So you've finally made it to the end of the Ontario driver's licensing process.
You've completed the G1, and passed your G2 test, 12 months have passed and you're ready for that last plunge, the dreaded G test!
Well.. dreaded is an exaggeration, but the G test is considered the most advanced of the three driving tests, as this second and final road test requires you to drive on the big series-400 highways.
Canada is no stranger to huge, vast, wide highways, so it's understandable if this test makes you a bit more nervous than the other two did. It definitely had me shitting bricks, but once you get that practice in you'll be fine.
One test away from becoming a fully licensed driver in Ontario!
◉ In this post I'll be going into the following*:
*Tap on any of the selections above to be taken to that section of the post.
Advancing in the Ontario Licensing process: What is a G license?
As mentioned above, the Ontario driving process has three steps, the G1/theory test, the G2 road test (G1 exit test), and the final G test (G2 exit test.)
Your G test is the last step in becoming a fully licensed driver, once you pass this test.
Similarly to the G2 road test, the G road test can be booked either online, over the phone, or in person at a DriveTest cente, though again, I would recommend trying online first, as you'd probably get through the fastest this way.
More on how to book the road test can be found at this link here.
When you log on to book the test, ensure you have your driver's license number nearby, as you'll need to input this number in order to book the test.
If you continued practicing with a government-approved driving school, then remember that (oftentimes for an additional fee) they can book the test for you.
Always inquire beforehand if this would be something you'd be interested in, but you should be able to book the test on your own no problem.
While examiners obviously don't release the exact testing routes, you can always ask your driving instructor to practice driving in and around the area in which you'll be taking your road test, to become more familiar with the roads you may have to drive on, on the official test day.
G road test/G2 Exit test fees
As I mentioned in my other two "Getting a Canadian Driver's license in Ontario" posts, when you start from the beginning of the license earning process and pay the G1 licensing package of $159.75CAD, this includes one G2 road test attempt.
Note however that the G test attempt (and any subsequent ones you may have to take in case you don't pass the first time) is not included in the package.
As a result, regardless of whether it's your first G test or your third*, you'll have to pay a total of $91.25CAD for each attempt.
(*Note: Similarly to the G2 test, if you do fail, you'll have to wait a total of ten (10) days before you can book another attempt)
Here's a screenshot of the fee breakdowns from this link here.
Remember that there are several waiting periods encompassed in becoming a fully licensed driver in Ontario.
You'll have to have had, and practiced with a G2 license for a total of 12 months before you can go ahead and book and take the G test.
Ensure you get as much practice as possible, as the G test is a more advanced test.
So much so that prior to taking the G test, the examiner on the day will have you read and sign the Declaration of Highway Driving Experience, for you to confirm that you’ve driven on highways in Ontario that have a speed limit of 80km/h or above for a minimum of at least 5 times.
The G road test (aka, the G2 exit test)
As I've mentioned in this post a couple times, the G test's most advanced testing component is driving on highways, but it includes several elements of the G2 test as well.
According to online reports, the G test is a little longer, lasting for about 30-40 minutes, and tests some of the following aspects:
◉ Entering, merging within, and exiting a highway
◉ Driving basics: Eg. starting and stopping your vehicle, use of indicators before turning
◉ Obeying traffic signs and lights, stop and yield signs, showing a clear understanding of road rules eg. speed limits
◉ Lane changing/Lane changing on the highway
◉ Parallel parking
◉ Reverse parking
◉ 3-point turn
◉ Driving in residential neighborhoods and communities
◉ Parking on hills
◉ Emergency stops
Examiners may not ask for all of these things, but ensure you practice as many as possible as you won't know what the examiner will ask of you until the day of the test itself.
Additionally, due to backlogs at numerous DriveTest centres due to Covid-19, last year the government announced that the G tests would be modified, to remove some of the elements that would've already been tested during the G2 test.
Some of these include: ◉ Parallel parking
◉ Roadside stops
◉ 3-point turn
◉ driving in residential neighbourhoods
They did note however that the G test will still include some of the primary tested elements such as:
◉ Driving on major roads and expressways including merging on and off, maintaining appropriate speed and space, signaling, and more
◉ Turns, curves, and lane changes
◉ Intersections
◉ Driving in business areas
For more on everything included in the G test typically, check out this link here.
Again here, with this being a more advanced test, it's always good to get some practice on the day of your test.
My test was at 8:30am on a Saturday morning, and I got one last lesson done about an hour before that, before driving over to the testing centre.
Similarly to test day for the G2, upon arrival, you'll have to go into the DriveTest location to confirm you have a scheduled test taking place on the day, and they'll ask you for information such as your driving license number, the make, model, colour, and license plate of the car you'll be driving, and possibly the driving school you were practicing with (if this applies to you.)
You'll also be asked which parking spot the car is located in, as this is how the DriveTest examiner will know which car to enter when it's time for you to take your test.
As usual, the examiner will come over and inspect the car, may ask you to test things like the headlights, brake lights and signals, and the horn, and as I mentioned previously, will ask you how many times you've driven on a major highway before coming in for your G test.
After this, they provide you with some instructions, again, making it clear that they will not ask you to do anything illegal, and then your test will begin.
You'll be provided with instructors to follow a route. For the G test, the route will take you onto the highway, you'll have to merge onto the highway, change lanes, and exit the highway.
Always bear in mind the speed limit, and your surroundings, especially on the highways.
Depending on the instructor, you may still get tested on a few other G2 test components, then be instructed to drive back to the DriveTest centre, and the examiner will then let you know if you've passed or failed, and provide any feedback.
Once you've passed, that's it, you're a fully licensed driver in Ontario, and the proud owner of a G license!
Regulations as a G driver:
As a fully licensed G driver, you aren't subject to the same limitations as a G1 or G2 driver, as you can now drive unaccompanied at any time of day, with the most obvious regulation being that you don't drive under the influence, whether it be alcohol or any mind-impairing drugs, and always obey all the rules of the road.
Once you get that physical license in the mail, that's it. All you'll need to do from there moving forward is to renew your driver's license when the expiry date draws near, or if you move, inform them of your new address as soon as possible (since your address is noted on the license.)
If it's within your budget, you can start car shopping, and can expect to pay less money on premiums than you would as a G2 driver.
Before I close off this post, remember: From the moment you acquire your G1 license, you have a total of five (5) years to move through the process from G1 to G2, to becoming a fully licensed G driver.
Beyond the five years, you may be required to repeat the entire process from the start of getting the G1 if you don't complete the entire process within the stipulated time.
Now go forth, and stay safe on the roads!
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