Car and Motorcycle Licences for Beginners and New Immigrants
Ontario uses a Graduated Licensing System, where drivers and motorcycle riders progress through multiple stages before obtaining a full licence.
The system is divided into:
Car Licences
- G1
- G2
- G
Motorcycle Licences
- M1
- M2
- M
Car Driver’s Licence in Ontario (Class G)
Stage 1 — G1 Licence
Minimum Age
- 16 years old
Requirements for a G1 Licence
Applicants must:
- Pass a vision test
- Pass the written knowledge test
- Provide original official documents
Required Documents
When applying for the first time, applicants should bring:
- At least two original official documents
It is recommended that the documents include:
- Photo identification
- Proof of identity
- Proof of legal status in Canada
- Proof of Ontario address
Examples of Accepted Documents
Proof of Identity
- Original Passport
- Ontario Photo Card
- PR Card
- Refugee Claimant Document
Proof of Legal Status
- Work Permit
- Study Permit
- Visitor Record
- Permanent Resident Card
Proof of Address
- Lease Agreement
- Bank Statement
- Phone Bill
- Government Letter
Important Notes
- Photos or electronic copies are usually not accepted
- Some DriveTest centres may request additional documents
- All documents must be original and valid
G1 Written Test
The test is completed on a computer at a DriveTest Centre.
Number of Questions
40 questions total:
20 Traffic Sign Questions
20 Road Rules Questions
Passing Score
Applicants must pass each section separately:
- 16/20 Traffic Signs
- 16/20 Road Rules
Which means:
- 80% required in each section
If you fail one section only:
- You only retake the failed section
Available Languages
The test is available in multiple languages including:
- English
- Arabic
- French
- Spanish
- Hindi
- Chinese
- Other languages
G1 Fees
Approximately:
- $159 CAD
This includes:
- Vision test
- G1 written test
- 5-year licence fee
- First G2 road test
G1 Retest Fee
Approximately:
- $16 CAD
G1 Restrictions
G1 drivers are not allowed to:
- Drive alone
- Drive between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM
- Drive on 400-series highways
- Have any alcohol or drugs in their system
G1 Supervising Driver Requirements
The accompanying driver must:
- Hold a full G licence
- Have at least 4 years of driving experience
- Maintain a blood alcohol level below 0.05%
Waiting Period for G2
- 12 months normally
OR - 8 months after completing an approved driving school course
Stage 2 — G2 Licence
After passing the first road test, drivers receive a G2 licence.
G2 Road Test
The test includes:
- Proper stops
- Parking
- Lane changes
- Turns
- Mirror checks
- City driving
Test Duration
Approximately:
- 15 to 20 minutes
G2 Retest Fee
Approximately:
- $53.75 CAD
G2 Benefits
Drivers are allowed to:
- Drive alone
- Drive on highways
- Drive at any time
G2 Restrictions
Blood Alcohol Level
- Must remain at 0%
Passenger Restrictions for Drivers Under 19
Between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM:
First 6 Months
- One passenger under 19 years old
After 6 Months
- Up to 3 passengers under 19 years old
Waiting Period for Full G Licence
- Minimum 12 months after obtaining G2
Stage 3 — Full G Licence
The full unrestricted Ontario driver’s licence.
Full G Road Test
The test includes:
- Highway driving
- Merging
- Lane changes
- Defensive driving
- Blind spot checks
- Speed control
Test Duration
Approximately:
- 20 to 30 minutes
G Test Fee
Approximately:
- $91 CAD
If You Fail the G Test
You may retake the test after:
- Approximately 10 days if appointments are available
Additional test fees apply.
Benefits of a Full G Licence
- Full driving privileges
- No graduated restrictions
- Ability to drive on all Ontario roads and highways
Motorcycle Licences in Ontario (Class M)
The motorcycle licensing system includes:
- M1
- M2
- M
Stage 1 — M1 Licence
Minimum Age
- 16 years old
M1 Requirements
Applicants must:
- Pass a vision test
- Pass the motorcycle written test
- Provide original official documents
Required Documents
Same requirements as G1:
- At least two official documents
- Proof of identity
- Proof of legal status
- Sometimes proof of address
M1 Written Test
The test includes:
- Motorcycle laws
- Traffic signs
- Safety rules
- Protective equipment
Number of Questions
Approximately:
- 64 questions
Passing Score
Approximately:
- 80%
M1 Fees
Approximately:
- $78 CAD
M1 Validity
- Valid for 90 days only
M1 Restrictions
M1 riders are not allowed to:
- Ride at night
- Ride on 400-series highways
- Carry passengers
- Have any alcohol in their system
Moving to M2
Applicants may take the next test after:
- At least 60 days
Stage 2 — M2 Licence
After passing the practical test or completing an approved motorcycle course.
M2 Test
The test includes:
- Motorcycle control
- Turning
- Braking
- Maneuvering
- City riding
Test Duration
Approximately:
- 20 minutes
M2 Retest Fee
Approximately:
- $53 CAD
M2 Benefits
- Highway riding permitted
- Carrying passengers allowed
- Ability to ride most motorcycles
M2 Restrictions
- Blood alcohol level must remain at 0%
Waiting Period for Full M Licence
- 18 months with an approved course
OR - 22 months without a course
Stage 3 — Full M Licence
The full motorcycle licence in Ontario.
Full M Test
The test includes:
- High-speed riding
- Advanced maneuvers
- Full motorcycle control
- Defensive riding skills
M Test Fee
Approximately:
- $91 CAD
If You Fail the M Test
You may retake the test after:
- Approximately 10 days depending on appointment availability
Using Foreign Driving Experience in Ontario
Drivers with a licence from another country may be able to reduce waiting periods.
Documents Required for Foreign Driving Experience
- Original driver’s licence
- Certified translation if not in English or French
- Driving experience letter
- Embassy or consulate certification (recommended)
If You Have Less Than 2 Years of Experience
After passing G1:
- You may qualify to take the G2 road test directly
- Without waiting 8 to 12 months
If You Have 2 Years or More of Experience
You may qualify to:
- Take the full G road test directly
What Happens if You Fail the Direct G Test?
If you fail the direct G road test:
- You must first pass the G2 road test if you have never completed it before
- Then you may retake the G test later
G Retest Waiting Period
Usually:
- About 10 days if appointments are available
Important Notes
- Final decisions are made by DriveTest staff
- Some locations may be stricter than others
- Photos and digital copies are usually not accepted
- Bringing additional documents is highly recommended
Important Tips for Success
For G1 and M1 Tests
- Study the Official Handbook
- Practice sample tests
- Memorize traffic signs
For Road Tests
- Check blind spots carefully
- Make complete stops at STOP signs
- Follow speed limits
- Use mirrors consistently
Quick Summary
| Licence | Stage | Test Type | Approximate Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| G1 | Cars | Written | $159 |
| G2 | Cars | Road Test | $53 Retest |
| G | Cars | Advanced Road Test | $91 |
| M1 | Motorcycles | Written | $78 |
| M2 | Motorcycles | Road Test | $53 |
| M | Motorcycles | Advanced Road Test | $91 |