Update On Proposed Changes To The Graduated Licensing Program (GLP)

Posted on By Mark Anderson

We just received this update from ICBC regarding proposed changes to the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP):

“June 3, 2025

Update on RoadSafetyBC and ICBC Changes to the Graduated Licensing Program

We’d like to share an update on the status of Bill 12 – the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2025, recently introduced by the Government of B.C. in April. This proposed legislation will allow ICBC, in partnership with RoadSafetyBC, to modernize B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) and introduce a new Motorcyclist Licensing Program (MLP).
As the bill did not proceed past second reading during the spring legislative sitting, the second reading of the Bill will be carried over to the fall sitting, commencing October 6, 2025. ICBC does not have control over Government’s scheduling of Bills; however, it is not uncommon for a Bill to be introduced in one sitting and not proceed until the next.
Our intent is to continue with the work planned to ensure that when the Bill passes, we will be positioned to move to implementation. As part of that work, we’ll be developing comprehensive change management and Indigenous and stakeholder engagement plans and will keep you updated as this work progresses.
More information is available at www.icbc.com/glp-changes.
If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to GLPR@icbc.com.
Sincerely,
Craig Stirling
Manager, Driver Training Industry Support”

Our Price For Air Brakes Courses Will Be Increasing In September 2025

Posted on By Mark Anderson

Starting with our Air Brakes Course in September 2025 our price for the Air Brakes Course will be increasing from $225.00 plus GST to $250.00 plus GST (currently $262.50).

In September 2025 we will also begin charging a $100.00 deposit at the time of registration in our Air Brakes Courses. This is because we have had some people registering for Air Brakes Courses and then not showing up for the course. Since our Air Brakes Courses are typically full, this means we have turned clients away or put them in a later course when they could have had the seat reserved for someone who registered but then did not show up for the course.

We hope that charging a $100.00 deposit at the time of registration in our Air Brakes Courses will prevent this from happening in future.

Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.

Here is a map showing the location of 620 Morpeth Avenue in Nanaimo.

 

West Coast Driver Training Will Be Offering An Air Brakes Course In Nanaimo On 9-10 August 2025

Posted on By Mark Anderson

THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL

WE ARE OFFERING ANOTHER AIR BRAKES COURSE ON 6-7 SEPTEMBER 2025

 

West Coast Driver Training will be offering an Air Brakes Course in Nanaimo on 9-10 August 2025. This Air Brakes Course will be held at:

  • 9-10 August 2025, 9 am to 5 pm, at the Morpeth Masonic Hall,  620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. Cost is $225.00 + GST = $236.25 / person.
  • Click here or see below on this page for a map showing the location of the Morpeth Masonic Hall,  620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C.
  • To sign up or to get more information, call/text West Coast Driver Training at 250-732-8093 or by email at mark@westcoastdrivertraining.com or erica@westcoastdrivertraining.com.
  • On the second day of the course we typically finish by 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.
  • Come to the back door of the building and down the stairs. Bring a pen to take notes. A Course Manual will be provided. Bring a lunch if you wish. There will be a one hour lunch break in case you need to drive somewhere to get lunch. There is plenty of parking available.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.

Here is a map showing the location of the Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue in Nanaimo:

Here is a Google Street View image of the Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue in Nanaimo:


Would you like leave a comment or question about anything on this post?

West Coast Driver Training Will Be Offering An Air Brakes Course In Nanaimo On 5-6 July 2025

Posted on By Mark Anderson

This course is now full. But, due to demand, we have added another Air Brakes Course in July on 19-20 July 2025.

West Coast Driver Training will be offering an Air Brakes Course in Nanaimo on 5-6 July 2025. This Air Brakes Course will be held at:

  • 5-6 July 2025, 9 am to 5 pm, at the Morpeth Masonic Hall,  620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. Cost is $225.00 + GST = $236.25 / person.
  • Click here or see below on this page for a map showing the location of the Morpeth Masonic Hall,  620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C.
  • To sign up or to get more information, call/text West Coast Driver Training at 250-732-8093 or by email at mark@westcoastdrivertraining.com or erica@westcoastdrivertraining.com.
  • On the second day of the course we typically finish by 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.
  • Come to the back door of the building and down the stairs. Bring a pen to take notes. A Course Manual will be provided. Bring a lunch if you wish. There will be a one hour lunch break in case you need to drive somewhere to get lunch. There is plenty of parking available.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.

Here is a map showing the location of the Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue in Nanaimo:

Here is a Google Street View image of the Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue in Nanaimo:


Would you like leave a comment or question about anything on this post?

Our 2016 VW Jetta is Now Available For Manual Transmission Training

Posted on By Mark Anderson

West Coast Driver Training and Coastal Pathways Driver Training recently purchased a 2016 VW Jetta with a 5 speed manual transmission which we intend to use for providing clients with training on Manual Transmission vehicles.

It is now available for Manual Transmission training.

