Obtaining a standard driver’s licence in Ontario is a journey that takes many Canadians through a comprehensive licensing program that lasts approximately 20 months.
So, when can you get your G licence? You must be 16 years of age or older to begin the 3-step journey to get your full Ontario driver’s licence.
Driving in Ontario
Obtaining a valid Ontario driver’s licence in Toronto is a 3-step licensing program that takes about 20 months to complete. However, once you complete the final step, all G1 and G2 license restrictions will be lifted, allowing you to legally drive vans, cars, and small trucks on any public road or highway. Note: Once you have your licence, in order to drive legally you must also:
- Carry your valid driver’s license
- Drive safely and obey traffic laws
- Have valid insurance, license plates, and owner’s permit
License Types
There are 15 types of driver’s licenses in Ontario. Every license legally permits you to drive a specific type of vehicle.
Applying for an Ontario driver’s license
To apply for a G driver’s license, you’ll need to:
- Be 16 years of age or older
- Pass a vision test
- Pass a knowledge test on the proper use of the road and traffic signs
Once you’ve passed these tests, you’ll get a G1 licence. Drivers with a G1 driver’s license are considered drivers, but have specific restrictions until they gain experience over time. While driving with a G1 licence you have specific restriction that must be obeyed until you graduate to a G2 licence. Read below for details on G1 licence restrictions.
Where to apply for Ontario’s graduated licensing system
Knowledge driving tests
To apply for the knowledge tests you’ll need your original identification, visit a drive test center, and pay the fee:
- A Drive-Test center
- Toronto Etobicoke at Centennial Park Plaza, 5555 Eglinton Ave W in Etobicoke : There is no appointment required for the G1 written test
- Toronto Downsview at Downsview Park, 37 Carl Hall Rd (Use back entrance)
- Toronto Metro East at Victoria Terrace Plaza, 1448 Lawrence Ave E
- Toronto Port Union at The Village of Abbey Lane Shopping Centre, 91 Rylander Blvd
Which Documents Do You Need?
You need to provide identification that includes your date of birth, legal name, and signature. Any of the following may be accepted:
Canadian citizens
- Canadian citizenship card
- Canadian or foreign passport
- Ontario photo card
- A secure certificate from the Indian State Card
Permanent residents
- Record of landing
- Permanent resident card
- A valid passport
- Ontario photo card
- Confirmation of permanent residence
Temporary residents
- Employment authorization/work permit
- Student authorization/student permit
- Temporary resident permit
- Visitor record
- Claim refugee status
- Ontario photo card
- Report according to Canada’s immigration act
Reading Recommendation: Do I Need an International Driving Permit to Drive in Canada?
Studying for the Knowledge Test
You can use Ontario’s official driver’s handbook to prepare for the knowledge test. It provides practical driving tips and rules to follow while on the road test appointment and retails for about $15 at most Drive-Test centers, many retail stores (for example Shoppers Drug Mart and Canadian Tire usually have copies available), and the Service Ontario online store.
Learning to drive in Ontario
When you pass your vision and knowledge tests, you’ll receive a G1 licence. However, you’ll have to complete two learning levels (G1 and G2). That’s the graduated licensing system, and you’ll have five years to complete it. You must retake the test if you fail to get a full G licence in five years.
Most people take at least two years to complete the full class G licence, while others take five years. The process starts with applying for a G1 licence, but you must be at least 16 years old.
Driving a vehicle with a G1 licence
Once you pass the eye test and a quiz on traffic signs and rules of the road, you can start driving your car on Ontario roads. However, you’ll need an accompanying driver who has had their full G-class licence for at least four years.
By law, drivers with a G1 license must:
- Maintain a zero blood alcohol level.
- Avoid driving between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 am.
- Ensure every passenger in the vehicle is properly wearing their seat belt.
- Avoid driving on 400-series high-speed expressways and highways.
- Drive with a fully licensed driver with 4+ years of highway driving experience.
Most people use the G1 license to practice and improve their driving skills for 12 months.
G1 Exit Test (G2 Road Test)
This is one of the two road tests you must take to complete Ontario’s graduate licensing program. You can take this road test 12 months after passing the first G1 test, but you can reduce the timeline to 8 months by taking a government-approved driving course. You’ll get your G2 license once you pass this test.
The exam tests for basic driving skills like:
- Stopping
- Turn right and left
- One-way streets
- Parallel parking
- 3-point turns
- Lane changes
- Traffic lights, yield and stop signs
- Driving in residential neighborhoods
Driving in Ontario with a G2 License
You’ll get your G2 license after passing the G1 road test, and you can use it to drive for 12 months. After that, you can drive:
- On all Ontario roads
- Without an experienced driver supervising
- At any time
Still, you must:
- Have a zero blood alcohol level
- Carry only as many passengers as the working seat belts
Some driving restrictions will also apply if you’re 19 years of age or below, including:
- You can drive your car with only one passenger under 19 between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 am for the first six months of your G2 license. After the first six months, you can drive up to three passengers under 19 years of age between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
This condition doesn’t apply if:
- you are accompanied by a fully–licensed driver in the front passenger seat
- if the passengers are members of your immediate family (a guardian or those related to you by blood, marriage, common-law relationship, or adoption).
The G2 Exit Test (G Road Test)
The G2 Exit Test is the second road test a new driver must take after 12 months of receiving the G2 license. Once you’ve passed, you get a full-class driver’s licence. Learn more about driving in Ontario Canada here.
What happens if you fail the G1/G2 road test?
You can retake the test if your G1 license hasn’t expired. However, you’ll have to pay the road test fees and start again. If your G2 license almost expires, you can retake the G1 road test and get five years as a G2 license holder to complete the process.
Do you have a valid class G licence and want to rent a car? City Car and Truck Rentals are here for you!
City Car and Truck Rental is a reliable Canadian company that helps you get a vehicle for every occasion, whether business or pleasure. Call 416-800-1222 for all your mobility needs in the Toronto area with a full class G license.
