How to get dz license in ontario

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: To get a driver's license (G license) in Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a vision test, and pass a knowledge test to obtain a G1 learner's permit. After a minimum of 8 months with the G1, you can take the G2 road test, and after another 12 months, you can take the final G road test.

Key Facts

You must be at least 16 years old to start the licensing process.
The G1 knowledge test covers traffic laws and road signs.
A minimum of 8 months is required between obtaining your G1 and taking the G2 road test.
The G2 road test assesses basic driving skills.
A further 12 months of driving experience is needed after passing the G2 test to be eligible for the full G license.

Overview

Obtaining a driver's license in Ontario is a multi-stage process designed to ensure new drivers develop the necessary skills and knowledge safely. The program is commonly referred to as the Graduated Licensing System (GLS), and it applies to all new drivers, regardless of age. The goal of this system is to reduce the risks faced by new drivers, who are statistically more prone to accidents. The entire process can take a minimum of 20 months from the initial permit to a full license.

Step 1: The G1 License (Learner's Permit)

The first step is to obtain your G1 license, which is a learner's permit. To be eligible, you must:

Be at least 16 years old.
Pass a vision test.
Pass a knowledge test.

The knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions divided into two sections: road rules and road signs. You must correctly answer at least 32 questions (16 in each section) to pass. The G1 license allows you to drive under specific restrictions:

You must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver (with at least 4 years of experience) who sits in the front passenger seat.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
You cannot drive on highways or expressways (unless accompanied by a driving instructor).
You must maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of zero.
You cannot have more passengers than seat belts.

You must hold your G1 license for a minimum of 8 months before you can attempt the G2 road test. This period can be reduced to 4 months if you successfully complete an approved beginner driver education course.

Step 2: The G2 License (Intermediate License)

Once you have held your G1 license for at least 8 months (or 4 months with a completed driver education course), you can book and take your G2 road test. This test is typically conducted in a vehicle and assesses your ability to perform basic driving maneuvers and follow traffic laws in a controlled environment. Common elements of the G2 test include:

Parking (parallel parking, bay parking).
Starting and stopping smoothly.
Turning.
Lane changes.
Observation and signaling.

Passing the G2 road test allows you to drive without an accompanying driver. However, you will still have some restrictions:

You must maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of zero.
On roads with posted speed limits of more than 80 km/h, you cannot have more than one passenger under the age of 25 (unless accompanied by a fully licensed driver with 4 years of experience, or if the passengers are immediate family members).
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. on roads with posted speed limits of more than 80 km/h.

You must hold your G2 license for a minimum of 12 months before you are eligible for the final road test.

Step 3: The G License (Full Driver's License)

After holding your G2 license for at least 12 months, you can take the G road test. This is the final and most comprehensive road test. It assesses your ability to drive independently in various traffic conditions, including highway driving. The G test is more demanding than the G2 test and evaluates:

Highway merging and exiting.
Lane changes at higher speeds.
Following distances.
Speed management.
General driving skills in real-world traffic situations.

Upon successfully passing the G road test, you will be issued a full G driver's license. This license removes most of the restrictions associated with the G1 and G2 stages, allowing you to drive without accompaniment and with fewer passenger limitations.

Additional Information

Driver Education Courses: Enrolling in an approved beginner driver education course can significantly benefit new drivers. These courses provide comprehensive training on defensive driving techniques, hazard perception, and safe driving habits. As mentioned, completing such a course can reduce the waiting period between your G1 and G2 tests by 4 months.

Fees: There are various fees associated with obtaining a driver's license in Ontario, including fees for tests, licensing, and potential retests. It's advisable to check the official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) website for the most up-to-date fee structure.

International Drivers: If you have driving experience from outside Ontario, you may be eligible for license-stage exemptions. The MTO has agreements with many countries, which can allow experienced drivers to bypass certain stages of the GLS. You will need to provide proof of your foreign license and driving history.

Renewals: Driver's licenses in Ontario have expiry dates and must be renewed. The renewal process typically involves paying a fee and, for older drivers, may require a vision test or medical examination.

Penalties: Failing to adhere to the restrictions of any license stage can result in penalties, including fines, demerit points, and extensions of your licensing period. It is crucial to understand and follow all rules associated with your current license stage.