Quebec’s driving instructors aren’t exactly living life in the fast lane, as many say they are struggling to turn a profit.
While lessons are mandatory in the province, the price limit for courses is set at $825, a number that was set five years ago. The Driving Schools Association of Quebec is hoping to see that go up by almost $200.
“The SAAQ raises prices for everything that they give to the public service,” said driving school owner Morty Preisler. “For example, permits and licences and testing and so forth, they raise their prices every year on a regular basis, but with the driving schools they have not done so.”
According to Transportation Minister Robert Poeti, driving schools are currently being analyzed in an effort to improve road safety, but on the issue of price, the ministry has met with key groups and says there is no consensus of a price floor or how much it should be.
Without an increase, it could become harder to find qualified teacher, said instructor Andrew Matthews.
“It makes it difficult to attract young instructors to enter the profession and stay with it,” said Matthews. “One asks oneself, at least I do, how can you give a quality driving school education for the prices that they're advertising.”
