How licensing works in Ontario
Ontario uses graduated licensing. New drivers start with a G1 licence, move to G2 and finally get a full G licence. Each step adds more freedom as you gain experience. You have five years to finish the whole system. If you do not reach a full G in that time, you have to start again.
| Stage | How you get it | Minimum time |
|---|---|---|
| G1 | Be at least 16, pass a vision test and the knowledge test | 12 months, or 8 months with an approved driver education course |
| G2 | Pass the G1 road test | At least 12 months |
| Full G | Pass the G road test | No limit |
G1 rules
- Zero alcohol. Your blood alcohol level must be zero.
- Never alone. An accompanying driver must sit in the front passenger seat. They must hold a Class G licence or higher, have at least four years of driving experience and a blood alcohol level below 0.05% (zero if they are 21 or under).
- No one else in the front seat except the accompanying driver.
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
- No 400-series highways with limits over 80 km/h, and no listed high-speed expressways such as the QEW, Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway, unless your accompanying driver is a driving instructor.
- One seatbelt per person. Everyone in the car needs a working seatbelt.
G2 rules
At G2 you may drive alone, but your blood alcohol level must still be zero and everyone needs a working seatbelt. If you are 19 or under, there are passenger limits between midnight and 5 a.m.:
- First six months of G2: only one passenger aged 19 or under.
- After six months, until you get your full G or turn 20: up to three passengers aged 19 or under.
- These limits do not apply if a fully licensed driver sits in the front passenger seat, or if the passengers are immediate family.
The G1 knowledge test
The knowledge test checks what you know about the rules of the road and traffic signs. DriveTest says it has two or three sections and you need a total score of at least 80% to pass. There is no time limit, and most people take 20 to 30 minutes.
You do not need an appointment at a DriveTest centre. Arrive at least an hour before closing. You can also take the test at ServiceOntario at Bay and College in Toronto, by appointment. Computer tests are offered in 32 languages, including English and French, and paper tests are available at every centre. The test cannot be taken online at home.
What to bring
- Two pieces of original, valid identification showing your legal name and date of birth. Photocopies and expired documents are not accepted.
- The test fee (cash, debit or credit).
- Glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive. You take a vision test first.
If you fail, pay the fee and try again. Your results count for one year, so you only retake the sections you did not pass.
Rules that are specific to Ontario
Speed limits
If no sign is posted, the limit is 50 km/h in cities, towns and villages and 80 km/h elsewhere.
School buses
When a school bus stops with its red lights flashing, traffic from both directions must stop. If you are behind the bus, stop at least 20 metres back. Wait until the bus moves or the lights stop flashing. On a road with a median, only traffic behind the bus must stop. A first offence brings a fine and six demerit points.
On a road with a median, only traffic travelling in the same direction as the bus must stop.
- Car 1, behind the bus on the same side, stops at least 20 metres back.
- Car 2, across the median, keeps going with care.
Pedestrians and crossings
At pedestrian crossovers and school crossings, wait until the pedestrians and any crossing guard are safely on the sidewalk before you go. Do not pass another vehicle within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover.
Other numbers to know
- Railway crossings: if a train is coming, stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail or gate.
- Cyclists: leave at least 1 metre when passing, where practical.
- Headlights: use them from half an hour before sunset to half an hour after sunrise. Dim your high beams within 150 metres of oncoming traffic and when you are within 60 metres of a vehicle ahead.
- Following distance: keep at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead, and more in bad weather.
- Right turn on red is allowed after a full stop, unless a sign says no. Yield to pedestrians and other traffic first.
- Booster seats: children under 8 who weigh 18 to 36 kg and are under 145 cm tall need a booster seat.
Test-day tips
- Read the whole question and every answer before you choose.
- Watch for numbers: 20 metres for school buses, 5 metres for trains, 30 metres for crossovers.
- If you are unsure, pick the answer that is the safest and most legal.
- Arrive early. A rushed test is harder.
- Take the practice tests until you score well above 80% in both rules and signs.
Keep studying
This guide covers Ontario’s own rules. The general rules of the road that apply across Canada, such as right-of-way, signals, lane use, parking and safe driving, are in the national Canada driving study guide. Read both, then check the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook for full details.