Ontario G1 Next Steps: Practice Driving, Waiting Period, Training and G2 Test (2026)

After getting your G1, start supervised practice in low-traffic areas and progressively move to highways with an instructor, night driving, and adverse weather. These are the conditions the G2 road test evaluates.

• Your Ontario Class G1 licence is valid for up to five years.
• You may not drive unless accompanied by a qualified supervising driver seated in the front passenger seat.
• Prepare with Ontario G1 practice tests.

What should you do immediately after getting your Ontario G1 permit?

Enrol in an MTO-approved BDE course to cut your wait from 12 to 8 months. Start supervised practice in a quiet area, then progressively include night driving, bad weather, and highways with your instructor.

• Standard Path: Wait 12 months before booking your G2 road test.
• Accelerated Path (8 Months): Complete a government-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course. This reduces the waiting period to 8 months.
• Get Proof: After BDE, request your Driver's Licence History ($12 fee) to prove eligibility for the earlier test date and potential insurance discounts.

G1 Driving Restrictions and Penalties

Violating these rules triggers escalating sanctions, starting with a 30-day licence suspension.

How to build the driving skills Ontario examiners test at the G2 level

Ontario does not mandate a logbook, but ample practice is critical for passing your G2 test.

Full Ontario permit rules are at the Ontario learner's permit guide.

See the Ontario learner's permit guide for complete requirements.

• Start a Personal Log: Track at least 40-50 hours of varied driving. Download unofficial log sheets from driving schools to stay accountable.
• Practice Variety:
  • Urban Congestion: Practice lane changes in busy areas like downtown Mississauga or Ottawa.
  • Weather Conditions: Gain experience in rain, fog, and winter snow to understand stopping distances.
  • Rural Roads: Drive on 80 km/h country roads to practice scanning for wildlife and maintaining speed.
• G1 Insurance: You are typically covered under the vehicle owner's policy, but you must notify the insurer a learner is using the car.

Preparing for Your G2 Road Test

Book your test online at DriveTest.ca.

• Timing: Book in advance, but your test date must be after your 8 or 12-month wait period.
• Location: Choose a familiar test centre. Busy centres like Metro East in Toronto have longer wait times but complex traffic. Quieter centres like Lindsay may have simpler routes but different challenges.
• Fees: Your initial $159.75 G1 fee covered your first G2 test. A re-booking fee of $53.75 applies for each subsequent attempt.

Avoid Common Test Mistakes and Delays

• Standard Path: Wait 12 months before booking your G2 road test. Accelerated Path (8 Months): Complete a government-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course. This reduces the waiting period to 8 months
• Get Proof: After BDE, request your Driver's Licence History ($12 fee) to prove eligibility for the earlier test date and potential insurance discounts. G1 Driving Restrictions and Penalties Violating these rules triggers escalating sanctions, starting with a 30-day licence suspension. RequirementG1 RulesKey Details Accompanying DriverMust hold a full Class G licence with at least 4 years of experience. Check for four dots on their licence. Their BAC must be below 0.05% (0.00% if under 21). Time RestrictionsNo driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. Violating curfew results in a 30-day suspension and fine. HighwaysBanned on 400-series highways, QEW, Don Valley Parkway
• Exception: You can drive on these if accompanied by a licensed Ontario driving instructor. Zero Tolerance0.00% BAC limit. No alcohol or cannabis. Leads to immediate roadside suspension, a 30-day conviction suspension, and fines up to $500. PassengersSeatbelts must equal passengers. The front seat is only for your supervising driver. How to build the driving skills Ontario examiners test at the G2 level Ontario does not mandate a logbook, but ample practice is critical for passing your G2 test
• Start a Personal Log: Track at least 40-50 hours of varied driving. Download unofficial log sheets from driving schools to stay accountable
• Practice Variety: Urban Congestion: Practice lane changes in busy areas like downtown Mississauga or Ottawa
• Weather Conditions: Gain experience in rain, fog, and winter snow to understand stopping distances
• Rural Roads: Drive on 80 km/h country roads to practice scanning for wildlife and maintaining speed
• G1 Insurance: You are typically covered under the vehicle owner's policy, but you must notify the insurer a learner is using the car. Preparing for Your G2 Road Test Book your test online at DriveTest.ca
• Timing: Book in advance, but your test date must be after your 8 or 12-month wait period
• Location: Choose a familiar test centre. Busy centres like Metro East in Toronto have longer wait times but complex traffic. Quieter centres like Lindsay may have simpler routes but different challenges
• Fees: Your initial $159.75 G1 fee covered your first G2 test. A re-booking fee of $53.75 applies for each subsequent attempt. Avoid Common Test Mistakes and Delays

• ⚠ Check vehicle requirements before your test appointment to avoid immediate cancellation. A Brampton driver was turned away at the Brampton DriveTest centre because a brake light was out, forcing a reschedule and a new fee.
• Book your road test 6-8 weeks before your desired date to avoid long waits. Last-minute bookings at popular centres like Ottawa Walkley often have no slots for 3 months.
• Practice parallel parking on the same side of the street as your test centre to avoid failure. A common mistake in Toronto is only practicing on quiet residential streets, then failing when tested on a busier commercial street with different sightlines.