What you need to know about Ontario driver's licenses
An Ontario driver's license is issued by ServiceOntario, a provincial government agency. You need one to drive legally in Ontario, and the process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or switching from another province. The license itself is a photo ID card valid for five years (or until age 80 for older drivers), and you must carry it whenever you drive.
You cannot get an Ontario license by mail or online — you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person. The office will take your photo, verify your identity documents, and process your process on the spot. Most people complete the visit in under an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person with valid identity documents; there is no online or mail option.
- A new Ontario driver's license costs $90 and is valid for five years from the date of issue.
- If you are getting your first license, you must pass a written knowledge test and a road test before you can drive unsupervised.
- You can book an appointment at ServiceOntario online or by phone to reduce wait time.
- If your license is expired, you can renew it at any ServiceOntario office without retaking the road test.
Getting your first Ontario driver's license
Ontario uses a graduated licensing system with three levels: G1, G2, and full G. You start at G1 (the knowledge level), pass a written test, then move to G2 (the supervised driving level) after passing a road test, then to full G after another road test and waiting period.
To begin, visit a ServiceOntario office with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate), proof of Ontario residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last four months), and your Social Insurance Number. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted. You will pay $90 and take a written test on the spot covering road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions; you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
Once you pass, you receive your G1 license when ready. With a G1, you can only drive with a fully licensed driver (G or G2) sitting beside you in the front seat. You must wait at least 12 months before you can take the G2 road test, though you can take the test earlier if you complete an approved driver education course (which shortens the wait to 8 months).
Moving from G1 to G2 and then to full G
To take the G2 road test, return to a ServiceOntario office with your G1 license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The road test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: lane changes, parking, stopping, and following traffic laws. You pay $90 for the test. If you pass, you receive your G2 license on the spot.
With a G2 license, you can drive alone (without a supervising driver), but you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot drive with more than one passenger under age 20 (unless they are family). You must wait at least 12 months before taking the full G road test, or 8 months if you completed a driver education course.
The full G road test is longer and more complex than the G2 test — it includes highway driving, merging, and more challenging scenarios. You pay $90 again. Once you pass, you receive your full G license, which has no restrictions and is valid for five years.
Renewing an expired Ontario driver's license
If your license has expired, you can renew it at any ServiceOntario office without retaking any tests. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of Ontario residency. The cost is $90, and you will receive your new license when ready after your photo is taken.
If your license expired more than two years ago, ServiceOntario may ask you to retake the written test as a safety check. Call ahead to confirm what documents to bring. If you have any medical conditions that affect your driving, ServiceOntario may also ask for a medical report from your doctor before renewing.
Switching to Ontario from another province or country
If you hold a valid driver's license from another Canadian province or a country with which Ontario has a reciprocal agreement (including the United States, most European countries, and several others), you can exchange it for an Ontario license without taking tests. Visit a ServiceOntario office with your current license, proof of identity, proof of Ontario residency, and your Social Insurance Number. The cost is $90, and you receive your Ontario license when ready.
If your license is from a country without a reciprocal agreement, or if your license is expired, you must take the written test and both road tests as if you were a new driver. ServiceOntario staff can tell you whether your country has an agreement when you call or visit.
Finding a ServiceOntario office and booking an appointment
ServiceOntario has offices in most towns and cities across Ontario. You can find the nearest office and check current wait times on the ServiceOntario website (ontario.ca/serviceontario). The website also lets you book an appointment online, which typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes.
If you prefer to call, phone ServiceOntario at 1-800-267-8097. Staff can tell you which office is nearest, what documents you need, and whether appointments are available. Some offices are busier than others — visiting early in the morning or on a weekday (rather than Saturday) usually means a shorter wait.
Documents you must bring
The exact documents required depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or switching from another province. In all cases, bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted.
For a new license: valid passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate (proof of identity); utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within four months (proof of residency); and your Social Insurance Number. For renewal: your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. For a switch from another province: your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Insurance Number.
If your name has changed (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are under 16, a parent or guardian must be present and sign the process form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Ontario driver's license?
If you are getting your first license, the full process takes at least 20 months (12 months at G1 plus 8 months at G2, or less if you take a driver education course). The office visit itself takes under an hour. If you are renewing an expired license, you receive it the same day.
Can I drive with my G1 license if I am alone?
No. With a G1 license, you must have a fully licensed driver (G or G2) sitting beside you in the front seat at all times. Driving alone with a G1 is illegal and can result in a fine.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test as soon as you want, but you must pay the $90 fee each time. Many people retake it within a few weeks after studying or getting more practice. There is no limit to how many times you can take it.
Do I need to take a test if I move to Ontario from another province?
Not if your license is valid and from a province with which Ontario has a reciprocal agreement (all Canadian provinces do). You can exchange it for an Ontario license at a ServiceOntario office without any test. If your license is expired or from a country without an agreement, you must take the written and road tests.
What is the cost of getting an Ontario driver's license?
Each test or license issuance costs $90. If you are getting your first license, you pay $90 for the written test, $90 for the G2 road test, and $90 for the full G road test — a total of $270 over the licensing process. Renewal costs $90.