SafeStart beginner education
Government-approved beginner driver education recognized by the insurance industry.
Chatham-Kent · 17 Dover Street, Chatham, Ontario N7L 1S5
MTO-approved · Chatham-Kent
DriveWise Chatham-Kent
MTO-approved SafeStart, simulator labs, and one-on-one in-car lessons for new drivers and families.
MTO-approved SafeStart learning with simulator practice and true one-on-one in-car coaching in Chatham-Kent.
Government-approved beginner driver education recognized by the insurance industry.
Build confidence in rain, snow, traffic, and emergency scenarios before you drive on the road.
Students receive individual attention and are never placed in a car with other students.
Pickup and drop-off for in-car lessons at a convenient location within the city of Chatham.
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Programs for new drivers, seniors, professionals, and drivers who need focused remedial support.
SafeStart beginner driver education for new G1 drivers.
MTO-approved 40-hour blended classroom, online, and in-car program.
Practice weather, traffic, and emergency scenarios in a safe lab.
Confidence-building lessons and safety checks for mature drivers.
Skill development for drivers who need professional instruction.
Targeted coaching to rebuild safe habits and road confidence.
Education focused on distraction awareness and safer choices.
Compare packages, hours, and registration options in one place.
Professional driving instruction designed to get you road-ready with confidence. Packages follow our current registration form — taxes included.
Most popular
40-hour MTO-approved BDE
Blended beginner driver education with online theory, classroom, Homelink modules, simulator practice, and one-on-one in-car training. MTO G1 fees are not included.
Tax included
Register & Pay$30 savings
Full course + road test package
Everything in SafeStart, plus office road-test booking, an in-car warm-up, and use of the DriveWise vehicle for the government test (when test-ready).
Tax included
Register & PayFlexible
1-hour private in-car lesson
Great for new drivers who do not want the full program, or for drivers preparing for a G2 or G road test. MTO certification does not apply.
Tax included
Register & PaySave $20 prepaid
5 private in-car lessons
Five private in-vehicle lessons in an automatic vehicle. Prepaid package required for the savings. Does not include a road test package or MTO certification.
Tax included
Register & PaySave $25 prepaid
10 private in-car lessons
Ten private in-vehicle lessons in an automatic vehicle. Prepaid package required for the savings. Does not include a road test package or MTO Beginner Driver Education certificate.
Tax included
Register & Pay2 × 1-hour highway sessions
For G1 drivers practicing 400-series highways with an instructor, new G2 drivers with limited highway experience, or anyone wanting stronger freeway skills. An evaluation may be required.
Tax included
Register & Pay1-hour senior in-car lesson
A one-hour in-car lesson to review driving skills or prepare for a retest. Call or email the office to book.
Tax included
Register & Pay1-hour parking skills
Parking techniques in an automatic vehicle for beginner or experienced drivers.
Tax included
Register & PayPrep lessons + test vehicle
If you already have a road test booked, contact the office for availability before purchasing. MTO test fees are not included.
Tax included
Register & PayPrep lessons + test vehicle
If you already have a road test booked, contact the office for availability before purchasing. MTO test fees are not included.
Tax included
Register & PaySafeStart is changing how beginners learn to drive — with interactive classroom tools, simulator labs, and individualized road instruction.
4 courses currently open for registration.
| Course | Dates | Days | Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COURSE #C2616 | AUGUST 6 & AUGUST 7 | THURSDAY & FRIDAY | 9:00 AM TO 2:30 PM | Register |
| COURSE #C2617 | AUGUST 17 & AUGUST 18 | MONDAY & TUESDAY | 9:00 AM TO 2:30 PM | Register |
| COURSE #C2618 | AUGUST 24 & AUGUST 25 | MONDAY & TUESDAY | 9:00 AM TO 2:30 PM | Register |
| COURSE #C2619 | SEPT 1 & SEPT 2 | TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM TO 2:30 PM | Register |
A major component of our Ministry-approved SafeStart program — practice skids, weather, congestion, and emergency responses with instructor coaching.
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what our students have to say about their experience with DriveWise.
