What you need to know about Ontario driver's licenses
Ontario issues driver's licenses through ServiceOntario, a provincial government service. The process happens in stages: you start with a written test for a G1 license, move to a road test for a G2 license, and finally take a second road test to reach a full G license. Each stage has a waiting period, so the whole process typically takes between 20 months and two years.
You must be at least 16 years old to get your first license. You'll need proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and a valid Social Insurance Number. The fees vary depending on which license class you're getting and how long you want it to last.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario's licensing system has three stages: G1 (written test), G2 (first road test), and G (full license with second road test), with mandatory waiting periods between each.
- You must be at least 16 years old and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Insurance Number to any ServiceOntario office.
- The G1 written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can take it at any ServiceOntario office that offers testing.
- G2 and G license road tests are booked through DriveTest, a separate organization that operates testing centers across Ontario.
- Graduated licensing rules restrict new drivers on G1 and G2 licenses, including limits on passengers, nighttime driving, and phone use while driving.
The G1 stage: written test and learner's permit
Your first step is passing the G1 written test at a ServiceOntario office. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions covering Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. You can take the test in English, French, or several other languages if you request it when you book.
Once you pass the G1 test, you receive a G1 license, which is a learner's permit. With a G1, you can drive only with a fully licensed driver (G, G2, or equivalent) who is at least 20 years old sitting beside you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone. You also cannot drive on 400-series highways, and you must display a white "L" plate on the front and back of the vehicle.
You must hold your G1 for at least 12 months before you can take the G2 road test. During this time, you build driving experience with a supervising driver. Many people use this period to take professional driving lessons, which can help you prepare for the road test and may lower your insurance costs later.
The G2 stage: first road test and intermediate license
After 12 months with your G1, you can book a road test through DriveTest to try for your G2 license. The G2 road test takes about 30 to 40 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the vehicle, turning, lane changes, parking, and following traffic laws. A DriveTest examiner sits in the car and watches you drive on local roads.
If you pass the G2 test, you get an intermediate license that lets you drive alone. However, G2 rules are stricter than a full G license. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a fully licensed driver is with you. You can have only one passenger under 20 years old in the car (unless they are your family member). You cannot use a handheld phone or text while driving, and you must follow all other road rules.
You must hold your G2 for at least 12 months before you can take the final road test for your full G license. Some people stay on G2 longer if they need more practice, and that is allowed — there is no maximum time you can hold a G2.
The G license: full driving privileges
After 12 months with your G2, you can book a second road test through DriveTest to try for your full G license. This test is longer and more challenging than the G2 test — it usually takes 40 to 50 minutes and includes highway driving, more complex maneuvers, and higher-speed situations. You must demonstrate safe driving at various speeds and in different traffic conditions.
Once you pass and receive your G license, you have full driving privileges in Ontario. You can drive alone at any time, carry any number of passengers, and use your phone legally (with hands-free options). You can also drive on 400-series highways without restrictions.
A full G license in Ontario is valid for five years. When it expires, you renew it through ServiceOntario without taking another test, as long as your driving record is clean and you have not had your license suspended.
How to book your tests and where to go
To book your G1 written test, visit a ServiceOntario office in person or call ahead to check wait times. You can find the nearest office on the ServiceOntario website. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Insurance Number. The test is offered during regular business hours, and you usually can be tested the same day or within a few days.
To book your G2 or G road test, you must go through DriveTest, which is separate from ServiceOntario. You can book online at the DriveTest website, by phone, or in person at a DriveTest center. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas, so book as soon as you are may be able to access. Wait times vary by location — some areas have openings within weeks, while others may have waits of several months.
DriveTest centers are located across Ontario in cities and towns. You must bring your valid G1 or G2 license, proof of identity, and proof of residency to your road test appointment. You also need a vehicle to test in — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be with you during the test.
Costs and what to expect
The G1 written test costs a set fee that covers the test and your first G1 license. The G2 road test has a separate fee, and the G road test has its own fee. Each road test fee is the same whether you pass or fail — if you do not pass, you pay the same amount to book and take the test again.
Fees change periodically, so check the ServiceOntario and DriveTest websites for current prices before you book. Some people budget for professional driving lessons, which are not required but can improve your chances of passing the road tests. Lessons typically cost between $50 and $100 per hour, and most people take 10 to 20 hours of lessons before their first road test.
You will also need to pay for a vehicle to practice in and eventually test in. If you do not own a car, you may be able to borrow one from a family member or rent one for your road test appointment — some rental companies offer short-term rentals for this purpose.
Graduated licensing rules for new drivers
Ontario's graduated licensing system is designed to reduce crashes among new drivers by limiting their exposure to high-risk situations. The rules change as you move from G1 to G2 to G.
On a G1 license, you must have a fully licensed supervising driver in the front seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive on 400-series highways. You must display an "L" plate. You cannot use a handheld phone while driving.
On a G2 license, you can drive alone, but you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a fully licensed driver is with you. You can have only one passenger under 20 years old (unless they are a family member). You cannot use a handheld phone while driving. You must follow all other traffic laws, including speed limits and seatbelt rules.
On a full G license, there are no special restrictions beyond the standard traffic laws that explore to all drivers. You can drive at any time, carry any number of passengers, and use hands-free phone options legally.
What happens if you fail a road test
If you do not pass your G2 or G road test, you can book another test. There is no waiting period between attempts — you can retake the test as soon as you book another appointment. However, you must pay the full test fee each time you take the test, whether you pass or fail.
Many people fail their first road test and pass on their second or third attempt. Common reasons for failing include not checking mirrors, not signaling properly, speeding, or making unsafe turns. After a failed test, many people take additional driving lessons to work on the skills the examiner noted as problems.
If you fail your G2 test, you stay on your G1 license and must wait another 12 months before trying again — you cannot retake the G2 test when ready. If you fail your G road test, you stay on your G2 license and can retake the G test whenever you book another appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my G1 test before I turn 16?
No. You must be at least 16 years old on the day of your G1 test. You can book your test in advance if you will turn 16 soon, but you cannot take the test until you reach that age.
Do I need to take driving lessons to pass the road tests?
No, driving lessons are not required. However, many people find that professional instruction helps them pass the road tests more quickly. Your supervising driver on your G1 can be a family member or friend, and that practice counts toward your experience.
What if I move to Ontario from another province or country?
If you have a valid driver's license from another Canadian province, you can exchange it for an Ontario license without taking tests. If you have a license from outside Canada, you may be able to exchange it depending on your country of origin — check with ServiceOntario. If you cannot exchange, you start from the beginning with the G1 test.
How long does a G1 license stay valid if I do not take the G2 test?
Your G1 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you do not take your G2 test within five years, your G1 expires and you must retake the G1 written test to get a new one. However, you can take the G2 test anytime after 12 months of holding a valid G1.
Can I drive for work on a G1 or G2 license?
On a G1, you cannot drive alone, so you cannot work as a driver. On a G2, you can drive alone during the day, but the midnight to 5 a.m. restriction applies. If your job requires driving outside those hours, you need a full G license. Some employers may also have their own insurance requirements for drivers.