. However, if it fits the student's schedule better, 1 1/2 and 2 hour lessons can be arranged. These are especially helpful if you are coming from out of town for the lesson, such as Denman or Hornby Islands, Qualicum, Parksville, Campbell River or anywhere outside of the Comox Valley.
Usually we recommend taking 1-2 lessons approximately every week or two, in order to leave time for practice. We are flexible and can work with the student's schedule to make alternate arrangements if needed.
Which Lesson Package should I choose?
If you're not sure you can start with a single lesson. We will do an assessment of your skills and design a learner-centered lesson plan that works for you.
If you have questions please call us. We will ask you some questions about your driving experience, things you want to work on, are you working towards a test date, what is your availability for lessons and practice?
Professional Driving Lessons are an excellent way to ensure that the Driver is well prepared for the Road Test the first time. ICBC recommends that New Drivers ( L ) acquire 60 hrs of driving experience before going for the Road Test. Our Driving Lessons, when combined with practice, can reduce the amount of time needed to acquire the necessary experience.
When should I start my lessons?
Some people prefer to take lessons closer to the time of taking their road test. Others will start a driver training program soon after getting their Learner's license. We can start you off in a safe, positive learning environment and teach you safe driving habits and correct procedures no matter when you start. Starting early allows you to space your lessons out over a longer time, offering many advantages such as; ample time to absorb and practice your new skills and knowledge, not having to un-learn bad habits and incorrect procedures, and making lessons more affordable by spreading the cost out over time. Planning lessons well ahead of your test date also greatly reduces the student's stress and test anxiety leading to a much greater likelihood of positive result. Also, should you wish to use the school car for the test, please keep in mind that we need to book your test well ahead, usually as much as 1-2 months.
Can I use the school car for the road test?
Yes, if you have shown you are ready to take the road test. With Class 7L drivers, we require them to do a minimum of 4 lessons in our car prior to the day of the road test. We prefer to book the Road Test for the student if taking it in the school car but we can work with your test date if we have enough advance notice. If a student wishes to test in their own vehicle, we are happy to provide lessons but they must book their own test. We are happy to discuss options as driving lessons progress.
If you have any questions about this, please be sure to ask!
Does the Road Test package include ICBC fees?
No, ICBC fees are paid to the BC Services Center in Courtenay at the time of the road test and are the responsibility of the student. They are not included in lesson or test package prices.
ICBC fees are :
Knowledge test $15 Class 7(N) Road Test $35 Class 5 Road Test $50 New Licence $75
Do you do lessons with seniors? Can you help me prepare for the ERA?
Yes! We are very familiar with the ICBC Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA ) and can help you prepare for it.
Can I cancel or change a lesson?
Of course! You may change or cancel a lesson at any time with at least 24 hrs notice, but please keep in mind that we are usually booked 1 -3 weeks in advance. Cancellations with less than 24 hrs notice are subject to a late cancellation fee of $40 . If you are using the school car for an ICBC road test and need to cancel, we require at least 3 days advance notice.
Do you have Gift Certificates?
Is someone special having a big birthday soon? Looking for the perfect Graduation present? We have Gift Certificates available for all lesson packages.
How do I pay for lessons? Do you offer financing?
Lessons may be paid for by VISA or MasterCard in person or over the phone at the time of booking. Cheques and cash are also accepted. Etransfers can sent to bob@luvtodrive.com
Lesson Packages of 6 hours or more qualify for our interest-free Payment Plan. If paying by cheque, all payments are due via post - dated cheques, at the beginning of the first in car lesson. If paying by cash a minimum deposit of $160 is required on all Lesson Packages of 6 or more hours.