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The Quebec transport ministry’s new road education and security program is placing such a costly burden on driving school operators that many will end up going out of business, says the co-owner of one of Montreal’s largest driving schools.
Compulsory now
Up to 1997, driver education courses were mandatory in Quebec, until the government reversed its position this past January and made driver training mandatory again. “Due to the accidents, that’s why they made it compulsory,” says Maria Drakoulakou of Omega Driving School, which has been offering driver’s education courses for the past 30 years.
Prior to 1997, it was possible to complete driver’s ed training and get a driver’s license in a month. Quebec subsequently raised it to three months, then to eight months for persons who took driver’s ed, and 12 months for those who didn’t. The latest regulations make 12 months of driver’s education obligatory for everyone.
Closings predicted
“It slows down our business and a lot of driving schools are going to close,” Drakoulakou says of the new system. “If we do not meet the standards of the SAAQ, we will go under.” Among the new responsibilities the transport ministry is handing to driver’s ed schools, it expects them to provide 24 hours of theory to customers, plus 15 hours on the road.
Each driving school will also be expected to set up its own fully-equipped classroom for more than 20 students. Failing this, the government has told the operators they will be shut down. There are around 400 driving schools in Quebec, and the government sets the fees which the schools can charge for their driver’s ed courses.
Costs not covered
Following the latest adjustment, the price for the year-long course is now $825 plus tax, which is not enough to cover the driving schools’ costs, insists Drakoulakou. “We cannot charge more,” she says. “Less we can, but not more. And people don’t have that kind of money.”
While some driving schools are charging as little as $600 in order to remain competitive, she is uncertain as to how Omega will respond with its prices. “Due to our expenses, $825 is not enough. Minimum should be $1,200.” Prior to the new regulations coming into force, Omega had been charging no more than $475 when the driver’s ed course was of a shorter duration.