How to Choose the Right Driving Course: Basic, Intermediate, or Premium in Edmonton

In This Article

Choosing the right driving course is one of the most important steps for any new driver in Edmonton. Learning to drive isn’t just about getting a license—it’s about building safe habits, learning the rules of the road, and feeling confident every time you sit behind the wheel.

At AJ Driving School, we offer three clear training levels—Basic, Intermediate, and Premium—so every learner can pick the program that fits their needs, experience, and comfort level. Our courses are available for students in Edmonton, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain.

Understanding the Three Levels of Driver Training

Every learner is different. Someone who has never touched a steering wheel will need more support and practice than someone who has already been driving with family. Some drivers also want higher-level training for better confidence or lower insurance rates.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Basic Course – Ideal for complete beginners and meets all Alberta’s minimum requirements.
  • Intermediate Course – Includes everything in the Basic program but adds more practical driving hours.
  • Premium Course – The most complete option, with advanced in-car practice and simulator training for maximum confidence.

The Basic Driving Course: The Essential Start

Our Basic Course meets Alberta’s required:

  • 15 hours of classroom learning
  • 10 hours of in-car training

What Students Learn:

  • Basic vehicle control (steering, braking, accelerating)
  • Road signs, signals, and markings
  • Turning, lane changes, parking, reversing
  • How to handle intersections and right-of-way
  • Early hazard detection skills

Perfect For:

New drivers with little or no experience who want a simple and affordable path to their Class 5 GDL license.

The Intermediate Driving Course: More Practice, More Confidence

The Intermediate Course includes everything from the Basic program but adds more in-car training hours. This extra practice helps students become smoother, safer drivers.

Added Training Includes:

  • Extra road time in different environments
    (highways, residential zones, busy Edmonton streets)
  • More practice with complex maneuvers
    (parallel parking, hill parking, freeway merging)
  • Stronger defensive driving techniques

Perfect For:

Learners who have practiced a bit with family but want more structured, professional guidance before their road test.

The Premium Driving Course: Maximum Preparation for Safe Driving

Our Premium Course is the most complete and advanced driver training program in Edmonton. It’s designed to create confident, skilled, and defensive drivers.

This Course Includes:

  • Everything from the Basic + Intermediate courses
  • The most in-car training hours of all programs
  • Extra simulator sessions for:
    • Skid control
    • Emergency braking
    • Severe weather driving (snow, rain, ice)
  • Advanced defensive driving skills
  • Predicting other drivers’ actions
  • Night driving practice
  • A mock road test to prepare for the real exam

Perfect For:

  • Parents who want the safest option for their teen
  • Nervous or anxious new drivers
  • Anyone who wants to qualify for possible insurance discounts

How to Choose the Right Course

When deciding which course fits best, consider:

1. Your Experience

  • No driving experience? → Premium or Intermediate
  • Some experience with family? → Intermediate

2. Your Confidence Level

If driving makes you nervous, the extra practice in Intermediate or Premium helps a lot.

3. Your Goals

  • Just want to get licensed? → Basic
  • Want to become a strong, defensive driver? → Premium

4. Your Budget

While the Basic course is the most affordable, the Premium course may save money in the long run through insurance discounts, depending on your provider.

Why AJ Driving School Stands Out

We use a teaching method that blends classroom learning, hands-on driving, and advanced driving simulators. This mix helps students learn faster, build confidence, and stay safer on the road.

1. Interactive Classroom Lessons

Our instructors use real examples, discussions, and modern teaching tools to help students understand—not just memorize—the material.

2. Advanced Simulator Training

Before students hit the road, they practice on high-tech driving simulators. This lets them safely experience situations like:

  • Black ice
  • Sudden hazards
  • Bad weather
  • Emergency braking

This reduces fear and builds strong confidence before real driving begins.

3. Focused In-Car Lessons

Our instructor-led driving sessions use dual-brake vehicles for maximum safety. Lessons progress from quiet neighborhoods to busy Edmonton roads, building skill step by step.

Start Your Driving Journey Today

Your driving journey begins with choosing the right course. Contact AJ Driving School today, and we’ll help you pick the perfect option—Basic, Intermediate, or Premium—based on your goals and comfort level.  

For personalized assistance with driving courses, feel free to contact us at [email protected]  or (780) 486 5090.

Driving is a skill many of us desire but do not possess. The good news here is that anyone who wants to learn driving can do so.

Working Hours

Monday-Friday:

10:00 - 18:00

Saturday & Sunday closed