You passed your G2 road test. The examiner handed you your license, you walked out of the DriveTest centre, and now you’re officially allowed to drive on your own.
Congratulations. This is a major milestone.
But the licensing process isn’t over yet, and there are a few important things you need to take care of now that you have your G2. Some are immediate. Some can wait. All of them matter.
Here’s exactly what to do after you get your G2 in Ontario.
Step 1: Understand your G2 and its restrictions
A G2 license gives you significantly more freedom than a G1, but some restrictions still apply.
G2 restrictions you need to know:
Zero blood alcohol limit : You cannot have any alcohol in your system while driving. The legal limit for G2 drivers is 0.00% BAC. This restriction applies until you get your full G license.
Passenger limits (first 6 months only) : For the first 6 months after getting your G2, you can only carry one passenger under the age of 20 between midnight and 5 a.m., unless that passenger is an immediate family member. After 6 months, you can carry up to three passengers under 20 during those hours.
No driving on certain roads outside Canada without supervision : Some high-speed roads outside Ontario require you to have a fully licensed driver with you if you’re driving on a G2. This mainly affects cross-border driving into the U.S. Check the specific rules if you’re planning to drive outside Ontario.
These restrictions are the law, not suggestions. Violating them can result in fines, demerit points, and license suspension.
Step 2: Get added to your family’s car insurance (or get your own policy)
This is the most important step and it needs to happen immediately.
If you’re going to drive a family vehicle, you must be added to the insurance policy as a listed driver. If you’re getting your own car, you need your own insurance policy before you can legally drive it.
Do not drive without being properly insured. Driving uninsured in Ontario is illegal and carries severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential vehicle impoundment.
What affects your insurance rate as a new G2 driver: New drivers in Ontario pay significantly higher insurance premiums than experienced drivers. Your rate is affected by:
- Your age (younger drivers pay more)
- The type of vehicle you’re driving (sports cars and luxury vehicles cost more to insure)
- Where you live (urban areas like Toronto, Mississauga, and Scarborough typically have higher rates than rural areas)
- Your driving record (any tickets or at-fault accidents will increase your premium)
- Whether you completed a BDE course (most insurers offer discounts for MTO-approved BDE graduates)
How to keep your insurance cost down:
- If you completed a BDE course, provide your certificate to the insurance company. The discount varies by provider, car model, driving history, and postal code, but it can make a meaningful difference.
- Stay on a parent’s policy if possible rather than getting your own. Being listed as an occasional driver on a family policy is usually cheaper than having your own policy as a new driver.
- Choose a vehicle that’s cheaper to insure. Older, reliable cars with good safety ratings cost less to insure than new or high-performance vehicles.
- Maintain a clean driving record. Even one ticket or at-fault accident can significantly increase your premium.
Call your family’s insurance provider or shop around for quotes as soon as you pass your G2 test. Don’t wait.
Step 3: Know the rules about buying or registering a vehicle
If you’re planning to buy your own car now that you have your G2, here’s what you need to know.
Can you buy a car with a G2 license?
Yes. You can legally purchase and register a vehicle in Ontario with a G2 license. The dealership or private seller doesn’t require you to have a full G.
Can you register a vehicle in your name?
Yes. You can register a vehicle with the Ministry of Transportation in your name with a G2 license.
Can you get a safety certificate and ownership transfer?
Yes. The process is the same for G2 drivers as it is for full G drivers. You’ll need to provide proof of insurance, complete the ownership transfer, and pay the applicable fees at a ServiceOntario location.
The only real barrier to buying a car as a G2 driver is insurance cost. Insuring a vehicle as a new driver is expensive, and that’s often what determines whether buying your own car is realistic.
Step 4: Start thinking about your full G license
Your G2 is not the end of the licensing process. The final step is your full G license, and you should start planning for it now.
When can you take the G road test?
You must hold your G2 for a minimum of 12 months before you’re eligible to take the full G road test. There is no way to reduce this wait time.
Why should you get your full G?
Your full G license removes all G2 restrictions. You’ll have no blood alcohol or passenger limits, and you’ll typically qualify for lower insurance rates after a few years of clean driving. Many insurance providers offer better rates to drivers with a full G compared to those with a G2.
