FAQ 2

APPLY FOR YOUR ONTARIO LICENCE

You may apply for your licence as early as age 16.
 

There are 56 centres and 39 travel points across the province ready to serve you.
You will easily find a MTO location near you by going to Find a DriveTest Centre

There are 56 centres and 39 travel points across the province ready to serve you.

You will easily find a MTO location near you by going to Find a DriveTest Centre

Contacting your nearest MTO office should be a breeze. Just call (614) 752-7500 or go on their website

If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must bring you.

No, a physical isn’t required in order to get your licence in Ontario.

Absolutely. The vision test is required when you go in to take your written test. It is all a part of acquiring your G1 licence.

Your driver’s licence photo will be taken at your local MTO office.

Applying for a licence in Ontario is about a 24 month process. There are steps put into place that allow you to easily transition into becoming a responsible licensed driver. You will…

  • First: Take and pass a written exam that will give you a G1 licence.
  • Second: Hold your G1 licence for at least 12 months. (Certain restrictions apply with this licence such as no driving without a G licensed driver with at least 4 years of experience in the front seat with you at all times), OR take a driver’s education course at a driving school and wait only 8 months
  • Third: Take and pass your G1 licence road test (including parallel parking and a few other things). Obtain your G2 licence.
  • Fourth: Hold your G2 licence at least 12 months. Then apply for your regular G licence.

GET READY FOR YOUR ONTARIO G1 TEST

G1 is the first step in Ontario’s graduated licensing system. It allows you to practice your driving skills with a supervising licensed driver who has held a G licence for at least 4 years. They must sit in the front seat with you at all times.

Yes. Since this is your first step, there are restrictions put in place designed to keep you safe and help you ease into the responsibilities of driving.

  • You must maintain a 0% BAC level.
  • The front seat next to you must always be occupied by a supervising G licence driver at all times.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 am.
  • You may not drive on any 400 series highways and high speed expressways unless with a certified licence instructor.

Be aware that the Ontario written test comes in two parts. One part covers Ontario’s rules of the road and the other part covers traffic signs. Here are the best sources for preparing for your written G1 test: 

  • Ontario’s written test (G1) will contain questions regarding traffic safety, road rules, road signs, and traffic laws.
  • The benefits are awesome! You could get your licence more quickly. Taking driver’s education from a properly accredited MTO school will reduce your G1 licence wait time by 4 months. You can learn how to be a safe and skilled driver. Not to mention, having driver’s education could save you tons of money on your car insurance.
  • You are advised to do so by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. It is the surest way of being able to answer any possible question that could arise on the exam. Pay attention to Chapters 2, 3, and 6 for specifics about what will be expected on the road test. Also, study information regarding road signs, passing, braking, one-way streets, speed control, other vehicles, defensive driving, intersections, accidents, adverse weather, road work, proper insurance, BAC level and more.
  • You will have to take a vision test, road sign test and rules of the road test.

  • Questions will cover different areas. Sample questions may be similar to:

    • “When a red X is over a driving lane, you ____.”
    • “What documents may a police officer ask you to show?”
    • “When another vehicle wants to pass, you ________?”
    • “You should________before moving from a parked position.”

  • The test has a total of 40 questions. The 40 questions are divided into 2 sections with 20 questions per section. You must score 16 questions per section correctly.

  • Written tests for licences are issued at DriveTest centres. Find one near you.

  • Remember that the night before should be used as a time for review not cramming. Look over topics you may have had difficulty with.

  • Ontario safely issues on average of 20,000 G1 licences per month. Studies show that the most licences tend to be issued in the months of July and August.

    • Have you held your licence for at least 12 months?
    • Do you have a 0% BAC level on record?
    • Have you gotten a lot of behind the wheel training and practice within the past 12 months?

    If you answered YES to these questions, then you are ready to proceed in getting your G2 licence.

Once you have thoroughly read the handbook, go ahead and prepare to take the test. There is no need for an appointment. Just show up at a DriveTest centre with documents that prove your full legal name, date of birth and original signature. You will also need to bring your $10 knowledge test fee.

