Ontario’s first snowfall isn’t a surprise - but the spike in professional driver collisions often is. Snow, ice and low visibility can turn routine routes into costly incidents. That’s why Young Drivers of Canada (YDC) has launched a practical, mobile-first Winter Driving Course that helps commercial, delivery and service drivers lower risk before, during and after winter’s arrival.
“Winter happens every year, yet most drivers approach it as if it’s a surprise,” says Maria Bagdonas, Chief Operating Officer of Young Drivers of Canada. “This program helps drivers shift into a winter mindset before the roads turn slippery. It’s an added layer of protection, for both their company vehicles and their personal cars.”
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Why Winter Collisions Spike and What You Can Do About It
- 45% of all collisions occur between November and February, with a 64% higher likelihood of being involved in a crash during these months.
- The financial impact adds up quickly:
- Light-commercial collision: $15,000–$20,000 (damage, downtime, insurance-related expenses)
- Heavy-vehicle collision with injury: $148,000+
At $200 per driver, preventing even one collision can offset the training cost for a company, making winter readiness a safety decision and a financial one.
What Your Drivers Will Learn
The YDC Winter Driving Course focuses on the mental and tactical adjustments winter demands:
- Winter mindset & hazard anticipation (including black-ice recognition)
- Braking on low-traction surfaces and understanding ABS behaviour
- Skid recovery techniques and safe speed management
- Low-visibility scanning and increased following distances
- Vehicle readiness (tires, fluids, visibility) and pre-trip checks
- After-incident steps to keep people safe and reduce secondary risk
Built for Busy Drivers
- 100% online—phone, tablet or computer
- 24/7, self-paced; finish in short sessions or one sitting
- Completion certificate for compliance and training records
- Ideal for onboarding, seasonal refreshers, and remote teams
Optional add-on: bundle the online course with two in-vehicle winter lessons at participating YDC locations.
Results You Can Trust
Recognized as the Gold Standard in Driver Education, Young Drivers of Canada backs training with measurable outcomes. In the YDC Graduate Survey 2023–2025, almost 97% of graduates are collision-free or not at fault - evidence that defensive-driving habits translate into safer roads and fewer claims.
Who It’s For
- Commercial, delivery, courier and service drivers
- Municipal and institutional operators
- Trades and contractor vehicles
- Light- and heavy-duty drivers who face Canadian winter conditions
Make Winter a Non-Event for Your Drivers and Vehicles
Price: $200 per driver
Format: Online with certificate (optional in-vehicle add-on)
Timing: Roll out in a day; perfect before first snowfall or as a mid-season refresher
Ready to enroll your team?
- Call (416) 322-7000 x238
- Email tmarek@yd.com
- Visit yd.com to learn more
Quick FAQ
How long does it take?
Most drivers complete the course in under two hours, self-paced.
Do we get proof of completion?
Yes. Drivers receive a digital certificate for your training files and audits.
Is there group pricing?
Yes. Contact us for bulk enrollment and rollout support.
Can we add practical lessons?
Absolutely. Bundle the online course with two in-vehicle winter lessons at participating YDC locations.
Is it Ontario-only?
The course is Canadian-focused and relevant wherever winter driving conditions exist.
About Young Drivers of Canada
Young Drivers of Canada is the country’s leading driver-education provider, with 50+ years of experience and 1.4M+ graduates. Our mission is to reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities by building advanced defensive-driving habits, situational awareness and confidence behind the wheel.
Media & Corporate Enquiries
Teresa Marek
External Support Team – Young Drivers of Canada
📞 (416) 322-7000 x238
✉️ tmarek@yd.com
🌐 yd.com