If you’re taking driving lessons in Toronto, you’re unfortunately not allowed to practice just anywhere. 

In order to reduce congestion and make the roads safer for new drivers, the City of Toronto has introduced restrictions in terms of the areas where driving instructors are allowed to deliver lessons. Across Toronto, there are 6 restricted areas you’ll need to avoid if you want to avoid receiving fines. Typically, these restricted areas fall within the boundaries of DriveTest centres. Read on below:

Why are driving lessons restricted in certain parts of Toronto?

Typically, the restricted areas for driving lessons fall within the boundaries of DriveTest centres. In order to reduce congestion within DriveTest boundaries, the City of Toronto has banned driving instructors from taking students to practice in their vicinity. While it’s reasonable to want to practice driving on the exact route you’ll be tested on for your G2 or G, this is actually illegal in Toronto, and can come with some heavy fines.

If everybody was able to practice within the DriveTest boundaries, the area would quickly become too congested for students actually taking their test, making it more difficult to pass. At the same time, most DriveTest centres are located in residential neighborhoods. Restricting driving lesson delivery in the area helps keep the area safe for local residents and pedestrians.

What happens if you take driving lessons in a restricted area?

Taking driving lessons in a restricted area can result in heavy fines. In Newmarket, for example, fines can be up to $5,000. The town of Newmarket has recently begun a crackdown on driving instructors violating these regulations, after increased public pressure from residents.

That said, city bylaws still allow driving instructors to pick up students in the restricted areas – so if you do live in a restricted area, you and your instructor will just need to drive outside of the boundary to practice.

What are the restricted areas for driving instruction in Toronto?

1. The area near Metro East DriveTest location

If you’re taking driving lessons in Scarborough, you’ll want to be careful not to practice near the Metro East DriveTest location. Delivery of driving lessons is prohibited in the area ranging from the 401 in the north to Eglinton Avenue East in the south, and then from Leslie Street in the west to Kennedy Road in the east. You can see the area mapped out below:

2. The area near the Toronto Zoo

The area near the Toronto Zoo is also a restricted area for driving lessons. This second restricted area covers the area bounded on the west by Meadowvale Road, on the east by the municipal boundary, on the north by Finch Avenue East, and on the south by Lawrence Avenue East.

3. The area near the Downsview DriveTest location

If you’re taking driving lessons in North York, you’ll want to be careful not to practice near the Downsview DriveTest location. Delivery of driving lessons is prohibited in the area ranging from Finch Avenue in the north to the 401 in the south, and then from Jane Street in the west to Bathurst Street in the east. You can see the area mapped out below:

4. The area near the Etobicoke DriveTest location

If you’re taking driving lessons in Etobicoke, you’ll want to be careful not to practice near the Etobicoke DriveTest location. Delivery of driving lessons is prohibited in the area ranging from the 401 in the north to Burnhamthorpe Road in the south, and then from Dixie Road in the west to Mill Road / Centennial Park Boulevard in the east. Delivery of lessons is also prohibited in the area ranging from the Etobicoke Creek in the west to the 427 in the east, and then from Eglinton Avenue West in the North to Bloor Street in the south. You can see the area mapped out below:

5. The area near the Mississauga DriveTest location

If you’re taking driving lessons in Mississauga, you’ll want to be careful not to practice near the Mississauga DriveTest location. Delivery of driving lessons is prohibited in the area ranging from the 401 in the north to Britannia Road West in the south, and then from Creditview Road in the west to Mavis Road in the east. Taking lessons is also prohibited in the area ranging from the 407 in the north to the 401 in the south, and then from Mavis Road in the west to Hurontario Street in the east. You can see the area mapped out below:

6. In any public park

Delivery of driving instruction in any public park in Toronto is also prohibited. While this might strike you as obvious at first (who would practice driving lessons in a park), what you might forget is that parks often come with parking lots – and that’s where you might be tempted to practice driving lessons. To keep public parks safe, though, the area is barred to novice drivers receiving lessons.

That’s it! Steer clear of the areas outlined above and you’ll avoid the hefty fines that come with breaking the city bylaws. 

If you’re looking to book driving lessons in Toronto, we at Kruzee are here to help.