To become a fully licensed driver in Ontario, there are several stages you need to go through and one of them is passing the Ontario driving test. Ontario observes a graduated licensing system for the following reasons:
1. It helps the driver develop their skills and knowledge over time. Safe and effective driving takes time.
2. Proper training lets a driver develop safe driving skills.
3. The system removes young drivers from situations that could likely cause accidents
4. New drivers can develop situational awareness. Being on the road allows them to deal with a variety of driving conditions.
5. For young and new drivers, they can gain confidence and become more prepared in becoming a fully-licensed driver.
In this article, you shall learn the different stages of becoming a fully licensed driver in Ontario.
G1 Driver’s License
To obtain a G1 driver’s license, you need to pass the G1 test consisting of a written multiple choice of 40 questions divided into two sections—road rules and road signs. You need to have 16 correct answers to pass. The age requirement for taking the G1 test is 16 years old and you need to pass a vision test.
Once you pass the written test and obtained your G1 license, it is a must that you follow road rules and the following rules:
· There should be a fully-licensed driver sitting in the front seat with no other passengers in the front
· You need to have a “zero” alcohol level
· Drivers in the passenger seat cannot have a blood alcohol level exceeding 0.05%
· All passengers should have a seatbelt
· Passengers should not exceed the number of seatbelts in your vehicle
· Not drive on any 400-series highway and should not drive between midnight and 5:00 am
· Avoid using a cellphone while driving
Break any of these rules and you will be subject to the following:
· Your vehicle will be seized by the police
· You will pay a hefty fine
· Suspension of driver’s license
· You will be subjected to higher insurance costs
G2 Driver’s License
After driving for one year with your G1 license, you can move to the next stage and take the G2 driving test. A G2 license provides you with your first opportunity to drive solo without an accompanying driver. If you are a driver trainee from a certified driving school, you can apply for a G2 license after only 8 months. You will also have the benefit of receiving a lower insurance rate from car insurance companies.
The G2 driving test consists of 20 minutes of driving on city streets, not on 400-series highways. The road test will test your driving ability on the following:
· Starting, stopping, vehicle turning
· Obedience to traffic stops and signs
· Overtaking and driving in passing lanes
· Driving on intersections with both lights and stop signs
· Forward, reverse, and parallel parking
· Reversing, 3-point turns, U-turns
After passing the G2 test, you do not need an accompanying driver but should follow these rules:
· Avoid using a cell phone
· “zero” blood alcohol level
· All passengers should wear seatbelts
· Limited to only one passenger below 20 years old between 12:00 is – 5:00 am if you have held your G2 for less than six months. No more than three passengers less than 20 years old between 12:00 am – 5:00 am if you are a holder of a G2 license for more than six months.
Full G License
After being a holder of a G2 license, you need to wait a year before taking the final step to being a fully licensed driver in Ontario. The G license driving test will run for 45 minutes and will test all your basic driving skills plus the following:
· Merging into traffic onto a 400-series highway at the appropriate speed
· Overtaking and changing lanes
· Exiting the highway
Upon passing the G license driving test, you will be subjected to the following rules:
· You are limited to driving g class vehicles
· Your blood alcohol level should be more than 80mg. If your BAC is between 50mg 80mg, you are in the warn range and could receive administrative penalties like roadside suspension or immediate roadside prohibition.
· You should be less than 21 years old with zero BAC
The whole process of getting a G1 to Full G license can take more than 2 years. However, you can expedite things up by signing up for a beginner driver education or BDE program. Enrolling in the BDE program offers numerous benefits worth your consideration.
With a BDE course, you can graduate from a G1 license to G2 in only 8 months compared to a full year of owning a G1 license. Aside from that, it will allow you to reduce the amount of money you will pay for your insurance premiums.
What happens if you fail the G1 or G2 Tests?
If your G1 license has not yet expired, you can take the road test again. However, if your G1 license has expired, you need to start from scratch and pay the fees again. If your G2 license is about to expire, you can take the G1 road test again and it will take an additional five years for you to complete the G2 process.