With a well-designed public transportation system of trains, busses and streetcars in place, it’s not unheard of to live in the City of Toronto without obtaining an Ontario driver’s license. For day-to-day activities like getting to work, grocery shopping, and going for a night on the town, hopping on a bus or train should do the trick. But if you live outside of Toronto, or in another city like Ottawa, you may want to get your drivers license for daily activities. It’ll also come in handy if you have an adventurous spirit, and plan do some traveling.
If you already have a driver’s license in the country from which you are relocating, and you have considerable experience driving, the process of obtaining your Ontario Driver’s License is not too difficult. But if you’re new to driving, the it is a bit more involved. Ontario cares about road safety and preparedness, so there is a graduated licensing process. Here are the details!
Step 1: Passing a written knowledge test and vision test
The first step to being granted your preliminarily (G1 license) is passing a knowledge test. You can take the test at a DriveTest Centre or at the ServiceOntario College Park location. To prepare for the exam, it’s a good idea to obtain and rest Ontario’s Official Driver Handbook, which you can purchase through Service Ontario, at some retail stores, or at a DriveTest centre. This test costs $14.95 plus tax. You will also be required to pass a vision test.
Step 2: Obtaining your G1 Ontario Driver’s License
Once you pass the knowledge and vision tests, you can acquire your G1 license. This is the first license in a graduated licensing process that you will hold before obtaining your full driver’s license. Usually, you will hold this license for 12 months. With this license there are certain restrictions:
- You must keep a zero blood-alcohol level, which means no alcohol in your blood while driving.
- Every passenger you have must wear a seatbelt.
- You are restricted from driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
- You are restricted from driving on expressways and 400-series highways.
- You must drive with a fully licensed driver who has four or more years of experience and whose blood-alcohol content is less than .05 (or 0 if the person is younger than 21 years).
- Only this accompanying driver can sit in the front seat with you.
Step 3: taking the G1 road test
After 12 months of driving with a G1 license, or after 8 months, if you have taken a driver’s education course at an approved driving school, you are eligible to take this test. its the first of two tests you’ll take on the way to obtaining your flu Ontario driver’s license. It will access your knowledge of general driving skills like turning, stopping and parking. Road tests can be booked online, by calling 647-776-0331 or 1-888-570-6110 or at a DriveTest Centre.
Step 4: Obtaining your G2 Ontario Driver’s License
Congratulations! You have passed your G1 driving test and can now obtain your G2 license. If you are 21 years of age or older, this allows you to drive without another experienced driver present, drive on any and all roads, and drive 24/7. You’re still required to have a blood-alcohol content of 0 and only drive with as many passengers as there are seat belts. You’ll carry this license for 12 months, and if you are 19 years of age or younger, there are a few other restrictions, including a midnight too 5 a.m. curfew, driving with another licensed driver, and driving with family members only.
Step 5: Taking your G2 Road Test
This road test, which you take after 12 months of driving with a G2 license is the final step in acquiring your full G1 license. The test is a bit more advanced than the G1 road test, and includes displaying proficiency in highway driving, parallel parking, and other skills. Once you pass this exam….
Congratulations, you can now acquire your full G Ontario driver’s license!
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Here’s more great information about moving to Ontario:
- Your Options for School Systems in Ontario
- OHIP: How to Obtain Ontario Health Insurance
- Can Your Family Work or Study in Ontario?
(Photos: Greg Gjerdingen, StateFarms, State Farms)