Getting your G2 is a major milestone! You can drive alone, you have real independence, and most of the early restrictions are behind you.
But the G2 isn’t the end of the licensing process. The final step is your full G license — and it comes with meaningful benefits that make it worth completing.
Here’s everything you need to know about going from G2 to full G in Ontario, including wait times, test requirements, and how to prepare.
What is the difference between a G2 and a full G license?
A G2 license allows you to drive without an accompanying driver, but some restrictions still apply:
G2 restrictions:
- Zero blood alcohol limit (0.00% BAC at all times)
- Limited number of passengers under 20 years old between midnight and 5 a.m. during your first year as a G2 driver (except immediate family members)
- Cannot drive on certain high-speed highways outside Canada without an accompanying fully licensed driver
A full G license removes all of these restrictions. You’re a fully licensed driver with no conditions.
Beyond the restrictions, a full G license also affects your insurance rate. Many insurance providers offer lower premiums to drivers with a full G compared to those with a G2, particularly after you’ve held it for a few years.
How long do you have to wait before taking the G test?
You must hold your G2 license 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. Unlike the G1-to-G2 process, where completing a BDE course shortens the wait from 12 months to 8 months, the G2-to-G wait is a fixed 12 months regardless of whether you take additional driver training.
What does the G road test cover?
The G road test is more advanced than the G2 test. It evaluates your ability to handle higher-speed driving, complex traffic situations, and highway conditions.
The test typically includes:
Highway driving Merging onto highways, maintaining appropriate speed in highway traffic, changing lanes safely at higher speeds, and exiting highways smoothly. This is the most significant difference from the G2 test and the area where most students need the most preparation.
City and residential driving The same skills tested in the G2 — turns, intersections, lane positioning, speed management, and observation — but evaluated at a higher standard.
Parallel parking or roadside stop
You may be asked to parallel park or perform a controlled roadside stop. The expectation is that you can do this smoothly and confidently without multiple attempts.
Highway driving
Navigating multi-lane highways, managing speed in heavy traffic, and making safe decisions in fast-moving conditions.
The test lasts approximately 30 minutes and takes place on public roads, including highway sections where available.
Do you need to take lessons before the G test?
No. Lessons are not mandatory before taking the G road test.
However, most students benefit from at least a few lessons focused specifically on highway driving and G-test preparation — especially if they haven’t driven on highways regularly since getting their G2.
Highway driving is the biggest adjustment from G2-level skills. Merging at speed, managing lane changes in heavy traffic, and maintaining composure in fast-moving conditions all require practice. A few lessons with an instructor who knows the local test routes can make a significant difference in how prepared you feel on test day.
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’s test route.
How much does the G road test cost?
The G road test fee is $91.25, paid to the DriveTest centre when you book your test.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can rebook and pay the fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can attempt the test.
What happens if you don’t get your full G within 5 years of getting your G2?
Your G2 license is valid for 5 years from the date it was issued. If you don’t complete your G road test and obtain your full G license within that 5-year window, your G2 expires and you’ll need to start the licensing process over from the beginning — including retaking the G1 knowledge test.
This is a hard deadline. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your G test.
What are the most common reasons students fail the G road test?
The G test has a higher standard than the G2 test, and the inclusion of highway driving adds complexity. Here are the most common fail points:
Unsafe highway merging
Merging onto a highway too slowly, hesitating in the merge lane, or failing to match the speed of traffic before merging. Smooth, confident merging is essential.
Poor lane discipline on highways
Staying in the passing lane unnecessarily, drifting between lanes, or failing to check blind spots before changing lanes at highway speeds.
Inconsistent observation
Failing to check mirrors and blind spots frequently, particularly during lane changes and merges. At highway speeds, observation lapses are more dangerous and more heavily penalized.
Speed management issues
Driving too slowly on highways (impeding traffic flow) or driving too fast for conditions. You need to maintain an appropriate speed that matches traffic while staying within posted limits.
Hesitation or indecision
Hesitating when merging, changing lanes, or navigating complex intersections signals a lack of confidence and is marked down by examiners.
How should you prepare for the G road test?
Practice highway driving regularly
If you haven’t been on highways since getting your G2, start practicing well before your test date. Get comfortable with merging, lane changes at speed, and maintaining composure in fast-moving traffic.
Book lessons focused on G-test preparation
A few targeted lessons with an instructor who knows the local test route can address weak spots and build confidence. Instructors on Drivisa are familiar with the highway sections and intersections used in G tests in your area.
Drive the test route area
Practice on the roads and highways around your DriveTest centre. Familiarity with the route reduces stress and lets you focus on driving well instead of navigating unfamiliar conditions.
Review right-of-way and highway rules
Brush up on the Highway Traffic Act sections related to highway driving, merging, and lane use. The MTO Driver’s Handbook is a good refresher.
Do a test-day walkthrough
Just like with your G2 test, drive to the DriveTest centre beforehand so you know where to go and how long it takes to get there.
What do you need to bring on test day?
- Your valid G2 license
- A vehicle that meets DriveTest requirements (insured, in good working order, with functioning signals and mirrors)
- Your booking confirmation
If you don’t have access to a suitable vehicle, Drivisa offers test-day vehicle rental.
What happens after you pass the G test?
Once you pass the G road test, you’re issued your full G license on the spot. All G2 restrictions are removed, and you’re a fully licensed driver in Ontario.
Your full G license is valid for 5 years and MUST be renewed before it expires. Renewing is straightforward and can be done online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Can I take the G test before 12 months if I take lessons?
A. No. The 12-month wait from G2 to G is a fixed requirement and cannot be reduced.
2. What if I never take the G test and just keep my G2?
A. You can keep your G2 and drive with it indefinitely as long as you renew it before it expires. However, you’ll continue to have the G2 restrictions (zero BAC, passenger limits, etc.) and you may pay higher insurance rates compared to a full G driver.
3. Is the G test harder than the G2 test?
A. Yes. The G test includes highway driving and is evaluated at a higher standard. However, if you’ve been driving regularly since getting your G2 and you prepare specifically for highway conditions, it’s entirely manageable.
4. Can I use my own car for the G road test?
A. Yes, as long as it meets DriveTest requirements. If you don’t have access to a qualifying vehicle, Drivisa offers test-day vehicle rental.
5. How many times can I take the G test?
A. There is no limit. You can rebook as many times as needed, paying the test fee each time.
6. Does my G2 expire?
A. Yes. Your G2 is valid for 5 years from the date it was issued. If you don’t get your full G within that time, you’ll need to start over from the G1.
Ready to prepare for your G road test? Book in-car lessons with instructors who specialize in highway driving and G-test preparation at drivisa.com or through the Drivisa app.
