The Ontario road test
Ontario new drivers take two road tests. The G2 road test (the G1 exit test) checks basic skills in everyday traffic. The G road test (the G2 exit test) checks more advanced skills, including expressway driving.
Both are run by DriveTest. Knowing the rules on booking, the vehicle and what examiners watch for removes a lot of test-day stress.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can book and prepare for each road test correctly.
- You can make sure your vehicle and paperwork meet test requirements.
- You can describe what each test covers.
- You can avoid the common faults the handbook warns about.
What you need to know and understand
- You can take the G2 road test after 12 months at G1, or 8 months with an approved driver education course.
- You can take the G road test after 12 months at G2.
- Book online, by phone or in person; the road test fee must be paid in advance.
- Cancelling or rescheduling with less than 48 hours' notice, or not showing up, means losing the prepaid fee.
- Driving aids such as automatic parking, lane monitoring, cruise control and back-up cameras may not be used during the test.
- If you fail, you must wait at least 10 days before testing again.
Before the test
No passengers or pets are allowed during the test, and that includes instructors and translators. If the vehicle does not meet standards, the test can be declared out of order and you lose half the fee.
- Bring a vehicle that is in good working order, plated and insured.
- Bring any glasses or contacts you need to drive, and money for fees if needed.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
- At G1, an accompanying driver must come with you. At G2, plan another way home in case you fail.
- For the G test, complete the Declaration of Highway Driving Experience, describing your recent trips on roads posted at 80 km/h or more.
What each test covers
The G2 road test checks skills such as left and right turns, stopping, parallel parking, one-way streets, lane changes, three-point turns, residential driving, and obeying lights and signs.
The G road test focuses on major roads and expressways, merging on and off, keeping speed and space, turns, curves, lane changes, intersections and business areas. At full-time DriveTest centres, it currently leaves out parallel parking, roadside stops, three-point turns and residential driving, because the G2 test already covers them. Part-time Travel Point locations still give the standard G test.
Habits examiners look for
The examiner gives directions, cannot coach you and will never ask you to do anything illegal. Their report at the end explains any mistakes. The handbook's task lists highlight these habits:
- Full stops with no rolling, behind the stop line, crosswalk or sidewalk edge.
- Keeping at least a two- to three-second gap and enough space to pull around a stopped car ahead.
- Wheels straight while waiting to turn left.
- Mirror and blind-spot checks before every lane change and turn.
- Moving off within four to five seconds once it is safe.
Common mistakes
- Relying on the back-up camera when parking. Turn your head and use mirrors.
- Rolling through a stop. Come to a complete stop every time.
- Leaving shoulder checks out under pressure. Exaggerate them slightly so the examiner sees them.
- Paying a website that promises a guaranteed pass or early booking. Only use the official Ontario government and DriveTest websites.
Test yourself: The Ontario road test
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
Loading questions…
Go deeper
Sources: The Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver's Handbook, Ministry of Transportation Ontario (ontario.ca); Get a G driver's licence: new drivers, Government of Ontario (ontario.ca). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your province or territory.