Reviews of Canadian Traffic Education Centre (School)

Sandra Downey

I took my motorcycle safety training course from Jame McCarthy and his responsible staff in 2004. I can honestly say without their excellent training, I probably would not be riding a motorcycle today. They were very patient with everyone and made us feel at ease and comfortable with the motorcycle. I highly recommend CTEC for anyone interested in learning motorcycle skills and safety. I have found this training not only makes me ride more defensively, but also makes me drive more defensively in my car. I truly believe this course should be mandatory for everyone wanting to obtain their motorcycle license.

pam matheson

Never rode a bike in my life when I decided to take CTEC's beginner course. Absolutely Awesome! The instructors were knowledgable and very patient. I highly recommend this course.

David Loewen

I went into the course not knowing what to expect but really enjoyed taking it the instructors knew what they were talking about and taught me what I was doing wrong and a few ways to improve my driving and to make my driving safer for me and others.

Edith Dubois

I would strongly recommend taking the CTEC motorcycle training course to anyone considering learning to ride a motorcycle, or even to improve on their existing riding skills. James and his team are great instructors! Safety during and after the course was alway emphasized. They have a various assortment of bikes to accommodate riders of all sizes. As someone who is short, they made sure I started out on a smaller sized bike (so my feet could comfortably touch the ground), then gradually moved up to a larger bike. CTEC supports their students offering practice time and coaching even after completing the course. It is a great place for motorcycle rider training!

Benjamin Wolff von Selzam

James and the entire ctec crew were amazing. Incredibly patient, encouraging, and professional. Having never been on a motorcycle before, I was blown away to be comfortably operating one just hours into the course. The skills I learned from this course gave me the chance to ride across Europe for half a year. They let you practice on their bikes leading up to the road test and also let you use their bikes for the test itself! After the course you can join their Facebook group, full of support, questions answered, and a like minded riding community. 10/10

April _ (Stormer)

Want to ride a motorcycle!? If you or your friends are interested in getting the best training, check out CTEC! With the group of professional, friendly, and fun Instructors, the learning process was super comfortable and enjoyable. In 2013, I took the CTEC course and it was one of the best decisions I ever made! Spots are filling quickly, so get in there and make it happen! :)

Anna Duke

Professional, helpful, knowledgeable and friendly staff made for an amazing experience! Thank you CTEC for everything!

Ashaman Cooper

The skid truck training should be taken by anyone who drives in Canada in the winter. Understeer is impossible to practice in a standard vehicle.

Lornel Mitchell

As a 50+ yr old woman having rode my own bike years ago simply for recreation at the lake...getting back on a bike was definitely a daunting idea. But I swore I'd fulfill a bucket list dream and get myself a Harley before I was 55 years old. I was referred to the CTEC course by other women who took it and so I registered and showed up one beautiful September weekend. James immediately recognized my enthusiasm and anxiousness and took me under his wing. He was thorough, funny and the staff he hired were and still are, just as experienced and fun as he is. The course took us newbies through every step and skill you'd need to feel confident and aware on the road. There was more than enough room and more than enough staff to handle all of us new riders. None of the staff ever made you feel incompetent or that you shouldn't be there. I have absolutely no tredipstion in getting on my bike and on my first group ride .... found myself in a situation where had I not taken this course, I would've seriously crashed my bike. I knew what to do in this situation and reacted accordingly. I can't thank James and his staff enough for bringing me so much joy and therapy time on my Harley.....yup; I bought it before my 55th bday!

Yvonne Fitchell

Thank you CTEC! I had heard about CTEC through friends and decided that I should give it a try. I thought that for sure I'd be 'unteachable'. I was wrong! I had never felt so safe and confident! The instructors who taught me did it with such professionalism. I took the two day weekend course and the week later I took my test for my license. I passed with flying colors! The team of instructors have your safety in their best interest and I went on to buy myself a big motorcycle. I have now been riding for 7 years and have never had a single worry for my safety or for the safety of other drivers around me with me on the road. I was so deeply impressed with their skill level that I went on to highly recommend their instruction technique to five close family members - two of those who are my daughters!! When they told us that they wanted to learn to ride, I did not hesitate in signing them up with CTEC. They are the only riding school that I would trust with the lives of the ones that I love. We regularly drop by to visit the classes throughout the summer months on our bikes. When I hear of anyone who is looking for instruction, I always tell them, "Give James a call. Do not entertain the thought of your safety to any other teaching school!" Thank you to James and your team for teaching people to always keep their heads up and looking to where they want to go - the open road!

