📞 Call 613-640-6400 · MTO-Approved Driving Instructor in Ottawa · BDE Online · English, French & Arabic
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Frequently Asked Questions

GOT QUESTIONS?

Everything students ask most often about lessons, pricing, the BDE course, road test car rental, and our policies — answered in one place.

GENERAL

Is Mahdi a Ministry of Transportation approved driving instructor in Ottawa?

Yes. Mahdi is a fully approved Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) driving instructor and is also certified by the City of Ottawa.

What languages does Mahdi teach driving in?

Mahdi offers driving instruction in English, French, and Arabic, serving Ottawa's diverse communities.

Where does Mahdi provide driving lessons in Ottawa?

Training takes place in the Canotek and Walkley areas of Ottawa, with home pickup available by request after confirming with Mahdi.

What kind of vehicle is used for lessons?

Lessons are taught in a dual-control Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid — an eco-friendly, fuel-efficient vehicle that lets the instructor intervene safely at any moment.

Are all students welcome regardless of background?

Yes. All students are welcome, regardless of race, culture, or sexual orientation.

PRICING & PACKAGES

How much is a private driving lesson in Ottawa with Mahdi?

A private driving lesson is $60 per hour, bookable flexibly from 1 to 4 hours. Package deals are also available: 5 hours for $250 or 10 hours for $450.

Is there a discount for newcomers to Canada?

Yes. Newcomers who have been in Canada for less than 2 months receive a 5% discount on any package — just mention it when booking.

BDE COURSE

Is the BDE course online or in person?

The BDE (Beginner Driver Education) course combines online theory — self-paced, available in English and French — with 10 hours of in-car lessons in Mahdi's dual-control Toyota Prius Prime. Both parts are included in the $700 all-inclusive price.

Does the $700 BDE package include in-car lessons?

Yes. The $700 BDE package includes both the online theory course AND 10 hours of in-car driving lessons with Mahdi.

Learn more about the BDE course

See the full BDE Course page → for details on enrolment, timelines, and what's included.

CAR RENTAL FOR EXAM

Can I rent a car from Mahdi to take my road test?

Yes. Car rental for the road exam is $150 and includes a 1-hour warm-up lesson before the test. The vehicle is fully insured, MTO-ready, and a familiar dual-control Toyota Prius Prime.

Is the car automatic?

Yes, the Toyota Prius Prime is automatic. Note that taking your road test in an automatic vehicle will restrict your Ontario licence to automatic transmission.

BOOKING & POLICIES

How do I book a lesson?

Fill in the booking form on the homepage or call, text, or WhatsApp 613-640-6400. Mahdi will contact you to confirm your session, and you'll be asked to sign a short session agreement before your first lesson.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 24 hours' notice are charged the full lesson price, as are no-shows. Being more than 20 minutes late to a session counts as a cancellation. For the Car Rental for Exam package, cancelling your road test with less than 48 hours' notice, for any reason, is subject to half the package fee.

How and when do I pay for lessons?

For the 5-Hour and 10-Hour packages, full payment is due in cash at your first session. For individual private lessons at $60/hour, payment can be made per session, in cash, at the start of each lesson.

What are Mahdi's response hours?

Mahdi is available by phone and message until 7 PM each evening. Calls or messages sent after that time, or outside working hours (7 AM–7 PM), are answered the next working day — for anything urgent, a text or WhatsApp message is preferred.

STILL HAVE A QUESTION?

Reach out directly and Mahdi will get back to you as soon as possible.