FAQ’s

Do you offer any discounts or "packages"?
Sorry, I don't.

Is there a charge for cancellations or missed appointments?
There is no charge for cancellations up to one hour before the scheduled time (notification must be by text or email - text is better if it's on the same day). Late cancellations or no-shows will be charged $50. If someone is more than 15 min. late for the lesson, and I haven't received any prior notification, it will be treated as a no-show.

What if I accidentally damage your car?
There's always a risk of damage when learning to drive standard (especially to the clutch and transmission) - if you find it more challenging than the average, we'll just slow down the pace a little; what matters is that you develop the correct habits so you don't damage your own car! Providing you follow my instructions (see note below), the likelihood of serious damage to the car during the lessons is extremely low, and not your responsibility - it's a risk I'm prepared to take.

Termination of lessons
If someone is unable or seems unwilling to follow my instructions, and I feel the risk of damage or excessive wear is unacceptable, I may be forced to terminate the lesson (and cancel future lessons). In that case, I will refund a pro-rated portion of the lesson fee. This is more often an issue when someone has driven manual before and picked up "bad" habits.

Should I practice a little before my lessons to get a "head start"?
I strongly advise against it. Aside from the very real risk of serious damage to your car (and mine), it will usually only impede your progress (and sometimes results in loss of confidence and fear of driving standard) - it doesn't take long to develop incorrect habits that may be more difficult to change than learning how to do it right in the first place (this is a common problem when someone has taken some manual shift lessons with another driving school).

Why do you recommend 1 hour lessons?
In my experience, this seems to be the easiest and most cost-effective way to learn, especially at the beginning. If the lesson is to improve your skills, or if you're short on time, then it may be ok to do 1.5 hour.

Are lessons private?
Yes, all lessons are one on one.

Who will be my instructor?
I'm a one-person operation and I like to keep it that way; lessons are with me only. JC

How many lessons will I need?
It depends how quickly you pick it up, and what skill level you want to reach. On average, if you've never driven a "stick shift", three or four lessons are required to cover the essentials and learn how to handle normal driving situations with reasonable competence. I recommend a few more if you really wish to master your car, or you want to "firm up" your technique (it's easy to unknowingly slip back into bad habits if you end your lessons too soon). Take it one lesson at a time and decide for yourself when you've reached the comfort/skill level you wish to attain. If you're currently driving standard, one "tune-up" session may be sufficient.

How closely spaced should the lessons be?
It's best if the lessons are spaced no more than a week or two apart; and there should be at least a day or two break in between.

Can I get picked up at home?
Generally yes; I will meet or pick you up anywhere within urban Ottawa. If necessary, I'll drive the car to a location that's suitable to your skill level for the lesson (travel time to and fro is not counted as part of the lesson). My normal service area covers most of urban Ottawa (Orleans / Vanier / Gloucester / Old Ottawa / Nepean / Riverside South / Barrhaven / Bells Corners / Kanata); if you live outside that area, we may have to meet at a mutually suitable location.

What are your hours of operation?
My normal hours of operation are between 1pm and 8pm, Mon to Sat.

Can someone else sit in the car during my lessons?
I'm sorry, all lessons are one-on-one (no one permitted in the back). No exceptions.

Can I have lessons in my car?
Lessons are normally in my car, but as long as you have your G2 or G license, we can also use your car. If you're starting from scratch though, or you have a number of issues to resolve, it's best if you take lessons in my car first until things are going well, and then switch to your car (to make sure you "transition" properly)

Can I have my lessons in another language?
Sorry, all lessons are in English.

If you have any other questions about ProShift services, please contact me