What is the Ontario G Test?
In Ontario, you’re not fully licensed to drive until you pass your G-level driving test. It’s the second of two road tests that all drivers must complete before gaining full G-level driving privileges. According to drivetest.ca, on average it takes two years to complete the entire license process from G1 to G.
G1 License vs. G2 License
The first license an Ontarian can obtain is a G1 license. Anyone 16 years of age or older can do the written test and if they pass they’ll be able to drive under certain conditions and restrictions. The biggest condition of driving as a G1 licensed driver is you must have someone who has had their G license for four years or more present in the vehicle.
Depending on whether or not the person does driving school, they can test for their G2 license either 8 months or 12 months after receiving their G1. Once the person has successfully completed the G2 road test, they still have conditions to abide by while they drive but they no longer need to be accompanied by a fully licensed G driver.
G Driver License Privileges
Drivers who have had their G2 for a year are able to do the G test and become a fully licensed driver in Ontario. This allows them to drive any vehicle whether it be a car, van or truck with the only restrictions being based on the weight in relation to towing/trailering.
It is good to know that if an Ontarian is looking to drive a bus, transport truck or heavy truck/trailer combinations, they’ll need to complete their G license before obtaining a specialty license to drive those heavier vehicles. The only exception to this rule is for a motorcycle license.
What is the Cost of a G License and How Do You Book It?
The cost of taking your G test is $91.75 plus tax. If you fail your test, you’ll have to pay this fee again, until you’re able to successfully pass the road test. In order to book the test, you’ll need to provide your G2 license number. The easiest way to book your G road test and find a location close to you is by using drivetest.ca. On the home page, you’ll see a button that says “Book a Road Test”. From there, simply follow the steps and get yourself to the testing location!
How to Prepare for the G Road Test
The best way to prepare for the G road test is through practice with a certified driving instructor. Even if you only do one session, learn what you have to do and what not to do and practice on your own. Going into the test with confidence and knowledge of what you need to do to succeed will put you in a great position to pass the test. It’s important that the vehicle you’re testing in is completely functional, if your horn isnt working or your rear light is out, the test may be cancelled. The bottom line is that you need to have a road ready vehicle and you need to get on the road a ton before to practice your skills.
How Many Mistakes Can You Make on the G Road Test?
There isn’t one number of mistakes you can make on a G road test without failing. The test is based on a point system and you’re required to score at least an 80 to pass. If you make a serious mistake, that could see you fail the test immediately, regardless of your score. For example, if you fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or fail to signal your right turn, you may be deducted points but you won’t necessarily fail the test because of one or two of these minor infractions.
Tips to Pass Your G Test
Practice Makes Perfect
As we discussed earlier in the article, the best way to get comfortable with your driving abilities is to practice. Get used to driving in a wide variety of settings whether it be highway, busy downtown areas and night time driving. You need more than just experience on the road, you also need to have confidence on the road. For the road skills that may be asked of you during the test, be sure you can do each of them well. The following are skills that may be asked of you during your G test: parallel parking, 3 point turn and reverse parking.
Read Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver’s Handbook
MTO created a drivers handbook outlining everything you need to know about the skills they’ll be tested on during their road test. It’s a good idea to go over the handbook and become familiar with what’s going to be expected of you come testing day. Check out the Ontario driver's handbook here.
