If you want to drive the streets and highways of Ontario, there are several processes you must undergo.
Ontario follows a Graduated Licensing System (GLS) that helps new drivers improve by allowing them to obtain driving skills and experience over the years.
There are three stages to the licensing process: G1, G2, and the full G license. You must first pass G1 before obtaining the G2 license, which you also must pass to get the full G license.
This article will focus on the G2 license in Ontario. Read on to learn more about the Ontario G2 license, the rules and restrictions, eligibility requirements and how to obtain the said license.
Key Takeaways
If you are preparing for your G2 license, it is beneficial that you understand these key points below:
- Ontario licensing system
- Requirements to drive in Ontario
- What a G2 license is
- What a G2 exit test means, and what it requires
- Class G2 license Ontario restrictions
- What you can do with a G2 license
- How to obtain a full G license
- How long it takes to complete your Ontario driver’s license
Obtaining a G2 license can take time, so when embarking on this endeavour, focus on how to pass it the first time around.
Ontario Licensing System
Ontario has 15 types of licenses, each one specifying a vehicle type. The license class must correspond to the kind of vehicle you are driving.
If you want to drive a car, truck, or small van, apply for a Class G license. Before you can obtain it, you must pass G1 and G2 licenses.
Class G2 has several rules and restrictions that drivers must comply with to be eligible for the G license, which permits them to drive cars, small trucks or vans.
Requirements to Drive in Ontario
Licensing in Ontario requires a two-step process that takes at least 20 months to finish. If you are applying for your first license in Ontario, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- A resident of Ontario
- Pass an eye test
- Pass a knowledge exam about traffic signs and the rules of the road
To apply for a license, you need to:
- Present proof of your legal name and date of birth in original and valid copies.
- Bring the documents to a drive test center.
- Pay the fees, which include:
- The cost of the knowledge test
- Your first road test
- A five-year licensing fee
Ontario’s Graduated Licensing Requirements
Ontario’s graduated licensing requirements for the G license are as follows:
- Class G1
This is Level One of graduated licensing. It consists of training to learn proper driving skills and knowledge. New drivers must pass the following to be eligible to get a Class G2 license:
- G1 knowledge test
- G1 exit test
- Class G2
Class G2 is Level Two of graduated licensing and lasts at least 12 months. To obtain the G license, you must pass the following:
- G2 road tests
- G2 exit test
G1 License
When you pass your eye and knowledge tests, you obtain a G1 license showing you are a beginner driver. You then practice driving and gain experience to get a G2 license.
G2 License
You get a G2 license in Ontario after you pass the G1 road test. For twelve months, you must practice with the G2 license, which enables you to drive:
- Without another experienced driver in the car
- On all Ontario roads
- At any time of the day (in most cases)
G2 Exit Test (or G2 Road Test)
As a new driver, the G2 exit test is the second of two road tests you must take. You can take the test 12 months after driving with a G2 license.
You must have highway driving experience before taking the exit test. For this test, you need to:
- Bring a vehicle in good working condition
- Payment for the fees (if applicable)
- Eyewear (if necessary)
- Be prompt or the road test appointment
Class G2 License Ontario Restrictions
Under Ontario Law, there are several restrictions that drivers must abide by, depending on age and the current level of the license.
As a G2 license holder, you must still comply with these requirements:
- Your blood alcohol level must be zero, which is among the primary G1 license restrictions as well. You must not drive if you have been drinking alcohol.
- Each passenger in the car must have a functional seatbelt.
G2 Drivers Aged 19 and Under
The following are the Class G2 license Ontario restrictions for G2 drivers aged 19 or under:
- During the first six months after receiving your G2 license, you must carry only one passenger aged 19 or under.
- After six months with your G2 license and until you get your full G license or reach 20 years old, you can carry up to three passengers aged 19 or under.
The passenger restrictions for G2 drivers aged 19 and under are not applicable if:
- A fully licensed driver accompanies the driver in the front passenger seat.
- The passengers are members of your immediate family
After twelve months of a G2 license, you can take a road test to be eligible for full license privileges and get a Class G license.
G2 License Restrictions on the Highway
There are no G2 license restrictions on the highway. In fact, a G2 license gives you permission to drive on 400-series highways, including 400, 401, and 404.
But even if there are fewer restrictions once you obtain your G2 license, there are still conditions that you must follow. As previously mentioned, these include not driving while intoxicated and making sure that everyone in the car has a functioning seat belt.
What Can You Do With a G2 License?
With a G2 license, you have the privilege to do the following:
- Drive anywhere in Ontario at any time of the day or night
- Drive alone or with passengers on any road or highway in the province
How to Get a Full G License
To get a full G license, you must go through graduated licensing, which enables new drivers to practice their driving skills and gain driving knowledge over time.
For this process, you must:
- Finish the G1 and G2 learning levels
- Pass two road tests
You have up to five years to complete the graduate licensing process. If you still have not obtained a full G license after the said period, you must repeat the process.
With a G license, you can drive any car, van, or small truck up to 11,000 kg, provided the vehicle does not weigh over 4,600 kg.
G2 Exit Test Requirements
As a new driver, you must take two road tests. The G2 exit test is the second of two road tests you can take after twelve months with a G2 license.
The test coverage includes more advanced driving skills such as:
- Driving on a highway, in residential neighbourhoods, on one-way streets, etc.
- Turning left and right and three-point turns
- Stopping
- Changing lanes
- Parallel parking
- Heeding traffic lights and stop and yield signs
For the G2 exit test, you must comply with the following before you can take the road test:
- Have experience driving on highways with speed limits of at least 80 km/h
- Complete a Declaration of Highway Driving Experience form
- Have a vehicle in good working condition
- Road test fee (if applicable)
- Be punctual for the road test appointment (at least 30 minutes before the schedule)
Once you pass the G2 exit test, you get a full G license.
If you fail the G2 road test and your G2 license is about to expire, it is essential that you re-take the G1 road test. You can then drive for another five years as a G2 to complete the process.
How Long Do You Have To Complete Your Ontario Driver’s License?
Once you pass your G1 test, you have five years to complete your Ontario G license. Once you finish it, you get your full G license and earn the driving privileges that come with it.
If you fail to obtain a full G license after the given period, you must start over.
FAQs
If you have a G2 license, you can drive on the 401 and anywhere. Once you have completed a government-approved driver education program and passed the G2 driving test, you can drive on any Ontario road or highway any time.
Drivers with a G2 license have no restrictions for driving on 400 series highways. Their G2 license permits them to drive on any highway, including 400-series and two-lane highways in the province.
Having a G2 license allows you to drive any time, day or night. There are, however, Class G2 license Ontario restrictions and rules that you need to observe. Drive only when your blood alcohol level is zero.
A G2 license in Ontario is a prerequisite to the full G license. Before you get the G license, you must have your G2 license for at least 12 months and pass the G2 road test.
Yes. You can drive outside Canada with a full G2 license, provided that you observe the rules of the road in the state. Canadians with a provincial or territorial driver’s license are not required to have an international driving permit to drive in the US.
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