Why the Quebec Driving Program Takes 12 Months

Many new drivers feel anxious or frustrated by the structure of Québec's mandatory Road Safety Education Program. 

Some might think the program is too slow, the lessons are too spaced out, or that they’re not getting enough highway time. These feelings are common, but the structure is deliberate.

Today, we will break down the three main concerns we hear, explain the government's reasoning, and show you exactly how you can maximize your learning potential.

Why Does the Program Take So Long?

The most common concern is the duration: the program requires a minimum of 10 to 12 months from the first theory class to the final SAAQ road test. This timeline is set not by chance, but by the science of safe driving. 

Driving is not just a physical skill; it is about making instant judgments based on experience, and spreading the lessons over a year ensures you drive through all four seasons and through various weather conditions. The purpose is to help you encounter a variety of traffic conditions, including day, night, rush hour and throughout the various conditions like sunny days, rainy days, snow, and ice. This extensive exposure is crucial for developing safe, automatic reactions and effective risk assessment. 

Furthermore, spacing out the learning, known as "spaced repetition," leads to deeper, more permanent skill retention than attempting to cram. Ultimately, the length of the program is not designed to inconvenience you; it is specifically designed to save your life by ensuring you are a truly competent, four-season driver.

Are 15 driving lessons enough? 

Another frequent worry is the number of lessons. With only 15 in-car sessions, students often feel that one or two hours per month are insufficient to master driving. They are absolutely correct, if they rely only on the school's schedule. 

The 15 in-car lessons are designed to be guided training sessions, not the entire learning process. The government program views learning to drive as a partnership between the driving school, which provides structured, expert instruction on specific maneuvers, and the accompanying rider (parent or guardian), who is the most crucial component for success. 

Our lessons serve as your blueprint, showing you precisely how to park, navigate an intersection, and correct a skid. Your job is to take that blueprint and put in hours of deliberate practice at home with your accompanying driver. 

If you only drive during your scheduled school lessons, 15 hours will not be enough. You must commit to regular, supervised practice to turn the techniques into muscle memory and build the necessary confidence outside of the lesson environment. In fact, according to the SAAQ, you require a minimum of 50 to 60 hours of practice to pass the road test and become a safe driver.

Why can't I drive on the highway? 

Students often express frustration about not driving on the highway. The reason for the limited highway time is simple, non-negotiable, and based purely on safety: high speed multiplies risk. 

The SAAQ program structures lessons sequentially, meaning foundational skills must be mastered before moving to advanced ones. While there is one dedicated highway driving lesson included in Phase 3 of the program, it is often conditional. If a student has not yet mastered the fundamentals of city driving, such as maintaining proper following distances, using mirrors, checking blind spots efficiently, and anticipating traffic, it is not safe for them or their instructor to accelerate that risk on the highway. 

We are there to teach, but safety always comes before all else. If your instructor recommends delaying the highway lesson, it is not to slow down your progress; it is because they need to confirm you have fully mastered the 50km/h street before safely transitioning to the 100km/h highway.

In conclusion

In conclusion, the Quebec Road Safety Education Program is a carefully structured, minimum 10-month commitment designed for your long-term safety and competency. 

Understanding the why behind the spaced-out lessons and the focus on foundational skills allows you to maximize your potential. Embrace the structured time to gain real-world experience, commit to diligent practice between lessons, and trust your instructor’s guidance on progression. Learning to drive is a marathon, not a sprint. 

By working in partnership with your school and your accompanying driver, you will not only pass your exam but also become a truly safe, confident, and prepared driver for life on the road.