The Ontario licensing process has three stages: written test, road test, and a waiting period between them

To get an Ontario driver's license, you move through three separate stages over several months. You start with a written knowledge test (G1), then after a mandatory waiting period of at least 8 months, you take a road test (G2). Once you pass the G2 test, you can drive unsupervised, but you must wait another 12 months before you can take the final road test for a full G license. The entire process typically takes 20 months minimum from your first test to your full license.

Each stage requires you to book a test at a ServiceOntario office, pay a fee, and bring specific documents. You cannot skip stages or shorten the waiting periods, even if you pass every test on your first attempt. The timeline is fixed by law.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test (G1) first, then wait at least 8 months before you can take the road test (G2).
  • After passing G2, you drive with restrictions for 12 months, then take a final road test for your full G license.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and a valid Social Insurance Number before you book any test.
  • Test fees are paid at ServiceOntario when you book; you cannot pay online or in advance.
  • If you fail a test, you must wait 28 days before you can book another attempt at the same level.

What documents you need before you book your first test

ServiceOntario requires three categories of documents before you can register for any test. First, you need proof of identity: a valid passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate. Second, you need proof of residency in Ontario: a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days, with your name and current address. Third, you need your Social Insurance Number (SIN) — you do not need to bring the card itself, just know the number.

If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the ServiceOntario office when you book. You cannot book online if you are a minor; you must go in person. If you are 18 or older, you can book your G1 test online through the ServiceOntario website or by phone at 1-800-387-3556.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace quickly. ServiceOntario does not return documents, so if you hand over your only birth certificate, you will need to order a replacement from Vital Statistics Ontario. Bring photocopies or certified copies instead.

Booking and passing your G1 written test

The G1 test is a 40-question multiple-choice exam on Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 60 minutes to complete it. You must score at least 80 percent (32 out of 40 questions correct) to pass. The test is offered in 27 languages, and you can request a reader or other accommodation if you have a documented disability.

Book your test at any ServiceOntario office or online. The test fee is $158.50 (as of 2024; confirm the current fee when you book). You can usually get a test date within 2 to 4 weeks of booking. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency with you on test day. If you fail, you can retake the test after 28 days have passed.

Once you pass the G1 test, you receive a G1 license — a paper document valid for five years. This license allows you to drive only with a fully licensed driver (G or G2) who is at least 20 years old sitting beside you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive on 400-series highways. You must display a red "L" plate on the front and back of the vehicle.

The 8-month waiting period and G1 driving restrictions

After you pass your G1 test, you must wait a minimum of 8 months before you can book a G2 road test. This waiting period is mandatory and cannot be shortened. During this time, you can only drive with a supervising driver who meets the requirements above. You must log your driving hours — Ontario does not require you to submit proof, but keeping a record helps you prepare for the G2 test.

While you hold a G1, you have strict rules: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no use of hand-held devices (including phones), and no towing. You must wear a seatbelt and follow all other traffic laws. If you are caught breaking G1 restrictions, you can be fined and your license can be suspended.

You can book your G2 test anytime after the 8 months have passed, but you do not have to. Some people wait longer to build more driving experience. Your G1 license remains valid for five years, so you have that window to take the G2 test.

Booking and passing your G2 road test

The G2 test is a practical driving exam lasting about 40 minutes. A ServiceOntario examiner sits in the vehicle with you and evaluates your ability to control the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring your valid G1 license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and a working speedometer, wipers, lights, and brakes.

The G2 test fee is $158.50. Book at any ServiceOntario office or online. Test availability varies by location; some offices have openings within weeks, others may have a longer wait. You can book a test at any ServiceOntario office in Ontario, not just the one closest to you.

If you fail the G2 test, you must wait 28 days before you can book another attempt. You keep your G1 license and can continue driving with a supervising driver during this time. Most people pass the G2 test on their second or third attempt.

Driving as a G2 license holder and the 12-month restriction period

Once you pass the G2 test, you receive a G2 license valid for five years. A G2 license allows you to drive unsupervised, but you have restrictions for the first 12 months. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot use a hand-held device, and you cannot tow. You must display a green "N" plate on the front and back of the vehicle. You can have only one passenger under 20 years old in the car (unless they are a family member).

After 12 months of holding a G2 license, these restrictions lift automatically — you do not need to do anything. At that point, you can drive anytime and carry as many passengers as you want. However, you still cannot take the final G road test until 12 months have passed.

If you are caught breaking G2 restrictions, you face fines and possible license suspension. If you accumulate too many demerit points, your license can be suspended or cancelled.

Booking and passing your final G road test

The G road test is similar to the G2 test but evaluates more advanced driving skills, including highway driving and complex traffic situations. It lasts about 40 minutes. You can only book this test after you have held a G2 license for at least 12 months. The test fee is $158.50.

Bring your valid G2 license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a vehicle that meets the same safety requirements as for the G2 test. Book at any ServiceOntario office or online. If you fail, you must wait 28 days before booking another attempt. You keep your G2 license and its restrictions during this time.

Once you pass the G road test, you receive a full G license valid for five years. You can now drive unsupervised at any time with no passenger restrictions. You no longer need to display an "N" plate.

Renewing your Ontario driver's license before it expires

Your G1, G2, or G license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it up to 180 days before the expiry date. You do not need to retake any tests to renew — you only need to visit a ServiceOntario office, bring your current license and proof of residency, and pay the renewal fee ($158.50 for a five-year license as of 2024).

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at a ServiceOntario office, but you may face a late fee. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test. Check with ServiceOntario before you visit.

You can renew online through the ServiceOntario website if you are renewing a G license (not G1 or G2) and your license has not been expired for more than five years. Online renewal costs $158.50 and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake 1: Booking your G2 test before 8 months have passed. ServiceOntario will reject your booking. Count 8 months from the date you passed your G1 test, not from the date you received your license in the mail.

Mistake 2: Driving alone with a G1 license. This is illegal and can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and demerit points. Your supervising driver must be in the front seat beside you.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to bring proof of residency on test day. ServiceOntario will not let you take the test. Bring an original or certified copy, dated within 90 days.

Mistake 4: Not displaying the correct plate. G1 drivers must display a red "L" plate; G2 drivers must display a green "N" plate. Driving without the correct plate can result in a fine. You can order plates from ServiceOntario or buy them from a service station.

Mistake 5: Assuming you can shorten the waiting periods. The 8-month wait between G1 and G2, and the 12-month wait between G2 and G, are fixed by law. No exceptions exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my G2 test in a different city than where I got my G1?

Yes. You can book your G2 test at any ServiceOntario office in Ontario, regardless of where you took your G1 test. You do not need to return to the same location. Just bring your valid G1 license and the required documents.

What happens if I fail my G2 test twice?

You can retake the test as many times as you need. After each failure, you must wait 28 days before booking again. You keep your G1 license and can continue driving with a supervising driver. There is no limit to the number of attempts.

Do I need to take a test if I already have a license from another province or country?

If you have a valid 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 must take the G1 written test and then follow the full three-stage process. Some countries have reciprocal agreements that may reduce testing requirements — ask ServiceOntario when you visit.

Can I book my tests online if I am under 18?

No. Drivers under 18 must visit a ServiceOntario office in person to book any test. A parent or guardian must sign a consent form at the time of booking. You cannot book by phone or online.

What if I lose my G1 or G2 license before I take the next test?

Visit a ServiceOntario office and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $20. You can continue driving with the replacement license while you wait for your next test, as long as you still meet the waiting period requirements.