Obtaining driver's licenses in Canada is regulated by provinces and territories, so the rules vary depending on your place of residence. In Ontario, there is a graduated system for new drivers: first, you must obtain a G1 license, then a G2 license, and finally full G class license.
Let’s take a closer look at how to obtain a driver's license in Ontario, what exams are required, how long the entire process takes, and what to do if you already have a driver's license or driving experience from another country.
Driver's Licenses in Ontario
What type of driver's license is required for a regular car in Ontario?
A G class license is required to operate a regular passenger vehicle, van, or small truck. A new driver goes through three stages: G1, G2, and full G license.
What are G1, G2, and G?
G1 is the first level, where the driver can only drive with an experienced accompanying driver and with certain restrictions. G2 allows for independent driving, but some restrictions remain. G is the full driver's license.
At what age can one obtain a driver's license in Ontario?
You can apply for a license starting at 16 years old. You must be a resident of Ontario, pass a vision test, and take a written test on traffic rules and signs.
Do you need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to obtain a license?
No. Some temporary residents of Canada can also obtain a license. Starting May 11, 2026, when applying for a G class license, you must confirm that Ontario is your primary residence and that you are in Canada legally.
How to Get G1 in Ontario
What is a G1 license?
G1 is the first step in obtaining a driver's license in Ontario. To obtain a G1, you must pass a vision test and take a written exam.
Where can you take the G1 test?
The written exam can be taken at a DriveTest center. Generally, prior booking is not required. At the ServiceOntario center at the intersection of Bay Street and College Street in Toronto, the exam is also available, but prior booking is required there.
What documents are needed to obtain a G1?
You must provide original documents that confirm your name and date of birth. For temporary residents, acceptable documents may include a work permit, study permit, visitor record, and some other immigration documents.
Is a vision test required?
Yes. A vision test is a mandatory part of obtaining a G1. If you need glasses or contact lenses for driving, you must bring them with you.
G1 Theoretical Exam
What does the G1 exam test?
The exam tests knowledge of traffic rules and road signs. The questions are based on the official driver’s manual from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
How is the G1 exam conducted?
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions. It typically takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. There is no time limit, but you must finish the test before the testing center closes.
How many correct answers are needed to pass the G1?
You must score at least 80% to pass.
Can you take the G1 in Russian?
Yes. The G1 theoretical exam is available in Russian. It is also offered in Ukrainian and many other languages.
What happens if you don’t pass the G1 the first time?
You can retake the exam by paying a fee for the next attempt. Test results are valid for one year, so when retaking during that period, you usually only need to retake the part of the exam that was not successfully completed.
Restrictions with a G1 License
Can you drive alone with a G1?
No. You must have a driver with a full G class license or higher and at least four years of driving experience sitting in the front passenger seat.
Can you drive at night with a G1?
No. Driving is prohibited from midnight until 5 AM with a G1.
Can you drive on the highway with a G1?
Generally, you cannot drive on Highway 400 series and some other highways, including Queen Elizabeth Way, Don Valley Parkway, and Gardiner Expressway. There is an exception if a licensed driving instructor from Ontario is present.
Can you consume alcohol before driving with a G1?
No. There is a zero blood alcohol content requirement for G1 drivers.
Can you transport passengers with a G1?
Yes, but each passenger must have a separate working seat belt. However, the accompanying experienced driver must be the only person in the front passenger seat.
How to Get G2
When can you take the G2 test after getting G1?
Generally, you must hold the G1 for 12 months. After that, you can take the first road test and obtain a G2.
Can you reduce the 12-month waiting period?
Yes. If you complete an Ontario Ministry of Transportation approved beginner driver educational course, you can reduce the waiting time from 12 months to 8 months.
Is attending driving school mandatory?
No. Attending driving school is not a requirement to obtain a G2. However, completing a government-approved course allows you to take the road test sooner.
What does the G2 exam test?
The first road exam tests basic driving skills such as turns, stops, lane changes, parallel parking, three-point turns, driving on residential streets, and obeying traffic signals and signs.
Do you need to provide a vehicle for the exam?
Yes. The candidate must arrive at the exam with an appropriate vehicle that is in good working order, registered, and insured.
Can you take the G2 exam in your own car?
Yes, if the vehicle meets the requirements. You can also use an appropriate driving school vehicle or another vehicle you are permitted to drive.
Can you use a rearview camera and electronic aids during the exam?
Electronic systems that perform driving tasks for the candidate, such as automatic parking, cannot be used. The examiner must see that the driver is independently performing necessary checks and maneuvers.
G2 Licenses
Can you drive alone with a G2?
Yes. After obtaining a G2, you can drive without an accompanying experienced driver.
Can you drive on highways with a G2?
Yes. With a G2, you can drive on all roads in Ontario, including highways.
Can you drive at night with a G2?
In most cases — yes. However, additional restrictions on the number of young passengers at night apply to G2 drivers aged 19 and younger.
Can you consume alcohol before driving with a G2?
There is a zero blood alcohol content requirement for novice drivers with a G2.
What restrictions apply to G2 drivers younger than 20?
For the first six months after obtaining a G2, drivers aged 19 and younger can carry only one passenger aged 19 or younger from midnight to 5 AM. After the first six months, they may carry up to three such passengers. There are exceptions, particularly for close relatives and cases where a fully licensed experienced driver is present in the vehicle.
How to Get Full G License
When can you take the G test?
Generally, you can take the road test for a full G license after 12 months with a G2.
What does the G exam test?
