If you are already 16 years old, you can apply for a driver's license in Ontario. As a novice, you need to undergo driving practice and gain experience. For most people, this two-step process takes about 20 months.
A driver's license in Ontario is a blue plastic card that displays your first and last name, address, date of birth, photo, and signature. This document has an expiration date, and you need to renew it before that date.
Driving in Ontario
To drive a car in Ontario, you must:
• always have a valid driver's license with you
• have a valid owner's permit, license plates, and insurance
• follow traffic and safety rules
To drive a car, van, or light truck, you will need a G class driver's license.
Applying for a Driver's License
To do this in Ontario, you must:
• be over 15 years old
• pass a vision test
• pass a test on traffic rules and signs (you can practice sign knowledge in Russian at this link)
Once you pass these tests, you will receive a G1 license. You are considered a novice driver, so you need to practice driving and gradually gain experience.
Where to Apply
Traffic Rules Knowledge Test
To apply for the test, visit:
• the DriveTest center (no appointment needed)
• the ServiceOntario Bay and College office in downtown Toronto (by appointment only)
You need to bring an original identification document containing your details: first and last name, date of birth, and signature.
Find a DriveTest center
What forms of ID are accepted?
For Canadian citizens:
• a passport (Canadian or foreign)
• a Canadian citizenship card with a photo
• a Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card (issued no earlier than December 15, 2009)
• an Ontario Photo Card
Permanent residents
• a Permanent Resident Card (PR-Card)
• a Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
• a Confirmation of Permanent Resident Status (IMM 5292) in combination with a valid passport from your home country
• an Ontario Photo Card
Temporary residents
• a study permit
• a work permit
• a temporary resident permit (IMM 1442)
• a refugee status application (IMM 1434)
• an intention to apply for refugee status confirmation (IMM 7703) with a photo
• an Ontario Photo Card
You can view the complete list of accepted documents at this link.
Fees
You will be required to pay a fee for applying for a driver's license and taking the traffic rules test. Here you can find the fee schedule.
Preparing for the Traffic Rules Test
The official handbook will help you prepare for the test. It includes all the rules as well as tips for practicing driving. You can purchase the handbook:
• online through ServiceOntario
• in the DriveTest center (cash only)
• in various retail stores
Price: $14.95 plus tax.
Preview the Handbook
Buy the Handbook Online
Visit ServiceOntario Bay and College (Toronto) or the DriveTest center
Step-by-step Driving Training
Once you complete the vision test and pass the traffic rules test, you will receive a G1 license. Before getting a full license, you will need to:
• complete two learning levels: G1 and G2
• take two practical road tests
This step-by-step process gives new drivers time to practice and gradually gain driving experience.
You have up to five years to complete the entire process. If you do not obtain a full license by then, you will have to start all over again.
G1 Driver's License
By law, if you have a G1 license, you are required to:
• maintain a zero blood alcohol content while driving
• always ensure that all passengers are securely fastened with working seatbelts
• not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
• not drive on 400-series highways or high-speed highways (e.g., 401, Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), Gardiner Expressway)
• drive with a fully licensed driver who:
- has at least four years of driving experience
- maintains a blood alcohol concentration of less than .05 (if the driver is 21 years old or younger, the blood alcohol content must be zero)
The accompanying driver must be the only passenger in the front seat. If you are driving with a certified instructor in Ontario, you can drive on any road.
In most cases, you practice with the G1 license for 12 months.
G2 Road Test
This is the first of two tests that you will need to take as a novice driver.
• You can take your first road test 12 months after obtaining your G1 license
• This test checks your basic driving skills, including:
- left and right turns
- stopping
- parallel parking
- driving on a one-way street
- lane changing
- three-point turns
- driving in residential areas
- traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs
• After passing this test, you receive a G2 license
If you have completed an accredited driving course, you can take your first road test just 8 months later.
Driving Schools in Ontario
To take the G1 road test earlier, you will need to choose a certified driving school authorized to train novice drivers.
Approved driving schools offering training courses
Unlicensed driving schools to avoid
G2 Driver's License
After passing the G1 road test, you receive a G2 license. For 12 months, you practice and gain experience. You can drive a car:
• without another experienced driver in the vehicle
• on all roads in Ontario
• in most cases at any time of day
You are still required to:
• maintain a zero blood alcohol content
• only carry as many passengers in the vehicle as there are working seatbelts
If you are under 20 years old, you are subject to some additional restrictions.
G2 Drivers Under 20 Years Old
Between midnight and 5:00 a.m. you may only drive with one passenger under 20 years old.
This rule applies for the first six months after you obtain your G2 license. After six months, during the night hours, you can carry up to three passengers under 20 years old.
This rule does not apply if:
• your passenger is a fully licensed driver (with four years of driving experience)
• your passengers are your immediate family members (e.g., parents, siblings)
G Road Test
This is the second of two road tests that novice drivers must take.
• You can take the test 12 months after obtaining your G2 license.
• The test focuses on higher-level driving skills (e.g., highway driving).
• Once you pass this test, you will receive a full G license.
To reduce the strain caused by COVID-19 restrictions, the G road test has been partially modified at both permanent and temporary DriveTest centers. Travel Point locations still offer standard road tests.
Until further notice, the G road test will not include the following elements which are already part of the G2 test:
• parallel parking
• shoulder stopping
• three-point turns
• driving in residential areas
The test will include all the basic elements, namely:
• driving on major roads and highways, narrowing roads, maintaining appropriate speed and distance, signaling and more
• turns, bends in the road, and lane changes
• intersections
• driving in city business areas
Learn more about what is included in the G road test.
What happens if you fail one of the road tests?
If your G1 license is still valid, you can retake the test.
If your G1 license has expired, you will have to start all over again and pay for the test again.
If your G2 license is about to expire, you can take the G1 test and receive another five years with a G2 license to complete the process.
How to Book a Road Test?
To do this, you will need:
• your Ontario driver's license number (with expiry date specified)
• your preferred center for taking the test
• your second and third preferred centers for taking the test
• your preferred date and time
You can book, cancel, or reschedule your road test:
• online
• by phone at 647-776-0331 or 1-888-570-6110
• in any DriveTest center
You must cancel the test at least 48 hours before the scheduled date to avoid a late cancellation fee.
Book a Road Test Online
Find a DriveTest Center
