One of the first questions new drivers ask is how much getting licensed actually costs.
The honest answer is that it depends on the choices you make along the way. But the core expenses are predictable, and knowing them upfront helps you plan and avoid surprises.
Here’s a complete breakdown of what to budget for, from your G1 knowledge test to your G2 road test.
The full cost breakdown (As of Jan 2026)
| What | Cost |
| G1 knowledge test | $156 |
| MTO-approved BDE course | $494 with Drivisa |
| Extra In-car lessons | From $52/hour |
| G2 road test | $0 (first attempt, included in G1 fee) / $53.75 (renewals) |
| Test-day vehicle rental (optional) | $170 |
Let’s go through each one.
G1 knowledge test: $156
The G1 knowledge test is paid directly to a DriveTest centre. This fee covers both the written knowledge test and your G1 license if you pass.
The test itself covers Ontario road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices — all of which are included in a BDE theory course if you enroll in one.
MTO-approved BDE course: $494
This is typically your biggest single expense outside of in-car lessons, and it’s also the one that does the most work for you.
Completing an MTO-approved 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, which adds ongoing savings after you’re licensed.
Through Drivisa, the BDE course is $494. You can get started for $49 and complete the rest at your own pace through the app. The theory portion is fully online and self-paced, with a maximum of 5 hours of study per day. In-car instruction has a maximum of 2 hours per day.
In-car lessons: from $52/hour
In-car lessons are separate from the BDE course and priced per hour. How many you need depends on your starting skill level, how often you practice between sessions, and how quickly you build confidence behind the wheel.
Students who practice regularly with a parent or experienced family member between lessons typically need fewer paid sessions. Those with limited outside practice time may need more.
Through Drivisa, in-car lessons start at $52/hour. You choose your instructor based on reviews, availability, and language preference through the app, and book directly without going through a school coordinator.
G2 road test: $0 first attempt / $53.75 for renewals
Your first G2 road test fee is included in the $156 you pay when you get your G1. There’s no additional cost for your first attempt.
If you need to rebook after an unsuccessful attempt, the renewal fee is $53.75, paid to the DriveTest centre.
Test-day vehicle rental: $170 (optional)
If you don’t have access to a vehicle that meets DriveTest requirements on test day, you can rent a certified vehicle through Drivisa for $170. This includes the vehicle for your road test appointment.
This is optional. If you have access to a suitable vehicle, you don’t need it. But it’s a practical option for students who don’t have a family car available or who want to test in a vehicle they’ve already practiced in.
What’s the minimum you can spend?
If you already have strong driving experience and choose not to take BDE, your minimum costs are:
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- G1 test: $156
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- In-car lessons (however many you need): from $52/hour
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- G2 road test: included in G1 fee
However, skipping BDE means waiting the full 12 months before you can book your G2 road test, and you won’t qualify for the BDE insurance discount.
What does the average new driver spend?
For a typical new driver in Ontario who completes a BDE course and takes a reasonable number of in-car lessons, a realistic total budget looks like this:
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- G1 test: $156
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- BDE course: $494
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- In-car lessons (5–10 hours): $260–$520
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- G2 road test: $0 (first attempt)
Total: approximately $910–$1,170
This is a realistic range, not a guaranteed figure. Students who practice more outside of paid lessons will typically spend less on in-car time.
Does BDE actually save you money over time?
For most new drivers, yes, when you factor in the insurance discount.
New drivers in Ontario pay significantly higher premiums than experienced drivers. An MTO-approved BDE certificate is one of the recognized factors that brings that rate down from day one. The discount varies by provider, car model, driving history, and postal code, but the savings over the first few years of driving often exceed the cost of the course itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the G2 road test free?
Your first G2 road test attempt is included in the $156 G1 fee. If you need to rebook after an unsuccessful attempt, the fee is $53.75.
Can I take BDE and pay in installments?
Through Drivisa, you can get started on the BDE course for $49 and complete the rest at your own pace. Contact Drivisa directly for payment details.
Does the BDE cost include in-car lessons?
Through Drivisa, the $494 BDE course includes the full online theory program. In-car lessons are booked separately starting at $52/hour.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
Drivisa’s pricing is fully transparent before you commit. The costs listed — BDE course, in-car lessons, and test-day vehicle rental — are what you see in the app before booking.
Can practicing with family really reduce my costs?
Yes. G1 holders in Ontario can practice with a fully licensed driver accompanying them. Regular practice between paid lessons builds skills faster and can meaningfully reduce the total number of lessons you need.
Ready to get started? Enroll in Drivisa’s MTO-approved BDE course at drivisa.com for $49 to begin.
