Driving is a way to get from one place to another but it is also about the experience. Safety is the most important part about any driving adventure. The Ontario graduated driver licencing system is a program designed for new drivers who need to work on their driving skills. If you are a new driver or new to Ontario, you will need to apply for an Ontario driver's licence. Here is an overview of the Graduated Licence program in Ontario:

Graduating Licencing Starts with G1

The graduated licence system begins with the G1. You obtain a G1 licence by passing a written exam at a local DriveTest facility. Anyone with G1 licence must be accompanied by a driver with a full licence and four years of driving experience.  Depending on your age, there are also restrictions on the number of passengers in the vehicle and the hours you can drive.

If you are an international student in London, DriveWise Driving School offers a course designed to help people that are new to the country become familiar with the rules that are needed to pass the G1 exit road test and receive a G2 licence.

Receiving a G2 Probationary Licence

After receiving a G1 licence and having it for one year, you will be eligible to earn a G2 licence. This could be reduced to 8 months if you successfully complete an MTO approved Beginner Driver Education course such as our SafeStart. A road test is required to acquire a G2 licence. On the test you will need to demonstrate driving skills such as parallel parking and changing lanes.  G2 licence holders can drive alone on any road, however they are required to have a zero blood-alcohol level. There are additional restrictions if you are under 19.

Earning a G Licence

Once you have your G2 licence for a year, you are eligible to earn your full driver's licence. Another road test, which will include highway driving, will decide whether you are ready for a full G licence. Once you have passed this final road test you will not need to take another one until you reach the age of 80, when you will have to pass a test every 2 years.

Exchanging your Licence to an Ontario Driver's Licence

Those with a driver's licence from another province or country only have 60 days before they need to be issued one from Ontario. Don't delay, that is not a lot of time to prepare. Drivers from some countries and all Canadian Provinces and US states are eligible to exchange a driver's licence without following the graduated licence system.  If you do have to take a driving test, contact us at DriveWise London by calling 519 719 0438. We offer basic driving lessons and full driving courses to suit any driving requirements.