What you need to know about Ontario driver licenses
An Ontario driver's license is issued by ServiceOntario and proves you are legally permitted to drive in the province. You need one before you can legally operate a vehicle on Ontario roads. The license shows your name, photo, address, driving restrictions, and the classes of vehicles you can drive — and it expires every five years for most drivers.
Getting your first license involves a written test, a road test, and a waiting period between them. Renewing an existing license is simpler: you can often do it by mail or online without retesting, though ServiceOntario may ask you to renew in person if your address has changed or your photo is outdated.
Key Takeaways
- New drivers must pass a written knowledge test, wait a minimum period, then pass a road test before receiving a full license.
- Ontario has a graduated licensing system with G1, G2, and G class stages, each with different driving restrictions and test requirements.
- You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office, depending on your situation and how much time remains before expiry.
- Your license expires five years from the date it was issued, and you can begin the renewal process up to nine months before that date.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and a completed process form to get or renew your license.
The three stages of Ontario's graduated licensing system
Ontario requires new drivers to progress through three license classes: G1, G2, and G. Each stage has different rules about who can sit beside you, what roads you can drive on, and how long you must wait before moving to the next stage.
G1 (learner's permit) is the first stage. You can drive only with a fully licensed driver aged 20 or older sitting beside you in the front seat. You cannot drive on 400-series highways, and you must display an "L" plate on your vehicle. You must hold a G1 for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the G2 road test.
G2 (intermediate license) comes after you pass the G1 written test and the road test. At G2, you can drive alone, but you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot have passengers under 20 years old unless a fully licensed driver aged 25 or older is also in the car. You must hold G2 for a minimum of 12 months before taking the G class road test.
G (full license) is the final stage. Once you pass the G2 road test, you have a full Ontario license with no driving restrictions based on time of day or passenger age. This is the license most people think of when they say "driver's license."
Getting your first Ontario driver's license
To start the process, you will need to visit a ServiceOntario office or DriveTest centre to take the G1 written test. Bring two pieces of proof of identity (one with a photo, such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your current Ontario address, such as a utility bill or lease. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official MTO (Ministry of Transportation Ontario) handbook, available free online or in print at ServiceOntario offices.
Once you pass the G1 test, you receive your G1 license when ready. You must then wait a minimum of 12 months before you can book a G2 road test. During this time, you build driving experience with a supervising driver. When you are ready, you book your G2 road test through DriveTest, the province's testing service. The test takes about 30 to 40 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, and highway driving. If you pass, you receive your G2 license on the spot.
After holding G2 for at least 12 months, you can book your G class road test. This test is longer and more challenging than the G2 test, lasting about 45 to 60 minutes. It includes highway driving, complex intersections, and emergency maneuvers. Once you pass, you receive your full G license.
Renewing your Ontario driver's license
You can renew your license up to nine months before it expires. ServiceOntario sends a renewal notice to your address on file about four months before expiry, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process.
If your address has not changed, your photo is current, and you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, you can renew online through the ServiceOntario website or by mail. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. By mail, you complete a renewal form, include a cheque or money order, and mail everything to the address on your renewal notice. Processing takes about two to three weeks.
You must renew in person if your address has changed, your photo is more than 10 years old, you have a medical condition that may affect your driving, or you are over 80 years old. At a ServiceOntario office, bring your current license, proof of your new address if you have moved, and payment. In-person renewal is processed when ready.
Documents you will need
For a new G1 license, bring two pieces of proof of identity (one with a photo) and one piece of proof of your Ontario address. Acceptable identity documents include a Canadian passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or provincial photo ID. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government letter addressed to you at your current address.
For renewal by mail or online, you need only your current license and payment. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, payment, and proof of your new address if you have moved. If you are renewing because of a medical condition or age, ServiceOntario may ask for additional documents from your doctor.
Costs and payment methods
The cost of a new G1 license includes the written test fee and the license fee. The cost of a G2 or G road test is separate. Prices vary slightly depending on whether you test at a ServiceOntario office or a private DriveTest centre, and they change periodically. Check the ServiceOntario website or call 1-800-387-3830 for current fees.
Renewal by mail or online costs less than in-person renewal. You can pay by cheque, money order, debit card, or credit card, depending on your renewal method. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.
What happens if your license expires
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ontario. If you are stopped by police, you can face a fine. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period (check current rules on the ServiceOntario website), you may have to retake the written test or road test rather than straightforward renewing.
If your license expires while you are out of the province, you can still renew it by mail or online from anywhere in Canada. If you are outside Canada, contact ServiceOntario to find out your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I am over 80?
No. Drivers over 80 must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. You will need your current license and payment. ServiceOntario may also ask for a medical report from your doctor to confirm you are safe to drive.
How long does it take to get a G2 road test appointment?
Wait times vary by location and season. In busy areas, appointments may be weeks or months away. You can check available dates on the DriveTest website when you book. Booking as early as possible after you are may be able to access gives you more options.
What if I fail my G2 or G road test?
You can retake the test, but you must wait at least two weeks before booking another appointment. There is an additional fee for each test attempt. You can take the test as many times as you need until you pass.
Do I need to renew my license if I move out of Ontario?
No. If you move to another province or country, you should exchange your Ontario license for one issued by your new home. You do not need to renew an Ontario license you no longer use, though letting it expire will not harm you.
Can I get a paper copy of my license while I wait for my new one?
If you renew in person, you receive your new license when ready. If you renew by mail or online, ServiceOntario will mail your new license to you, which takes about two to three weeks. There is no temporary paper license issued during this time.