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DriveTest Ontario: How to Pass Your G (and G2) Road Tests

The Basics

In Ontario, we have a graduated licensing system: you start with a written exam to get your G1. This allows you to drive in the presence of a driving instructor or an experienced G license holder (in other words, someone who has had their G for 5 years, uninterrupted). After that, you get to do your G1 exit road test. This allows you to get a G2. A G2 allows you to drive all by yourself. The only difference between a G and a G2 are:
  • You must have zero blood alcohol level (generally a good thing to follow, even if you are a G)
  • Everyone in the car must have a working seatbelt
  • If you are under 19 years of age:
    • In the first six months after receiving your G2 licence, you can carry only one passenger aged 19 or under. 
    • After six months with your G2 licence and until you obtain your full G licence or turn 20, you are allowed to carry up to three passengers aged 19 or under.
And from a practical standpoint:
  • Insurance rates are generally lower for a G holder compared to a G2 holder
  • Your G2 expires in 5 years. If you don't pass your G2 exit test, you will have to redo the written test and G1 exit test all over again.
Finally, you get to do your G2 exit test a year after you got your G2 license (unless you are an immigrant who had a license in your home country. You are given credit for that experience and can take your G2 exit test without having to wait a year). This would be your last official driving test you will have to take until you are in 70s.


How to Pass the Test

To be honest, the G2 exit test is more about showmanship than it is about driving. If you have been driving for a long time, you probably have a set of skills to help you navigate Ontario streets. Unfortunately, for those 20 mins of the test, you have to forget those skills and show a different set of skills the examiners are looking for. Here is how to do that.

First, take a look at the official handbook online. It will give you a good idea of what you are expected to do. In essence, each maneuver is broken into several different moves that you need to perform in order to pass the test. The most important maneuvers you will be required to do are:
  • Starting from a parked position 
  • Passing a STOP intersection 
  • Passing an ALL WAY STOP intersection 
  • Passing a traffic intersection 
  • Changing lanes in a residential or business area 
  • Entering and exiting highways
  • Changing lanes on a highway
  • Three-point turn
  • Emergency stop
  • Parellel parking
We posted the grading sheet for the G2 exit test so you can use it as a guide. It might be a good idea to have someone come with you and grade you to make sure you are performing all the required moves within a maneuvers. 

Tips for Passing

The following are just some of the common mistakes you should probably avoid:
  • Be familiar with the test routes. We publish them on our website. 
  • Always change lanes to the rightmost lane, especially after a left turn. You will lose points if you don't. Don't expect the examiner to prompt you to change to the correct lane.
  • Check your blindspot whenever you turn or change lanes. Make sure you turn your head and make it obvious you are doing so. You can also verbally announce it so your examiner knows you are doing it.
  • Check traffic when approaching an intersection. Even if it is green, make sure to move your head left and right and then left. To be safe, you can loudly announce: "traffic check!" to let your examiner know you are doing it.
  • Reach the highway driving speed (usually 100 km/hr) before merging. 
  • Merge into the exit lane from the highway as soon as it appears. 

Drive Test Route Maps

See our posts for user-submitted maps of potential routes for the test!

After You Pass the Test

Congratulations! You are now an officially certified Ontario driver! Always be safe when driving and never get too confident!

We have some tips on saving on auto insurance since your next step now is probably calling your insurance company to share the good news with them!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Can i come to know who was the examiner for my G test?
Because i want to file complain against her of inappropriate behaviour.
Thankyou
In situations like this, we do recommend going to the examiner center to speak to them regarding your situation. Generally, the exam center has a record of who went with you. Additionally, the exam slip you might have (if you didn't pass the test) should also have their name and signature on it.
subith_premdas said…
There was this guy who spoke out each time he checked the mirror or a shoulder check for blindspot. After some time, the examiner politely asked him to keep quiet. There's really no need to verbally announce the checks you do.
The Lynster said…
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The Lynster said…
Where can I find a road map for the road tests in sudbury Ontario ?
Anonymous said…
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Anonymous said…
The most brilliant advice I got for mirror/shoulder checks was to wear a baseball cap. The examiner will notice the bill of the cap moving even if you just tilt your head a little, and the cap with remind you to turn your head, not just your eyes.
Jimmy Joe said…
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Ruby said…
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Ruby said…
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Unknown said…
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Leul Beyene said…
Great post i enjoy your post every day
Mark said…
After I got my G, I went to Bell Auto and got myself a used Mercedes-Benz. They are the best-used car Dealership in Ontario
Potter said…
Where did you get your loan from? I heard Carfinance is the best.
Anonymous said…
Can you please add G road test route for Clinton, Ontario please. Thank you
Anonymous said…
I hope you add the Lindsay G licence drive test route. Thanks