Are you preparing to get your G2? Well, you’re in luck! This guide will help you prepare for and pass the G2 road test.
Being a G1 driver means you’ve been learning all the rules of the road and how to drive safely. You know how to signal when you want to turn, who has the right-of-way at a four-way stop sign, among other basic driving skills. But now you must complete your G2 road test.
Are your palms sweating? Don’t worry – it’s only natural that this is nerve-wracking.
Preparation is key to passing the G2 driver’s test. In this article, you will learn about preparing for the test, how to book the test, how much it costs, requirements, and some tips for passing.
Table of Contents
What is the G2 road test?
Getting your G2 licence is the second step to obtaining your full G licence in Ontario. Once you’ve been driving for a full 12 months, or 8 months with a completed driving course, you’re eligible to take your G2 road test.
How long is the G2 road test?
The road test is relatively short – takes roughly 20 minutes to complete. You will be assessed on the basic driving skills required for driving around the city. The road test includes a little bit of highway driving. Before taking the test, you must complete and sign a Highway Driving Experience Form to ensure you have sufficient highway driving experience.
What do I need to bring to my G2 test?
Before you take your G2 test, you will need to come prepared with the following:
- G1 driver’s licence
- Driving with a G1 for a minimum of 1 year – 8 months if you’ve completed a course from a certified driving school
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses (if necessary)
- A vehicle that has no defects
- Check-in 30 minutes before your test to complete the documentation
What do I need to know for my G2 road test?
So, you think you’re ready for your G2 road test? Making the leap from your G1 to G2 can be scary, and you need to ensure you’re ready before taking the road test. Here are some questions to ask yourself beforehand:
- Did I complete driver’s ed?
- How much have I driven?
- Do I know the rules of the road?
- Do I have any valuable driving experience?
- Do I feel comfortable with my driving experience?
If you’re feeling ready then it’s time to book your G2 road test appointment.
How do you book the G2 test?
Booking your G2 test is pretty simple and can be done one of three ways:
Phone
You can book your G2 test over the phone by calling your local DriveTest centre or by calling the MTO at 1-888-570-6110.
Online
You can book your G2 test online on the DriveTest website.
In-Person
You can book your G2 test in person at any DriveTest centre.
To book your test, you will need to provide the following information:
- Ontario driver’s licence number
- Date and time you’d like to take the test
- The location you’d like to take the exam
- Alternate location preferences
How much is the G2 road test?
The G2 road test fee is included in your Class G1 licence package which is valid for 6 years from the date of payment. If you fail your first attempt, you can re-take the exam for $53.75. When you pass the exam, you’ll need to pay a $90 licencing fee.
G2 road test checklist
Now that you’ve prepared for and booked your G2 test, I’m sure you’re wondering what you’ll be tested on. The G2 road test is designed to assess your basic knowledge and driving skills. Driving instructors will assess your ability to follow the rules of the road. You’ll be asked to complete specific maneuvers, such as making a left or right turn. You will also be required to demonstrate the following:
Starting in the parking lot
- Fastening your seatbelt
- Turning on the vehicle
- Checking safety devices (lights, hazards, emergency brake, wipers)
Leaving the parking lot
- Releasing parking brake
- Signaling as you leave the parking spot
- Stopping before the sidewalk as you pull out of the lot
- Looking around for pedestrians as you pull out of the spot
Driving along
- Obeying traffic signs and stops
- Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles
- Using turn signals when turning
- Checking blind spots when turning
- Changing lanes
- Checking blind spots while passing
- Driving in passing lanes
- Maintaining the legal speed limit
- Observing the proper right of way
- Proper use of gas, brakes, steering, or clutch if driving a manual vehicle
Intersections
- Obeying traffic signs (stop signs, lights, yield, etc.)
- Scanning oncoming traffic at intersections
- Stopping before the white line at a stop sign (don’t block the crosswalk)
- Observing proper right of way
- Checking blind spots for pedestrians and cyclists when turning
- Using turn signals
Turning
- Proper and timely signaling
- Turning from the correct lane
- Observing proper right of way
- Proper turning position (not too wide or cutting corners)
- Turning at a safe speed
- Controlled steering
- Three-point turns
Parking
- Parallel parking
- Reverse and forward parking
- Using proper turning signals
- Using mirror and shoulder check
- Signal when leaving the parking spot
- Set parking brake when parked
- Proper angle of wheels (turn into curb if parked on a hill)
What are the most common mistakes on the driving test?
