A short, plain guide to the three steps of Ontario's graduated licensing system: how long each one takes, the main rules, and what the road tests cover. Written by an MTO-approved driving instructor in Ottawa and checked against the Ontario government website.
This is a summary. The Ontario government pages and the official MTO Driver's Handbook are the final word, and rules can change.
Road tests are booked and given by DriveTest. Check DriveTest for the current fees and what to bring on the day. See also G2 road test preparation in Ottawa and car rental for the road test.
Passing a Class G or G2 road test in an automatic car does not restrict your licence. You receive the same licence as someone who tested in a manual car, and you are not limited to automatic cars. Manual-transmission restrictions in Ontario apply to commercial truck licences, not to Class G. Driving a manual is a separate skill that you would need to learn separately.
You usually hold the G1 for 12 months before the first road test. If you complete an approved driver education course such as the BDE course, you can take the road test after 8 months.
You practise at the G2 stage for 12 months before you can take the G road test.
Up to five years to finish the whole process. If you do not get your full G licence in that time, you have to start over.
Driving on major roads and expressways, including merging, keeping speed and space, signalling, turns, curves, lane changes, intersections and driving in business areas. Parallel parking, roadside stops, three-point turns and residential driving are not part of the G test because they are covered in the G2 test.
Passing a Class G or G2 road test in an automatic car does not restrict your licence: you receive the same licence as someone who tested in a manual car. Manual-transmission restrictions in Ontario apply to commercial truck licences, not to Class G. Driving a manual is a separate skill you would need to learn.
Yes. A G1 driver may not drive on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways, but with a driver instructor certified in Ontario the G1 driver can drive on any road.
Lessons in English, French or Arabic. Send a request and Mahdi will confirm by phone or message. You can also call or text 613-640-6400.
Book → Call 613-640-6400Last updated November 2026. Rules checked against the Ontario government and DriveTest websites; confirm current details with them.