Are you a teenager who wants an unrestricted Ontario driver's licence? Or maybe you're an adult who hasn't been interested in driving until now? Whatever your reason for wanting a driver's licence, you'll need to pass a driving test. With this handy guide, you’ll learn the essentials of the driving test in Ontario, including the different types of licences available, various fees, important pointers, and other details to make test-taking as easy as possible.

Different Types of Driver’s Licences

Anyone who wants to drive in Ontario or in other parts of Canada must pass both a knowledge test and a road test before they can get behind the wheel on their own. However, you have to go through several steps before you can obtain a totally unrestricted licence, known as a G licence.

G1, G2, and G Driver's Licences

Because of the risk associated with novice drivers, the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) employs a graduated licensing program (GDL). Here's how it works.

G1 Licence

The G1 licence is the first step on the path to obtaining an Ontario driver's licence. If you're a first-time driver, this is where you start. To qualify, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Pass a multiple-choice written test, also known as the knowledge test, which includes questions about road signs and the rules of the road
  • Pass a vision test

G1 licences also have a number of restrictions that include:

  • No alcohol or marijuana in your system at any time
  • Must be accompanied by a driver with a G licence who has at least four years of driving experience, such as a family member or parent
  • No driving on 400-series highways with the exception of municipal highways such as the Gardiner Expressway
  • No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.

Once you've obtained your G1 licence, you're eligible to take the G1 road test after 12 months of driving on your own, or eight months if you go to a driver's ed class through an MTO-approved driving school. To book a road test appointment, you can visit DriveTest.ca, or go to one of the 55 DriveTest Centres throughout Ontario, with many options in the Toronto metropolitan area.

If you don't feel confident enough to progress after a year, don't stress. Your G1 licence is good for five years. Plus, you can find G1 practice tests on the internet for free to get a good feel for the written knowledge test and potential test questions.

Fees for the G1 licence include:

  • $14.95 for the official Ontario Driver's Handbook
  • $159.75 for a G1 licence, G1 knowledge test, and G2 road test fees

G2 Licence

If you passed the Ontario G1 driving test (also known as the G2 licence test or G1 exit road test), congratulations! You've graduated from a G1 driver to a G2 driver. This is the next step toward obtaining an unrestricted Ontario driver's licence, but you must spend another 12 months practicing before you can take a driving test for the G licence. 

Other than passing the driving test, a G2 licence gives you new freedoms behind the wheel, but still maintains a level of restrictions to keep you focused on the road. These restrictions include:

  • Zero blood alcohol level when behind the wheel 
  • 12-month practise period to gain solo-driving practise (although no specifics are required by the law)

However, you can drive without anyone else in the vehicle.

If you're 19 or younger, you have additional restrictions:

  • Only one passenger who is 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m. in the first six months of having a G2 licence
  • Up to three passengers 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m. in the final six months of having a G2 licence

Despite these restrictions, a G2 licence also gives you the right to drive on 400-series highways (400, 401, 404), drive alone, and lease or purchase a vehicle. Like the G1 licence, the G2 licence is good for five years.

After the 12-month period, you can finally take your G Driving Test. This is the final test you'll take before you have an unrestricted G licence. You can sign up for this test at any DriveTest location or online. The fee for the driving test is $91.25. If you fail the test, you have to wait 10 days before you can take it again and pay $91.25 for each subsequent time you take it.

G Licence

If you pass the G Driving Test, you don't have to worry about any more written exams or driving tests. You'll get a temporary driver's licence that's valid for 90 days before you receive your Ontario G licence in the mail. With this licence, you can drive throughout all Canadian provinces, the United States, and other countries that accept an international driver's licence. If you need to renew your licence at any point, head to a ServiceOntario location.

How to Pass Your Driving Test Ontario

If you're nervous about passing your driver's test, you aren't alone. Up to 45% of drivers fail their G1 Exit Road Test and a third fail the G Driving Test the first time as a result of either anxiety or unpreparedness. 

But knowing what to expect on your driver's test can help you hone your driving skills and prevent any bumps in the road. Keep in mind that you'll need to get an 80% to pass either of these tests (or less than 30 marks). Here's a copy of the test that your examiner will use during the test so there are no surprises.

What to Expect on Your G2 Test (G1 Exit Test)

To pass your G1 Exit Road test, you'll need to have basic and intermediate driving knowledge. Test scores will be based on the following:

  • Always start by putting your seat belt on
  • Starting and stopping
  • Knowledge of traffic signs and traffic lights
  • Using turn signals
  • Passing other motorists
  • Emergency stopping
  • Three-point turns
  • Parallel parking
  • Obeying posted speed limits
  • Using the emergency brake or handbrake
  • Adjusting the mirrors and seat and being aware of your surroundings
  • Checking your mirrors and blind spots

What to Expect on Your G Class Driving Test

Your G Class Driving Test builds upon basic and intermediate skills, requiring more advanced driving knowledge. However, there is still some overlap between the two tests. To pass the test, you should be able to:

  • Drive safely on the highway, including obeying speed limits, changing lanes, and entering/exiting the highway
  • Blindspot checks
  • Reversing, parking, and three-point turns
  • Proper lane usage
  • Starting and stopping
  • Going through both controlled and uncontrolled intersections
  • Proper roadside stopping for emergencies

How Driving School May Benefit New Drivers

Even if you think you're a stellar driver, driving school comes with many benefits. Not only can you build up some confidence, but you'll also feel more comfortable behind the wheel. The good news is that you can enroll in driving school at any point from the age of 16 (with a G1 licence) until you get your G licence. Some other benefits of attending driving school include:

  • Can take the G1 Test after eight months instead of 12 months
  • Practice makes perfect
  • 10% to 25% discounts on car insurance
  • Catching and eliminating bad habits early
  • On-the-go driving instruction
  • Defensive driving skills
  • Added awareness of driving situations and various scenarios (highway, rural, and city driving)

The best part is that each driving school must be approved by the Government of Ontario. With the backing of the government, you know that you're going to get quality instruction no matter which school you choose to attend.

Got Your G Licence? Time to Get a Car

After all the multiple-choice questions, several driving tests, and waiting months to get your G licence, you've finally done it. Now's the time to reward yourself with a dependable car that exudes the confidence you now have.

That's where Clutch comes in. With a huge inventory of SUVs, trucks, hybrids, and more, we have the vehicle that matches your newfound sense of freedom. So don't just get a driver's licence to put in your wallet. Use it to explore everywhere from the city streets to the country's majestic national parks. Paired with a car from Clutch, nothing can stop you now.