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

Ontario's driver's license system requires you to pass two separate tests before you can drive unsupervised. You start with the G1 written test, which covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. If you pass, you get a learner's permit that lets you drive only with a licensed supervisor in the car. After at least 12 months with a G1 (or 8 months if you complete an approved driver education course), you take the G2 road test with a Ministry of Transportation examiner. Pass that, and you get a probationary license. After another 12 months with a G2, you can take a final road test to get your full G license.

The whole process typically takes 2 to 3 years from start to finish, though you can shorten it to about 20 months if you take an accredited driver education course. Each stage has its own fee, and you must bring specific documents to each test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test first (G1), then wait at least 12 months before taking a road test (G2), then wait another 12 months before taking a final road test for your full G license.
  • The written test costs around $158, the G2 road test costs around $90, and the G license road test costs around $90, though fees change annually and vary slightly by testing location.
  • You need a valid photo ID, proof of Ontario residency, and your Social Insurance Number to book and take the G1 test.
  • If you complete an approved driver education course, you can reduce the waiting period between G1 and G2 from 12 months to 8 months.
  • You must bring your G1 license and proof of insurance to the G2 road test, and your G2 license and proof of insurance to the G license road test.

Getting your G1 learner's permit: documents and booking

To book your G1 written test, you need to visit a ServiceOntario office in person or book online through the ServiceOntario website. Bring a valid photo ID (passport, birth certificate with photo ID, or a document from the list on the ServiceOntario website), proof that you live in Ontario (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address), and your Social Insurance Number.

You do not need to own a car or have insurance to take the G1 test. The test itself is 40 multiple-choice questions about Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one week before booking again.

Once you pass the G1 test, you receive your G1 license in the mail within about two weeks. This license is valid for five years and lets you drive only with a fully licensed driver (G, G2, or better) who is at least 20 years old sitting beside you.

The waiting period between G1 and G2: how to shorten it

After you get your G1, you must wait at least 12 months before you can take the G2 road test. During this time, you build supervised driving experience. If you want to shorten this to 8 months, you can take an approved driver education course — usually a classroom course plus behind-the-wheel lessons offered by private driving schools. These courses cost between $500 and $1,500 depending on the school and the number of lessons included.

To get credit for the course, you must complete it before you take the G2 test and bring your course completion certificate when you book. Not all driving schools are approved by the Ministry of Transportation, so check the ministry's website for a list of accredited providers in your area.

If you do not take a course, you straightforward wait the full 12 months. There is no test or paperwork required during this period — you just need to log your driving hours and be ready to book your G2 test after the waiting period ends.

Taking the G2 road test: what to bring and what happens

When you are ready to take your G2 road test, book online or at a ServiceOntario office. You must bring your G1 license, proof of Ontario car insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving during the test. The car must be in safe working condition, have valid registration, and have working seat belts, mirrors, and lights.

The G2 test lasts about 30 to 40 minutes and takes place on public roads in your area. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking (including parallel parking), and merging. They will also check that you can follow traffic laws and respond safely to other drivers and pedestrians. You need to pass this test to move to the G2 license stage.

If you pass, you receive your G2 license in the mail within about two weeks. The G2 license is valid for five years and lets you drive unsupervised, but with some restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot drive with more than one passenger under age 20 (unless they are family), and you must have zero alcohol in your system if you are pulled over.

The second waiting period and the G license road test

After you receive your G2 license, you must wait another 12 months before you can take the G license road test. This test is similar to the G2 test but includes more complex driving situations: highway driving, heavier traffic, and tighter parking spaces. You book it the same way — online or at ServiceOntario — and you must bring your G2 license, proof of insurance, and the vehicle.

If you pass the G license test, you receive your full G license in the mail. This license has no driving restrictions and is valid for five years. You can now drive any passenger vehicle in Ontario without a supervisor.

Fees, timelines, and what to do if you fail a test

The G1 written test costs approximately $158, the G2 road test costs approximately $90, and the G license road test costs approximately $90. These fees are set by the Ministry of Transportation and may change each year. If you fail a road test, you must pay the fee again to retake it, and you can book a retest as soon as one week later.

The timeline from start to finish depends on whether you take a driver education course. Without a course, the process takes about 2 years and 1 month (12 months waiting after G1, plus 12 months waiting after G2). With an approved course, you can reduce the first waiting period to 8 months, bringing the total to about 1 year and 8 months. Add time for booking delays, mail delivery, and any test retakes, and most people complete the process in 2 to 3 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the G2 test before 12 months if I take a driver education course?

Yes. If you complete an approved driver education course before your G1 expires, you can take the G2 test after 8 months instead of 12. You must bring your course completion certificate when you book the test. The course itself takes a few weeks to complete, so plan ahead.

What happens if I fail the G2 or G license road test?

You can retake the test as soon as one week later, but you must pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake a road test. Your G1 or G2 license remains valid while you wait to retake the test.

Do I need to have my own car to take the road tests?

Yes. The car you use for the G2 and G license tests must be registered in Ontario, have valid insurance, and be in safe working condition. You can borrow a car from a friend or family member as long as it meets these requirements.

What if I move to Ontario from another province or country?

If you already have a valid driver's license from another province or country, you may be able to exchange it for an Ontario license without taking the tests. Contact ServiceOntario to find out whether your license qualifies for a direct exchange or whether you need to take the Ontario tests.

How long is my G1, G2, or G license valid?

All Ontario driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date they are issued. You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person at ServiceOntario before it expires. Renewal is simpler than getting your first license and does not require retaking tests.