Learn to Drive: Ontario's Graduated Licensing System

Getting a full driver's licence in Ontario happens in stages, not one test. Here's exactly what each stage requires, with a worked example.

This page is not official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) material and may not reflect the latest rules. Always confirm current requirements at ontario.ca or with a ServiceOntario centre before relying on it.

  1. G1

    Pass vision + knowledge test

    Visit a DriveTest centre, pass a vision test and a two-part knowledge test on signs and rules of the road. You must be at least 16. This gets you your G1 licence and lets you start in-car lessons with a certified instructor.

    Example: Maya, 16, studies the Driver's Handbook for two weeks, books a DriveTest appointment, and passes her G1 on the first try.

  2. G1 → G2

    8–12 months of G1 driving

    Drive only with a fully licensed supervisor in the front seat. The G1 stage is normally 12 months, reduced to 8 months if you complete an approved driver-education course — our lesson packages count toward this.

    Example: Maya takes a Confidence package (10 lessons), practices with her parents on weekends, and qualifies for the 8-month reduced wait.

  3. G2 road test

    Pass the G2 road test

    A road test covering city driving: intersections, lane changes, parking, and basic manoeuvres. Passing gives you a G2 licence, which lets you drive unsupervised with some conditions (such as novice BAC rules).

    Example: Maya books a mock test with her instructor the week before, then passes her real G2 road test on the first attempt.

  4. G2 → G

    12 months of G2 driving

    Hold your G2 for at least 12 months. This is a good window for highway driving experience, since the final G road test expects it.

    Example: Maya books our Highway and Night Add-on sessions to get comfortable on Highway 401 before her final test.

  5. G road test

    Pass the final G road test

    Covers more advanced skills, including highway driving. At full-time DriveTest centres it does not re-test skills already proven on the G2 test. Passing removes novice conditions and gives you a full G licence.

    Example: Maya passes her G road test about 20 months after starting, and is now fully licensed.

How long does it actually take?

At minimum, about 20 months from your first G1 test to a full G licence (8 months at G1 with an approved course, plus 12 months at G2). You have up to 5 years to complete the whole process before you'd need to start over.

Go deeper

See the full graduated licensing referencein our MTO Resources Hub, or book a packageto start.

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