G2 to G License in Ontario: Timeline, Requirements & How to Book Your Road Test
Moving from a G2 to a full G license in Ontario means holding your G2 for the required minimum period, then passing the G road test at a DriveTest centre. Most drivers can book the G2 to G license upgrade test after 12 months on a G2, or as little as 8 months if they complete an MTO-approved BDE course, and passing removes the remaining G2 restrictions. Here's the exact timeline, requirements, and booking steps.
Key takeaways
- Minimum G2 hold time is 12 months, or 8 months with an MTO-approved BDE course.
- Only the G road test is required, there is no second written knowledge test.
- The G road test adds highway driving and merging at higher speeds to what's tested on G2.
- Passing removes G2's graduated licensing restrictions and gives you a full G licence.
- If you don't pass, you keep driving on your G2 and can rebook after the required wait.
How Long Do You Have to Hold a G2 Before Getting a Full G Licence?
Ontario requires new drivers to hold a G2 licence for a minimum of 12 months before they're eligible to book the G road test. That minimum drops to 8 months if you complete an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course, which is one of the main reasons new drivers choose a formal course over self-study. If you're weighing whether a BDE course is worth it, our BDE course guide breaks down what's included and how the time credit works.
What Do You Need to Book Your G Road Test?
Before you can book, you need a valid G2 licence that has been held for the required minimum period, and a vehicle that meets DriveTest's condition and equipment requirements (proper seatbelts for every occupant, working turn signals and mirrors, and no warning lights on the dash). Bookings can be made online or by phone through DriveTest, and there is a fee for the road test, always confirm the current amount on DriveTest's official site since pricing can change.
What Happens During the G Road Test?
The G road test builds on the skills already tested for your G2: starts, stops, turns, parking, and intersection handling. What's new at the G level is highway driving, merging, lane changes, and maintaining a safe speed in higher-speed traffic. The examiner marks errors throughout the drive, and too many serious or repeated errors will result in a fail, so it's worth practicing highway driving specifically in the weeks before your test.
What Changes Once You Have a Full G Licence?
Passing the G road test removes the graduated licensing restrictions that come with G2, including passenger limits for younger novice drivers. If you want a full side-by-side breakdown of what's different between the two license stages, see our G2 vs G licence differences post.
What If You Don't Pass the G Road Test?
If you don't pass, you simply continue driving on your existing G2 licence under its current restrictions. You'll need to wait the period DriveTest sets before rebooking, so it's worth taking lessons focused on your specific weak spots rather than retesting cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to hold my G2 before I can get my full G license?
In Ontario, you must hold your G2 licence for a minimum of 12 months before taking the G road test, or as little as 8 months if you complete an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course.
Do I need to write another knowledge test to go from G2 to G?
No. Moving from a G2 to a full G licence only requires passing the G road test at a DriveTest centre, there is no additional written knowledge test.
What does the G road test cover that the G2 test doesn't?
The G road test adds highway driving, merging, and lane changes at higher speeds to the parking, turns, and intersection skills already tested on the G2 road test.
Can a BDE course shorten my G2 to G license wait time?
Yes. Completing an MTO-approved BDE course lets you book the G road test after 8 months on your G2 instead of the standard 12-month minimum.
What restrictions go away once I get my full G license?
A full G licence removes the graduated licensing restrictions tied to G2, including passenger limits for younger drivers and other novice driver conditions, giving you unrestricted driving privileges.
What happens if I fail the G road test?
If you fail the G road test, you keep driving on your G2 licence under its existing restrictions and can rebook the test after the waiting period set by DriveTest.
Ready to prepare for your G road test with confidence? See our Programs and Fees page for lesson packages, or read more on G2 vs G licence differences and our BDE course guide.