You need a birth certificate, proof of residency, and a passing score on two tests to get an Ontario driver's license

Ontario issues driver's licenses through ServiceOntario, the provincial service delivery agency. The process has three stages: getting your learner's permit (G1), passing a road test to move to the intermediate license (G2), then passing a second road test for the full license (G). Each stage has a waiting period and specific requirements. You cannot skip steps or test out of the learner phase.

The entire process typically takes 20 months minimum if you pass every test on your first attempt. Most people take longer because they need multiple attempts at the road tests or because they space out their testing over time. You will pay separate fees at each stage: roughly $160 for the G1, $65 for the G2 test, and $85 for the G road test, though these amounts change annually.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a G1 learner's permit for at least 12 months and pass a written knowledge test before you can take a G2 road test.
  • You must hold a G2 intermediate license for at least 12 months before you can take the G road test for a full license.
  • You need original documents proving your identity, date of birth, and Ontario residency — a birth certificate, passport, and utility bill or lease are typical choices.
  • ServiceOntario locations and DriveTest centres are where you take tests; you book appointments online through the ServiceOntario website or by phone.
  • If you learned to drive in another province or country, you may be able to skip the G1 stage, but you must still pass both road tests.

Getting Your G1 Learner's Permit

The G1 is your starting point. You visit a ServiceOntario office with your documents: a birth certificate or passport (original, not a copy), proof of Ontario residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement, and your Social Insurance Number. You will pay the fee and take a written knowledge test on the spot. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 40 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions and must score at least 80 percent to pass.

If you pass, you receive your G1 permit when ready. This permit allows you to drive only with a fully licensed driver (G, G2, or someone with an air brake Z endorsement) who is at least 20 years old sitting beside you. You cannot drive alone. The G1 is valid for five years, but you must pass your G2 road test before the permit expires or you will have to retake the written test.

ServiceOntario offices are located across Ontario. You can find the nearest one and check wait times on the ServiceOntario website. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but wait times can be long. Some offices allow you to book an appointment online, which reduces your time in the office.

Holding Your G1 and Preparing for the G2 Test

Once you have your G1, you must hold it for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the G2 road test. During this time, you should practice driving with a licensed supervisor. There is no required number of hours in Ontario, unlike some other provinces, but more practice generally leads to better test results. Many driving schools offer lessons and can help you prepare for the road test format and common mistakes.

You can take the G2 test any time after 12 months have passed from the date your G1 was issued. You do not need to wait for an anniversary date; you can test as soon as the calendar allows. Book your G2 road test through DriveTest, which operates the testing centres across Ontario. You can book online, by phone, or in person at a DriveTest centre.

The G2 road test lasts about 30 to 40 minutes. You drive a set route in the local area around the test centre, and an examiner sits in the passenger seat and scores your performance. The examiner looks for safe lane changes, proper use of mirrors, smooth braking, correct signaling, and your ability to follow instructions. You must bring your G1 permit, proof of residency, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Passing the G2 Road Test and Your Intermediate License

If you pass the G2 test, you receive your G2 intermediate license on the spot. The G2 allows you to drive alone, but with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot have more than one passenger under age 20 in the car (unless they are a family member), and you cannot use a hand-held cell phone while driving. These rules explore for the entire time you hold the G2.

Your G2 is valid for five years. You must hold it for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the G road test for a full license. Like the G1 stage, you can test as soon as 12 months have passed. During this time, continue to practice driving, especially in different weather and traffic conditions, because the G road test is more challenging than the G2 test.

If you fail the G2 test, you can retake it. You must wait at least two weeks before booking another test, and you pay the test fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs money and delays your progress toward a full license.

Taking the G Road Test for Your Full License

The G road test is longer and more demanding than the G2 test. It lasts 40 to 50 minutes and includes highway driving, if possible. The examiner assesses your ability to merge onto highways, maintain safe speeds, change lanes in heavy traffic, and handle more complex driving situations. You must bring your G2 permit, proof of residency, and a vehicle in safe condition.

If you pass, you receive your full G license. The G license has no driving restrictions and is valid for five years. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, or in person at a ServiceOntario office if you prefer.

If you fail the G test, you remain on your G2 license and can retake the G test after two weeks. You pay the test fee again. You can continue to retake the test until you pass, but you must do so before your G2 expires (five years from the date it was issued).

Documents You Need and Where to Get Them

ServiceOntario requires original documents, not photocopies. For identity and date of birth, bring one of these: a birth certificate (long form with parents' names), a Canadian passport, a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, or a permanent resident card. For Ontario residency, bring one of these: a utility bill (hydro, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last three months, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax assessment, or a bank or credit card statement dated within the last three months. The document must show your name and Ontario address.

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from Vital Statistics Ontario. If you do not have a passport, you can explore for one through Service Canada. These processes take time, so plan ahead if you need to obtain documents. If you are a newcomer to Ontario or Canada, bring the documents that prove your status: a permanent resident card, a work permit, or a study permit, along with your birth certificate or passport.

Transferring a License from Another Province or Country

If you hold a valid driver's license from another Canadian province or territory, you may be able to skip the G1 stage and go directly to the G2 road test. You must bring your out-of-province license, proof of Ontario residency, and proof of your identity. ServiceOntario will assess your license and tell you whether you may have access to for the exemption. If you do, you still must pass the G2 and G road tests and hold each for 12 months.

If you hold a license from outside Canada, you cannot skip any stage. You must start with the G1 written test, then progress through G2 and G as described above. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Ontario that allow you to exchange your license for an Ontario license without testing, but this is rare and applies only to a small number of countries. Check the ServiceOntario website to see if your country is on the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the G2 test before 12 months have passed since I got my G1?

No. Ontario law requires you to hold the G1 for a minimum of 12 months. You cannot test before that date, even if you feel ready. The 12-month period starts from the date your G1 permit was issued, not from when you first applied.

What happens if my G1 or G2 expires before I pass the next test?

If your G1 expires before you pass the G2 test, you must retake the G1 written test and pay the fee again. If your G2 expires before you pass the G road test, you must retake the G2 road test and pay the fee again. Plan your testing schedule to avoid this.

Do I need to take a driving course to get my license?

No. Ontario does not require a driving course. However, taking lessons with a certified driving instructor can improve your chances of passing the road tests. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a recognized driver training course, so it may save you money in the long run.

Can I use someone else's car for the road test?

Yes, as long as the car is registered in Ontario, has valid insurance, and is in safe working condition. The car does not have to be registered in your name. Make sure the owner gives you permission and that the insurance covers you as a driver.

What if I fail the road test multiple times?

You can retake the test as many times as you need, but you must wait at least two weeks between attempts and pay the test fee each time. If you are struggling, consider taking lessons with a driving instructor who can identify specific areas where you need improvement.