Guide To The Ontario G2 Road Test

G2 Test Requirements

Before you book your G2 driving test, you’ll want to make sure you’ve had your G1 license for at least 12 months. If you’ve completed a government-approved driving education course, you can book your G2 test after 8 months instead. 

You might also be asked to complete a road test if you meet the following conditions:

• If you are a foreign driver, you might be asked to complete at least one road test depending on your country of origin and level of documented experience.
• If you are renewing an expired license that was a G1 or G2 license, or a full G license that expired more than 12 months ago.
• If you are renewing your license and are 80 years of age or older, you might be asked to pass a driving exam.
• If you are reinstating a license that was suspended 3+ years ago.
  
  
  

What Does the Ontario G2 Road Test Consist Of?

The G2 road test consists of 7 main sections, as listed on the DriveTest examiner score sheet. During the test, your examiner will evaluate each section with a pass or deduct points for errors. 

Here are the 7 sections you will be graded on during your G2 test:

1. Start — the ability to safely leave your parking space
2. Backing — reversing and executing a 3-point turn
3. Driving Along — properly managing speed, right of way, and lane changes
4. Intersections / Railroad Crossing — obeying traffic signals, crosswalks, and stop signs
5. Turns — proper signaling, speed, and steering during both left and right turns
6. Parking — reverse and/or parallel parking
7. Stop, Park, and Start on a Grade — parking uphill or downhill with properly angled wheels

You’ll also be able to download your road test results outlining your score in each section after you complete your test.

G2 Road Test Checklist

To pass your G2 test, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have the basic skills necessary to drive safely. You will be assessed on specific maneuvers as well as general safety habits while in your car. To do well in each section of the road test, make sure you are comfortable with your vehicle and that you can follow the rules of the road. 

Here is a handy checklist of skills to practice before your G2 exam:

• Turning on the vehicle
• Checking your safety devices (including signal lights, brake lights, headlights, parking brake)
• Fastening your seatbelt
• Constantly checking your mirrors and surroundings
• Proper signal use
• Driving the speed limit
• Forward, reverse, and parallel parking
• Three point turn
• Driving through controlled intersections
• Obeying traffic lights, signs, and right of way
• Making a turn in an intersection, both left and right 
• Driving in passing lanes and passing other vehicles
• Changing lanes
• Roadside or emergency stop
• Properly angled wheels when parking uphill or downhill

On the day of your road test, make sure you bring the following:

• A vehicle in good working order
• Glasses or contact lenses (if required to drive)
• Money for test fees
• Your G1 License
• Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment to check in and complete registration

How to Book a G2 Test in Ontario

The G2 test requires advanced booking through DriveTest. You can book a road test online through their website, in person at your local DriveTest centre, or by phone at 647-776-0331.

G2 Road Test Fee

All driver’s license tests have fees that you will have to pay every time you take them. Each attempt to take or retake a G2 test in Ontario costs $53.75. Here is a breakdown of the various fees you can pay for a test or test package:

Test Fees:

• Class G1 licence package (includes knowledge test, G2 road test and a five-year licence), $159.75
• Knowledge Test (per extra attempt), $16.00
• One G2 Road Test attempt, $53.75
• One G Road Test attempt, $91.25
• Five-year license fee (renewal, reinstatement or foreign license exchange), $90.00
• Foreign license application package (includes five-year license, knowledge test; does not include any extra testing), $106.00

You can pay with almost any method. DriveTest accepts cash, credit card, debit card, business or personal cheques, bank drafts, money orders, or traveller’s cheques.

What are the Restrictions on a G2 License?

Once you have your G2 License, you can drive independently without anyone else in the car. You can also drive on all Ontario roads, including highways and expressways. While you have more privileges compared to a G1, there are still a few G2 restrictions:

• Your blood alcohol level must be zero
• Each person in the car must wear a seatbelt
• Between midnight and 5 a.m., you can drive with only one passenger aged 19 or under for the first six months, and three passengers aged 19 or under after six months or after you turn 20
  
  

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What happens if I fail my G2 test?

If you fail your G2 drive test, you must wait 10 days before taking it again. Depending on the time of the year, this could take longer if no bookings are available. You can continue to retry your G2 test as long as your G1 license has not expired (normally 5 years from date of issue). 

How many mistakes are allowed in the G2 test in Ontario?

There is no set number of mistakes that could lead to failing a G2 exam. For instance, minor infractions like merging too late or failing to signal could lead to negative points. At the same time, one major mistake, such as speeding in a school zone, would be grounds for an immediate failure. However, making too many minor mistakes could also lead to failing the exam.

What is an automatic fail on a driving test in Ontario?

Any error that endangers yourself or others, or that breaks a law, is considered a major error and can cause an automatic fail on a G2 road test. This includes losing control of your vehicle, getting into a collision, driving off the road or onto a curb, rolling stops, speeding, failing to yield to a pedestrian, etc.

How long do you have to wait for the G2 road test in Ontario?

New drivers must wait 8 to 12 months after passing the G1 written exam before applying for their G2 license. If you complete a certified driving school course, you only have to wait for 8 months instead of the full year.

Do you parallel park on the G2 road test?

Parallel parking is typically part of the G2 test, though some examiners may ask you to reverse park instead. You should still practice parallel parking prior to your test in case it is required.

Does a G2 road test go on the highway?

The G2 road test (G1 exit test) does not include a highway component. Highways are tested on the next level, the G road test (also known as the G2 exit test).

You might also be interested in these guides:

How to Exchange a Foreign License for an Ontario Driver’s License
How to Renew, Replace or Reinstate Your Driver’s License