Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Calgary's Premier Driving School Since 1970
Since 1970, Derek Brown's Academy of Driving has established itself as Calgary's premier driver training institution. Our journey began with a single vehicle and has grown into a comprehensive fleet of 15 cars and 6 trucks, serving generations of Calgarians. We specialize in passenger vehicle training, defensive driving courses, and professional truck driver education, with customized programs to meet individual needs. Our certified instructors create a stress-free learning environment using multimedia presentations, practical driving experiences, and traditional classroom instruction. We emphasize responsible driving practices that ensure students understand and follow road regulations while developing practical skills and confidence. With both in-person and online training options available, we accommodate diverse learning preferences while maintaining our commitment to safety and excellence.Our reputation as Calgary's largest driving school is built on decades of proven success in preparing drivers for real-world challenges, including specialized winter driving instruction. We take pride in reducing insurance costs and demerit points through our defensive driving programs while maintaining competitive pricing and friendly service. Our facility features dedicated classrooms and ample parking, ensuring convenient access for all students. Through continuous innovation, including our recently launched Alberta Department of Transportation-approved online driving course, we remain at the forefront of driver education in Calgary.
Services
Class 5 Driving Course
Defensive Driving Training
Truck Driver School
Winter Driving Lessons
Brush Up Courses
Online Driver Education
Air Brake Endorsement
Bus Driver Training
Senior Driver Courses
Customized Driving Programs
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in driver training excellence
- Our certified instructors create stress-free learning environments
- We offer both online and in-person training options
- We provide specialized winter driving instruction for Calgary conditions
- Our graduates receive insurance cost reductions through defensive driving programs
What people say
Great teacher
Stress-free driving
5 stars
Qualified instructors
Enjoyable experience
Services
Class 5 Driving Course
Our comprehensive Class 5 driving program prepares students for Alberta's licensing requirements through classroom instruction and hands-on training. Students learn essential driving skills, traffic rules, and road safety practices using modern vehicles and experienced instructors. The course includes both automatic and manual transmission options with flexible scheduling to accommodate different needs.
Defensive Driving Course
This specialized program teaches advanced driving techniques to reduce accidents and insurance costs. Participants learn risk assessment, collision avoidance, and emergency response skills that meet Alberta Transportation standards. The course qualifies for demerit point reduction and insurance discounts while improving overall driving proficiency for both new and experienced drivers.
Truck Driver Training
Our Class 1 truck driver program prepares students for professional careers with comprehensive training in tractor-trailer operation. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, simulator practice, and on-road experience with experienced instructors. Graduates receive the necessary endorsements for employment in Alberta's transportation industry.
Winter Driving Lessons
Designed specifically for Calgary's climate, this course teaches safe driving techniques for snow and ice conditions. Students practice vehicle control, emergency maneuvers, and winter road management using specialized training vehicles. The program helps drivers build confidence and skills for safe winter operation.
Online Driving Courses
Our Alberta-approved online programs offer flexible learning options for Class 5, defensive driving, and professional development courses. The interactive platform combines video instruction, quizzes, and virtual simulations to prepare students for practical training while meeting provincial licensing requirements.
People
Derek Brown
Founder
With over 50 years of experience in driver education, Derek Brown established Calgary's largest driving school in 1970. His vision created a comprehensive training program that combines traditional instruction with modern teaching methods.
Teri
Driving Instructor
Certified driving instructor with extensive experience preparing students for Class 5 road tests. Known for patient teaching style and ability to make students feel comfortable behind the wheel during training sessions.
Questions
What driving courses does Derek Brown's Academy offer?
We offer Class 5 passenger vehicle training, defensive driving courses, truck driver programs (Class 1 and 3), air brake endorsement, bus driver training, winter driving lessons, and online driving courses.
Do you provide both classroom and in-car instruction?
Yes, we combine classroom learning with practical driving experience using modern vehicles and certified instructors for comprehensive driver training.
Are financing options available for driving courses?
Yes, we offer financing options for our driving programs to make professional driver training more accessible for students.
Do you offer online driving courses?
Yes, we have Alberta Department of Transportation-approved online courses for Class 5, defensive driving, and professional development programs.
How long has Derek Brown's Academy been operating?
We've been providing driver training in Calgary since 1970, with a proven track record of successful graduates and industry recognition.
Do you offer winter driving instruction?
Yes, we specialize in winter driving training to help Calgary drivers master snow and ice conditions with specialized techniques and equipment.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Cole Smith
Jan 11, 2022
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I was 15 studying toward my class 5 license with Derek Browns and both instructors I had were excellent. Dr.Raad was able to answer every question I had without hesitation, and my in vehicle instructor Robert was extremely nice and fun to talk to. I passed my drivers test with not demerits, without some of his tips Im sure that wouldve never happened. Overall my experience with Derek Browns was excellent and I would recommend to anyone who wants to expand their driving skills.
Danial Mandel
Jan 10, 2022
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The instructors are super friendly and helpful and understanding! Flexible with your hours! It takes 6-8 weeks time to get all your required hours in for CLASS 1 TRAINING!
Laura Pratt
Dec 23, 2021
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I had an overall good experience at Derek Brown's Academy of Driving, I believe that there were great parts of my education as well as parts where there could be improvement. I would've appreciated if there was an option to do the in class portion online, but I understand that this was taken away after the peak of the pandemic. Nonetheless, my instructor Hassan was great to have. He had a great sense of humour, provided snacks, and gave practical guidance to all students. The course went by quickly with him, and you could tell he had lots of experience. With the driving portion, the instructors
Emily Allan
Nov 29, 2021
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Qusay is an incredible instructor. Having not driven much at all before my lessons I was very nervous, but with his calm demeanor and thorough instructions I was able to get the hang of it much faster than anticipated. He's also a very funny and interesting person to talk to, and I really enjoyed our conversations with the added bonus that it put me at ease. One important thing to note about his teaching style, is he doesn't just teach you the rules and how to pass the test, but also practical real world examples and knowledge so you can be prepared to drive in all scenarios. He goes above and
Rei P.
Nov 09, 2021
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Quasay is an amazing instructor. He is very patient with a confused and nervous student. He has a great way of teaching that makes so much sense and he teaches real world skills. With what he taught, I feel prepared to drive in any condition. The classes aren't awkward silence either, they are filled with fun conversation along with the lessons. One last thing I really appreciate was that the way he corrects and enhances your driving isn't harsh, he explains it well and shows solutions to the issue. Thank you Qusay!
Shelby Herle
Oct 25, 2021
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My driving instructor was Qusay Majeed. He was very patient and very helpful in teaching the rules of the road during my driving lessons. He genuinely cares about his students and does his best to ensure they are the safest driver they can be by giving plenty of tips. Overall, I would highly recommend this driving school to anyone wanting to learn how to drive.
Maya Hammoud
Oct 10, 2021
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This driving school was amazing! My road instructor, which was Qusay Majeed, was the best instructor their could be. He was very consistent with reminding me on my little mistakes, and made me feel comfortable with driving, since I was scared. He has many different methods to teaching you if you dont understand a certain way. He makes you feel very comfortable by conversating with you on what you like, while still teaching you and being consistent on your mistakes. I 100% reccomened you to him if you need some touch ups or even if you do not know how to drive. I passed my drivers test on the first
