What the Ontario driver's licence test involves
Ontario's driver's licence system has three stages, each with its own test. You start with the G1 written test, which covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. If you pass, you get a learner's permit that lets you drive with a fully licensed driver beside you. Next comes the G2 road test, where a DriveTest examiner watches you drive for about 30 minutes on local roads. Finally, there's the G road test, a longer drive on highways and busier roads that you take only if you want to remove restrictions from your G2 licence.
Most people stop at G2 because it's a full licence with few practical limits — you can drive alone, carry passengers, and work as a delivery driver. The G test is optional unless your job requires it or you want to remove the restriction on driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
Key Takeaways
- The G1 written test covers 40 multiple-choice questions about Ontario traffic laws and road signs, and you need 32 correct to pass.
- The G2 road test lasts about 30 minutes on local roads and includes parking, lane changes, and following traffic rules while an examiner watches.
- You must hold a G1 for at least 12 months and have 8 hours of professional driving instruction before you can book a G2 test.
- The G road test is longer and includes highway driving, but most drivers never take it because G2 is a full licence for everyday use.
- You book all tests through ServiceOntario online or by phone, and test fees vary depending on which stage you are taking.
The G1 written test: what you need to know
The G1 test is a 40-question multiple-choice exam taken on a computer at a ServiceOntario office. You have 60 minutes to finish. The questions come from the Official Ministry of Transportation Ontario Driver's Handbook, which is free to read or pick up at any ServiceOntario location. Topics include right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking signs, what different road markings mean, and how to handle bad weather or mechanical failure.
You need to answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, but you pay the fee again. Most people pass on the first try if they study the handbook for a few hours. There is no practical driving component at the G1 stage — it is purely knowledge-based.
Once you pass the G1, you receive a learner's permit valid for five years. You can then drive with a fully licensed driver who is at least 20 years old sitting beside you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
G1 to G2: the waiting period and professional instruction requirement
You must hold your G1 for at least 12 months before you can book a G2 test. During this time, you build driving experience with a licensed driver supervising. There is no minimum number of hours required by law, but the more you practice, the better prepared you will be.
You also need to complete at least 8 hours of professional driving instruction from a DriveTest-approved instructor before you book your G2 test. This is a hard requirement — you cannot skip it. The instruction can happen anytime during your G1 period, and many people do it in the final months before they plan to test. Your instructor will give you a certificate of completion, which you bring when you book your G2 appointment.
If you are under 20 years old, the waiting period is longer: you must hold G1 for 12 months, but you also cannot take your G2 test until you turn 16 and a half. If you turn 16 and a half before 12 months have passed, you wait until the 12-month mark.
The G2 road test: what happens during the exam
The G2 test takes place at a DriveTest centre and lasts about 30 minutes on local roads near the office. You drive while an examiner sits in the passenger seat with a clipboard, watching how you handle the vehicle and follow traffic laws. The examiner does not talk much during the drive — they are scoring your performance, not coaching you.
The test includes several standard tasks: starting the car and adjusting mirrors, driving in traffic, making left and right turns, stopping at stop signs and red lights, changing lanes, parallel parking, and backing up. The examiner may ask you to pull over and perform a three-point turn or reverse into a parking space. They are looking for smooth steering, proper use of signals, awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians, and correct responses to traffic signs.
Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb during parking, rolling through a stop sign, failing to signal a lane change, or hitting the examiner's brake pedal (which they can use if they feel unsafe). Minor mistakes do not automatically fail you — the examiner is looking at your overall control and judgment. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least two weeks and pay the fee again.
G2 to G: the optional full licence test
Once you pass your G2 test, you have a full licence with one main restriction: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a fully licensed driver is with you. For most people, this is not a problem, and they keep their G2 indefinitely.
If you want to remove the midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction, or if your job requires it, you can take the G road test. You must hold your G2 for at least 12 months before you are may be able to access. The G test is longer than the G2 — it lasts about 40 minutes and includes highway driving at higher speeds, merging, and more complex traffic situations. The test is more demanding, and some people take it multiple times before passing.
Many professional drivers, such as those who work night shifts or drive for a living, take the G test to remove restrictions. If you are not in that situation, there is no practical reason to pursue it.
How to book your test and what to bring
You book all three tests — G1, G2, and G — through ServiceOntario online at ontario.ca/drivetest or by calling 1-888-570-6110. Online booking is faster and shows you available dates and times at the DriveTest centre nearest you. You can book weeks or months in advance, depending on how busy the centre is.
When you book, you need your Ontario driver's licence number or your process number (if you have not yet received a licence). You also need a valid email address and phone number. ServiceOntario will send you a confirmation with your test date, time, and location.
On test day, bring your G1 licence (or learner's permit), proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of your professional driving instruction hours if you are taking the G2 test. For the G2 and G tests, you also need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working seat belts, mirrors, and lights. If you arrive without these documents or with an unsafe vehicle, the examiner will cancel your test and you will lose your fee.
Test fees and what they cover
The G1 written test costs a set amount that varies slightly by year; check ontario.ca/drivetest for the current fee. The G2 road test costs more because it includes the examiner's time and the use of a DriveTest centre. The G road test costs the same as the G2 test or slightly more, depending on the centre.
Fees are non-refundable if you do not show up or if you cancel less than 48 hours before your test. If you cancel more than 48 hours in advance, you can reschedule for a different date without paying again. If you fail a test, you pay the full fee again to retake it.
Professional driving instruction is separate and costs vary by instructor. A typical 8-hour package ranges widely depending on the school and your location. Shop around and ask whether the instructor offers package deals or discounts for multiple hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the G1 test if I am under 16?
No. You must be at least 16 years old to take the G1 test in Ontario. Once you pass and get your G1 licence, you can drive with a licensed supervisor, but you cannot take the G2 test until you turn 16 and a half.
What happens if I fail the G2 road test?
You can retake it after waiting at least two weeks. You must pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, so most people pass eventually. Many people take a few more driving lessons with an instructor before their second attempt.
Do I have to take the G road test to drive in Ontario?
No. The G2 licence is a full licence and lets you drive anywhere in Ontario at any time except between midnight and 5 a.m. The G test is only necessary if you want to remove that time restriction or if your employer requires it.
Can I use my phone or GPS during the road test?
No. You cannot use your phone, even hands-free, during the G2 or G road test. If you need directions, memorize the route beforehand or ask the examiner for help. Using a phone is an automatic fail.
What if I move to Ontario from another province — do I have to take all three tests?
Not necessarily. If you hold a valid licence from another Canadian province, you can exchange it for an Ontario G licence without taking any test. If your licence is from outside Canada, you may need to take the G1 and G2 tests, depending on your country of origin. Contact ServiceOntario to find out what applies to your situation.