So, you're interested in getting your driver's license in Ontario, you've just come from my step 1 blog post here, and completed your G1?
Well, depending on whether you have some foreign driving experience, or if you've never driven before, then you'll either be able to skip the G2 and go onto the G, or your next step will be taking the G2.
The G2 is the second of the three-step process it takes to become a fully licensed driver in the province of Ontario.
If you have no foreign driving experience or were not able to get any foreign driving experience credit, and your next step is to advance to the G2, then this post here is for you!
Remember from my original post: If you have a minimum of 24 months of driving experience in the last 3 years, you can cut down the waiting time it takes to progress through Ontario's licensing system immensely, get credit for previous driving experience, and pay a reduced price when going to take your G1 knowledge test.
This is stated on the Ontario government website right here in the section "2+ year driving experience (no exchange)"
However, this post is dedicated to those of you who will be advancing through the Ontario driving program as though you are a new driver.
Once you've completed, and passed the G1 knowledge test, which can be completed at any DriveTest Centre, or the ServiceOntario office located at 777 Bay Street, Lower Level, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C8, you'll go onto book your G1 exit test, that once passed, will grant you your G2 license.
Your next step is to find a driving school to begin formally practicing, as your first road test is well, on the road.
◉ 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.
I was lucky enough to not have to do the G2 as I had a foreign driving credit due to having my Trinidad & Tobago driver's license for more than two years, so this post is a compilation of research and details of the experience from friends of mine, but the process is relatively similar to that of getting your G license.
Advancing in the Ontario Licensing process: What is a G2 license?
As mentioned above, the G2 license is the second of three licenses you can get as you move through the Ontario licensing program.
Once you've completed the theory-based G1 test and earned your G1, your next step is to book your first of two road tests, the G2 road test, also referred to as the G1 exit test.
Think of it as moving on to becoming an intermediate-level driver, as once you successfully pass this road test and earn your G2 license, you have even fewer limitations and restrictions than someone with just a G1 license.
The G2 test can be booked either online, over the phone, or in person at a DriveTest cente, though 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 G1 driver's license number nearby, whether on your temporary license or the plastic card if you already have it, as you'll need to input this number in order to book the test.
Several driving schools also go ahead and book the test for you (usually for an additional fee). If this is something you would like them to do, ensure that you inquire about this early on to the driving school or instructor you sign up with.
G2 road test/G1 exit test fees
When you first start off with the G1, you were required to pay a total of $159.75.
Note that this package does include one G1 exit test attempt.
If you don't pass this first driving test, however, you'll be required to pay an additional $53.75 to take the G1 exit test per extra attempt.
(Reminder: 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.
One of the main things you need to keep in mind is that when progressing through the Ontario licensing program as a new driver, there are several waiting periods in place, to ensure that you can get as much driving practice before going for the official tests.
Once you've received your G1 license, you have to wait a minimum total of 12 months before you can take your first road test.
Note, however, that this wait time can be cut down to eight (8) months if you successfully complete a government-approved driver education course (According to the Government of Ontario website here)
These courses are offered by a number of government-approved driving schools. For more on this, including a list of the government-approved driving schools, check out this link here.
Please note that the school you choose must have a certification allowing them to teach new drivers, in order to have your waiting time cut down by the four months.
Driving schools & their fees
There are a vast number of driving schools that can be found around the GTA, but their prices can also vary substantially.
For a list of government-approved driving schools in Ontario, tap here.
Choosing a driving school also depends on how much practice you think you'll need, and also if you'll be renting the instructor's/driving school's car for your driving test.
If renting the car for the road test, be prepared to shell out an additional $150 - $250+ (and remember most prices in Canada add tax afterwards.)
Prices can also range based on the popularity of the driving school.
Booking/renting the instructor's car (unless you were using another car to practice with) is always a recommended option, especially as a new driver, as the car you'll be practicing in is the one you'll be most familiar and comfortable with.
Additionally, the DriveTest centres do not provide any cars for the test, which is why you'll need to bring your own car.
Many government-approved driving schools also offer packages that include several lessons in addition to renting the car, but I've noticed that these options also vary based on location, and where you'll be taking your driving test on the official test day.
(For example, a driving school in Toronto may not allow you to rent the car to take a driving exam in a DriveTest Centre in Oshawa.)
Regarding some examples on what to expect for prices, ABM driving school (tap here for pricing) offers packages with their lowest price as $588.00CAD, which includes 10 hours of in-car training, 20 hours of in-class sessions and certification with the Ministry of Transport allowing you to take the driving test at 8 months instead of 12.
