What are next steps after G1?
After passing the G1 test, you need to start your G2 preparation. You must pass the G1 written exam and pass the G2 road test (also known as the G1 exit test) before you can obtain your G2 licence. When you have met all the requirements of the G1, you can book a G1 exit test or G2 road test which will test your basic driving abilities.
When can I book my G1 exit test or G2 road test?
In Ontario, you must have your G1 licence for 12 months before you can try for your G2. However, if you take a driver education course, you can cut your wait time to eight months. It’s important to keep in mind that there are several driving restrictions that you need to be aware of as a G1 driver:
- You must not drive if you have been drinking alcohol. Your blood alcohol level must be zero.
- You must not drive alone; an accompanying driver must sit in the front passenger seat and have a valid Class G (or higher) licence, at least four years of driving experience, and must have a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) level of less than .05% when accompanying you.
- Each person in the vehicle must have a working seatbelt. You must not drive on 400-series highways or high-speed roads with a posted speed limit over 80 km/h, unless you are accompanied by a driving instructor.
- You must not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
Getting your driving practice in
You should take advantage of the waiting period prior to taking your G2 road test. Gaining some valuable driving experience under the watchful eye of a seasoned driver is critical to your success. There is no requirement to put in a particular number of driving hours before testing for your G2 driving test. However, if you put in 50 or 100 hours of driving prior, you will be more competent and confident at the time of your test.
Keeping in mind the restrictions, you have a few options for driving practice to help you feel more confident behind the wheel:
- Drivers education course: Provides in-class lessons followed by road lessons to let you do the road test in eight months;
- Go straight to road lessons, and take as many as you think you need;
- Drive with a family member who has a full G licence and has at least four years of driving experience in Canada.
G2 test tips to prepare for the road test
When you are ready to prepare for the G2 road test, it is important that you practice driving in many conditions. Every hour you put in will improve your chances! Here are some of our G2 test tips to help prepare yourself:
- Start with simple, short drives in and around your neighbourhood.
- Initially, choose to drive during hours of minimal traffic, and gradually increase the length and complexity of the drives.
- Experience as many different driving conditions as possible while you have your G1, including rain, rush hour, construction and school zones and night time driving.
TIP: Becoming a G2 licensed driver requires that you take a G2 road test. Certain times of the year, like the summer or March Break, can be very busy, so make sure you book your G2 road test in advance.
The day of your G2 road test
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind on the day of your driving test:
- Arrive early: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to check-in. You don’t want to arrive late and be flustered before your test.
- Make sure car is working: Check that the lights are functioning, ensure that you have a full tank of gas, and the wiper fluid is full. Your vehicle needs to be free of mechanical issues, otherwise you may be prohibited from taking the test that day. Before beginning the G1 driving test, the examiner will check to make sure that everything works well on the vehicle you have brought to the test. For example, the horn, parking brake, high beams, turn signals, etc.
- Bring your own ride OR your driving instructor’s: It’s always best to bring a vehicle you have had practice driving on the day of your test. Whether it’s the family car or your driving instructor’s vehicle, being familiar with the vehicle is important to help set your mind at ease.
- Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license, identification and method of payment.
- Book in advance of license expiration: Book well in advance of the G1 expiration date. This will give you time to re-book if you need to retake the test.
What do you need to do to pass the G2 test?
The G1 driving test is meant to assess your basic driving abilities and comfort level when it comes to driving on non-highway roads. During your driving test, instructors will assess your ability to follow the rules of the road. You’ll need to show safe driving behaviour at all times. During the exam, the instructor will provide you with verbal directions. The G2 road test will be conducted on local roads, and usually lasts about 20 minutes. The test will assess your basic driving skills, including:
- Recognizing and following road signs, turning, stopping, passing and obeying the rules of the road
- Driving through both controlled and uncontrolled intersections
- Parking, backing up and parallel parking
- Practicing safe driving, such as correct steering and following the speed limits
You should be told right away if you’ve passed, and get your license upgraded to a G2 instantly. If you don’t pass, you can rebook another test before leaving. The examiner will give you feedback on what you need to improve on.
Five most common mistakes made during a G2 test
Practice on the road is the best way to prepare for the G2 road test. The more comfortable you become with signs and traffic, rules of the road will become more intuitive. Being aware of the most common driving mistakes can help you before and during the test. Here are the five most common mistakes that happen during G2 assessments:
- Forgetting to signal turns: Don’t forget to use your turn signal when you do a three-point turn, pull out of your parking spot or drive through a roundabout.
- Not following the posted speed: Keep a consistent speed that obeys the posted speed. If it says 50km/h, do not drive 70 km/h.
- Not checking your mirrors: Check your mirrors every five seconds or so, especially when you are turning and changing lanes.
- Not fully stopping: Stop for three seconds at any stop sign – no rolling stops!
- Parallel parking mistakes: Practice makes perfect! Spend time mastering this tricky parking maneuver before your test.
G2 road licence
Once you’ve passed the G2 road test, you are one step closer to being a fully-licensed driver. However, before hitting the open road, familiarize yourself with the G2 licence restrictions and other responsibilities that come with driving on your own.
Ontario G2 licence restrictions for drivers
G2 licence restrictions can be broken down into two categories – impairment and passengers:
Impairment
- Your blood alcohol level must be ZERO while driving
- You cannot drive with ANY cannabis in your system
Passengers
- Normally, passengers are held responsible for seatbelt use. With your G2, however, you are held responsible for passengers wearing seatbelts. You are only allowed as many passengers as there are working seatbelts in your vehicle.
- If you are 19 or younger, between the hours of midnight and 5am:
- For the first six months of having your Ontario G2 licence, you can carry only one passenger aged 19 or under
- After these first six months or if you turn 20, you may carry up to three passengers, ages 19 or under
What you can do as a G2 licensed driver
Although the G2 restrictions may seem limiting, you do, however, have more privileges than you did with a G1. You can now drive:
- Without a supervisor
- On highways
- Between the hours of midnight and 5.a.m.
After you prepare for the G2 road test and have acquired your G2 licence, you will need to think about more insurance coverage. Speak to one of our isure representatives about the best type of coverage options available to you!