As far as we are aware, there are no other Driving Schools on Vancouver Island providing Class 5 and Class 7 training on cars equipped with manual transmissions.

Our 2026 VW Jetta is currently at Mark’s Instant Sign Shop awaiting the application of our corporate decals but it is still available for training if necessary.

Our 2016 VW Jetta for providing training on Manual Transmission at Mark's Instant Sign Shop awaiting the application of company decals [photo: West Coast Driver Training]
Our 2016 VW Jetta for providing training on Manual Transmission at Mark’s Instant Sign Shop awaiting the application of company decals, May 2025 [photo: West Coast Driver Training]
We recently had the required gas/brake/clutch controls installed on the passenger side of the VW Jetta. This was done at H & M Auto Repair, which services and maintains all our cars and the Ford E450 bus we use for Class 4 Unrestricted training.

Our 2016 VW Jetta with a 5 speed manual transmission at H & M Auto Repair awaiting its Commercial Vehicle Inspection and installation of the passenger side clutch, brake and gas controls, April 2025 [photo: West Coast Driver Training]
Our 2016 VW Jetta with a 5 speed manual transmission at H & M Auto Repair awaiting its Commercial Vehicle Inspection and installation of the passenger side clutch, brake and gas controls, April 2025 [photo: West Coast Driver Training]
If you are interested in Manual Transmission training, please contact our Office Manager, Erica, by phone or text at 250-709-3910 to arrange lesson dates and times.

 

West Coast Driver Training Will Be Offering An Air Brakes Course In Nanaimo On 7-8 June 2025

Posted on By Mark Anderson

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS COURSE DATE IS FULL

West Coast Driver Training will be offering an Air Brakes Course in Nanaimo on 7-8 June 2025. This Air Brakes Course will be held at:

  • 7-8 June 2025, 9 am to 5 pm, at the Morpeth Masonic Hall,  620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. Cost is $225.00 + GST = $236.25 / person.
  • Click here or see below on this page for a map showing the location of the Morpeth Masonic Hall,  620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C.
  • To sign up or to get more information, call/text West Coast Driver Training at 250-732-8093 or by email at mark@westcoastdrivertraining.com or erica@westcoastdrivertraining.com.
  • On the second day of the course we typically finish by 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.
  • Come to the back door of the building and down the stairs. Bring a pen to take notes. A Course Manual will be provided. Bring a lunch if you wish. There will be a one hour lunch break in case you need to drive somewhere to get lunch. There is plenty of parking available.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.

Here is a map showing the location of the Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue in Nanaimo:

Here is a Google Street View image of the Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue in Nanaimo:


Would you like leave a comment or question about anything on this post?

West Coast Driver Training Will Be Offering An Air Brakes Course In Nanaimo On 17-18 May 2025

Posted on By Mark Anderson

West Coast Driver Training will be offering an Air Brakes Course in Nanaimo on 17-18 May 2025. This Air Brakes Course will be held at:

  • 17-18 May 2025, 9 am to 5 pm, at the Morpeth Masonic Hall,  620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. Cost is $225.00 + GST = $236.25 / person.
  • Click here or see below on this page for a map showing the location of the Morpeth Masonic Hall,  620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C.
  • To sign up or to get more information, call/text West Coast Driver Training at 250-732-8093 or by email at mark@westcoastdrivertraining.com or erica@westcoastdrivertraining.com.
  • On the second day of the course we typically finish by 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.
  • Come to the back door of the building and down the stairs. Bring a pen to take notes. A Course Manual will be provided. Bring a lunch if you wish. There will be a one hour lunch break in case you need to drive somewhere to get lunch. There is plenty of parking available.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.

Here is a map showing the location of the Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue in Nanaimo:

Here is a Google Street View image of the Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue in Nanaimo:


Would you like leave a comment or question about anything on this post?

West Coast Driver Training Will Be Offering An Air Brakes Course In Nanaimo On 3-4 May 2025

Posted on By Mark Anderson

Regrettably, this course has been cancelled. 

West Coast Driver Training will be offering an Air Brakes Course in Nanaimo on 3-4 May 2025. This Air Brakes Course will be held at:

  • 3-4 May 2025, 9 am to 5 pm, at the Morpeth Masonic Hall,  620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. Cost is $225.00 + GST = $236.25 / person.
  • Click here or see below on this page for a map showing the location of the Morpeth Masonic Hall,  620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C.
  • To sign up or to get more information, call/text West Coast Driver Training at 250-732-8093 or by email at mark@westcoastdrivertraining.com or erica@westcoastdrivertraining.com.
  • On the second day of the course we typically finish by 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.
  • Come to the back door of the building and down the stairs. Bring a pen to take notes. A Course Manual will be provided. Bring a lunch if you wish. There will be a one hour lunch break in case you need to drive somewhere to get lunch. There is plenty of parking available.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.
Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. We rent this venue for Air Brakes Courses in Nanaimo.

Here is a map showing the location of the Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue in Nanaimo:

Here is a Google Street View image of the Morpeth Masonic Hall, 620 Morpeth Avenue in Nanaimo:


Would you like leave a comment or question about anything on this post?

