Ontario's Graduated Licensing System (GLS)
Ontario uses a Graduated Licensing System (GLS) administered by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and tested at DriveTest Centres across the province. There are three stages — G1, G2, and full G — and you must progress through each one in order. The system is designed to build driving skills gradually before full privileges are granted.
Which path applies to you?
Your starting point depends on your situation. Find yourself below before reading further.
G1 Licence — The Knowledge Test
Your first step. No driving involved — this is a written exam at a DriveTest Centre.
The G1 Knowledge Test
40 multiple-choice questions split into two sections: 20 on road signs and 20 on rules of the road. You need at least 16/20 on each section to pass (80%). Takes 20–30 minutes. Based on the 2026 Ontario Driver's Handbook.
No appointment neededVision Test
A basic vision screening is done at the DriveTest Centre on the same visit. Wear glasses or contacts if you need them — failing this means you cannot proceed that day.
Done on-siteG1 Package Fee: $159.75
This one fee covers your written knowledge test, your first G2 road test attempt, and a 5-year licence. Re-takes of the written test cost $16.00 each if you don't pass.
Paid at DriveTestID Required
Bring government-issued photo ID (passport recommended for newcomers) plus proof of legal status in Canada (PR card, work permit, study permit, etc.).
Original documents onlyOnce you have your G1, you may drive — but with strict conditions: a fully licensed G driver (4+ years experience) must sit in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive on 400-series highways, cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM, and must maintain a 0.00% blood alcohol level. All passengers must wear seatbelts.
G2 Licence — Your First Road Test
After holding your G1, you'll book and pass a practical road test to earn the G2.
You must hold your G1 for a minimum of 12 months before taking the G2 road test — or just 8 months if you complete an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course. The G2 road test covers basic vehicle control: intersections, lane changes, parking, and speed management. It lasts approximately 20–30 minutes.
Wait Time
12 months with G1 (standard)
8 months with approved BDE course — a
4-month shortcut worth considering.
G2 Road Test Fee
First attempt is included in your G1 package ($159.75). If you need to re-book: $53.75 per attempt.
BDE Course — Worth It?
Costs ~$500–$900 (higher in GTA). Cuts 4 months off your wait AND typically earns you a long-term insurance discount. Most newcomers find it pays for itself quickly.
Optional but recommendedBooking Your Test
Book online at drivetest.ca, by phone (1-888-570-6110), or in person at any DriveTest Centre. Smaller towns often have earlier dates than busy GTA centres.
With a G2, you can drive independently on all Ontario roads — including 400-series highways — at any time of day, with no accompanying driver required. However, a zero blood alcohol level is still mandatory. If you are 21 or under, there are additional passenger restrictions during the first 6 months: no more than one passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 AM (unless a fully licensed G driver or family member is present).
Full G Licence — The Final Road Test
The last step. After 12 months with a G2, you're eligible for the full G road test.
The G road test is more demanding than the G2. It includes 400-series expressway driving at highway speeds (100 km/h) — merging, lane changes, and exiting. There is no shortcut for the G2-to-G wait period; the 12 months is mandatory.
When applying for your full Class G licence starting May 11, 2026, you will need to make a statutory declaration at the DriveTest Centre. Confirm the exact requirements directly with DriveTest closer to your test date.
| Stage | Minimum Wait | Test Type | Key Fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G1 | — | Written knowledge + vision | $159.75 package |
| G2 | 8 mo (BDE) / 12 mo | Road test — city streets | Included / $53.75 retest |
| Full G | 12 months | Road test — includes highway | $91.25 per attempt |
Driving With a Foreign Licence in Ontario
Your options depend entirely on which country issued your licence.
Licence Exchange Countries
Ontario has direct exchange agreements with: all US states, all Canadian provinces, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, and Taiwan. No graduated licensing required — visit DriveTest with your valid foreign licence.
Direct exchange availableNon-Exchange Countries (India, China, Philippines, etc.)
Must go through the G1–G2–G process. However, documented driving experience reduces waiting periods. With 2+ years of experience and official proof, you may skip the G2 stage and attempt the full G directly after the G1 knowledge test.
Experience credit applies60-Day Window
New Ontario residents can drive using a valid foreign licence for up to 60 days after establishing residency. After that, you must hold an Ontario licence. Start the process as soon as possible — test bookings can take weeks.
Ontario has specific rules that differ from many countries: right turns on red lights, school bus laws (you must stop when the arm is extended, in both directions on undivided roads), 400-series highway etiquette, and zero-tolerance BAC for new drivers. Read the MTO Driver's Handbook carefully — even experienced international drivers are often caught off guard by these specifics.
How to Prepare — Free Practice Tests & Study Tools
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1
Read the Official MTO Driver's Handbook
Available free online at ontario.ca/driving and in multiple languages. Every G1 test question is drawn directly from this document. Don't skip it even if you've been driving for years — Ontario-specific rules will catch you off guard.
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Take Free Online G1 Practice Tests
Use g1.ca or drivetest.ca for free full-length practice exams that mimic the exact format of the real test — 40 questions, same scoring system. Both are available in multiple languages. Aim for 90%+ consistently before booking your real test.
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Book Early — Wait Times Are Real
Road test appointments at busy GTA DriveTest centres can be booked out weeks or even months in advance. Check multiple locations and watch for cancellation slots online. Smaller centres (e.g., outside the GTA) often have earlier availability.
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Consider a BDE Course for G2
An MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education course shortens your G1 wait from 12 to 8 months AND qualifies you for insurance discounts that often save more than the course costs over time. Find a school via the MTO's approved school directory at ontario.ca.
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Practice Highway Driving Before Your G Test
The full G road test includes 400-series expressway driving. If you rarely drive highways, schedule dedicated highway practice sessions. Examiners specifically look for deliberate mirror checks and proper merge/exit technique at speed.
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