What’s on the G road test?
The G test is more advanced than the G2 test and includes highway driving, complex intersections, and higher-speed merging. If you haven’t been on highways regularly since getting your G2, you’ll want to practice before booking your test.
How should you prepare?
Start practicing highway driving well before your 12-month mark. Get comfortable with merging at speed, lane changes in heavy traffic, and maintaining composure in fast-moving conditions. A few lessons with an instructor who knows the local G-test routes can make a big difference.
Through Drivisa, you can book in-car lessons starting at $52/hour with instructors who specialize in G-test preparation and know the highway sections used in your area.
Step 5: Practice consistently (even after you pass)
Getting your G2 doesn’t mean you’re done learning. The first year of independent driving is when most new drivers develop habits — good or bad — that stick with them for life.
Keep practicing:
- Drive in different conditions (rain, night, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas)
- Practice the skills you struggled with during your G2 prep (parking, lane changes, merging)
- Get comfortable on highways once you’re ready for your G test
The more varied your driving experience in the first year, the more confident and capable you’ll be as a driver long-term.
Step 6: Keep your license and documents in order
Make sure you always have the following documents with you when driving:
- Your valid G2 license
- Your vehicle registration (ownership)
- Proof of insurance
If you’re pulled over and can’t produce these documents, you can be fined. Keep them in the car at all times.
Your G2 license is valid for 5 years from the date it was issued. You’ll need to renew it before it expires if you haven’t yet obtained your full G license.
Step 7: Understand demerit points and how they affect you
Ontario uses a demerit point system to track driving violations. As a new driver (anyone who has held their license for less than 2 years), you’re subject to stricter rules.
Demerit point threshold:
- Experienced drivers: License suspension at 15 demerit points
- New drivers (G1 or G2 for less than 2 years): License suspension at 9 demerit points
Common violations and their demerit points:
- Speeding: 2 to 6 points depending on how much over the limit
- Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign: 3 points
- Distracted driving (using a phone): 3 points
- Careless driving: 6 points
A single serious violation or a few minor ones can put you at risk of suspension. Drive carefully, follow the rules, and keep your record clean — especially in your first two years as a licensed driver.
What NOT to do after getting your G2
Don’t drive uninsured
This is illegal and carries severe consequences. Get added to a policy before you drive.
Don’t ignore your G2 restrictions
The zero BAC limit and passenger restrictions are the law. Violating them can result in fines, suspension, and increased insurance costs.
Don’t wait until the last minute to start preparing for your G test
Your G2 expires after 5 years. If you don’t get your full G within that window, you’ll have to start over from the G1. Plan ahead.
Don’t assume you’re done learning
etting your G2 is a milestone, but you’re still a new driver. Stay humble, keep practicing, and continue building your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on highways with a G2?
Yes. G2 drivers are allowed to drive on highways in Ontario, including 400-series highways. However, you should practice highway driving before attempting it on your own for the first time.
Do I need to carry my G2 license with me at all times?
Yes. You must have your valid license with you whenever you’re driving. If you’re pulled over and don’t have it, you can be fined.
Can I drive outside Ontario with a G2?
Yes, but some high-speed roads in other provinces or the U.S. may require you to have a fully licensed driver with you. Check the rules for the specific area you’re driving in.
What happens if I get a ticket with my G2?
You’ll receive demerit points on your license. As a new driver (license held for less than 2 years), your license will be suspended if you accumulate 9 or more demerit points. Your insurance premium will also increase.
How much does insurance cost for a G2 driver in Ontario?
It varies widely depending on your age, location, vehicle type, and whether you completed a BDE course. New drivers in urban areas like Toronto or Mississauga can expect to pay several thousand dollars per year. Getting quotes from multiple providers is essential. it gets cheaper obviously with experience and a higher license (Full G).
When should I book my G road test?
You can book your G test as soon as you’ve held your G2 for 12 months. Don’t wait until your G2 is close to expiring — plan ahead and book early to secure a convenient test date.
Ready to start preparing for your full G license? Book in-car lessons with instructors who specialize in highway driving and G-test prep at drivisa.com or through the Drivisa app.
