How Long Does It Take to Get Your Driver’s License in Ontario?
One of the first questions new drivers ask is how long the licensing process actually takes.
The answer depends on the path you choose. Ontario’s graduated licensing system has built-in wait times between stages, but there are decisions you can make that speed things up significantly.
Here’s a complete timeline breakdown from G1 to full G, including what affects your speed and where you have control.
The shortest possible timeline: 20 months
If you take the fastest possible path through Ontario’s graduated licensing system, the minimum time from zero to a full G license is 20 months.
Here’s how that breaks down:
- G1 knowledge test to G2 road test: 8 months (with an MTO-approved BDE course)
- G2 road test to full G road test: 12 months (fixed wait, no reduction available)
Total: 20 months
This assumes you pass both road tests on your first attempt and complete your BDE course within the 8-month wait period.
The standard timeline without BDE: 24 months
If you choose not to take a BDE course, the timeline extends by 4 months:
- G1 knowledge test to G2 road test: 12 months (without BDE)
- G2 road test to full G road test: 12 months (fixed wait)
Total: 24 months
The difference between 20 months and 24 months is whether you complete an MTO-approved BDE course. That’s the only factor that affects the G1-to-G2 wait time.
What is the G1-to-G2 wait time?
After you pass your G1 knowledge test, you must wait a minimum period before you’re eligible to take your G2 road test.
Without a BDE course: 12 months
With an MTO-approved BDE course: 8 months
This 4-month difference is the main reason most new drivers in Ontario choose to enroll in a BDE program. Through Drivisa, the MTO-approved BDE course is $494 and can be started for $49.
What is the G2-to-G wait time?
After you pass your G2 road test, you must wait a minimum of 12 months before you’re eligible to take your full G road test.
This wait time is fixed. There is no way to reduce it, even if you complete additional driver training.
How long does a BDE course take to complete?
The time it takes to complete a BDE course depends on how quickly you move through the material and how often you schedule in-car lessons.
The theory portion of an online BDE course can typically be completed within a few weeks if you set aside consistent time. There’s a maximum of 5 hours of study per day. In-car lessons depend on your availability and your instructor’s schedule, with a maximum of 2 hours per day.
What matters for the wait time reduction is that you complete the full BDE program — both theory and in-car components — before you book your G2 road test.
What happens if you fail a road test?
If you don’t pass your G2 or G road test on the first attempt, you can rebook and try again. There’s no mandatory waiting period between attempts.
The rebooking fees are:
- G2 road test: $53.75
- G road test: $91.25
Most students who fail once pass on their second attempt after addressing the specific feedback from the examiner.
Failed attempts don’t reset your wait time. If you’ve already waited 8 months since getting your G1 and you fail your G2 test, you can rebook immediately without waiting another 8 months.
Can you speed up the process beyond the minimum timeline?
No. The wait times between licensing stages are fixed by the MTO and cannot be shortened beyond what a BDE course offers for the G1-to-G2 stage.
What you can control is how prepared you are when those wait times end. Students who practice regularly, take consistent in-car lessons, and complete their BDE course early in the process tend to pass on their first attempt — which keeps them on the fastest possible timeline.
What slows people down?
The most common delays in the licensing process are:
Waiting too long to book the road test Some students wait months after becoming eligible to actually book their G2 or G test. The earlier you book, the sooner you can get a test date that works for your schedule.
Not completing BDE early enough If you enroll in a BDE course but don’t finish it until month 11 of your G1 wait, you’ve lost the benefit of the 8-month reduction. Start your BDE course as soon as possible after getting your G1.
Failing road tests due to lack of preparation Students who don’t practice consistently or who skip in-car lessons often fail their first attempt. Each failed attempt adds time and cost to the process.
Letting the G2 expire Your G2 license is valid for 5 years. If you don’t complete your G road test within that window, your G2 expires and you have to start over from the G1. Don’t let this happen.
What’s a realistic timeline for most new drivers?
While 20 months is the theoretical minimum, a more realistic timeline for most new drivers is 22 to 26 months, depending on:
- How quickly they complete their BDE course
- How long it takes to book a road test after becoming eligible
- Whether they pass both road tests on the first attempt
This is still a reasonable timeline, and it reflects real-world scheduling, preparation time, and the occasional need to rebook a test.
How long does each step actually take?
Here’s a practical breakdown of how long each component of the process takes:
| Step | Time Required |
| G1 knowledge test | 1 day (test takes ~1 hour) |
| G1 to G2 wait (with BDE) | 8 months (Shortcut) |
| G1 to G2 wait (without BDE) | 12 months |
| BDE course completion | 2–6 weeks (theory + in-car = 40 hours total) |
| G2 road test | 20 minutes |
| G2 to G wait | 12 months |
| G road test | 30 minutes |
The wait times are fixed. What you control is how you use that time to prepare.
Does prior driving experience from another country affect the timeline?
No. If you’re new to Canada and your home country doesn’t have a license exchange agreement with Ontario, you go through the same G1-G2-G process as a first-time driver, regardless of your driving experience abroad.
The timeline is the same. The only difference is that experienced drivers may need fewer in-car lessons to reach test-ready skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can I take my G2 road test earlier than 8 months if I finish BDE quickly?
A. No. 8 months is the minimum wait with a BDE course. You can book your test anytime after that point, but not before.
2. What happens if I don’t take my G test within 5 years of getting my G2?
A. Your G2 expires after 5 years. If you haven’t obtained your full G by then, you’ll need to start the licensing process over from the G1 knowledge test.
3. Can I extend my G2 if I’m not ready for the G test?
A. Yes. You can renew your G2 before it expires and continue driving with it. However, the G2 restrictions (zero BAC, passenger limits) will remain in place, and you may pay higher insurance rates compared to a full G license.
4. How long does it take to book a road test after I’m eligible?
A. Booking times vary by DriveTest centre and time of year. During busy periods, you may need to book several weeks in advance. Check availability as soon as you become eligible to secure a date that works for you.
5. Does failing a road test reset my wait time?
A. No. Your wait time is based on when you received your G1 or G2, not when you take your road test. If you fail, you can rebook immediately without restarting the clock.
Ready to get started on the fastest path to your G2? Enroll in Drivisa’s MTO-approved BDE course at drivisa.com to begin, or download the app to book in-car lessons with certified instructors.