  • A G1 licence is the first licence you receive in Ontario’s graduated licensing system. It is issued after you have passed the knowledge and vision tests. With this licence, you can only drive in the car with a G licensed driver who has held their licence at least 4 years.
  • A G2 licence is the second licence you receive in the graduated licensing system. It is issued to you after you pass the first G1 road test. There are still some restrictions with this licence, depending on your age, but at least you can drive alone with this licence. You must wait at least 12 months after having received your G1 licence before you can be eligible for this type of licence.
  • A G licence (a.k.a. “Full G”) is the final stage in Ontario’s graduated licensing system. It is received after you have taken the G2 road test. This licence has no restrictions.
  • Ontario uses the graduated licensing system as a way of easing new drivers onto the road. This system has proven to reduce accidents as well as comfortably prepare new drivers for the responsibilities of the road.

TAKE YOUR ONTARIO G1 TEST

When you are ready to take your exam, go to your local DriveTest Centre. No appointment is necessary but you should arrive at least 1 hour before the test centre closes in order to ensure that you have enough time to complete your test.

The licensing process can begin at age 16.

Yes. When you go in to apply for your licence, you are required to have documents that show your:

  • Legal Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Original Signature

These can be documents such as a Passport (Canadian or Foreign), Canadian citizenship card with photo, Ontario Photo card, Employee/Student Authorization Form, or etc.

The G1 licence package costs $158.25. This includes $15.75 for the knowledge test, $52.50 for the Class G2 Road Test, and $90.00 for the licence which is valid for 5 years.

The written test consists of 2 sections with 20 questions in each section. So, Ontario has a total of 40 questions on the written licence exam.

Can you guess the biggest mistake people make on their Ontario written test? Here’s a hint: it’s made before the test ever begins….lack of preparation. People fail when they go in without studying the manual and taking the practice tests. You can avoid this mistake by preparing yourself. 

Here are the best sources for preparing for your written G1 test: 

  • No. You are being tested on what you can recall from the manual. This test is all about measuring your ability to remember the rules of the road. Using the manual on the test would be impractical. If you study and prepare yourself, you will do an amazing job without the assistance of the manual.
  • You will not have to submit to a drug test in order to get your Ontario licence.
  • Failing the knowledge test isn’t the end of the world. It just means you will have to plan to come again another day for your test.
  • You are free to take the knowledge test again whenever you are ready. You may want to use a little extra time to study areas where you missed questions.
  • If you only hold a G1 licence, you must have a G licensed driver with at least 4 years of experience sitting next to you. Besides this person, you may have as many passengers as there are seat belts in the vehicle with you.
  • You may drive anywhere you like except for on 400 series highways and expressways. You also may not drive between midnight and 5am. If your accompanying driver is a driving instructor, you may drive on any road.
  • After you pass your knowledge test in Ontario, you will get a licence called a G1 licence. You may begin using this licence to drive with. You may drive on most roads as long as there is a G licensed driver with at least 4 years of experience sitting next to you at all times. You may not drive on any 400 series expressways such as Don Valley Parkway, Queen Elizabeth Expressway and etc. You have to hold your G1 licence for at least 12 months and should consider enrolling in a driver’s education course. Once your 12 month wait period is over, you may schedule to have your road test.

GET READY FOR YOUR ONTARIO G2 TEST

Here’s a word of advice…practice EVERYTHING pertaining to the rules of the road. Sharpening those driving skills are the key to passing the road test. Here are some specific skills you should be practicing. Your practice should not be limited to this though. A good driving mentor should be able to properly guide you on additional skills.

  • Practice signaling, entering and leaving turns in the proper lane.
  • Practice driving through intersections at the proper speed.
  • Become acquainted with different types of intersections and how to react in situations involving pedestrians and other vehicles.
  • Practice speed and space control.
  • Become familiar with how to react at various road signs

The first attempt for a Class G2 road test is usually included with your original G1 licence package. However, if you need to pay for the test separately, it would cost you $52.50.

This will depend on which licence you hold. If you hold only a G1 licence, you may not drive on any 400 series expressways or highways unless accompanied by a driving instructor. Other than that, you can drive anywhere with a G licensed driver who has held their licence at least 4 years. If you hold a G2 licence, you may practice driving anywhere.

On the G2 road test, you can expect to demonstrate the following:

  • Proper following distance between vehicles
  • Parallel parking
  • Proper Lane changing
  • Frequent and exaggerated blind spot checks
  • Defensive driving techniques
  • Navigating through an intersection
  • 3 point turn arounds
  • And more…..