Our 2016 VW Jetta Is Nearly Ready For Manual Transmission Training

Posted on By Mark Anderson

West Coast Driver Training recently acquired a 2016 VW Jetta 1.4 liter turbo with a 5 speed manual transmission. We will be using it to offer training to clients wanting to learn to drive manual transmission vehicles.

Our 2016 VW Jetta is currently at H & M Auto Repair in Duncan awaiting its Commercial Vehicle Inspection and installation of the passenger side clutch, brake and gas controls required for Driving School vehicles teaching manual transmission to Class 5 and Class 7 clients.

Our 2016 VW Jetta with a 5 speed manual transmission at H & M Auto Repair awaiting its Commercial Vehicle Inspection and installation of the passenger side clutch, brake and gas controls, April 2025 [photo: West Coast Driver Training]
Our 2016 VW Jetta with a 5 speed manual transmission at H & M Auto Repair awaiting its Commercial Vehicle Inspection and installation of the passenger side clutch, brake and gas controls, April 2025 [photo: West Coast Driver Training]
If all goes according to plan, West Coast Driver Training should be able to offer Manual Transmission training on our 2016 VW Jetta within the next few weeks.

Just FYI, here is an eight year old YouTube review of a 2016 VW Jetta 1.4 L turbo with an automatic transmission. We’ll try to find a decent YouTube review of the 2016 VW Jetta manual transmission.

 

Help Us Welcome Our New Part Time Class 5 & 7 Instructor – Sean Potorti

Posted on By Mark Anderson

Sean Potorti is a fully qualified and licensed Class 5 & 7 Driving Instructor with over 20 years experience who joined West Coast Driver Training and Coastal Pathways Driver Training in March 2025 to teach Class 5 and Class 7 driving lessons on a part time basis.

Sean Potorti is a fully licensed Class 5/7 Driving Instructor who will start working part time for West Coast Driver Training and Coastal Pathways Driver Training in March 2025 [photo: West Coast Driver Training]
Sean Potorti is a fully licensed Class 5/7 Driving Instructor who will start working part time for West Coast Driver Training and Coastal Pathways Driver Training in March 2025 [photo: West Coast Driver Training]
We welcome Sean to West Coast Driver Training and Coastal Pathways Driver Training and look forward to booking clients for Class 5 and Class 7 lessons with him.

UPDATE TO POST – 22 NOVEMBER 2025

Unfortunately Sean has found it difficult to maintain a work/life balance while doing his full time job at BC Transit and working part time with us as a Driving Instructor on weekends. So he will stop teaching for us in January 2026. We wish Sean all the best and we will welcome him back if or when he wants to resume teaching for us.

UPDATE TO POST – 19 SEPTEMBER 2025

Sean also works as a bus driver with BC Transit in Cowichan Valley and, now that the months long BC Transit/Cowichan Valley strike has ended through arbitration, Sean will be going back to his full time job as a driver at BC Transit.

Fortunately Sean will still be teaching Class 5 and Class 7 for West Coast Driver Training on weekends. If you would to book Class 5 or Class 7 lessons with Sean, please contact or office manager, Erica, at 250-709-3910 or by email at erica@westcoastdrivertraining.com.

COMMENTS ABOUT SEAN FROM CLIENTS

Sean has fit into our business really well and his students have made some very positive comments about him.

Here are some examples of clients’ comments about Sean. Also see our Testimonials From Clients page:

“Erica and Sean were amazing and so accommodating as we tried to navigate this process from Kelowna for our son. Sean took him out twice before his test and then the day of his test came early and calmed our son down and reviewed important information with him. Our son PASsED after two attempts elsewhere and we know Sean had everything to do with it! Thanks to a great teacher!”

Josie P. – September 2025

“Sean is the greatest coach i ever had on my journey to passing my drivers test, during our lessons he was a very picky instructor and would frequently outline the mistakes I make, afterwards he explains what is the best way to learn from them.

More importantly, Sean has always told each of his students to drive safely and smoothly. Moreover, whenever he believes you are ready to take the test there is no objection as every student he taught always passed. He constantly told his students to look back at the mistakes they did and discover what ways can we to do to prevent making these mistakes again.

If you need a coach to improve your driving skills, I would highly recommend Sean.”

Joshua K. – July 2025

“Absolutely loved Sean as a teacher for my daughter. Watched her greatly improved each time after each lesson.”

Jennie G. – May 2025

But Sean also works as a bus driver with BC Transit in Cowichan Valley and, now that the months long BC Transit/Cowichan Valley strike has ended through arbitration, Sean will be going back to his full time job as a driver at BC Transit.

Fortunately Sean will still be teaching Class 5 and Class 7 for West Coast Driver Training on weekends. If you would to book Class 5 or Class 7 lessons with Sean, please contact or office manager, Erica, at 250-709-3910 or by email at erica@westcoastdrivertraining.com.