Getting Your Ontario G2 Driver's License

If you're looking at getting your Ontario G2 driver's license, you are about halfway toward getting a full Ontario G license, which will allow you to drive cars, vans & light trucks on all public roads. A G2 driver's license gives you the opportunity to drive independently without supervision. This particular stage of the Ontario GDL process can be a little daunting for many drivers since it involves actual on road testing (you must pass the G1 road test to get your G2 driver's license). This stage also involves some G2 restrictions as well. But don't worry, we've got you covered with everything you need to know and practice.

Practice safe driving for 1 year and pass the G1 road test to get your G2 license

Everything You Need to Know About the Ontario G2 Driver's License

All of the G2 driver's license related information, required documents, duration of practice required, and many other answers to G2 license questions have been assembled below. We've put together all of the most important information about the G2 driving rules and the Ontario graduated licence process (which covers the G1 licence, the G2 license and the final, full G license), so you can focus on getting your G2 license as soon as possible. You will of course need the appropriate Ontario car insurance for G2 drivers, and abide by the G2 restrictions. Click on the tabs below for more information.

G1 licence holder

You can take the G1 road test to get your G2 driver's license when you've held a G1 licence for:

8 months with a ministry approved driver training course
12 months without a ministry approved driver training course

Book Your Road Test

Getting a G2 driver's license requires that you take a G1 road test. Make sure you make an appointment at a G1 driving test centre that you feel comfortable with. Certain times of the year like the summer or March break can be very busy, so make sure you make your G1 road test booking in advance.

Study Ontario Handbook

No matter which kind of Ontario driving licence you're preparing for, it's always a good idea to review and brush up on basics. For the G1 road test, reviewing the Ontario driver's handbook and our Ontario road signs & road rules practice tests are an excellent idea.

Ontario Driver's Handbook

Practice Driving

When you get your G1 licence, it's your opportunity to practice and really learn how to drive. To prepare for the G1 road test Ontario mandates, make sure you've used the 8-12 month time period wisely and regularly practiced with a licensed, supervising driver.

The G1 road test will assess basic driving skills such as:

Driving skills such as recognizing and following road signs, turning, stopping and passing, and obeying the rules of the road
Driving through both controlled and uncontrolled intersections
Parking, backing up and parallel parking
Practicing safe driving such as correct steering and following the speed limits

The G1 driving test is meant to assess your basic driving abilities and comfort level when it comes to driving on non-highway roads.

Pre-trip Check

Before beginning the G1 driving test, the examiner will check to make sure that everything works well on the vehicle you have brought to the test. For example, the horn, parking brake, high beams, turn signals etc. Chances are you will also be asked to demonstrate the hand signals for turning, so make sure you review those in the Ontario drivers handbook before attempting the actual G1 driving test.

This is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate not only your driving knowledge, but also your ability to maintain a vehicle so that it's in good shape to be on the road.

Vehicle Checklist

Road Test

After a vehicle pre-check, the examiner will begin your G1 driving test, which will take approximately 20 minutes. You will be asked to drive through a pre-set route, during which the examiner will ask you to demonstrate driving skills such as turning, changing lanes, signaling, parking etc. Be calm and alert, and do your best to demonstrate that you are a safe, confident driver to the driving examiner.

Post-test Debrief

Once the test finishes, you will drive back to the examination center and the examiner will go over the test with you identifying where you did well, where you could improve and give you a final pass or fail. If you pass, congratulations! You get a G2 driver's license.

Always remember, the driving examiner is not going to try to trick you or ask you to drive illegally or unsafely. Practice as much as possible beforehand, focus on driving properly, stay confident, remain aware of your surroundings and you will do well. Good Luck!

Given various G2 restrictions and G2 license rules, we've put together a list of everything you need to do or take with you on the day of the G1 road test.

Cancelling or Rescheduling

If you cancel or reschedule your G1 road test booking with less than 48 hours notice, or if you fail to attend your appointment, your prepaid G1 road test fee will not be refunded.

Vehicle Safety Check

One of the first things the driving examiner will check is whether your vehicle is safe enough for the G1 road test Ontario mandates - so make sure you review the vehicle you bring against our vehicle safety checklist.

Vehicle Checklist

Arrive Early

Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment to take care of any administrative items as well as have time to settle down and be relaxed before your test.

Vision Aids

If you need glasses or contacts to drive, make sure you bring them with you.

Applicable Fees

Each driving test has a specific fee requirement, so make sure you are prepared to pay the g1 road test fee prior to starting your actual test.

Ontario Licensing Fees

Test Re-takes

If you fail the G1 driver's license test, you can pay the G1 road test fee again, and retake it after 10 full business days.

Licence Expiry

The entire Ontario GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing) program is 5 years from the time you get your G1 to the time you get your G licence. (See Ontario motorcycle GDL for bike riders.) For that reason it's important to stay on track and get your G2 licence as soon as your 8-12 month G1 period is over. This ensures you have maximum time to practice with a G2 driver's license and apply for your G licence prior to the 5 year total GDL expiry period.

Minimum Licence Holding Period

You can apply for your G licence after holding and practicing with a G2 driver's license for 12 months.

No Alcohol

A G2 licence holder must maintain a blood alcohol level of zero at all times while driving.

Passenger Seat Belts

As a g2 licence holder, it is your responsibility to make sure you only carry as many passengers as there are working seat belts and that all passengers are wearing seat belts while the vehicle is being driven.

If you are a G2 licence holder under the age of 19, some additional G2 restrictions apply:

Restricted Driving At Night

For the first 6 months - Only 1 passenger under the age of 19 can accompany you in the car between the hours of midnight and 5 am.

For the next 6 months - You may have up to 3 passengers under the age of 19 accompany you in the car between the hours of midnight and 5 am.

*These g2 restrictions do not apply if you have a fully licensed driver with a minimum of 4 years experience in the car with you, or if your passengers are immediate family members ex. parent, brother, sister.

Looking for Information on Other Ontario Car Licence Types?

Ontario GDL Process

The Ontario GDL process helps guide new and experienced drivers through the entire Ontario car licensing process.

Learn More

Ontario G1 Licence

You G1 licence is the first step to drive a car in Ontario. Let us help you start driving as soon as possible.

Learn More

Ontario G Licence

A G license is the final step in the Ontario GDL process and getting an unrestricted, full driving licence.

Learn More

Looking for a Different Type of Ontario Drivers License?

What type of vehicle do you need to get an Ontario licence for?

Looking to get a particular type of Ontario drivers license? The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is tasked with the responsibility of issuing car driving licenses, and motorcycle drivers licenses, as well as driving licenses for commercial vehicles like the Ontario bus driver license, Ontario truck driving license or Ontario air brake license and the associated driving tests. An Ontario boating license is also available for various types of watercraft.