Getting a G2 Licence in Ontario

How long you need to hold a G1 first

Before you can test for a G2, you generally need to hold a G1 licence for a minimum of 12 months. That period can be shortened to 8 months if you complete an approved driver-education course, which is one of the main reasons new drivers enroll in one. Outside of that shortcut, there’s no way to speed up eligibility — the waiting period is meant to ensure you’ve had real supervised driving experience before you’re tested. See getting a G1 licence if you haven’t reached this stage yet.

The G2 road test

Once you’re eligible, you book a road test through DriveTest. This test evaluates your practical driving skills — things like vehicle control, observation, and your ability to follow the rules of the road in real traffic. It’s the first time your driving is assessed directly rather than through a written test. Our road-test requirements page covers what these tests generally look at in more detail.

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can typically book another test after a waiting period. Because scheduling and exact procedures can change, it’s worth checking current booking rules and any wait times directly with DriveTest or ServiceOntario as your test date approaches.

What changes once you have a G2

Passing the road test and receiving your G2 is a significant milestone: you can now drive without a supervising driver in the vehicle, including on highways. That said, G2 is still a novice stage, not a full licence. Drivers under 21 must maintain zero blood alcohol, and other novice-driver conditions can still apply. Our G2 licence restrictions page explains what to expect.

Looking ahead to a full G

G2 isn’t the final stage either. After holding a G2 for a minimum of 12 months, you become eligible to take the G exit road test and move to a full G licence with no novice-driver restrictions. See getting a full G licence for that process. Overall, most drivers complete the full G1-to-G journey in about 20 to 24 months, though Ontario allows up to 5 years to finish it.

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