Rosa Lee

Fantastic experience! I highly recommend and ONLY trust their hands to instruct my family and friends. As a "vertically challenged" individual and having no bicycle riding experience, I appreciated the patience that the instructors bestowed upon me. Even in a group setting they are very attentive to your individual learning style. What they teach is very practical and the high emphasis on safety give you the skills you need to be on the road. The most important was the confidence I developed from this course that gave me the freedom to ride. Also FREE lunch hour practice , FREE use of their bike for exam and FREE to take course again if you didn't complete. :D

Jolene Hermann

This course is AMAZING! I can be a very anxious person, and I never would've imagined accomplishing so much in two days! The instructors are wonderful, approachable, extremely patient, and even funny - bonus, right?!????? I highly recommend this course for anyone looking. In my opinion, it's one of the best ones out there! And did you know that you'll actually leave the parking lot during the course? Now you do... ????????

Darlene Nguyen

What a great experience! Before taking this course I had only been on a moped when in Vietnam so I wasn't sure what to expect. Joined the class as a shy lil teen with barely no real motorcycle experience and finished as a confident rider. James, Henry, Eric and Stuart were great instructors! They made sure to engrain everything into you in those two days so that when you ride, it's basically muscle memory. What was also really great is the lunch practices they offer once your class is done.m, so if you think you need more practice before your test, you can do it safely on course. If you make a mistake they won't get mad at you, they help you correct it. Also, if you almost hit them on course, they are still friendly to you (sorry Henry). Totally recommend CTEC to anyone who want to learn how to ride!!

Elaine Smith

I took this course in 2015 and got my class 6 licence. The instructors are friendly and patient and the training is excellent. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to drive a motorcycle, whether they are experienced or not. You may learn something that will save your life.

Ms.Smith GameChanger

This outfit attempted to withhold my course fee for a second part of the course, I told them if the University of Alberta gives students who can't attend (for any reason), their money back, then a puny little outfit like CTec better return me my money for the portion of the course I couldn't attend, (I had to work) or we could go to small claims where a judge would explain that to them. I can afford a lawyer for decades. I got the money for the portion I couldn't attend back. I have my bike license for years now & I didn't get it because CTec taught me anything, they taught me nothing but how crooked they could be.

Wayne Tsz Shun Chak

James and his crew is amazing. It's one thing to have the knowledge and the experience, but it's another to be able to pass it all on to someone. They have a great stress-free environment, very engaging, very exciting, very innovative way to teach. It's truly a fun experience, very "stickable" knowledge, even two years after learning it and haven't been riding at all, as soon as I got back on the bike, everything came right back! Even for someone that has a lot of driving experience, you'll learn a ton about driving safely on the road as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Jim Laurie

I had not been on a motorcycle in probably 20 years when I attended the CTEC course in 2010. With their great skill set and instructions I have been riding again ever since. James and his crew, Eric, Stewart, and the others were awesome. I can't thank them enough. I have put nearly 40000kms on my two bikes since that amazing course.

Bugiwgn

Great course great instructors! You will be learning in the parking lot in a group. Learning from basics to emergency control...etc. Experience I have never had before. Would recommend for everyone who are interested in riding motorcycle. Simply the best course around Edmonton!

Dan McKechnie

As a complete motorcycle novice, CTEC gave me the skills and confidence to ride safely and now it's one of my absolutely favourite things to do. Their staff is highly skilled and patient with rookie mistakes and their training approach emphasizes safe, effective deployment of riding fundamentals. Free after-course practice ensured I was prepared for my Class 6 test and I passed it on the first go. Thanks CTEC!

Mitch C.

Awesome Motorcycle Safey Course and Instructors. I cannot say enough about the knowledge the instructors share with students in a safe, professional, and fun program. The instructors are quite patient and encouraging to all students. I highly recommend the CTEC Motorcycle Safety Course.

David Wong

I heard your motorcycle program is shutting down. Very sad to hear. I took this program after a terrible experience with the edge. They didn’t even care to ask me about my issues. Just told me I didn’t take their course rather than to ask my resgitered name. Thank you to James McCarthy and his team. I came to this course dejected by other courses and the training here was at a level I didn’t know existed based on my previous experiences. Two days of training. Street riding. Two practices later and I challenged my class 6 and passed with only 5 points. I can’t thank you enough. I have a Triumph Speed Triple R and I’m loving it! Thank you!!!!!!!!

Mae B

CTEC is the Best of the Best in my opinion! I had the most amazing experience learning how to ride a motorcycle with CTEC. I had challenges with my height, my age, my nervousness and my learning style. I gained riding skills and confidence as a result of the expertise, knowledge, patience and professionalism demonstrated by the CTEC Instructors paired with my unwavering desire and tenacity to learn to ride. Students are given the unlimited opportunity to achieve their success through perfect practice at their own level of comfort and especially at their individualized learning pace. Thanks to CTEC riding a motorcycle is my freedom, my go to adventure, my memory maker, my wind therapy and most importantly my happy place. Thanks to James and all the wonderful instructors there and also to the family of alumni who are collaborative, supportive and just plain fun folks to associate with.

raymond bahr

incredible experience instructors were super to work with my son and i did our ambulance training with them and it was incredible we learned so much this is the school to use no question

cdn5150

I had been riding for almost 15 years (without a license) but when I bought my bike I figured I should go legit. The CTEC crew showed me techniques that I would never have figured out on my own. They were patient and respectful of every rider in the course, and were determined to ensure everyone got a safe riding experience. I couldn't imagine the CTEC crew telling someone to "suck it up" like another review suggests. There was a lady in my course 2 years ago that was "vertically challenged" and they made her comfortable and found options for her to properly and safely ride. I am a safer rider now and much more confident. I couldn't have done it without them! Cheers to James and his crew!

