Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled this list of frequently asked questions to help you learn about Driving Unlimited Academy for New Drivers and getting your license. We hope that you find the information below informative, but if you still have questions, please contact us and we will be happy to get you all the information you need. You can also visit the ICBC website for general information on driver licensing.
General
Driving Unlimited Schools Inc has been in operation conducting advanced driver training programs for corporations, government agencies, police forces, car manufacturers and enthusiast car clubs since the 1990s.
We started a driving school for new drivers in 2007 as Driving Unlimited Academy in Pitt Meadows, BC. From 2012-2020, we were under the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy worldwide banner. That program came to an end during COVID and we have returned to our roots as Driving Unlimited Academy.
We have continued with the same programs, lesson plans, coaching techniques and personnel as when we operated under the MBDA banner. Our management and ownership team is exactly the same. All the things that have made us the most advanced driving school in BC remain the same.
We have now introduced a successful online version of the GLP Theory Classroom that provides an interactive experience for students – without leaving their home. We have also introduced some exciting new training vehicles – brand new 2021 Mazda 3 GT Sport AWD cars. These cars have great technology and state-of-the-art features and our students are telling us they love them!
You can purchase many of our courses directly from this website. We will contact you after the purchase to complete your registration. You may register by phone by calling our customer service centre at (604) 460-5004 during business hours. You may also email us at info@duacademy.com and we will contact you.
Those interested in learning more about Driving Unlimited Academy can request further information using our online form or call (604) 460-5004. You may also email us at info@duacademy.com and we will reply with the information you require.
Programs
Yes. Parents are encouraged to ride along to observe how their new driver is progressing and to learn techniques that will help them in their role as co-drivers. One parent is allowed to ride with the coach and the student for a maximum of three people in the car.
We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Lessons cancelled within that time (or no-shows), will result in a forfeiture of that lesson. A reinstatement fee will need to be paid in order to reschedule that lesson. Everyone receives a 3-day reminder via email and a 24-hour reminder via text.
We understand that emergencies happen, however, we only have so many lesson slots, and cannot replace that time once it is lost. Because of that, everyone – regardless of the situation – is subject to the reinstatement fee for late cancellations.
In-car lessons are 90 minutes each. Road Test Packages are two hours long. Theory Classroom sessions are three hours long including scheduled break times.
We service the entire Lower Mainland from East Maple Ridge to West Vancouver. When you register with Driving Unlimited Academy your coach will pick you up at your home or school for your in-car lessons. GLP Theory Classes are conducted online via Zoom, and you can participate from the comfort of your home.
Yes! You can add extra lessons to an existing lesson plan whenever necessary. You can either purchase a single lesson on the website, or call our office to purchase.
There are a wide range of courses available. We have taken care to price our services competitively – students can experience the benefits of the Driving Unlimited Academy training at prices similar to other respected schools. There are always lower cost alternatives available when choosing any product or service – consumers should take care to compare the quality of the services before they make a purchasing decision.
We recommend you call a representative at Driving Unlimited Academy for expert advice on which training program is the best choice for you.
You can take lessons based on your schedule and your coach’s schedule. We recommend booking 6-8 weeks ahead to ensure availability, as we are extremely busy. Students with more flexibility in their schedules – such as the ability to take lessons during the school day – will have more options available to them for scheduling, as there are only so many after-school or weekend spots.
It is recommended that the driving lessons take priority over extra curricular activities, if necessary, at this crucial time in the learning path.
After your initial registration, our office will book the first three lessons for you. Once you are working with a coach, it is recommended to schedule following ones in advance . It is recommended that you try to schedule your lessons 6-8 weeks in advance to get the availability you prefer. You can book with your coach directly or call the office and we can schedule for you.
Yes. You will have your coach’s email and cell number so you can contact them any time with questions, to book lessons, or get help with on-line training. Parents can call to discuss progress or get advice on effective supervised practice. Because coaches can’t talk to you while they are engaged in other lessons, our office is also available to answer questions during regular office hours.
We are an ICBC Licensed driving school offering a full range of lesson packages and an ICBC Approved Graduated Licensing Program Course. The GLP course is our most popular program. We also have lesson packages that can be tailored to suit the individual student’s needs and level of experience. Whether you are a beginner driver, or an experienced driver looking for a tune-up, we have the experience to help. We offer the GLP Course package, individual lesson packages, Road Test packages, and Class 4 (Restricted) training.
Our objective is that a coach and student work together for the duration of the in- car training. In certain cases, such as when a coach is sick or on vacation, or due to limited availability, or position/area changes we may need to switch the student to a different coach for a lesson.
Yes. We offer a Road Test Package that includes a pre-test (max 45 min) warm-up session with the coach, as well as the use of the driving school vehicle for your test. Road Test packages cannot be purchased online, as we need to verify availability prior to purchase. Please call the office to book.
Vehicles
An ICBC-Approved driving school may only deliver lessons in a vehicle that is registered with ICBC and that meets their requirements – one of which is dual pedal controls. For this reason, we are not able to have a coach ride with you in your own car to conduct lessons. There is an increased level of safety provided by an approved Driving Unlimited Academy vehicle – instructor control of braking, extra mirrors to allow the coach to thoroughly observe conditions and graphics that clearly identify the car as a training vehicle.
Due to the lack of demand, we regret that we no longer offer training in manual transmission vehicles.