The Ontario License Path: G1, G2, Then G
Ontario requires you to pass through three license classes before you hold a full license. You start with a G1 (Graduated Licence Class 1), move to G2 (Graduated Licence Class 2) after passing a road test, and finish with a full G (Class G) after passing a second road test. You cannot skip steps or hold more than one class at a time. The entire process typically takes 20 months minimum if you pass every test on your first attempt.
Each class has different rules about who can sit beside you, what hours you can drive, and whether you can drive on highways. These restrictions exist on your actual license card, and police can stop you if you break them. The timeline matters because you must hold G2 for at least 12 months before you can test for G, and you must hold G1 for at least 12 months before you can test for G2.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain a G1 first by passing a written knowledge test at a ServiceOntario office, and you need a valid passport, birth certificate, or other primary ID document.
- G1 holders can only drive with a fully licensed driver aged 25 or older in the front seat, and cannot drive on 400-series highways or between midnight and 5 a.m.
- You must hold G1 for at least 12 months and pass a road test to get G2, which allows solo driving but still restricts 400-series highways and night driving.
- After 12 months of G2, you take a second road test to earn your full G license with no restrictions.
- Road tests are booked through DriveTest, and you pay separate fees for each test: the G1 knowledge test, the G2 road test, and the G road test.
Getting Your G1: The Knowledge Test
Your first step is to visit a ServiceOntario office to take the G1 written test. You do not need a license yet to book this appointment — you just need to show up with proof of identity. Bring one primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate) and one secondary document (health card, social insurance number letter, or utility bill with your name and address). If you are under 16, a parent or guardian must come with you.
The G1 test covers Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer and must score at least 80 percent to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or book another appointment. Once you pass, you receive your G1 license card on the spot.
ServiceOntario charges a fee for the G1 test and license card. The fee structure changes periodically, so confirm the current cost when you book or arrive. You can book online through the ServiceOntario website or call 1-800-387-3556. Some offices accept walk-ins, but booking ahead reduces wait time.
G1 Restrictions and What You Can and Cannot Do
Once you hold G1, you can drive, but only under specific conditions. A fully licensed driver aged 25 or older must sit in the front passenger seat beside you at all times. That driver must hold a valid G, G2, or G1 license themselves — they cannot be a learner. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers in the back seat.
You also cannot drive on 400-series highways (the 401, 404, 427, and similar major routes). You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot use a hand-held cell phone while driving, and you must wear a seatbelt. Speeding penalties are harsher for G1 drivers — you can lose your license if you are caught going more than 40 km/h over the limit.
You must hold G1 for at least 12 months before you can test for G2. If you pass the G2 road test before 12 months have passed, your G1 is cancelled and you cannot drive until you book and pass the test again.
Booking and Passing the G2 Road Test
After 12 months of G1, you book a road test through DriveTest, which is the testing arm of ServiceOntario. You can book online, by phone at 1-888-570-6110, or in person at a DriveTest centre. Road tests are in high demand, so book as early as possible — wait times vary by region but can be several weeks.
The G2 test lasts about 30 to 40 minutes. An examiner sits in the car with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, lane changes, parking, backing up, and responding to traffic. You must follow traffic laws, use proper signals, and demonstrate safe judgment. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers — for example, "Pull over to the right and parallel park."
You pass or fail on the day of the test. If you pass, you receive your G2 license card when ready. If you fail, you can book another test, but you must wait at least two weeks before retesting. You remain on G1 until you pass the G2 test.
Bring your G1 license card, proof of identity, and proof of address to the test. You also need a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's owner does not have to be present, but you must have their permission to use it.
G2 Restrictions and the 12-Month Wait
G2 is more permissive than G1, but still restricted. You can now drive alone — no supervising driver required. You can drive on most roads, including 400-series highways. However, you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a hand-held cell phone. Speeding penalties remain harsher than for full G drivers.
You must hold G2 for at least 12 months before you can test for G. If you pass the G road test before 12 months have passed, your G2 is cancelled and you cannot drive until you retake and pass the test. Do not rush the test — the 12-month requirement exists whether you pass or fail.
Booking and Passing the G Road Test
After 12 months of G2, book your G road test through DriveTest using the same channels: online, by phone, or in person. The G test is longer and more demanding than the G2 test — it typically lasts 40 to 50 minutes and includes highway driving. The examiner will ask you to merge onto a highway, maintain speed, change lanes safely, and exit. You will also perform parking and other maneuvers on regular roads.
Bring your G2 license card, proof of identity, and proof of address. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe condition. Pass the test and you receive your full G license card on the spot. Fail and you must wait two weeks to retake it.
Once you hold G, there are no time-of-day restrictions, no highway restrictions, and no supervising driver requirement. You can drive anywhere in Ontario and across Canada under the same rules as any other full license holder.
Documents You Need at Each Stage
| Stage | Primary ID (one of) | Secondary ID (one of) | Other Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| G1 Test at ServiceOntario | Passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate | Health card, SIN letter, or utility bill with name and address | None |
| G2 Road Test at DriveTest | G1 license card | Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) | Vehicle registration and proof of insurance |
| G Road Test at DriveTest | G2 license card | Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) | Vehicle registration and proof of insurance |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not book your G2 test before 12 months of G1 have passed. If you pass the test early, your G1 is cancelled and you cannot drive until you retake the G2 test. The same rule applies to G — do not test before 12 months of G2 are complete. Mark your calendar 12 months from the date you received your G1 or G2, then book your next test.
Do not assume your supervising driver (for G1) is properly licensed. They must hold a valid G, G2, or G1 license — a suspended or expired license does not count. Police will stop you and you will face a fine if your supervisor is not properly licensed.
Do not bring an uninsured or unregistered vehicle to a road test. The examiner will refuse to test you. Insurance and registration must be current on the day of the test.
Do not miss your road test appointment. If you cannot attend, cancel at least 48 hours ahead or you may lose your fee and have to rebook. Cancellation policies vary by DriveTest centre, so check when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a learner's permit from another province or country instead of getting a G1?
No. Ontario does not recognize out-of-province learner's permits. You must obtain an Ontario G1 by passing the knowledge test at ServiceOntario, even if you hold a valid license or permit elsewhere. If you already hold a full license from another Canadian province or country, you may be able to exchange it for an Ontario G without taking tests — contact ServiceOntario to confirm your may be able to access.
What happens if I fail a road test?
You receive a detailed report showing which maneuvers or behaviors caused the failure. You must wait at least two weeks before booking another test. You can retake the test as many times as needed. Your current license class remains valid while you prepare and rebook.
Can I drive on highways with a G1 license?
No. G1 drivers are prohibited from 400-series highways. You can drive on regular provincial highways and local roads, but not the 401, 404, 427, or similar major routes. This restriction is lifted when you pass the G2 test.
Do I need to take a written test again when I move from G2 to G?
No. You only take the written knowledge test once, for G1. The G2 and G tests are both road tests only — no written component.
What if I let my G1 or G2 expire before I test for the next class?
Your license becomes invalid and you cannot drive. You must reapply for G1 by taking the knowledge test again at ServiceOntario. You lose any time you had accumulated toward the 12-month requirement. Renew before expiry to avoid this — your license card shows the expiry date.