If you’re nervous about your G2 test, it can help to know the most common mistakes people make when taking their driving test. Some of these include:
- Failing to do head and mirror checks
- Not coming to complete stop at stop signs
- Failing to adhere to the posted speed limit
- Failing to proceed at a green light
- Failing to give right of way
- Turning right without yielding to pedestrians
- Failing to do a proper blind spot check when turning
What counts as an automatic fail on the G2 road test?
There are a few things that will result in an automatic fail. These include:
- Missing more than two traffic signs or failing to obey one of the posted speed limits
- Losing control of your vehicle
- Driving off the road
- Collisions
- Driving over a curb or sidewalk
- Failing to properly signal for every turn
- Running stop signs and lights (failing to come to complete stop at intersection)
- Violating pedestrians crossing right of way rules
- Driving too close to another vehicle
- Pulling off the road or into an intersection without checking for other vehicles
- Failing to yield right of way when turning on red at traffic lights
Tips for passing your G2 road test on the first try
Passing your G2 road test on the first try is a great feeling. Not only will you save money by not having to retake the exam, but you’ll leave feeling accomplished and more confident in your driving abilities. To help you get ready, here are some tips that will make it easier for you to pass your G2 road test:
Enroll in a certified driving course
One of the best ways to prepare yourself for the G2 road test is to enroll in a driver training course. A majority of these courses combine classroom instruction with one-on-one in-vehicle training. Upon completion, you will be awarded a Ministry of Transportation of Ontario certification which also helps you get lower rates on car insurance.
Practice the driving route
To prepare for the Ontario G2 road test, drive routes that are similar to those found on your examiners’ typical route. This will help you become familiar with them and identify any potential problem areas—such as crossroads or roundabouts—and make sure they aren’t a surprise when driving during your actual G2 examination.
Practice your driving skills
To prepare to take the Ontario G2 driving test, you will need to be able to demonstrate basic driving skills while behind the wheel. Practice these skills ahead of time so that you can pass your examination confidently:
- Parallel parking: It’s important to have a basic understanding of how to parallel park and what the safety guidelines are. Practice this skill by parking in an open space on the side of one-way streets or along busy roads so that you can get used to being close to other cars.
- Three-point turns: Reverse three-point turns are difficult to master, but it’s important for you to be able to demonstrate your knowledge of how this is done and why. Practice by parking on a flat surface near an intersection or other flat space that can accommodate easy turning in either direction.
- Emergency stops: One of the most important things new drivers can do to prepare for a successful road test is preparing how to successfully execute an emergency stop, which is where many other drivers fail. When you hear your examiner say “emergency stop,” try not to slam on the brakes. Don’t forget to check your blind spot when embarking on your route again.
Next steps
Congratulations on getting your G2 licence! You might be wondering what to do next. Well for starters you can enjoy that freedom to drive on your own without a licensed driver in the passenger seat. But don’t forget that there’s a whole other level of licensing ahead before you get full freedom with your vehicle – the G license. The freedom to drive on your own will give you valuable experience when preparing for your g road test. Now it’s time to go out and enjoy this newfound independence by exploring more of Ontario or visiting friends outside the city limits. Happy motoring!
FAQs
There is no set number of mistakes allowed on a driving test, but deductions are given for errors regarding safety. For example, failing to stop or speeding will typically cause someone to fail their driving test while parking too close to the curb may result in a pass.
The G2 is a quick test and is not very hard. You may be asked to do three-point turns, parallel parking, and other basic driving skills. To pass this test you will need to understand the rules of the road. If you’ve been driving with your parents regularly or completed a driver’s ed course, the G2 test will be relatively simple. The hardest part is being tested under pressure.
If you fail your G2 test, you will have to wait 10 days before retaking it. Depending on the time of the year this could take longer.
The G2 road test must be completed within 5 years, otherwise, you will have to start back at the beginning of the G1 process.
Yes, you can use your own vehicle for the test. You can also use a car from a friend or family member. The vehicle must be in safe and fully operational condition. Vehicles are not available through the website or Drive Test centers.
