Classroom Theory Program

Bestway's Driver Training Programs for New Drivers

Bestway's ICBC-Approved driver education course meets the criteria that allows you to take your road test after nine months once successfully completed. It allows you to qualify for the 2 credits towards high school graduation as well. Our Approved program consists of 33 1/2 hours of training:

20 hours of classroom theory

Taught in a comfortable, air-conditioned, learner-centred environment (there is a course outline below)

A complmentary 2 hour Co-Pilot Workshop

This free informal interactive session is especially helpful for the co-pilot(s) of students enrolled in our various defensive driver training courses. It is also beneficial to those evaluating the benefits of taking a defensive driver training program.

Please call our office for the next available dates: 604-444-4468

Do you need to take the Approved course?

That depends on a number of things. Have you had a learners licence before? How long have you had the learners licence you hold now?  Do you want to get the 2 high school credits? Do you want to get the most education for your money? Call our office staff at 604-444-4468 to find out what you need to do to get your license. We consider your needs and finances when counseling you on an appropriate program.

Why should I take a classroom program if I don't want to take the "Approved" course?

The benefits of a theory program are well documented. For most people, a thorough understanding of the concepts of Defensive Driving is learned best in a classroom environment. A supportive and encouraging learning situation happens without being interrupted by the need to make split second decisions, avoid other drivers, etc. As for a pilot who is learning to fly, the theory portion of our programs is a driver's version of "Ground School." You learn common sense approaches to driving, decision-making, and hazard avoidance. And you don't have to try and control a car at the same time!

Our classroom theory course has helped thousands of new and experienced drivers gain a better understanding of the concepts of Defensive Driving and has helped them head out onto the road for a life-time of collision-free driving. Below is an outline of some of the things you will learn about in any of our Full programs.

Defensive Driving Theory Course Outline:

The following is a brief summary of the various topics covered by all of our Full Defensive Driver Training Courses (classroom theory portion):

Introduction & Basics:

This section covers many common misconceptions regarding everyday traffic situations and driving in general. After completing this introductory section, students should know all pertinent information regarding acquiring a learner's licence, as well as the basic framework for the Smith System of Defensive Driving.

Road Signs, Lines and Traffic Controls:

An explanation of shapes and colors of road signs along with a discussion of each particular sign and a short video presentation to familiarize students with the different sign catagories. Also discussed are the consequences of failing to obey specific road signs.

Safety Devices:

A discussion about seat-belts, child seats, airbags and other safety features which, when used consistently save lives.

The Smith System:

The Smith System is the industry standard in defensive driver training systems. It consists of the "Five Keys to Space Cushion Driving." This program covers improving driver perception to create safer drivers, keeping space around your vehicle (no more 'traffic roulette',) what good driving practices are, creating good seeing habits and improving driver visibility.

Hazard Recognition, Perception and Management:

Students learn to identify hazards and discuss ways to manage them so that they are no longer hazards to them on the road.

City Driving:

Discussed are merging and merge lanes, rights of way, uncontrolled intersections, pedestrian hazards, buses, parking, signalling, traffic congestion, traffic tempo, one-way streets and traffic patterns. Additionally, many other dangers of city driving are investigated and discussed by the students.

Driving with Fuel Efficiency:

In the interests of environmental awareness, a discussion regarding methods of driving economically and areas in which students can improve their efficiency as it relates to their tires, brakes, fuel and wearable moving parts.

Impaired Driving:

The effects of drinking and drugs on a driver's abilities, reaction times and decision-making abilities and the responsibilities of drivers as road-users. Included is a frank, open discussion and videos about these serious topics. Also discovered are the ways that things like stress, anger and fatigue can impair driving ability.

Avoiding Collisions:

Lecture and Discussion on collision avoidance techniques and the skills necessary to avoid putting yourself into a position where you are in danger of a collision. Students learn to be Pro-active in their driving and to practice the See-Think- Do methods which keep them out of trouble in the first place.

Driver Attitudes:

Students discover how their attitudes towards driving develop through outside influences such as peer pressure, advertising, etc and discuss ways to have a better driving attitude.

Adverse Driving Conditions:

Weather, road conditions, night driving and other situations are discussed and students learn ways to drive more safely and effectively in them. We also discuss ways to deal with emergency situations as they occur during driving.

Freeway and Highway Driving:

Methods for safe entry and exit onto freeways and highways are discussed. The use of HOV lanes are covered in this segment.

Road-Test:

Being prepared and feeling confident for the government road-test. We cover all of the requirements to being successful the first time.