A big THANK YOU to Drivewise, CHATHAM I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the support, encouragement and service I received from Drivewise, Chatham. The staff is AWESOME and the instructors, AMAZING! This might sound like hyperbole but it’s the honest truth. The proof is in the fact that despite my enormous nervousness almost to the point of paranoia (I felt nauseated just at the thought of an exam – a particular condition I’ve suffered since school years), Drivewise managed to help me overcome this affliction and I passed my driving exam last Thursday 21st November, 2019 – yippee! It began with my positive interaction with staff member, EMMA who aligned me with DAN, the instructor. Dan is a man of many talents but in particular, he’s endued with a vast amount of patience and understanding. Dan is one of the few people I’ve met in my life (and yes, I’ve met many since I’m 65 years old!) who has the ability to correct without criticizing. Bearing in mind that one’s life is on the line with every new driver, it’s impressive that Dan is able to remain so calm and collected. When Emma was not at work staff member, CINDY was there to carry on the pleasantries to enable me to feel relaxed but even more importantly, to build the confidence I needed that I could pass the MTO Exam. Both Emma and Cindy were convince that if Dan thought I could do it successfully, then it “must be so”. This was sufficient to alleviate a lot of my anxiety. In addition, Dan has a secret strategy that he shares with all his nervous students. If you want to know what that is and you need to get your MTO Driver’s Licence, then take your driving lessons at Drivewise, Chatham, you will be well-rewarded. They are reasonably priced and in any event, it’s not about the money. For instance, even though I insisted on taking an extra lesson, they had all stated I did not need to do so. That approach alone says it all. This review might be long due to the euphoria I still carry since passing the MTO Driver’s Exam which was a big step for me as the need for independence was great. Yet, I cannot overstate the help and excellent service I received from Drivewise, Chatham. Therefore, I reiterate a bid THANK YOU to Emma, Cindy and Dan; I will be forever indebted to you guys. : )
Hi, I would like to let you know that I just passed my highway test, April 13. In order to give it another try to the related test, I hired Shirley, which is one of your professional instructors. And I am very delighted with the service/input she provided me. Everything she said and did for me was of exceptional help. I could understand a lot and do a way better driving than ever. Again I would like to commend the high quality instructors you have within your staff, she is completely amazing as a driving instructor and I would like to thank her and thank the Drive Wise driving school for the effort made in providing a good customer service experience. Keep up the good job.
I finished in car last week and am very impressed with the whole complete DriveWise course from start to finish. I think everyone should have to take DriveWise , it is the best . I love the simulator. It is so realistic and you really learn alot on it before you start your in car training. It is like driving but without the risk when learning .Thanks so much to everyone at DriveWise. You all really care.
Dan was a very enthusiastic and funny teacher. I would definitely recommend my friends to DriveWise.I would like Dan as my driving instructor.
Before this class I never really cared about wearing a seatbelt. After watching those videos and seeing how hurt the families were, I couldn't do that to my family. Thank you for opening my eyes to the harm I could have caused. This class has opened my eyes to how attentative you have to be while driving. There are all sorts of things going on around you. You have to be prepared for anything at anytime. Thank you for this opportunity to improve. P.S. The simulator rocked
Dan helped me take on the responsibility of driving defensively and made me realize driving is something you don't play around with! He also makes everything sound interesting and is a great teacher. He is also a great listener and helped me understand the rules of the road. Thank you Dan.
I learned a lot. Dan is a great teacher and very interesting. Loved the simulator!!!!! Not to scared to drive now and understand the rules of the road. "Thank you so much"
In 2007 I was in a collision with a truck. I was a passenger in the front seat of a cab. To this day I get scared of vehicles not stopping when required, My instructor made his class easy to understand and remember. I left wanting to be a driver and confident that I can be a 6 star success.
Quick answers for parents and new drivers getting started.
You can begin classroom theory about a month before you turn 16. You must be 16 to apply for a G1 licence. DriveWise is an MTO-approved BDE course provider.
Courses are offered at 17 Dover Street, Chatham, Ontario. See the Safe Start schedule for current class dates and times.
10 hours online theory, 10 hours classroom, 10 hours Homelink modules, and 10 hours of one-on-one in-car training, plus simulator-based learning in class.
Yes. Full course fees or deposits can be sent by e-transfer. Include the student name in the message. You can also register and pay online through PayPal without a PayPal account.
Register online, call the office, or review upcoming classroom dates.