ON Driver
The G2 road test is the first of Ontario's two road tests, also called the G1 exit test. DriveTest says it assesses basic driving skills, is often called a "city test", and usually takes about 20 minutes; pass it and you get a G2 licence (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars). This article is about the day itself: booking, what to bring, and what happens at the centre.
Before you can book
Ontario requires you to hold your G1 for a waiting period before you can book the G2 road test. Our G1 article explains the standard wait and the shorter wait after an approved driving course (G1 licence restrictions). Novice drivers cannot book a road test with an expired licence (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars).
Booking
Ontario's page says you need to give your Ontario driver's licence number including the expiry date, a preferred test location, a second and third choice of location, and a preferred date and time (Get a G driver's licence). You can book, cancel or reschedule online, by phone at 647-776-0331 or 1-888-570-6110, or at any DriveTest centre. Cancel at least 48 hours ahead to avoid a cancellation fee (Get a G driver's licence).
DriveTest adds that booking needs a driver's licence number and the ability to pay the fees (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars).
What to bring
DriveTest lists these for the day (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars):
- a vehicle in good working order
- your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them to drive
- enough gas for the test
- your current driver's licence
- a print-out of your road test confirmation email
- money for test fees, if you are hoping for a standby appointment
The vehicle has to be in Class G and can be owned, borrowed or rented; DriveTest centres do not provide one. Low-speed vehicles cannot be used (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars). DriveTest suggests planning how you will get home if you do not pass, such as bringing an accompanying driver or arranging other transport (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars).
At the centre
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Tests run in any weather unless you are told otherwise; in extreme weather yours may be rescheduled, so check Service Disruptions on the day (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars). Park, go inside to check in — most centres have a self-serve kiosk — then return to your vehicle and wait for the examiner. If the examiner has not reached your vehicle within 30 minutes of your appointment time, go back inside to Counter A (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars).
In the vehicle
Recording devices such as phones, dash cams and action cameras are not allowed during the test and must be switched off. If a built-in device cannot be disabled, you have to confirm out loud that it is not recording the passenger area or pointing at the examiner (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars). No pets or passengers other than the examiner are allowed in the vehicle (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars).
Before you start, the examiner explains the test and walks around the vehicle to look for damage, hazards and obstacles. The examiner may stop or refuse to start the test if the vehicle is not in good working order, if you show signs of impairment, or if your driving is not good enough to finish safely (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars).
What the examiner looks for
The G1 exit test assesses basic driving skills. Our G1 article lists the skills the test covers (G1 licence restrictions).
After the test
The examiner gives a short verbal summary. A paper copy of the scoresheet is available on request within 13 months; if your test was on a tablet in the last 15 days, you can download the result after verifying your identity (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars).
If you pass, go back inside to apply the result and you get a temporary licence valid for 90 days or until the photo card arrives. Apply the result within 12 months or it expires and you have to test again (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars).
If you do not pass, the scoresheet shows what to improve. You can take as many road tests as you need while your licence is valid, and generally you must wait at least 10 days between tests (DriveTest: Road Tests – Cars).
What it costs
Your first G2 road test is part of the G1 licence package; our G1 fees guide explains what the package covers and what costs extra.
If you have not written the knowledge test yet, our guide to how the G1 knowledge test works covers that step.