Getting your G licence is a huge milestone. It’s the final step in Ontario’s graduated licensing system. With it, you can drive anywhere in Canada without the restrictions of your G1 and G2 licence. The G road test is the final step before becoming a fully licensed driver – and because there are so many restrictions with your G1 and G2 licences, getting it right the first time will save you the headache of having to retake the test down the road. In this article, we’ll go over what you need to know for your G road test!
Table of Contents
What is the G Road Test?
The G road test is the final step of getting your full driver’s licence in Ontario. Before you can take this exam, there are a few things to know! The assessment covers all the same sections and skills in the G2 road test, but also includes more advanced driving skills like highway driving.
Preparing for your G Road Test
Being fully aware of the things you may need to know for your G licence test will help you be prepared, stay calm on the day of the exam, and walk away with easy-earned success. Things like being a defensively-minded driver and anticipating what can be expected in certain situations are critical information as drivers prepare for their class G road test.
What are the G test requirements?
In order to take the G road test, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- A valid G2 licence
- You’ve had your G2 licence for at least 12 months
- Completed and signed ‘Declaration of Highway Driving Experience’ form
What do I bring to my G test?
Before you arrive at your G test, you should come prepared with the following:
- Arrive 10 minutes early so the inspector can verify your credentials
- Valid G1 licence – to prove you passed your written driving exam
- Valid G2 licence
- Supporting documentation (ie. proof of insurance, health card proving DOB and legal name)
What to expect on the G Road Test
Here we will break down what you should expect on your G road test – from the initial meeting to the driving skills that will be assessed during the road test. You can expect the G road test to take anywhere from 30-40 minutes.
Meet-Up
- The examiner will first confirm all of your provided documents;
- An eye examination;
- After the admin stuff is dealt with, the examiner will check to make sure your brake lights, headlights, and windshield wipers are working properly.
During the G road test (first 20 minutes)
- The examiner will give the OK to begin the test. Make sure you fasten your seatbelt before driving;
- As you back out of your parking spot, the examiner will note if you used your signal, checked your mirrors and blindspots;
- You will be instructed to make some left and right turns. Make sure you signal properly before every turn;
- When you arrive at a red light, the examiner will note if you made a complete stop behind the white line before making a turn;
- The examiner will note your driving ability on multi-lane roads. When turning on multi-lane roads, make sure you stay in your lane and do not cross lane markings. For example, if you are turning right – make sure you stay in the right-hand lane instead of crossing over the left lane;
- When you arrive at a four-way stop, the examiner will ask if you which vehicle has the right of way.
The second half of the G road test (last 20 minutes)
- You will be instructed to merge onto a highway;
- Once you’re on the highway, you will be instructed to change lanes multiple times to test if you signal and check your blind spots before proceeding;
- Constantly monitor your surroundings on the highway. Be aware that there should be at least a 3-second gap between you and other vehicles;
- DO NOT TAILGATE. This is grounds for failure. Make sure you are in the appropriate lane at all times. Which lane do you use to pass traffic? Left or Right? The answer is left. Stay in the right lane if you don’t plan on passing;
- Once you merge off the highway, the examiner will ask you to drive through a school zone. Make sure you’re aware of the road signs and pedestrians;
- When passing through a crosswalk, the examiner will look at your head movement. Make sure you look out for pedestrians or other vehicles before passing through;
- You will be asked to parallel park and do a three-point turn.
After the test
After the exam, the examiner will inform you of your success or failure. They’ll look over whether there are small mistakes that need work and point them out. If you pass on your first try, the examiner will tell you what you need to work on and explain what went wrong. It is likely that if you understand where your error lies within the test, it won’t happen again when called at a later date.
G Road Test Checklist
Here are the areas you should focus on before taking your G licence test:
- Proper turn signals
- Aware of the speed limit
- Left and right turns
- Stopping at and passing through intersections
- Proper lane use and observation skills
- Mirror use and blind-spot checking
- Lane changes
- Roadside stops
- Driving along curves
- Space management
- Defensive driving
- Driving in business and residential areas
- Parallel parking
- Three-point turns
Booking your full G licence test
Once you have had your G2 for at least one year, it’s time to book your G driving test.
To book a G road test, you will need to provide the following information:
- Driver’s licence number
- A preferred location
- Know the time and date you want to book
You can book your G licence road test appointment:
- By phone at 647-776-0331 or 1-888-570-6110
- On the DriveTest website
- In-person at DriveTest Centre
How do I reschedule my G test in Ontario?
You can reschedule your G test the same way you book your appointment, either in-person, online, or over the phone.
How much does the G test cost?
The cost of a Class G road test is $91.25 with tax included, effective July 12, 2019. You will need to pay additional fees for retests.
What will make you fail your driving test?
Here are some things that would be considered an automatic fail on your G test:
- rolling stops
- improper lane changing
- lack of controlled steering
- distracted driving
- driving too fast (or slow)
- changing lanes in an intersection
- braking too hard
- tailgating
- not actively checking mirrors or blindspots
Tips for passing G Road Test
Preparation is key if you want to be successful on your road tests. Most people fail because they don’t have enough experience driving before taking the G test. Follow these tips to pass on your first try:
Driving instructors are helpful
Before you take your G test, it is important to brush up on your driving skills. Meeting with a driving instructor will help get you feeling confident in passing the exam.
Make sure your vehicle is working properly
Check your vehicle’s brakes, turn signals, and fuel before leaving.
Drive on the highway
Highway traffic makes up a large portion of the road test. Ensure you spend enough time practicing on highways and reviewing all highway traffic signs and laws before taking it.
Review the driver’s handbook
Study for your test before you go using your driver’s handbook. Review road signs and driving rules to ace your exam.
Conclusion
It can seem like an overwhelming process, but if you follow these G road test tips and prepare for the G exam beforehand, it’ll be much easier to pass on your first try. Start by reviewing signs and laws that relate to highway traffic before taking your G2. If you want more help with preparing for or passing a driving exam in Canada, don’t hesitate to contact us today! We’re happy to provide assistance so that you can become a full G driver!
FAQs
You must have a valid G2 license for at least one year before you can take the G test.
The G2 licence is the second step of the licensing program in Canada. With the G2, you have certain driving restrictions. The G licence is the final step in getting your full driver’s license.
There is no specific number of mistakes that will lead to passing or failing a G test. If you are not paying attention, negative points could be added for merging too late. However, one major mistake like speeding in a school zone can cause an immediate fail. One thing they all have in common: too many minor mistakes can lead to failure.
Provided your driver’s license is valid, you can take as many tests as needed to pass. If you fail your G test, you will need to book another appointment. You cannot retake it the same day or within 10 days of failing.
The cost of a Class G road test is $91.25 with tax included.
No. You are responsible for providing a vehicle for your road test as you may not borrow one from the test site. However, if you took a course from a driving school, your driving instructor may let you borrow their vehicle.
Parallel parking is something you should prepare for on your G test. You will be required to parallel park on your G test.
When comparing insurance rates for novice license holders and G license holders then the latter tend to have a better rate. This is because with a G licence you are considered a seasoned driver and as such have less risk score when insuring you, which in turn may reduce your auto insurance premiums by up to 10%.
Yes, your G licence will expire after 5 years. It is up to you to renew it.
G license holders can renew their G licence up to 180 days before its expiration. You can renew your G-license in person at a ServiceOntario, by mail or online. Payment for the renewal of licensing may be made by credit card (MasterCard, Visa or Interac).
