Pass Your G Test in Ontario: Everything You Need to Know

Below, we’ll cover the latest need-to-know information about getting your G licence in Ontario, as well as some Covid-related changes to the G road test that drivers will want to be aware of.

What is the Ontario G driving test?

Also known as Level 2 road test or G2 road test

In Ontario, the G test is the second of two road tests which new drivers must complete as part of a 20-month graduated licensing process. It’s the final step towards getting your full driver’s licence: after passing the G test (sometimes called the Level 2 road test or G2 road test), drivers have full Class G driving privileges. 

According to drivetest.ca, it takes between 20 and 24 months to go through the entire graduated licensing process in Ontario. 

G1 licence vs G2 licence in Ontario

Licencing begins with the G1, which is the  first driver’s licence a new driver can obtain. The G1 licence allows you to drive a vehicle with various restrictions and conditions, including the accompaniment of a fully-licensed driver with at least 4 years of experience.

After 8 or 12 months, G1 drivers can book a road test to step to the next level, the G2. After passing this first road test, G2 licenced drivers can operate a vehicle without an accompanying driver, but remain subject to certain conditions. 

Full Class G driving privileges

The final license is called the G. Drivers with their G2 can apply for it after a year of practice. After passing the G1 level and practising your driving skills for a year with your G2, you can take the G test, which allows you to drive any car, van or small truck with some weight restrictions related to towing and trailering.

According to the Government of Ontario, drivers must pass two road tests to become fully licensed. Passing the first road test lets you move to Level Two (Class G2), and passing the second road test gives you full Class G driving privileges.

Note that having a G license is required before you can be licensed to drive other types of vehicles like buses, transport trucks, and heavy truck and trailer combinations. Motorcycles are the exception here.

How many mistakes are you allowed on your G test in Ontario?

This is a tricky question to answer, since your road test examiner uses a point-based system to evaluate your driving performance. You’ll need to achieve a minimum score of 80 percent to pass your test – though a single serious infraction can result in immediate failure, regardless of your score.

For instance, failing to check your blind spot, failing to signal or merging poorly can result in negative points, and the count racks up further if mistakes are repeated. Even with no minor mistakes, a driver may still immediately fail their test for making a serious mistake – like failing to pull over for an emergency vehicle or running a red light.

How much is a G test in Ontario & how do you book it?

The cost for the G test in Ontario is $91.25, including tax. If you fail your test, you’ll have to pay the fee to take the test again later.

Once you’ve got the required 12 months of experience with your G2 licence, it’s time to book your G road test. To do this, you’ll need your driver’s licence number (from your G2), and $91.25 to cover the road test fee.

Drivers can book their road test, and find a testing centre near them, at drivetest.ca. Once you’ve accessed the website, you’ll see a ‘Book a Road Test’ button right on the landing page. 

How to prepare for your Ontario driving test

When you arrive for your G road test, you’ll want to be confident, well-practiced, relaxed, and driving a vehicle that’s in good shape with functioning lights, turn signals, seatbelts, and a windshield free of major damage. 

If the speedometer or horn aren’t functional, if your tires are in poor shape, or if the vehicle is leaking any visible fluid, your road test may be cancelled. Ditto if it’s got a flat tire or heavy damage. 

The gist? Be sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you arrive, to avoid potential surprises. Is there enough gas in the tank? Do you have your current driver’s license with you? Have you got any prescription eyewear required for you to drive? 

You can find the full list of road test vehicle requirements here.

Arrive for your test at least a half-hour early, and head inside to check in. Just be sure to leave your pet at home, as they’re not allowed in the car during a road test. Neither are friends, relatives or translators. 

Tips for successfully passing an Ontario G test

Remember that your G road test will examine more advanced driver skills, and that you’ll be required to declare your driving experience to ensure you’ve spent sufficient time on major highways, or highways with a speed limit of at least 80 km/h, before proceeding. 

Practice makes perfect: get plenty of driving experience first

Translation? It’s best to book your G road test only after you’ve accumulated plenty of experience in a wide range of driving settings, including highways and nighttime driving.

It’s ideal for a new driver to not only have experience, but confidence, in as wide a range of settings and situations as possible. Remember, practice makes perfect.

During a road test, the driver’s skills will be put to use and evaluated. Road test elements may include parallel parking and reversing, being ready for hazardous conditions, passing vehicles, including bicycles, safe driving practices, and more.

Consult the the official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver’s Handbook

A Driver’s handbook is available from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), which helps drivers to learn and understand the important skills and information they’ll be tested on. You can find the Ontario driver’s handbook here. 

Driver training programs may be available in your locale, too. Though these aren’t mandatory, they help set new drivers up with important skills and knowledge that’s useful during both written testing and road testing. 

Here’s the full scoop on what’s covered in Ontario’s G road test.

During your road test, the examiner will give you a list of instructions to follow closely, and your performance will be monitored closely.

Few tips to help pass the G test in Ontario:

To help lower stress levels and improve your driving performance, follow a few simple steps.

First, be sure you’re sitting in an upright and erect position that makes it easy for you to keep your chin up, and eyes looking far up the road. The further a driver looks up the road, the more time they have to react to potential hazards, and to maneuver in traffic ahead of upcoming turns.

Keeping your eyes trained up the road also visually slows the rate at which the forward scenery comes towards you, which can help reduce stress levels and improve focus for some drivers.

Second, keep well back from other cars in traffic, leaving a generous following distance. This allows drivers to see more of their forward surroundings, making it easier to gather quality information about their driving environment.

Third, consider slightly opening a window in lower-speed driving situations. Ensure you’re able to clearly hear your examiner, but use the open window for an audible reinforcement of what’s going on in your driving environment – perhaps listening for incoming cars as you parallel park, or incoming pedestrians as you back into a roadway.

These small tips make it easier for driver’s to get a complete picture of what’s going on in their immediate surroundings, which can help improve driver performance and lower stress levels.

Note that a clean and clutter-free cabin can make for a less stressful drive, too. 

What you need to drive in Ontario: locals and visitors

To drive a car in Ontario, you need to be at least 16 years old and have a valid Ontario driver’s license. 

Visitors to the province who want to drive here must also be 16 years old, and have a valid driver’s license from their own province, state, or country. If you’re visiting Ontario for more than 3 months, you’ll require an International Driver’s Permit from your own country as well.

COVID-19 changes to Ontario road testing

According to Drivetest.ca (and at time of writing), the G road test has been altered at some testing centres. Until further notice, the G road test will not include elements already covered in the G2 test, including roadside stops, parallel parking and the 3-point turn.