I can give a another perspective on the test because I did both the Ministry one at Downsview and the Humber weekend one. I got nailed by the Ministry examiner the first time I took the test because I didn't get up to what he thought was the proper speed even though there were construction signs with a 70 km limit. His view was that I wasn't going with the flow of traffic. I have a feeling that if I was doing the right speed, I would have failed because I would have bee exceeding the posted sign. Everything else was fine except for that error, so with a fail in hand, I tried to rebook but being the procrastinator, I had already left it late in my 5 year duration. And I had already gone past the limit. So I had to sign up at Humber to do the weekend course and test. It turned out to be the worth the money. The tips I picked up has made more aware and safer as a rider. But here is a breakdown of the difference between the two.
Ministry - Really get the feeling they are out to trip you up with any little mistake.
Humber - Taught and tested by long time riders who act as coaches.
Ministry - From what I've read, the test route changes, so it's difficult to pre-practice it.
Humber - The Saturday portion is essentially the same route as the Sunday test, so you practice it that day. As a agent of the MTO, they are required to do the same consistent route.
Ministry - They're Government employees. Customer service is not their forte.
Humber - Super nice guys who genuinely want you to pass.
Ministry - Wait time is more than half an hour+, along with signing in earlier.
Humber - Your assigned time is your assigned time.
Ministry - Not really helpful or communicative (maybe not their job)
Humber - Even right before the test, they give you tips and encouragement.
Ministry - Route is truck heavy and highway speed is way over limit (may be intimidating for some)
Humber - The 427 route on a Sunday morning is actually a pleasant enjoyable ride.
Needless to say, I passed the second time with flying colours. Two final tips which you've heard on this forum: No matter how much you think you are moving your head, it's not as much as you think they can see. I realized that my black helmet makes it hard for anyone to detect that you're moving. If I did it again, I would've put a piece of reflective tap on the back. And second, on the highway, go with the speed of the traffic.
One final side note to the the giant Lexus who parked up against me at Downsview and knocked off my taillight, you're an idiot who shouldn't be on the roads! Never mind parking in a lot. I was lucky, that I could force the light back on and that it didn't disconnect.
Good luck everyone.
