Getting an Ontario driver’s license requires a gradual process called graduated licensing. This system also helps to ensure that new drivers the practice they need before they are given free reign on the roads. Below is a detailed guide that will require from you after deciding to carry out the process:
Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements
Before applying for an Ontario driver’s license, you must meet some basic eligibility criteria:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- You ought to bring legal identification, birth certificate and a signature document.
- Be medically qualified to operate the vehicle (you may be asked some questions regarding your health).
- Pass an eye examination.
Once you meet these requirements, you are now ready to start your application process.
Step 2: Get a G1 License (learner’s permit)
The beginning of the graduated licensing system is the G1 license application, which is an equivalent of a learner’s permit. Here’s how to obtain it:
1. Study for the Knowledge Test
You will have to read the Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver’s Handbook that focuses on traffic laws, road signs and driving safely. The G1 test includes 40 questions, 20 of which are related to road signs and 20 to road rules. In order to pass each of the sections, you must achieve a 100% pass rate.
2. Schedule Your Knowledge Test
Schedule an appointment with a DriveTest Centre where you will sit the written knowledge test and take an eye test. The cost for G1 test is $105 CAD while the fee for five year license is $159.75 CAD. For appointment booking, you can pay online or at the DriveTest Centre.
3. Pass the G1 Test
Once you complete the test, you will be issued with the G1 license. As a G1 driver, you must follow specific restrictions:
- It is mandatory to have a fully licensed G driver who has had not less than four years of driving experience.
- No alcohol or cannabis in your system.
- No driving on 400 series highways or high-speed expressways.
- Driving restricted to between 5 a.m. and 12 a.m.
Step 3: Practice Driving
You are required to drive under different circumstances for at least one year after getting your G1 license. However, if you take a driver education course that is approved by the government, then you can be able to wait for only 8 months. This will also entitle you to insurance discounts from many of the providers out there.
Step 4: Obtain a G2 License
After you’ve had your G1 for the necessary amount of time, you can then proceed to take the G2. This is the second pillar of the graduated licensing system in the Ontario province of the Canada.
1. Book the G1 Exit Test
Pass both the G1 exit test also called the G2 road test is a test of this ability. The test normally lasts about 20 minutes; in the course of the test the applicant has to park, use the turn signals to change lanes, execute turns at intersections and so on.
2. Pass the G1 Exit Test
After you complete the road test, you’ll get your G2 license, which means that you can drive on your own. However, there are still some restrictions:
- No alcohol or cannabis in your system.
- It is required by the law that everyone on board must be wearing seatbelts.
- Drivers under 19 years old are allowed to carry no more than one passenger under 19 between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. for the first six months; after the first six months, the limit is three passengers under 19.
Before you move to the next stage, you must have your G2 license for at least one year.
Step 5: Get a Full G License
The last stage is getting your full G license that gives you full freedom when it comes to driving.
1. Book the G2 Exit Test
After a one-year hold of the G2 license, one is allowed to write the G2 exit test, which is commonly referred to as the G road test. This test is designed to check your capability to perform further challenging tasks as those involving highways.
2. Pass the G2 Exit Test
Once you complete the G road test, you’ll get your full G license. With this, you can drive without any restrictions but you must not have more than 0.08% BAC and for drivers under the age of 21 the BAC should be zero.
Foreign Experience as a Way to Speed Up Your Licensing Process
If you’re new to Ontario and already hold a valid driver’s license from another country or province, the process might be expedited depending on your situation:
- If you are from a country with a licensing agreement with Ontario, such as the USA, UK, or Germany, you can get your Ontario license without passing any tests.
- If you are from a country without reciprocity, you will have to take the G1 and G2 tests, but prior experience may exempt you some stages.
Tips for Success
- The MTO Driver’s Handbook is essential to read before the tests; there are also practice tests which can be found on the Internet.
- You might also consider the driver education and completing it will enable you to get insurance rebates as well as save time.
- Ideally, the person needs to take a lot of practice to build confidence and make the person familiar with most aspects of the road.
- Aim at new driver’s regulation, such as no alcohol is allowed while driving and the number of passengers a new driver can carry.
It is through these steps that you will be guaranteed a chance of getting your Ontario driver’s license and the freedom in prospect.