This exam tests more advanced driving skills, including driving on major roads and highways, merging onto and exiting from highways, speed selection and distance, lane changes, navigating intersections, and other skills.
Do you need highway driving experience before the G exam?
Yes. You must indicate your experience driving on roads with speed limits of at least 80 km/h before the exam.
Is parallel parking tested in the G exam?
In full testing centers, the shortened version of the G exam does not include some elements that have already been evaluated in the previous exam, including parallel parking, stopping at the roadside, and three-point turns. At some temporary testing locations, the exam format may differ.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain a License
How long does it take to go from G1 to G?
The standard process takes at least 24 months: usually 12 months from G1 to G2 and another 12 months from G2 to G. By taking an approved educational course, the first period can be reduced to 8 months, so the minimum duration can be about 20 months.
How long do you have to obtain a full G license?
You generally have up to five years to complete the entire graduated system.
What happens if you do not obtain a G within five years?
Depending on what stage the driver is at and when their license expires, they may need to retake the exam or return to an earlier stage. If the deadline is approaching, it's better to check the available options in DriveTest in advance.
What to Do if You Fail the Road Test
Can you retake G2 or G after a failed attempt?
Yes. The road exam can be retaken.
How long do you have to wait after failing the road test?
There must be at least 10 days between attempts.
Do you need to pay again for the exam?
Yes. A fee is charged for retaking road exams.
How Much Does It Cost to Obtain a Driver's License in Ontario
How much does obtaining G1 cost?
As of 2026, the package for a new G class driver costs $159.75. This includes the written exam, the first road test for obtaining a G2, and a five-year driver's license.
How much does it cost to retake the theoretical exam?
An additional attempt at the theoretical exam costs $16.
How much does the G2 road exam cost?
The separate cost for the G2 road exam is $53.75.
How much does the exam for a full G license cost?
The road exam for obtaining a full G license costs $91.25.
Can prices change?
Yes. Fees are set by the Ontario government and can change, so it's a good idea to check current rates before making a payment.
Foreign Driver's Licenses in Ontario
Can you drive in Ontario with a foreign driver's license?
A new resident of Ontario can use a valid license from another province, territory, state, or country for up to 60 days after moving. After that, you need to obtain an Ontario driver's license.
Can you exchange a foreign license for an Ontario license?
This depends on the country that issued the license. Ontario has reciprocal agreements with several countries and territories regarding the exchange of driver's licenses.
Can you exchange Ukrainian driver's licenses in Ontario?
Yes. Ukraine is on the list of countries with which Ontario has an agreement for exchanging driver's licenses. The specific outcome of the exchange depends on the license class, driving experience, and documents provided.
What if the country does not have an exchange agreement with Ontario?
In this case, foreign driving experience may still be recognized. Required exams and waiting periods depend on the applicant's proven experience and documents.
How has foreign driving experience recognition changed as of 2026?
Starting July 1, 2026, for licenses from countries that do not have an exchange agreement with Ontario, you can receive credit for up to one year of driving experience by providing valid original foreign licenses and an official document confirming their authenticity and duration.
What should the document proving foreign driving experience include?
The document must be an official letter from the government agency or institution that issued the driver's license, confirming its authenticity and must be written in English or French.
Is it required to translate foreign driver's licenses?
If the licenses are not in English or French, a translation done by a qualified translator is required. For exchanging foreign licenses, the translation must be current — dated no more than six months before the application submission.
Driving School and Driving Lessons
Is it mandatory to complete a full driving school course?
No. A new driver can prepare for the theoretical exam on their own and practice with an appropriate accompanying driver. However, training with a professional instructor can help prepare for the road test.
What is the advantage of an officially approved course?
If you complete an Ontario Ministry of Transportation approved beginner driver educational course, you can take the first road test after 8 months of holding a G1 instead of the standard 12 months.
Can you just take individual driving lessons?
Yes. If a full course is not needed, you can take practical lessons with an instructor in preparation for G2 or G. However, taking individual lessons alone does not reduce the mandatory G1 period to 8 months—an approved course is required for that.
Booking a Road Test
Do you need to book G2 and G road tests in advance?
Yes. Road tests must be booked in advance. You can book through DriveTest.
Should you arrive early?
The official guidelines recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled road test.
Can you bring a translator to the road test?
No. During the road test, only the driver and the examiner are in the vehicle. Friends, relatives, instructors, and translators cannot accompany the candidate during the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driver's Licenses in Ontario
Can you obtain a G license without going through G1 and G2?
A phased system G1–G2–G applies to new drivers without recognized prior experience. The order may differ for experienced drivers with foreign licenses depending on the country of issuance, experience, and documents.
Can you buy a car with a G1?
Having a G1 does not by itself prohibit you from buying a car. However, to legally operate the vehicle, you must adhere to G1 restrictions, and the vehicle must be registered and insured to be used on the road.
Can you get car insurance with a G1?
The ability to obtain insurance and the cost depend on the insurer and the specific situation. The status of a new driver may significantly influence the cost of insurance.
Can you take the G1 without knowing English?
Yes. The G1 theoretical exam is offered in dozens of languages, including Russian and Ukrainian.
Where is the best place to prepare for G1?
The main source for preparation is the official driver’s manual from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. The questions on the theoretical exam are based on its contents.
What are the differences between G1, G2, and G?
G1 is intended for learning under the supervision of an experienced driver and has the strictest restrictions. G2 allows for independent driving on Ontario roads, but the driver is still considered a novice. G is the full G class driver's license.
