Preparing you for the road
Become a safe and confident driver!
Preparing you for the road
Become a safe and confident driver!
ABOUT TRISTAN STEPIC-RHODES
Having been born and raised in Winnipeg, I am extremely well-acquainted with all our wacky streets and seasons, including potholes, endless construction, clueless drivers, foolish pedestrians, bitter winds, flooding, ice and snow. I'll teach you how to safely navigate through these hazards so you arrive at your destination alive and in one piece every time.
With an education in logistics management, transportation economics and transportation law from Red River College and the University of Manitoba, as well as 16 years of experience as corporate trainer for the world's largest international land, sea and air express delivery company, you will find me engaging and knowledgeable about all aspects of driving.
In addition, my former experience as an actual MPI driver examiner gives me an inside edge that few other instructors can match.
I'll provide you with safe, professional and reliable Class 5 driving instruction and effective road test preparation.
From the basics of starting, steering and stopping to more advanced maneuvers
such as yielding and merging, lane changing, boulevard left turns and establishing left turns at traffic lights, I am happy to explain, demonstrate, practice and perfect these important driving skills with you.
Since everyone seems to worry most about parallel parking, I'll teach you an easy and reliable technique which will dramatically reduce any stress you may have. Easy peasy!
Being middle-aged Gen X and semi-retired, with a lovely, intelligent wife and two successful children now making their own way in the world, I think I've done all right and want to continue actively contributing to what writer Douglas Adams called Life, the Universe and Everything. My dorky dad humor is full of endless positivity, patience, experience, encouragement and hope for your success.
Each new maneuver you learn increases your confidence and reduces anxiety.
I work hard to ensure that the non-smoking training car is an environment where high energy, process-oriented learning takes place, and no negativity is allowed. Each and every student receives customized, individualized attention.
I ensure that my students understand not just how to correctly perform the required maneuvers, but also why they are supposed to be performed that way. No more mystery about what the driver examiner needs to see. A deeper understanding leads to better results.
Everyone learns at their own pace, so don't compare yourself with others. Some things in life are not necessarily competitive. Run your own race at your own pace, and define success in your own terms.
Of course, for those of you who enjoy a bit of spirited competition, the first-time road test pass rate for my students currently sits at 89 percent (November 2024.) I'm extremely proud of all my students' motivation, initiative and achievement.
Just as some people are better at math, language, music, sports, art, etc., people also learn to drive at their own pace. Some are a natural and pick up the skills and knowledge quickly, whereas others may require a bit more effort, but if you're ready to learn I'll help make it happen for you.
Not wanting to waste your time, money and effort, we'll progress as quickly and efficiently as your motivation, skills and ability allow.
You'll find me to be a fun and friendly fellow who is unlikely to yell at you, and who will happily share with you all the information and skills you'll need to successfully pass your road test and take your place as a safe, sane and sensible member of the motoring community.
SERVICE AREA
WINNIPEG: Please note that I am NOT CITY WIDE! Due to the demands of time, fuel use, opportunity cost and simple wear and tear on the vehicle, I have a limited service area.
I DO NOT provide service west of Route 90 or south of Portage Avenue, Nairn Avenue and Dugald Road.
We may drive through these areas during a lesson, but I prefer not to perform pick-up or drop-off there.
MY PREFERRED SERVICE AREA is essentially north and central Winnipeg, in a wide band ranging across Amber Trails, the Maples, Garden City, North End, Kildonan, Elmwood, Transcona and Canterbury Park.
If you're not quite sure where you fit into this geographic area, please tell me the name of your street or neighbourhood and I'll let you know.
OUTSIDE WINNIPEG: I happily provide service at no extra charge to the commuter communities north and east of the Perimeter, including West St. Paul, East St. Paul, Birds Hill, Narol, Lockport, Selkirk, Beausejour, Pine Ridge, Springfield, Sunnyside, Oakbank and Dugald.
ROAD TEST LOCATIONS: I do not service the MPI Bison or MPI St. Mary's test centers.
I do service MPI Main Street, Gateway, King Edward, Selkirk and Beausejour test centers.
LESSON PRICES AND PACKAGES
Two Hour Driving Lesson
$120
Includes pick-up and return. Perfect for a check-ride to see how you're doing overall for effective road test preparation.
A two hour lesson gives us enough time to go where we need to go and explain, demonstrate, practice and perfect the required maneuvers. We just can't do that during a one hour lesson, which is why I don't offer them.
