Globalove Drivers Academy
License Steps
Step 01 • Beginner Stage
Getting Your G1 Learner's Permit
12 Months
Standard Practice Period
Requirements & Knowledge Test
- Age Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for your G1 license in Ontario.
- Official Identification: Present valid proof of legal name, date of birth, and signature at any DriveTest Centre.
- Vision Screening: Complete a quick eye examination at the DriveTest facility prior to testing.
- 40-Question Written Exam: Divided into two sections—20 questions on Ontario traffic signs and 20 questions on rules of the road. A passing mark is 80% on each section.
G1 Driving Restrictions
- Accompanying Driver: You must always drive with a fully licensed G driver who has at least 4 years of driving experience in the front passenger seat.
- Zero Blood Alcohol (BAC): You must maintain a strict 0.00% blood alcohol and zero drug presence level while behind the wheel.
- Seatbelt Compliance: Every passenger in the vehicle must wear a properly functioning seatbelt.
Prohibited Conditions
No driving between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM, and no driving on 400-series highways or expressways unless accompanied by a Licensed Driving Instructor.
Step 02 • Intermediate Stage
G1 Exit Exam & G2 Driving Privileges
8 to 12 Months
Mandatory Wait Period
Skills Tested on Road Exam
- Vehicle Control & Smooth Starts: Demonstrating smooth acceleration, braking, gear shifts, and steering control.
- Parking Maneuvers: Parallel parking, perpendicular parking, reverse parking, and roadside hill parking.
- Turnarounds & Reversing: Executing a precise three-point turn in residential traffic settings.
- Intersection Navigation: Left and right turns, proper right-of-way assessment, and pedestrian safety awareness.
- Lane Discipline: Blind-spot checks, mirror observation, signal timing, and proper lane positioning.
G2 Privileges & Rules
- Independent Driving: You can drive solo without an accompanying licensed driver in the vehicle.
- Highway Access: Full access to all Ontario roads, including 400-series expressways and highways at any time.
- Zero Alcohol & Drugs: Strict 0.00% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at all times.
- Passenger Capacity: Seatbelts must be worn by all occupants; specific night passenger rules apply to young drivers under 19 during the first 6 months.
Step 03 • Final Graduation
Full G License Highway Exam
12 Months
After G2 License
Advanced Highway Evaluation
- Highway Merging & Acceleration: Entering high-speed 400-series expressways safely at match flow speeds.
- High-Speed Lane Management: Executing deliberate lane changes, mirror checks, and blind-spot scans at highway speeds.
- Safe Following Distance: Maintaining appropriate cushion gaps in dense multi-lane traffic flow.
- Expressway Exiting & Deceleration: Smooth transitions into off-ramps and speed transition zones.
- Comprehensive Driving Assessment: Final evaluation of advanced hazard awareness and defensive driving habits.
Full G License Privileges
- Complete Driving Freedom: No passenger, time, or highway restrictions anywhere across Canada and North America.
- Accompanying Driver Eligibility: Qualified to act as an accompanying supervisor for new G1 learner drivers after 4 years.
- Maximum Auto Insurance Discounts: Full G certification grants access to the lowest possible insurance premium rates.
- Long-Term Validity: Renewable every 5 years with simple photo updates (no further road testing required until age 80).
Quick Reference
At-a-Glance Stages Comparison
Understand key rules, driving limits, and requirements across all three levels of Ontario's Graduated Licensing System.
| Key Parameter | G1 License | G2 License | Full G License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 16 Years Old | 16.5–17 Years Old | 17.5+ Years Old |
| Mandatory Practice Period | 12 Mos (8 Mos with BDE) | 12 Months | None (Permanent) |
| Accompanying Driver | Required (4+ yrs experience) | Not Required | Not Required |
| 400-Series Highway Access | Prohibited (Unless with Instructor) | Fully Allowed | Fully Allowed |
| Night Driving (Midnight–5 AM) | Prohibited | Allowed (Young driver rules apply) | Fully Allowed |
| Blood Alcohol / Drug Limit | Strict 0.00% Limit | Strict 0.00% Limit | Standard Legal Limit (0.05%) |
| Exam Required for Upgrade | G1 Exit Road Exam | Full G Highway Exam | None (Regular 5-Yr Renewal) |
Common Questions
Licensing System FAQs
Everything you need to know about navigating Ontario's graduated driver licensing stages.
How long do I have to complete all licensing stages?
You have 5 years from the exact date you pass your initial G1 written test to complete your G2 exit exam and earn your Full G license. If the 5-year period expires before gaining your Full G, you will need to restart the process by retaking the G1 knowledge exam.
How does taking a BDE course shorten my wait time?
By completing a Ministry-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course with an certified driving school, your mandatory G1 waiting period before taking the G2 road test is reduced from 12 months down to 8 months. Your completion record is updated directly in the MTO driver database.
What happens if I fail my G1 written exam or G2 road test?
If you do not pass the G1 written exam, you can pay a retake fee and attempt it again on the same day or whenever you are ready. If you fail a G2 or Full G road test, you must wait at least 10 days before rescheduling another attempt at DriveTest.
Can I exchange an out-of-province or foreign driver's license?
Ontario has reciprocal licensing agreements with Canadian provinces, the US, and select international countries, allowing direct license exchange. If your country does not have a reciprocal agreement, you may present certified driving experience history to skip part of the mandatory wait times.
Do I need to supply my own car for road tests?
Yes. DriveTest Centres do not provide test vehicles. You must bring a fully insured, roadworthy vehicle with up-to-date license plate stickers and proper safety standards for both your G2 and Full G road tests.