Technology in cars has evolved quickly over the past decade, and the way we teach new drivers should keep pace.
If you’re learning to drive in Ontario today, you’re learning in a world of electric vehicles, driver-assist systems, and autonomous technology that can be easily misunderstood.
That’s why Kruzee has incorporated electric and autonomous vehicle education into our online Beginner Driver Education (BDE) Course – so new drivers understand how electric vehicles and autonomous technology are changing driving, and what it takes to stay safe behind the wheel.
Why Kruzee Added This to Ontario’s BDE Course
Modern vehicles are evolving quickly, and we want new drivers to understand what’s changing without losing sight of what matters most: safe, responsible decision-making behind the wheel.
- EVs Are Here to Stay: EVs are powered by electric motors and batteries, which can change how the vehicle feels and what drivers need to plan for. The course now covers the key differences between EVs and gas-powered vehicles, and how those differences affect day-to-day driving decisions.
- Driver-Assist Systems Are Common: Many newer cars include driver-assist tools like emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, but these tools cannot be treated as autopilot. We break down how these systems work, where they fall short, and how to use them as support.
- Autonomous Vehicle Tech Is Often Misunderstood: A lot of what’s marketed as “self-driving” still requires constant supervision and immediate readiness to take over. We clarify what autonomy levels really mean so students don’t confuse assisted driving with self-driving.
What We Cover: Electric Vehicles (EVs)
EVs are becoming more common in Ontario, and understanding the basics helps new drivers feel confident – whether they’re learning to drive in an EV or sharing the road with one.
In our BDE course, some of the main topics we cover are:
- Pros and Cons of EVs: We walk through the advantages and disadvantages of EVs, related to emissions, energy efficiency, costs, and more.
- How EVs Can Feel Different to Drive: We explain the key differences between EVs and gas-powered vehicles and what a new driver might notice when controlling speed and acceleration.
- What Changes in Day-to-Day Planning: We introduce charging and range basics so students understand how EV driving can affect trip planning.
- EV Infrastructure in Ontario: We cover the basics of charging options (at-home vs public), charger types and levels, and Ontario’s charging network.
What We Cover: Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous driving technology is developing quickly, but the reality is more nuanced than the marketing – especially for new drivers who need to understand what these systems can and can’t do today.
In our BDE course, some of the main topics we cover are:
- What’s Available Today: We give students a clear picture of where consumer-facing automation stands right now in 2026, including what drivers are realistically encountering in modern vehicles and why most systems still require active driver supervision.
- Levels of Automation (SAE Levels 0–5): We explain the SAE framework so students can distinguish between driver assistance and higher levels of automation.
- Ontario’s Role in Testing and Regulation: We cover how Ontario has supported the development of automated vehicle technology through its pilot program and regulatory approach, and why that matters for the future of driving in the province.
Final Thoughts
Modern cars are changing, but the fundamentals of safe driving haven’t. That’s why Kruzee has added EV and autonomous vehicle education to our Ontario BDE course: to help new drivers understand how today’s technology works, where it falls short, and how to make safe, responsible decisions behind the wheel – no matter what kind of vehicle they’re in.
Explore more details of our online Beginner Driver Education (BDE) Course here.