A lack of practice is the reason MPI makes you take five hours of authorized instruction if you unfortunately fail three road tests; the pros know that immersive learning works!
Lesson and Road Test Package
$120
Includes pick-up and return, a 1.5 hour lesson immediately before the test, use of the training car for the test, and waiting at MPI after you pass for your new license to be issued.
Note that I do not offer my car for the lesson/road test combo unless you have had at least one separate two-hour lesson with me first. I want to understand your current knowledge and skills before I loan you my training car.
The driver examiners have learned to expect a competent student behind the wheel when my car appears at an MPI test center, and I don't want to disappoint.
Eight Hour Prepaid Lesson Package
$440
Includes pick-up and return for four, two-hour driving lessons.
A great value, saving you $40 than if booked separately!
Suitable for moderately experienced drivers who wish to gain knowledge, skill and confidence behind the wheel.
You can use the fourth lesson for your road test if you'd like.
12 Hour Prepaid Lesson Package
$660
Includes pick-up and return for six, two-hour driving lessons.
A superb value, saving you $60 than if booked separately!
Perfect for nervous, anxious or new and inexperienced drivers.
We'll learn to start, steer and stop safely and reliably, and then build our skills from there.
You can use the sixth lesson for your road test if you'd like.
TALK TO ME
TEXT: 204-797-7312
e-Transfer: tristansdriving@gmail.com
Please note that my primary business contact is text. The e-mail address is unmonitored and used for automated e-Transfers only. So text, please!
One of the great joys of being popular and effective is that I'm often very busy. This means that I'm usually fully booked at least a week or two in advance, especially during the April through November high season. If you need a lesson within a day or two, you can try, but I can't promise I'll be available.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
I wanted to extend my many thanks for all of your impeccable driving lessons. It's difficult to find a teacher who is so invested and truly wants the student to succeed as much as the student themselves! Not only that, but you have a very positive, easy going and upbeat energy that I don't think many driving instructors have. You are also very genuine and genuinely curious about others which is a great quality to have. Thanks for being the best driving teacher !!! I wish more people knew about you because you provide TOP quality service !!!
~ Helen
Hi Tristan! i still can't believe that i have my full license now. it has been a dream for 4 years now, after my last failed test i felt like giving up. even though i was anxious to my bones i am glad i went on and took lessons and booked a road test (which was my biggest fear). i cannot express enough how grateful i am to take ur classes. not only did i learn how to pass i learned how to be confident in driving. my road test was one of the main things that held me down, but now i am able to pursue my ambitions. i will spread the word about you because everyone needs the wisdom and advice of the best driving instructor out there. thank you again Tristan
~ Julienne
Hi there, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tristan for being such an amazing driving instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed his method of teaching, his optimistic attitude , and overall knowledge of the Highway Traffic Act. He is an amazing guy. If you are a novice driver looking for a driving school, I would highly recommend. I'm also a firm believer that if you are going to take lessons, you should do the 2 hour increments. You get a lot more experience with the driving instructor, and behind the wheel, which will help your driving test! Thank you for such an amazing experience. Good luck to all you future drivers out there!
~ Dave
I took driving lessons for my road test with another school and I failed. It was a very frustrating experience. I looked for another school. Tristan was my teacher and he is definitely the best, trust me. Thanks to him I clearly understood how we should drive in Manitoba and the reason for each rule. I realize that before (with the other school) I really had not learned anything. Tristan is the best instructor! He is kind, patient, with all the knowledge, knows how to teach and helped me to trust in my skills and knowledge. I did my second test today, I felt very calm and confident and I passed it without problems. Thanks Tristan, without his help I would not have achieved it.
~Teresa
Thanks for all your help with each of my 3 kids! You've built their confidence and helped them to be safe drivers. We will continue to recommend your service to friends and family. Every person we have referred over the years is so pleased with your lessons too. Thank you!!
~Alisa
Good morning I just wanted to let you know that Nathan passed and you had a lot to do with that He had a lot more confidence going into this test after driving with you Thank you so much I will definitely be referring you to anybody who needs lessons Have a wonderful day
~Heather
PURCHASE SERVICES
Two Hour Driving Lesson OR Lesson/Road Test Combo
C$ 120.00
Two hour in-car driving lesson OR 1.5 hour lesson and use of car for road test
Eight Hour Prepaid Lesson Package
C$ 440.00
Includes four two-hour driving lessons
12 Hour Prepaid Lesson Package
C$ 660.00
Includes six two-hour driving lessons