Ontario G2 Road Test Checklist: How to Book, Prepare and Pass

The G2 road test is your first driving test in Ontario. Here is who can take it, how to book, what your car needs, what the examiner checks, and a checklist for test day.

Which test is the "G2 road test"?

Many people say "G2 road test" for the first road test. Officially, it is the G1 road test (also called the G1 exit test or Level One road test). When you pass it, you get your G2 licence. The second road test, taken later, gives you your full G licence. This guide is about the first test.

Who can take it: G1 time rules

• You must hold a G1 licence for 12 months before you can take the road test.
• If you pass a government-approved driver education course, you can take it after 8 months.
• You have five years to finish the whole licensing process. After that, you must start over.
• If you fail, you must wait at least 10 days before your next test.

Still studying for your G1? Try our free G1 practice test.

How to book

1. Have your Ontario driver's licence number and its expiry date ready.
2. Choose a preferred DriveTest Centre, plus a second and third choice, and a preferred date and time.
3. Book online at drivetest.ca, by phone at 647-776-0331 or 1-888-570-6110, or in person at any DriveTest Centre.
4. Prepay the road test fee. You must pay before your appointment is booked.
5. Need to change? Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours ahead. With less notice, or if you do not show up, your prepaid fee is not refunded.

What to bring

• A vehicle in good working order that is plated and insured.
• An accompanying driver. As a G1 driver, you need one to drive you to the test centre.
• Glasses or contact lenses, if you need them to drive.
• Money for test fees, if you still owe any.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment. Only you and the examiner can be in the car. No passengers or pets. Instructors, friends, relatives and translators cannot ride with you.

Vehicle requirements

If your vehicle does not meet the standards, the test is declared "out-of-order". You lose 50% of the road test fee and must pay that amount again to rebook. Check that:

• The foot brake, brake lights (left and right) and turn signals work.
• Headlights and tail lights work.
• Seatbelts work for you and the examiner.
• The horn and speedometer work.
• Windshield wipers, washer fluid and defroster work, if the weather needs them.
• The windshield has no large cracks or stars.
• All doors are installed and open and close.
• Tires are not flat, temporary (spare) or defective.
• The muffler is secure. There are no fuel leaks or loose parts, such as the hood.
• There is a rear bumper, a mirror and a secured licence plate.
• A convertible roof is up and secured.
• Phones and dash or action cameras are turned off.
• The car is clean enough to pose no health risk to the examiner.

Panel vans are not allowed, except for a person with a disability or special need who has no other vehicle. If you are worried about your car, contact the DriveTest Centre before your test.

What the examiner checks

Ontario lists these skills for the G1 road test:

• Left and right turns
• Stopping, traffic lights, and stop and yield signs
• Lane changes
• One-way streets
• Residential driving
• Parallel parking
• Three-point turns

The Official MTO Driver's Handbook describes what good driving looks like for these skills:

Turns and intersections

• Check traffic and mirrors before you slow down. Signal before you slow down.
• Keep a 2 to 3 second gap behind the vehicle ahead.
• Stop fully behind the stop line, crosswalk or edge of the intersection.
• Keep your wheels straight while you wait to turn. Steer with both hands.
• Finish the turn in the matching lane and return to traffic speed.

Lane changes

• Check your mirrors and your blind spot over your shoulder.
• Signal, change lanes smoothly, then cancel your signal.

Residential streets

• Watch for schools, driveways and sidewalks.
• Keep a reasonable speed and check your mirrors often.

Parallel parking, three-point turn and roadside stop

• Parallel parking: signal, stop beside the car ahead, then back in slowly. Set the parking brake and check traffic before opening the door.
• Three-point turn: start at the right side, signal, and check traffic before each move.
• Roadside stop: check mirrors and blind spot, signal, and stop within about 30 cm of the curb. Turn on your hazard lights and set the parking brake.

The examiner will not ask you to do anything illegal. They will not coach you, so ask your questions before you start.

Common reasons people fail

Official pages do not publish a "top mistakes" list. These are the points the handbook and DriveTest stress most, so they are easy places to lose marks:

• Missing shoulder checks. Look over your shoulder before lane changes, turns and pulling out.
• Relying on car technology. You may not use parking assist, lane monitoring, cruise control or a back-up camera during the test.
• Rolling stops. Stop fully behind the line.
• Signals. Signal too late, forget to signal, or leave it on.
• Following too closely. Keep a 2 to 3 second gap.
• One hand on the wheel during turns.
• Vehicle problems. A broken light or cracked windshield can stop the test before it starts.

After the test, the examiner gives you a full report and explains your mistakes. If you fail, use it to practise before your next test.

Test-day checklist

Print this list or save it on your phone:

• Test booked and fee prepaid
• Confirmed date, time and DriveTest Centre
• Accompanying driver ready to come with you
• Glasses or contact lenses, if needed
• Vehicle plated and insured
• All lights, signals, brakes, horn and wipers tested
• Windshield free of large cracks
• No flat, damaged or temporary spare tires
• Seatbelts working for both front seats
• Phone and dash camera turned off
• No passengers, pets or loose items in the car
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early
• Questions ready to ask the examiner before you start