On the G road test, you will be expected to drive on the expressway. Before the test begins, you will have to state how many times in the past three months you have driven on a 400-series highway or highway with a speed limit of 80 km/hr. You will have been expected to have done the above at least 5 times. Road tests last about 20 to 30 minutes.

Be prepared to arrive at least 30 minutes early for your exam. This will give you time to check in before your test. If possible, use the night before your Ontario road test as one more practice session. Relax, think positive and get a good night’s rest.

You may call the Call Centre at 1-888-570-6110 or 416-325-8580 to book a road test, or you can visit a DriveTest Centre in person. You may also conveniently book online or using our service. 

Ontario driving tests are offered at all DriveTest Driver Examination Centres.

No. Getting a car is your responsibility. You are free to rent a car or borrow one from a neighbor or family member.

TAKE YOUR ONTARIO G2 TEST

G1 drivers must be accompanied by a G licensed driver who has had their licence for at least four years.

Bring your vehicle and current licence.

You can find which are the easiest places by looking at the failure rates across the DriveTest Centres. You should also consider this: if you need an “easy” place for your road test, you may not be ready for the realities and responsibilities of the road.

Adequately prepare yourself and show the examiner that you are well alert and well aware of the road. Since Ontario’s expectations are different from those in other provinces, you will do well to read Chapters 2, 3 and 6 of the MTO Driver’s Handbook to see what will be expected on the road test.

Here are some tips that will help you look great in front of the examiner.

  • Give exaggerated head movements in order to show that you are aware of the traffic around you.
  • Try to drive the exact speed limit. It’s ok to drive a little under just don’t go over. Also make sure that your speed is practical for the situation.
  • Use turn signals
  • Drive slowly through parking lots
  • Follow the rules of merging and exiting from a highway

We know you want to do your best to not make any mistakes that would cause you to fail your road test. Here are errors that applicants seem to make often:

  • Recklessly changing lanes by not observing blind spots
  • Making “rolling” stops instead of complete stops at stop signs
  • Turning into the wrong lane
  • Disrupting traffic by going too slow
  • Merging onto a highway more slowly than the speed of the highway traffic
  • Riding with distractions in the car
  • Speeding
  • Lack of vehicle control

Don’t worry about being confused on what to do during your driving exam. Before the test begins, the driver examiner will explain to you everything you will be required to do. You will be asked 2 questions before the test begins:

  • Do you require glasses or corrective lenses for driving?
  • Do you suffer, or have you ever been advised by a physician that you suffer from heart disease, stroke, diabetes requiring insulin to control, epilepsy, seizure disorder, loss of consciousness or awareness, or any other medical condition or physical disability that may affect your safe operation of a motor vehicle?

Your vehicle will be checked in order to see if it properly functions. You will then proceed in showing the examiner how well you do the following:

  • Use your signal and brake lights
  • Use your accelerator and brakes
  • Adjust safety devices
  • Back up
  • Observe other cars
  • Overtake and pass other vehicles
  • Obey all traffic signs and laws

Yes, you will be required to parallel park. Here’s an important tip: remember to use your signal light while parallel parking.

Only if you normally use glasses or contacts to see with. In fact, one of the first two questions the examiner will ask is if you wear glasses or contacts.

No, only you and the examiner will be in the car during the road test.

Take it again. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the road test.

PASSED THE TEST?

Congratulations on passing your road test. After you pass the G1 road test, you will be issued a G2 licence that you must hold at least 12 months. Once you pass your G2 test and get a G licence, you may drive with no restrictions.

When you receive your G2 licence there will be limitations such as:

  • During the first 6 months, you cannot have more than 1 passenger 19 or younger between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • After 6 months you cannot have more than 3 passengers 19 and younger from midnight to 5 a.m.
  • You cannot drink before driving
  • All passengers must be in seatbelts

Ontario is glad to have you and wants you to have a pleasant experience while there. Always have proper proof of insurance in your vehicle. Enjoy the sights, but always remember that traffic in Ontario can be different than in other places. Be sure to check mirrors frequently. Often times, accidents occur because drivers did not religiously check their blind spots. You will be sharing the road with various other motorists so be on the look out for big trucks, buses and cyclists. Your best bet is to drive defensively. There is no way of telling what another driver may do. Aside from these tips, the most important thing to keep in mind is to be safe and have a great time.

Getting car insurance is easy, however, finding the perfect one for you will require some shopping around. Ontario has over 140 private insurance companies eager to meet your insurance needs. Contact the Insurance Broker Association of Canada to find help with choosing the right insurance company.

