Ontario G1, G2 and G Licence: Rules, Road Tests and Timeline

Ontario's graduated licensing system has three licences: G1 (learner), G2 (solo driving with conditions) and G (full licence). You get a G1 by passing a vision test and a knowledge test at 16 or older, take the G2 road test after 12 months (8 with an approved course), and take the G road test after at least 12 more months. The Government of Ontario says the process typically takes about 20 months, and you have up to five years to finish it.

Road tests are run at DriveTest centres on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). This guide covers the rules at each level and what each road test involves, as of 2026.

Overview: the Ontario timeline

If you take longer than five years from your G1 to your full G, you have to start again.

Getting your G1

You need to:

• be 16 or older;
• bring original identity documents showing your legal name and full date of birth (photocopies and expired documents aren't accepted);
• pass a vision test;
• pass a knowledge test on the rules of the road and traffic signs.

The knowledge test is based on the Official MTO Driver's Handbook. When you apply, you pay a fee that covers the knowledge test, your first road test and a five-year licence. See our Canada knowledge test guide for how to prepare.

G1 rules

While you hold a G1, you must:

• keep a zero blood alcohol level;
• make sure every passenger has a working seatbelt;
• not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.;
• not drive on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways, unless your supervisor is a certified driving instructor;
• drive with a fully licensed driver with at least four years of experience in the front passenger seat, who is the only other person in the front. Their blood alcohol must be under 0.05 (zero if they're 21 or under).

The 12-month (or 8-month) wait

You must hold your G1 for 12 months before your G2 road test. Completing a Ministry-approved beginner driver education course shortens this to 8 months. A course also gives you structured lessons with an instructor, which is useful because the G2 test checks basic skills you can only build with practice.

The G2 road test

The G2 road test checks basic driving skills in everyday traffic. According to the MTO handbook, road tests can cover:

• starting, stopping and turning;
• obeying signs, signals and right-of-way rules at intersections;
• lane changes and passing;
• parallel parking and other manoeuvres;
• awareness of hazards and other road users.

Before your test:

1. Book early and prepay. Road test appointments must be paid in advance.
2. Bring a safe, roadworthy, insured vehicle. If the examiner finds a problem with the car, the test may be declared out of order.
3. Arrive with your G1 and correct documents.

Cancelling late costs you. If you cancel or reschedule with less than 48 hours' notice, or don't show up, your prepaid fee isn't refunded except in specific extenuating circumstances. If a test is declared out of order, you lose half the fee.

G2 rules

With a G2 you can drive alone, but:

• you must keep zero blood alcohol;
• you can't carry more passengers than there are working seatbelts;
• if you're 19 or under, between midnight and 5 a.m. you can carry only one passenger aged 19 or under in your first six months on a G2, then up to three after that, until you get your G or turn 20.

The passenger limit doesn't apply if a fully licensed driver with at least four years' experience is in the front passenger seat, or if your passengers are immediate family.

The G road test

After at least 12 months on your G2, you can take the G road test, the second and final road test in Ontario's system. Before this test, you need highway experience on roads with speed limits of at least 80 km/h, recorded on a Declaration of Highway Driving Experience form.

Practise highway merging, lane changes at speed, safe following distances and exits well before your test. Our motorway driving tips are written for UK motorways, but the merging, spacing and lane discipline advice applies to Ontario highways too.

If you fail a road test

• The examiner gives you a report explaining your mistakes and what to work on.
• You must wait at least 10 days before retesting.
• Retests cost extra, so build your practice around the report before rebooking.

Whatever your report says, habits worth drilling before any retest include full observation at intersections, shoulder checks before every lane change, complete stops at stop signs and steady speed control. Our mirrors and blind spots guide covers the observation habits examiners look for.

Fees at a glance

As listed on DriveTest's fee page in 2026, the G1 licence package (knowledge test, G2 road test and five-year licence) costs $159.75, and the G road test costs $91.25, including taxes. Fees change, so check DriveTest before you book. Our Canadian licence costs guide has the full breakdown.

Summary

In Ontario you move from G1 to G2 to G with two road tests. Hold your G1 for 12 months (8 with approved driver education), respect the G1 limits on night driving, highways and supervision, pass the G2 road test, then hold your G2 for at least 12 months and log highway experience before the G road test. You have five years to finish. Check ontario.ca and DriveTest for the current rules and fees.

About Co-Drive

Co-Drive is an iOS app for learner and new drivers. Its driving technique lessons and defensive driving habits apply on any road; it does not yet include Ontario-specific test practice, and it isn't affiliated with the Ministry of Transportation or DriveTest. Find out more.