What you need to get an Ontario driver's license

To get a driver's license in Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old and pass a written knowledge test and a road test. You'll need to provide proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or citizenship certificate), proof of Ontario residency (a utility bill or lease agreement), and your Social Insurance Number. You'll also need to pass a vision screening at the ServiceOntario office where you explore.

Ontario uses a graduated licensing system with three levels: G1 (learner's permit), G2 (intermediate license), and G (full license). Most people start at G1, which lets you drive only with a fully licensed driver in the car. You must hold G1 for at least 12 months and pass the G2 road test before you can move to G2. After holding G2 for at least 12 months, you can take the G road test to get your full license.

The written test covers Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official MTO (Ministry of Transportation Ontario) handbook, which is free online. The road test checks your ability to handle real traffic, parking, and emergency maneuvers. Both tests have fees that vary depending on which level you're testing for.

Key Takeaways

  • Ontario requires you to pass a written test and a road test at each licensing level (G1, G2, and G), with a minimum 12-month wait between levels.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Ontario residency, and your Social Insurance Number to your ServiceOntario appointment.
  • The G1 learner's permit requires a fully licensed driver in the car with you at all times, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • Your Ontario driver's license is valid for five years if you're under 80, and you renew it in person at a ServiceOntario office.
  • If you already hold a valid license from another province or country, you may be able to exchange it for an Ontario license without retesting, depending on your age and the agreement between Ontario and that jurisdiction.

The three stages of Ontario's graduated licensing system

G1 (learner's permit) is the first stage and is valid for 12 months. You can drive only with a fully licensed driver (G, G2, or M license holder) sitting beside you in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must follow all traffic laws. You cannot use a hand-held cell phone while driving. To move to G2, you must pass the G2 road test, which tests your ability to drive in various conditions including highway driving.

G2 (intermediate license) is valid for five years and lets you drive alone, but with restrictions. You still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (or between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. if you're 19 or older), and you cannot use a hand-held cell phone. You must follow a zero-alcohol rule if you're under 21. After holding G2 for at least 12 months, you can take the G road test, which is similar to the G2 test but may include more complex driving scenarios.

G (full license) is valid for five years and has no driving time restrictions or cell phone rules (beyond the general law). You can drive anywhere in Ontario and Canada. Once you hold a G license, you no longer need to retake road tests when you renew — you straightforward renew by mail, online, or in person at a ServiceOntario office, provided you have no medical or safety concerns.

How to book your test and what it costs

You book your G1 written test, G2 road test, and G road test through ServiceOntario online or by calling 1-888-570-6555. You can also book in person at any ServiceOntario office. Tests are offered at multiple locations across Ontario, and wait times vary by region and season. During busy periods, you may wait several weeks for an appointment.

The G1 written test costs $15.00. The G2 road test costs $15.00 for the test itself, plus $45.00 for the road test fee, totaling $60.00. The G road test costs $15.00 plus $45.00, also totaling $60.00. When you pass your G1 test, you pay $90.00 for your G1 license. When you pass your G2 test, you pay $90.00 for your G2 license. When you pass your G test, you pay $90.00 for your G license. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change; check the official MTO website for the most current pricing.

If you fail a road test, you must wait at least two weeks before you can book another attempt. You pay the full test fee again. Many people take professional driving lessons before their road test, which costs between $40 and $100 per hour depending on the instructor and region.

Renewing your Ontario driver's license

If you hold a G license, you can renew by mail, online, or in person. Renewal by mail or online costs $90.00 and takes about two weeks. You do not need to retake any tests. If you renew online through the MTO website, you can do it from home and receive your new license by mail.

If you hold a G1 or G2 license, you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Ontario residency. The renewal fee is $90.00. If your license has expired, you may still renew it in person, but if it has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the G1 written test.

Your Ontario driver's license is valid for five years if you are under 80 years old. If you are 80 or older, your license is valid for two years, and you must renew it in person and pass a vision test each time. If you are 85 or older, you may also need to pass a medical examination.

Exchanging an out-of-province or international license

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another Canadian province or territory, you can exchange it for an Ontario license without retaking tests, provided you meet Ontario's age and residency requirements. You must be at least 16 years old and have been an Ontario resident for at least 39 days. Bring your current license, proof of Ontario residency, and proof of identity to a ServiceOntario office. The exchange fee is $90.00.

If you hold a license from outside Canada, the process depends on your country of origin and your age. Drivers under 25 from most countries must retake the G1 written test and both road tests. Drivers 25 and older from countries with which Ontario has a reciprocal agreement (including the United States, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and others) may be able to exchange their license for a G license without retesting. Check the MTO website or call ServiceOntario to confirm whether your country is on the reciprocal list.

If you must retake tests, you follow the same graduated licensing process as a new driver: G1 written test, then G2 road test after 12 months, then G road test after another 12 months. However, some provinces and countries may give you credit for your previous driving experience, allowing you to skip directly to G2 or G testing. Contact ServiceOntario to discuss your specific situation.

Medical conditions and license suspension

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as epilepsy, severe vision loss, heart disease, or dementia — you must report it to the MTO. You can do this by filling out a medical form at a ServiceOntario office or by having your doctor submit a report directly to the MTO. The MTO will review your condition and may require you to pass a medical examination or a road test to keep your license.

Your license can be suspended or revoked if you accumulate too many demerit points (which you get for traffic violations), if you are convicted of a serious driving offense, or if you fail to pay fines or appear in court. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally in Ontario or any other province. A suspension can last from 30 days to several years, depending on the reason. You must wait until your suspension period ends before you can explore to have your license reinstated.

If you are convicted of impaired driving (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), your license will be suspended when ready, and you will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can drive again. You will also need to complete an alcohol education program and pass a medical examination. These requirements are in addition to any criminal penalties you may face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in other provinces or countries with my Ontario license?

Yes, your Ontario driver's license is valid in all other Canadian provinces and territories. It is also valid in the United States and most countries that recognize Canadian licenses. However, some countries require an International Driving Permit in addition to your Ontario license. Check with your destination country before you travel.

What happens if my license expires while I'm out of the country?

If your license expires while you are outside Ontario, you can still renew it by mail or online when you return, provided it has not been expired for more than two years. If it has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the G1 written test. If you need to drive before you return to Ontario, you can explore for a temporary license extension before you leave.

Do I need to take a road test again if I move to Ontario from another province?

No, if you hold a valid license from another Canadian province or territory, you can exchange it for an Ontario license without retaking tests. You must have been an Ontario resident for at least 39 days and bring proof of identity and residency to a ServiceOntario office.

What is the minimum age to get a G1 learner's permit in Ontario?

You must be at least 16 years old to get a G1 learner's permit. If you are under 18, you may need parental consent. Check with ServiceOntario for the specific requirements in your situation.

Can I renew my license online if I hold a G1 or G2?

No, you must renew a G1 or G2 license in person at a ServiceOntario office. Only G license holders can renew online or by mail. If your G1 or G2 is about to expire, book an appointment at your nearest ServiceOntario office as soon as possible.