D r

Best driver training on the planet. This course should be manditory for everyone.

Laura McDonald

Posting on behalf of friend. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE! My friend has permanent knee damage due to their repeated negligence and they didn't even have the decency to respond to her emails. She is a shorter rider and they promised lowered bikes, but didn't deliver until after her knee was crushed a second time. After the first day of training she spoke to them about how bad her knee was hurting and they told her to basically quit or suck it up. She wasn't even offered to complete the second day at a later time or a partial refund. Now she can never kneel on that knee again due to the damage! SHAME ON THEM!!! better and cheaper courses our there!!! They are lucky they have their waivers to hide behind! Pathetic!

Michael DeAeth

As a totally new rider and being very short 5'3" I was worried how accommodating CTEC would be. I was very impressed!!!!! I was able to ride with out any issues what so ever. The staff was extremely knowledgeable, and taught the information in a positive polite manner. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in riding motorcycles or who has experience riding to better their skills. Thank you for giving me the confidence to enjoy my new found passion of motorcycles.

Jashoba Sriskantharajah

My love for bikes can be traced back to High school times, but my height has always gotten in the way. I definitely recommend CTEC because they go beyond teaching. From my experience with CTEC, I have gained self-confidence, learned far more things than I knew and I enjoyed it every step of the way. My instructor, James made sure that I was comfortable during the training sessions and he did so by providing me with a bike that best suited me in terms of my height. Today, I am far more comfortable with myself and I never look at my height as a disadvantage. Because of CTEC and their exceptional instructor, James, not only have I completed my training. I have also obtained my class 6 licence and I am a proud owner of a CBR300RA. Thanks to James and his Team. :)

Kris Rosenberger

Highly recommended, had an amazing experience and taught me the basics to get me on the road. Staff were very knowledgeable and personable with with every student.

Emma Loewen

My dad works for CTEC and made me take the course, but i ended up really enjoying it. I like using the skid truck and being able to know what to expect in winter. The teachers were very professional

T M

I can't say enough great things about this course. I took it as a new rider, never been on a bike prior to my course. In one weekend I left with confidence to ride and full knowledge of the motorcycle riding laws and safety. They don't just teach you how to ride. They make sure you are fully comfortable on the road and know how to keep yourself, and others safe. You aren't left on your own at the end of class either. Once you train with CTEC you have the choice to remain in touch with the team as well as other riders. There is always somebody available to answer questions or just to chat about riding. CTEC members also have full use of gear and bikes on site even after training has ended. During training the staff were extremely patient. You don't leave feeling like you were just a number. The teachers training has given me the confidence and knowledge to enjoy my summers in my bike. I recommend this course to everybody I know regularly. It was one of the best choices I made.

Stacey Abdella

This course was a fantastic experience. The Instructors were very knowledgeable and patient with all levels. I felt confident riding a motorcycle after completing the course. They allowed for extra practice time if you needed it, which was very helpful. They were very easy going and genuinely cared that I got the best experience from the course and that I felt comfortable. I will be back for a refresher next year.

Jason Tse

Took the course 4 years ago and it was a great experience. I highly recommended to anyone.

Henri Dando

Had an amazing experience, learning to ride through CTEC! James & his crew of great instructors give clear directions, as well as the reasons why, all to keep us safely riding for years to come. The available additional practice time is worth taking advantage of. I know I did! When I had a question about a particular riding situation, they had no problem explaining, and demonstrating as necessary, the correct & safe way to deal with the situation. I tell anyone who wants to learn to ride, go to CTEC! They're the best!

Wendy Lam

Want to learn how to ride a motorcycle? I highly recommend CTEC! The instructors were amazing and are very patient. They are always giving you advice and encouragement, never felt discouraged at all during my course. They can see how comfortable you are on the motorcycle and will only push you to do better if they see you are confident enough to go pass your comfort level. The one review who told the student to "suck it up" is not something I see any of the instructors doing. It was raining hard during my course, there were two ladies who did not feel comfortable riding in the rain, not once did the instructors tell them to "suck it up" and ride. They were offered to take the course another time. I had never sat on a motorcycle before the course, to riding 6000kms in my first season and I have Ctec to thank for teaching me everything I know now. James and the instructors made the course fun and informative!