If you’ve recently arrived in Canada and need to get your Ontario driver’s license, the process can feel overwhelming at first. The terminology is different, the rules are specific, and it’s not always easy to find clear information in one place.
This guide walks you through the full process — step by step — so you know exactly what to expect and how to get licensed as efficiently as possible.
Does your home country license transfer to Ontario?
It depends on where you’re from.
Ontario has license exchange agreements with several countries, including the United States, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. If you hold a valid license from one of these countries, you may be eligible to exchange it for an Ontario license without completing the full graduated licensing process.
If your home country is not on the exchange list, you will need to go through Ontario’s graduated licensing system — the G1, G2, and full G process — regardless of your driving experience abroad.
Check with the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) or a DriveTest centre to confirm your country’s status before assuming you qualify for an exchange.
What is Ontario’s graduated licensing system?
Ontario uses a graduated licensing system with three stages: G1, G2, and full G. Each stage comes with its own requirements and restrictions.
G1: Entry-level license. Requires passing a written knowledge test. You can drive with a fully licensed accompanying driver but cannot drive alone, on 400-series highways, or after midnight.
G2: Intermediate license. Requires passing a practical road test. You can drive without an accompanying driver, though some restrictions apply during your first year.
Full G: Full license. Requires passing a final road test after holding your G2 for a minimum of 12 months.
Step 1: Pass the G1 knowledge test
The first step is passing the G1 written knowledge test at a DriveTest centre.
The test covers Ontario road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. It’s based on the official MTO Driver’s Handbook, which is available in multiple languages on the MTO website.
The G1 test fee is $156, which also covers your first G2 road test attempt.
Tips for newcomers:
- Read the MTO Driver’s Handbook carefully, even if you have years of driving experience. Ontario’s rules and signs may differ from what you’re used to.
- Drivisa offers a free G1 knowledge test practice tool at drivisa.com to help you prepare before you go to the DriveTest centre.
Step 2: Enroll in a BDE course
Once you have your G1, enrolling in an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course is the single most effective step you can take to speed up your licensing process.
Completing a BDE course reduces your G1-to-G2 wait time from 12 months to 8 months. It also qualifies you for insurance discounts as a new driver in Canada — a meaningful saving given that new driver premiums in Ontario can be significant.
Through Drivisa, the BDE course is $494. You can get started for $49 and complete the theory portion fully online at your own pace, with a maximum of 5 hours of study per day.
Step 3: Book in-car lessons with a certified instructor
In-car lessons are where you build the practical skills you need to pass your G2 road test.
For newcomers especially, choosing the right instructor matters. Learning to drive in a new country means adapting to different road rules, driving culture, and test conditions. An instructor who is patient, communicative, and familiar with the local roads around your DriveTest centre makes a significant difference.
On Drivisa, you can filter instructors by language preference — so if you’re more comfortable learning in Arabic, French, Punjabi, Mandarin, or another language, you can find an instructor who teaches in your language.
In-car lessons through Drivisa start at $52/hour. You choose your instructor based on reviews, availability, and language, and book directly through the app.
Step 4: Pass your G2 road test
After completing your BDE course and holding your G1 for a minimum of 8 months, you can book your G2 road test at any DriveTest centre in Ontario.
The test takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, intersections, lane changes, parking, and speed management. Your first attempt is included in the $156 G1 fee. If you need to rebook, the fee is $53.75.
If you don’t have access to a vehicle that meets DriveTest requirements on test day, Drivisa offers test-day vehicle rental for $170.
How much does it cost in total?
Here’s a realistic budget for a newcomer going through the full G1-to-G2 process:
| What | Cost |
| G1 knowledge test | $156 |
| MTO-approved BDE course | $494 |
| In-car lessons (5–10 hours) | $260–$520 |
| G2 road test | $0 (first attempt) / $53.75 (renewals) |
| Test-day vehicle rental (optional) | $170 |
Total: approximately $910–$1,170
The BDE course is the most significant optional expense, but it pays for itself through the 4-month wait time reduction and long-term insurance savings.
What if you have a lot of driving experience from your home country?
Your experience counts — but it doesn’t exempt you from Ontario’s licensing process if your country isn’t on the exchange list.
The good news is that experienced drivers often need fewer in-car lessons. If you’re already comfortable behind the wheel, your lessons can focus on Ontario-specific rules, test-route familiarity, and any habits that differ from your home country’s driving culture rather than building skills from scratch.
Be open with your instructor about your background. A good instructor will tailor your lessons to where you actually are, not a fixed curriculum.
What languages is the G1 test available in?
The G1 knowledge test is available in multiple languages at DriveTest centres, including French, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Farsi, Korean, Portuguese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tamil, Urdu, and others.
Check the MTO website or contact your local DriveTest centre to confirm which languages are available at your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Ontario on my foreign license while I wait for my G1?
New residents of Ontario can drive using a valid foreign license for a limited time after arriving. The exact rules depend on your situation and country of origin. Check with the MTO for your specific circumstances, as driving without a valid license carries serious consequences.
Do I need to take BDE if I’ve been driving for years in another country?
BDE is not mandatory, but it’s still worth considering. The 4-month wait time reduction applies regardless of your prior experience, and the insurance discount is valuable for any new Ontario driver. At minimum, the theory course ensures you’re up to date on Ontario-specific rules and signs.
Can I find a driving instructor who speaks my language?
Yes. On Drivisa, you can filter instructors by language preference before booking. This is particularly valuable for newcomers who feel more comfortable learning in their first language.
Does my foreign driving record affect my insurance rate in Ontario?
Some insurance providers in Ontario recognize foreign driving experience when calculating premiums, though the recognition varies significantly by insurer. Ask your insurance provider directly about how they handle international driving history.
How long does the full licensing process take?
With a BDE course, the minimum time from G1 to G2 is 8 months. From G2 to full G is a minimum of 12 months/ 1 year. The fastest path from zero to a full G license is approximately 20 months.
Is the Drivisa app available across Ontario?
Drivisa currently operates in Kingston, Ottawa, Nepean, Napanee, Belleville, Rockland, Orleans, Kanata, Sydenham, London, Toron and Mississauga, with expansion to more cities ongoing.
New to Canada and ready to get your Ontario driver’s license? Browse certified instructors by language, reviews, and availability at drivisa.com or download the Drivisa app.