On the other end, their most expensive package costs $943.00CAD for 15 in-car training hours, 20 in-class sessions, the certification from the Ministry, and the use of the instructor's car for the test.
If you're not interested in cutting the wait time down for you to take your first road test, some schools also just offer packaged driving classes, such as this school, Today's drivers (tap here for pricing) where you can get 5 lessons for as low as $249.00CAD + tax. One lesson lasts about 40 minutes - 1 hour.
It's also often recommended that you book a class for the day of your driving test to get that last bit of practice in before the big moment.
It's up to you to determine how much practice you think you'll need, what your budget is, if you'll be doing the certification to cut the wait time (note this will affect the cost you pay) and how comfortable you are with the instructor once you decide on a school.
*Side note: Check out this post here for the vehicle requirements for the test.
The G2 road test (aka, the G1 exit test)
In terms of the actual test itself, one of the primary differences between the G1 exit test/G2 road test, and your third and final G test, is that this first road test does not test your driving experience on 400 series freeways and highways.
According to online reports, the test lasts a total of 20-30 minutes, and tests some of the following aspects:
◉ 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.
◉ Parallel parking.
◉ Reverse parking.
◉ 3-point turn.
◉ Driving in residential neighbourhoods and communities.
◉ Parking on hills.
◉ Emergency stops.
Examiners may not test you on every single element listed above, 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.
On test day, whether you decide to do one last practice session with your instructor prior to the test or just decide to go straight to the test centre, they recommend persons get there a minimum of thirty (30) minutes in advance of your booked test time.
Upon arrival, you'll have to go into the DriveTest location to inform them of your 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 you'll be using for your test is located in, as this is how the DriveTest examiner will know which car to enter when it's time to take you for your test.
The examiner will come over and inspect the car and will ask you to test a number of vehicular elements prior to starting the test, such as testing out the headlights, brake lights and signals, and the horn.
The driving instructor will be asked to exit the car as the examiner enters, and they provide you with some instructions, making it clear that they will not ask you to do anything illegal, and then your test will begin.
During the test itself, the instructor will give you directions to follow a route, and during this route you'll be asked to demonstrate the elements I listed above (eg. indicator usage, 3-point turn, emergency stop etc.)
The route you take for the test will essentially take you back to the DriveTest location, and the examiner will then let you know if you've passed or failed, and provide any feedback.
Once you've passed, you'll now be able to practice driving on the 400 series highways (as this is a major component of the second and final driving test before you become a fully licensed driver.)
You'll have to wait another minimum of 12 months before you can take the G road test, giving you some more time to practice as this is arguably a 'harder' and more advanced driving test since it has the highway component. (For those of you unfamiliar with Canada's roads, there are LOADS of huge, vast highways, with numerous lanes.)
Upon passing, you'll receive a new temporary G2 driving license, and the physical plastic card will be sent via the mail.
Rules as a G2 driver: G2 License Regulations & Restrictions.
As a G2 driver, you have fewer limitations as a G1 driver, but there are still some things you need to keep in mind, as you're not a fully autonomous, licensed driver just yet, with full driving privileges.
In my research when preparing this post, I came across a few different lists of the regulations and restrictions you have as a G2 driver.
Here are a few pulled from the Government of Ontario website:
With a G2 license, You can now drive:
◉ without another experienced driver in the car
◉ on all Ontario roads
◉ at any time of the day, in most cases
◉ You must always have a zero blood alcohol level
◉ You can only carry as many passengers as there are working seatbelts
Note: If you are 19 years old and under, then within the first 6 months of having your G2: Between midnight and 5:00 a.m: you can only drive with one passenger who is 19 or under in your car.
After six months, you can drive with up to three passengers 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m. UNLESS: you have a fully licensed driver in the car (with four years plus experience driving or if the passengers are immediate family members like a parent or sibling.)
A big perk between the G1 and G2 licenses also, is that with a G2 license, you can purchase a car and register yourself as the owner. Note that you will also be required to take an insurance policy.
Keep in mind however that as you'll be considered a 'newer driver' don't be surprised at the premiums being a bit higher than anticipated.
Before I end off this post, Remember: From the moment you acquire your G1 license, you have a total of five (5) years to advance through the process from getting your 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.
Practice well, and use as much of the waiting time in-between earning your G1 and going for the G2 test to get more familiar with the Canadian roads!
Stay safe out there!
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