
This article will tell you about the best times to practice driving in Toronto to avoid traffic.
Learning to drive in a bustling city like Toronto can be challenging, especially with the city’s notorious traffic congestion. If you want to practice driving in Toronto, it is better to practice when the traffic is less.
However, by choosing the right times to practice, you can build confidence as a new driver without the stress of heavy traffic. This guide will help you determine the best times to practice driving in Toronto, ensuring a smoother and safer learning experience.
If you want a guide to help you in your practice car driving sessions, you can contact Yusra Driving School. They have various time slots, which may suit your purpose well.
Early Mornings (Before 7 AM)
One of the best times to practice driving in Toronto is early in the morning before the city wakes up. Between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM, the streets are quiet, making it easier for beginners to focus on mastering basic driving skills. Less traffic congestion, easier parking practice, and clearer roads with fewer pedestrians and cyclists make the best time for car practice.
Late Evenings (After 8 PM)
Another great time to practice driving in Toronto is after 8 PM. Most office workers and commuters have already reached their destinations. Thus, reducing traffic volume. This time frame is ideal for practicing night driving to improve your nighttime driving skills. You can also practice turns and parking in your residential areas. You can also get used to street lighting and road signs.
Weekends (Early Mornings and Late Evenings)
Weekends can be hit or miss in terms of traffic, but early morning and late evening hours remain favorable for practice. Saturdays before 8 am see less commuter traffic. So, you can practice on major roads. Sundays before 9 am are best for practicing highway driving practice.
Midday (Between 10 AM and 2 PM)
If mornings and evenings are not an option, mid-morning to early afternoon on weekdays is another suitable time to practice. The morning rush has ended, and the evening rush has yet to begin. Rush hours are full of aggressive drivers willing to reach their destination on time.
This time allows you to have better conditions for parallel parking practice. Fewer vehicles mean less stress at busy intersections and traffic lights.
Avoid Peak Rush Hours (7 AM–10 AM and 3 PM–7 PM)
To minimize stress and maximize learning, avoid driving during peak rush hours.
- Morning rush (7 AM–10 AM): Heavy congestion as people head to work and school.
- Evening rush (3 PM–7 PM): increased traffic as commuters return home.
- School zones between 8 AM and 9 AM and 2:30 PM and 4 PM: Busy with parents dropping off and picking up children.
Choosing the Right Locations
Apart from selecting the right time, practicing in the right areas can also make a big difference. Recommended locations for beginner drivers in Toronto include:
- Residential neighborhoods: Scarborough, North York, and Etobicoke have quieter streets for practicing basic skills.
- Industrial areas (on weekends): Areas like Markham and Vaughan have wide roads with minimal traffic on weekends.
- University and college campuses (during breaks): York University and University of Toronto Scarborough have open spaces with minimal traffic during semester breaks.
- Parking lots: Shopping mall parking lots, such as Yorkdale or Fairview Mall, are great for practicing parking maneuvers early in the morning or late at night.
Weather Considerations
The best time to practice driving also depends on weather conditions. Ideal conditions for beginner drivers include:
- Clear, dry days: Avoid rain, snow, or fog until comfortable with basic driving skills.
- Avoid extreme cold or heat: Snow and ice can make roads slippery, while extreme heat can affect car performance and driver comfort.
- Spring and fall afternoons: These seasons offer mild weather and good visibility for beginners.
- Timings may also vary depending on weather conditions. Hence, it is necessary to go through the weather update and then see which time is suitable for your car driving practice.
What, according to you, are the best times to practice driving in Toronto to avoid traffic? If you want someone to assist you with driving practice in such odd hours, rely on Yusra Driving School. The timings may be different during rallies, government holidays or different occasions. So, make sure you are aware of the timings and diversions on the route where you want to practice car driving in Toronto.

Editorial staff’s at Aligned Intermediary are experts on various niches.