Be prepared to have information such as:

  • Your licence number
  • Car description (Odometer number, VIN Number, year, make and model)
  • Your address
  • Number of kilometers you travel on average

Take note that every province has its own licensing body for agents and brokers. If you need to verify whether an insurance agent or broker is licensed to sell in your province, contact your province’s licensing body for more information.

Everyone’s eager to know ways to keep car insurance costs down. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, you can keep your cost low by:

  • Increasing your deductible
  • Buying a car with a lower-cost insurer rating
  • Installing an approved theft deterrent system
  • Dropping collision or comprehensive coverage for an older vehicle

Speak with an agent to figure out other wise ways to reduce auto insurance costs in Ontario

Whether the driver is new or seasoned, Ontarians tend to pay more for car insurance than drivers in other provinces. Studies show that they tend to file more claims there. According to a statement given by the auditor general, the average cost of accident injury claims is five times higher in Ontario than in other provinces. Ontario has more car thefts as well as more staged accidents. Not to mention, new drivers tend to have higher accident rates. These are the primary reasons why you will have to pay more here. With patience and research, there are ways to save on your car insurance both now and in the future. Simple steps such as driving a hybrid and maintaining a clean driving record could make a difference in your premiums. Compare companies on websites such as http://www.completeinsurance.ca/.

FAILED THE TEST?

You may take your road test again whenever you like. You must wait at least 10 days to take it again. This is probably to give you much needed time to practice more.

Ask your examiner to tell you the reasons why you failed and go practice on those before taking the test again. Take as many road tests as you need until you pass.

RENEW YOUR LICENCE

You should get a renewal application or postcard in the mail about 60 to 90 days prior to the expiry date. You will take the application or postcard to the Driver and Vehicle licence Issuing Office. You must be able to show identification and pay the $75 renewal fee.

You can renew your licence at a Driver and Vehicle licence Issuing Office.

Only drivers over 80 must have another eye exam.

MOVING TO ONTARIO?

You do not have to take a road test if you meet the following criteria:

  • Have at least 2 years of experience within the past 3 years.
  • Can provide appropriate identification documents
  • Can provide proof of licence status
  • Can pass a vision test

If you have less than 2 years of experience, you can trade in your licence for a G2 licence and will eventually have to take a road test in order to get a G licence.

Newcomers to Ontario from another province have 60 days after becoming a resident to apply for an Ontario licence.

You may drive up to 3 months with your out-of-country licence. After 3 months, you must have an International Driver’s Permit from your home country or you can apply for an Ontario licence.

If you move to Ontario, you have 60 days after arrival to apply for an Ontario Driver’s licence. You may simply exchange your valid driver’s licence for a G licence if you meet the following criteria:

  • You hold a driver’s licence from a reciprocating jurisdiction such as Europe, the United States, Canadian provinces or territories, Great Britain, Isle of Man, Korea, Japan, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Australia and etc (others can be found on the MTO website www.drivetest.ca)
  • You have had the licence for more than 2 years within the last 3 years
  • You are able to present acceptable original identification for proof of legal name, date of birth and signature ( Find identification requirements at http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/HowToApply.aspx
  • You are willing to surrender your current licence
  • Possibly be willing to provide an abstract of driving history (required in some districts, find out if it is needed in your district at http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/ExchangeReciprocal.aspx )
  • Take a vision test
  • Pay a licensing fee

If you have a valid licence but have less than 2 years of experience in the last 3 years, you will be eligible for a G2 licence. The same conditions mentioned above apply. If you are from a non-reciprocating country, find out information about what you should do at Licence Exchanges & Foreign Licence Applications

Feel free to browse the Ministry of Transportation website at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca.
Also, you can find additional information at www.drivetest.ca or call 1-800-387-3445.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

The legal age to drive begins at 16.

There is ZERO tolerance for drinking and driving in Ontario for young drivers under 21. If you are under 21 years old, you must maintain a BAC level of 0%. If you are caught with any alcohol in your system, you could face a fine and immediate licence suspension. If you are over 21, the limit is .05%.

If you lose your licence, you should go to any Service Ontario Driver and Vehicle licence Issuing Office to have your licence replaced. You will have to have another picture taken. You will need identification that shows your legal name, date of birth and signature. Don’t forget to bring the $10 replacement fee.