However, before you take a car in Ontario, Canada, it will be advisable to have a car license. The process is part of a graduated licensing system, which means that the drivers develop their skills gradually.
In this guide, we’ll break it down into steps to assist you to make the process of getting your car license easier.
Step 1: Apply for a G1 License
The first step is obtaining the G1 license. This is the entry-level license where one has to take a written knowledge test and an eye test. Here’s how to get started:
- Age Requirement: For your application to be considered, you must be at least 16 years of age.
- Prepare for the Test: Read the Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver’s Handbook. The handbook includes sections such as road signs, road rules, and safe driving.
- Book an Appointment: It is possible to book the test online or go to the DriveTest Centre in person.
- Fees: The G1 license package costs about $159.75 CAD and covers your knowledge test, the first road test that will upgrade you to G2, and the license fee for five years.
- Pass the Test: The G1 test includes multiple-choice questions about traffic laws and road signs. If you pass, you get your G1 license, but you are not free to drive as you wish yet.
G1 License Restrictions
With a G1 license, you’ll need to follow strict rules:
- Accompanied Driving: You must always carry a fully licensed G driver with at least four years of experience while in the car.
- No Alcohol or Cannabis: You shouldn’t have any trace of alcohol or cannabis in your system when operating a vehicle.
- No Nighttime or Highway Driving: You cannot use roads with a speed limit above 80 km/h or drive at nighttime between 12:00 and 5:00.
Step 2: Get Your G2 License
G1 applicants can take the road test after they have held their G1 license for at least 12 months to obtain their G2 license. If you pass a government-approved driver training course, you can take the G2 test after eight months.
- Road Test: The G2 road test examines your elementary driving skills, including parallel parking, turning, and sign control.
- Driving Independence: If you pass, you gain a lot of freedom to drive the car. You can drive without supervision and on any road in Ontario.
- Restrictions: Certain limitations still apply, especially for drivers under the age of 19 years. Young drivers are allowed to carry no more than one passenger below the age of 19 between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months.
Step 3: Obtain Your Full G License
To obtain your full G license, you have to take a G road test after holding your G2 license for one year. This is an advanced test that involves other areas of driving, such as highways.
- Test Overview: The G road test includes tasks such as parking parallel to the curb, joining the highway, and defensive driving.
- Fees: The G road test costs about $91.25 CAD.
- Full License: When you pass, there are no longer time or passenger constraints, and you can drive anywhere in Ontario.
Tips for Success
- Practice: It is suggested to drive in common traffic and under conditions similar to the test environment as much as possible.
- Defensive Driving: Consider taking a defensive driving course, which improves driving skills and may qualify you for insurance discounts.
- Vehicle Readiness: Ensure that your car is in proper condition, including lights, signals, and tires, for the test.
Visitors and Foreign Drivers
If you come to Ontario with an International Driver’s License, you can legally drive for up to 90 days. After that, you are required to obtain an Ontario license. There are some countries with reciprocal arrangements, meaning you may not need to take a test to get an Ontario license. Otherwise, you will have to go through the whole process, starting from the G1 level.
Conclusion
In obtaining a car license in Ontario, there is a series of procedures to follow to properly equip new drivers. Right from the G1 knowledge test to the final G license, the system is designed to make you a safer and more responsible driver. Be sure to enjoy the process, follow the rules, and drive appropriately at all times.