Photo: Benson Kua, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Ontario G2 road test is the G1 exit test: a city drive of about 20 minutes that checks basic skills such as turns, stops, lane changes, parallel parking and a three-point turn. You can take it after 12 months on a G1, or 8 months with an approved driver education course. Here is what the examiner checks, what to bring, and what happens if you fail.
Key facts
- Eligible after 12 months as a G1 (8 with a government-approved BDE course).
- About 20 minutes, a basic “city test” (DriveTest).
- You bring the car. It must be fit, plated and insured, and an accompanying driver must come with you.
- No passengers or pets. No instructors, friends, relatives or translators in the car.
- Electronic aids such as automatic parking, lane monitoring, cruise control and back cameras may not be used.
- Fail it and you must wait at least 10 days before the next attempt.
What is on the G2 road test in Ontario?
Ontario.ca lists the basic skills tested:
- turning left and right
- stopping
- parallel parking
- one-way streets
- lane changes
- three-point turns
- driving in residential neighbourhoods
- traffic lights, stop signs and yield signs
The handbook adds that road tests cover passing (including bicycles), controlled and uncontrolled intersections, reversing, and foreseeing hazards.
What the examiner looks for in each task
The handbook breaks every road-test task into checks. Its road-test chapter is written for the G test, but the manoeuvres below are the ones the G2 test covers, and the checks are the same.
Turns at intersections
- Mirrors and blind spot before slowing; move to the far left or right lane early.
- Signal before slowing, unless a driveway or side road between you and the turn would make it misleading.
- Keep two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
- Waiting to turn left: wheels straight.
- Both hands on the wheel through the turn. Finish in the matching lane without crossing lane markings or curbs.
- Move off within four to five seconds once it is safe.
Stops
- A complete stop with no rolling. Stop at the stop line; no line, at the crosswalk; no crosswalk, at the edge of the sidewalk; no sidewalk, at the edge of the intersection.
- If you stop past the line, do not back up.
- Behind another vehicle, leave enough room to pull around it.
Roadside stop
- Check it is legal to stop there. A 150-metre gap in both directions gives enough space.
- Stop parallel to the curb, no more than about 30 centimetres away.
- Signal off, hazard lights on, park and set the parking brake.
- To move off: hazards off, left signal on, mirrors and left blind spot.
Parallel park
- Stop beside the vehicle in front of the space, at least 60 centimetres from it.
- Check all around, mirrors and both blind spots before reversing.
- Do not hit the curb or touch another vehicle. Fit within the markings.
- Pulling out: signal, mirrors and blind spot.
Three-point turn
- Stop no more than 30 centimetres from the curb, somewhere you will not block an entrance.
- Left signal; mirrors and blind spot; check both ways each time you stop.
- Use the whole road and reverse only once. Do not reverse over the edge or into the curb.
Lane changes
- Mirrors, then signal, then a final blind-spot check before moving.
- Smooth move into the centre of the new lane; cancel the signal.
The handbook says you have not checked traffic properly if another road user with the right-of-way has to take action to avoid you. Treat that as the standard for every observation.
G2 road test checklist
- A vehicle in good working order, plated and insured. DriveTest lists out-of-order reasons such as a broken brake light, turn signal, headlight or horn, a flat or defective tire, a missing mirror and a cracked windshield.
- Your accompanying driver, who has to drive you to the centre and home if you fail.
- Money for any fees due.
- Glasses or contacts if you need them.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
If the examiner declares the test out-of-order, you lose 50% of your road-test fee and must pay it back before rebooking.
On the day
- The examiner tells you how long you have and explains the test. Ask your questions before you start, because they cannot coach you during it.
- You will never be asked to do anything illegal.
- At the end you get a full report of your skills and any mistakes.
If you fail the G2 road test
- Wait at least 10 days, then rebook. DriveTest lists a G2 retest fee of $53.75; check the current amount.
- Use the examiner’s report to target practice.
- If your G1 has expired, you start over and pay the test fees again.
Booking, cancelling and rebooking are covered in booking, rescheduling and failing a DriveTest road test. Back to the Ontario licence guide.
After you pass
You get a G2 and can drive alone on any Ontario road. Read the G2 rules, then start building highway experience for the G road test using Ontario freeway driving for G2 drivers. Parking practice: parking in Ontario.
Common questions
Is the G2 road test the same as the G1 road test?
Yes. Ontario calls it both the G2 road test and the G1 exit test. Passing it gets you a G2.
Can I use my backup camera on the G2 test?
No. Back cameras, parking assist, lane monitoring and cruise control may not be used. You must show mirror and shoulder checks.
Can my driving instructor sit in the back?
No. Only you and the examiner are allowed in the car.
Can I use a driving school car?
Yes, or your own, a borrowed or a rented car, as long as it meets the requirements. DriveTest does not supply cars.
Is there a highway section on the G2 test?
No. Expressway driving is part of the G road test, not the G2.
Can I drive home alone after passing?
Once your G2 is issued you can drive without an accompanying driver. If you fail, you still need one.
Sources
- Government of Ontario, “Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers” (ontario.ca)
- Government of Ontario, “The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: Getting your driver’s licence” (ontario.ca)
- Government of Ontario, “The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: The Level Two road test” (ontario.ca)
- DriveTest, “Road Tests”, “Road Test Vehicle Requirements” and “Fees” (drivetest.ca)