Driver Licences In Ontario

Class G (Cars)

This is the complete, in-depth guide for obtaining a Class G passenger vehicle licence in Ontario. While you can compare all provinces on our main Canadian Driver Licence Overview, this page focuses exclusively on Ontario’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system.

Here, you will find every specific detail you need: from G1 written test fees and original document requirements, to G2 restrictions, and the final Full G advanced road test.

The Three Stages in Ontario

StageLicenceTest Type
1G1 (Learner)Written Knowledge Test
2G2 (Intermediate)First Road Test
3Full G (Full Licence)Advanced Road Test

Stage 1 — G1 Licence (Learner)

Minimum Age
16 years old.

Requirements for a G1 Licence
Applicants must:

  • Pass a vision test.
  • Pass the written knowledge test.
  • Provide original, official documents (photos or electronic copies are not accepted).

Required Documents for G1

Bring at least two original official documents. It is recommended they include:

  • Photo identification.
  • Proof of identity.
  • Proof of legal status in Canada.
  • Proof of Ontario address.

Examples of Accepted Documents:

  • Proof of Identity: Original Passport, Ontario Photo Card, Permanent Resident (PR) Card, Refugee Claimant Document.
  • Proof of Legal Status: Work Permit, Study Permit, Visitor Record, Permanent Resident Card.
  • Proof of Ontario Address: Lease Agreement, Bank Statement, Utility Bill, Government Letter.

Important: Some DriveTest Centres may request additional supporting documents. All documents must be original, valid, and unexpired.

G1 Written Test (Knowledge Test)

Conducted on a computer at a DriveTest Centre.

  • Number of Questions: 40 total (20 Traffic Signs + 20 Road Rules).
  • Passing Score: Must pass both sections separately: 16/20 on Signs and 16/20 on Rules (minimum 80% each).
  • Retest: If you fail only one section, you usually retake only that section.
  • Available Languages: English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, and several additional languages.

G1 Fees

  • Approximately $159 CAD – This generally includes the vision test, written test, five-year driver’s licence, and the first G2 road test.
  • G1 Retest Fee: Approximately $16 CAD.

G1 Restrictions (While holding a G1)

Drivers must not:

  • Drive without a qualified supervising driver.
  • Drive between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
  • Drive on most 400-series highways (unless permitted by law).
  • Have any alcohol or drugs in their system (zero tolerance).

Supervising Driver Requirements:

  • Must hold a valid Full G licence.
  • Must have at least 4 years of driving experience.
  • Must maintain a blood alcohol concentration below 0.05%.

G1 Waiting Period (Before taking G2 test)

  • Normally: 12 months.
  • Reduced to: 8 months after successfully completing an approved driver education course.

Stage 2 — G2 Licence (Intermediate)

Awarded after passing the first road test.

G2 Road Test (First Road Test):

  • Evaluates: Proper stopping, parking, lane changes, left/right turns, mirror use, and city driving skills.
  • Duration: Approximately 15–20 minutes.
  • Retest Fee: Approximately $53.75 CAD.

G2 Benefits (vs. G1):

  • Drive independently (no supervising driver required).
  • Drive on highways.
  • Drive at any time of day.

G2 Restrictions:

  • Blood Alcohol Level: Must remain 0% (zero tolerance).
  • Passenger Restrictions (for drivers under 19): Between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM:
    • First 6 months: Maximum 1 passenger aged 19 or under.
    • After 6 months: Maximum 3 passengers aged 19 or under.

G2 Waiting Period (Before taking Full G test)

  • Minimum 12 months after obtaining a G2 licence.

Stage 3 — Full G Licence (Unrestricted)

Ontario’s final, unrestricted passenger vehicle licence.

Full G Road Test (Advanced):

  • Evaluates: Highway driving, safe merging, lane changes, defensive driving, blind spot checks, and speed control.
  • Duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes.
  • Test Fee: Approximately $91 CAD.

If You Fail the G Test:
You may book another road test after approximately 10 days (subject to availability). Additional testing fees apply.

Benefits of a Full G Licence:

  • Drive passenger vehicles without GDL restrictions.
  • Drive on all Ontario roads and highways.
  • Apply for many employment opportunities requiring a full driver’s licence.

Using Foreign Driving Experience in Ontario

Drivers with previous experience from another country may qualify for reduced waiting periods.

Required Documents:

  • Original driver’s licence.
  • Certified translation (if not in English or French).
  • Driving experience letter.
  • Embassy or Consulate certification (recommended).

Eligibility:

  • Less than 2 years of experience: After obtaining G1, you may take the G2 road test without the standard 8–12 month wait.
  • 2 years or more of experience: You may qualify to take the Full G road test directly.

If You Do Not Pass the Direct G Road Test:
You must normally pass the G2 road test first, then complete the Full G road test at a later date.

G Road Test Retest: Can be booked after approximately 10 days (subject to availability).

Quick Summary Table – Ontario Fees

LicenceStageTest TypeApproximate Fee
G1LearnerWritten Test~$159 CAD (includes first G2 test)
G2IntermediateRoad TestRetest ~$53.75 CAD
Full GFull LicenceAdvanced Road Test~$91 CAD

Tips for Passing Your Ontario Driver Licence Tests

For the G1 Written Test:

  • Study the Official Driver’s Handbook.
  • Practice online sample tests.
  • Learn Ontario traffic signs thoroughly.
  • Understand Ontario road rules and safe driving practices.

For the Road Tests (G2 & G):

  • Check blind spots before changing lanes.
  • Make complete stops at all stop signs.
  • Follow posted speed limits.
  • Use mirrors consistently.
  • Demonstrate safe and confident driving habits throughout the test.

Final Important Note

Licence fees, testing procedures, eligibility requirements, and documentation rules may change over time. Applicants should always confirm the latest information on the official Ontario DriveTest website before booking a test or visiting a centre.

👉 Return to the Main Canadian Driver Licence Overview for other provinces.

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