Getting your driver’s license in Ontario is a little more involved than simply going for a quick road test. Instead, Ontario has a graduated licensing program, which means you’ll need to successfully pass different stages before getting full driving privileges. To be considered fully licensed in Ontario, you must pass the final G license test.
Let’s go through the different levels of testing in Ontario and what you need to do to get your full G class driver’s license.
What Is A G License Test?
In Ontario, you need a G class license to lawfully drive a car, van, or small truck on the roadways. It generally takes 20 months to get your G license and you must be at least 16 years old to apply for one.
To get your G license, you must take a G license test which is basically a road test after you get your G2 License. Note, getting your license in Ontario is a 2-step process carried over many months. To obtain your G license, you must first get your G1 and G2 licenses before becoming fully licensed in Ontario.
Want to get your Ontario driving record? Check out this article.
Process Of Getting Your G License
To get your G license in Ontario and take advantage of the freedoms that come with driving, you must pass a few levels first.
G1 License
The G1 license is also known as a learner’s permit and is the first of three license classes you must complete in Ontario’s graduated license system. The prerequisites for the G1 license test include the following:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Meet minimum vision standards
- Pass a written test about road rules
If you pass the test and meet the requirements, you’ll get your G1 license. Your G1 license will expire after five years, so you’ll need to move to the next phase (G2 licensing) before your G1 license expires.
G1 License Restrictions
Several restrictions are placed on G1 drivers that are meant to minimize the risk of accidents, including the following:
- You must have a fully licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience in the vehicle with you
- You must have a blood-alcohol level of zero while driving
- All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seatbelt
- You cannot drive on any 400-series highways or high-speed roadways with a posted speed limit exceeding 80 km/h
- You cannot drive between midnight to 5 am
G2 License
For the most part, you will need to practice driving with your G1 license for at least 12 months before moving on to your G2 license test. However, you can get your G2 license after only eight months if you successfully complete a driver education program.
The G2 license test is the first of two road tests that you must take before becoming fully licensed. During this exam, you’ll be tested on specific driving skills, such as:
- Changing lanes
- Stopping
- Making left and right turns
- Parallel parking
- 3-point turns
- One-way streets
- Traffic lights
- Stop and yield signs
Once you pass this G1 road test, you’ll get your G2 license.
G2 License Restrictions
Some driving restrictions will be removed at this point. With a G2 license, you can now drive on all roads in Ontario (including highways) without an experienced driver in the vehicle, and drive any time of the day, for the most part. However, you must still have a blood alcohol level of zero and ensure all passengers are wearing their seatbelts.
There may also be additional restrictions if you’re under the age of 19. For instance, drivers under 19 years of age with a G2 license can drive between midnight and 5 a.m. with only one passenger who is under the age of 19. This applies for the first six months after getting your G2 license.
After this six-month period, you’re allowed to drive with up to three passengers 19 or under from midnight to 5 a.m. The exceptions to this restriction are if there is a fully licensed driver in the vehicle and the other occupants are immediate family members.
G License
The G license test is the second of two road tests you must take to become fully licensed in Ontario. You can take this test one year after getting your G2 license.
The G license test includes a more advanced road test that tests your driving skills, such as driving on the highway. Once you pass this test, you’ll get your full G license and have full driving privileges with no restrictions.
What’s On The G License Test?
The G license road test will include the following:
- Left and right turns
- Lane changes
- Driving through intersections
- Driving in business areas
- Driving on major roads and highways
- Curves
Currently, the G license test will not cover certain fundamental elements that are covered in the G2 license test, including the following:
- Stops at intersections
- 3-point turns
- Parallel parking
- Driving on residential streets
How To Take The G License Test
You will need to book your G license road test in advance:
- By telephone at 1-888-570-6110 or 647-776-0331
- In person at any DriveTest Centre
- Online at DriveTest.ca
Again, you must wait at least 12 months after passing your G2 license test before applying and getting your G License.
What Happens After You Take The G License Test?
What happens after you take your test depends on whether you pass or fail:
- Pass: Once you pass your test, you’ll have full Class G driving privileges.
- Fail: If you fail your road test, you can retake it, but you’ll have to pay the test fee again.
What’s The Cost Of Getting A G License?
There are numerous costs involved with getting a G license. From Ontario’s Official Driver Handbook to the road tests, getting a G License can cost a few hundred dollars. It can cost a few hundred more if you opt for a driving school. You can generally make a payment via cash, credit card, cheque, money order, or bank draft.
If you don’t have the funds available, you can opt for a small personal loan to help you cover the costs. With it, you can spread the costs of your payment over several months. Just be sure to check your credit score before applying. If it’s in poor shape, taking the time to improve it before applying for a loan can help you secure a low-interest rate.
What Can You Drive When You Pass The G License Test?
With a Class G license in Ontario, you can drive the following vehicles:
- Cars
- Vans
- Small trucks
- A combination of a vehicle and a towed vehicle up to 11,000 kg
Final Thoughts
Years ago, Ontario drivers only needed to pass one road test in order to become fully licensed in their province. But today, the process has been split into three phases, which helps ensure that drivers are fully prepared to safely operate their vehicles. Passing your G license test is the final phase that will allow you to gain full driving privileges in Ontario.
G License FAQs
What are common mistakes that can lead to failure in the G license test?
- Rolling stops at stop signs
- Not checking side-view and rearview mirrors consistently
- Merging onto highways too slowly
- Improper lane changing
