Getting your driver's licence in Ontario is a process — not just a single test. Ontario uses a Graduated Licensing System (GLS), which means you work your way through stages before you hold a full G licence. If you're starting out or helping a new driver in your life, here's a clear breakdown of what the journey from G1 to G2 in Ontario looks like in 2026.

What Is the Ontario Graduated Licensing System?

Ontario's graduated licensing system is designed to give new drivers experience in stages, reducing risk on the road. The three main stages are:

G1 — The learner's stage (knowledge test required)
G2 — Intermediate licence (road test required)
G (Full Licence) — Final road test

Most drivers complete the full process over 20 months minimum, though completing an approved driver education course can speed things up.

Getting Your G1 — The Knowledge Test

Your first step is passing the G1 knowledge test at a DriveTest centre. This written test covers road signs and rules of the road, and you need to score at least 16 out of 20 on each section to pass. There's no driving involved — it's all theory.

Once you pass, you'll receive your G1 licence and can start learning to drive — but with restrictions. G1 drivers must:

Be accompanied by a fully licensed driver with at least four years of experience
Not drive on 400-series highways without an approved instructor
Have zero blood alcohol at all times

How Long Does It Take to Go from G1 to G2?

This is one of the most common questions new drivers ask. The standard waiting period from G1 to G2 in Ontario is 12 months. However, if you complete a Ministry-approved driver education course, that wait drops to 8 months.

That's a four-month difference — and for most people eager to drive independently, it's well worth it.

What Are the G2 Licence Restrictions?

Once you pass your G2 road test, your driving freedom increases significantly. You can drive on all Ontario roads, including highways, without a supervising driver. However, G2 restrictions still apply:

Zero blood alcohol for the first year
No more than one passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m. in the first six months (unless an experienced driver is present)
Seat belts required for all passengers at all times

These restrictions ease as you gain experience heading toward your full G licence.

What Comes After G2?

After holding your G2 for at least 12 months, you're eligible to take the G road test. This test includes highway driving and assesses more advanced skills. Pass it, and you'll hold a full Ontario G licence with no passenger or time-of-day restrictions.

Tips for Moving Through the Stages Faster

Enroll in a Ministry-approved driving course to reduce your G1 wait from 12 months to 8 months
Log consistent practice hours — quality matters more than quantity
Book your G2 test as soon as you're eligible, not when you feel "ready enough"
Work with a certified instructor who knows exactly what DriveTest examiners look for

Summary: Ontario Driving Licence Steps

G1 — Written knowledge test required Minimum wait before G2 test: 12 months (or 8 months with an approved BDE course)

G2 — Road test on local roads required Minimum wait before Full G test: 12 months

Full G — Final road test including highway No wait after passing — full licence granted

Understanding each Ontario driving licence step makes the process feel a lot less overwhelming. At RD Academy in North York, Toronto, instructors guide students through every stage — from preparing for the G1 knowledge test all the way to G2 and G road test readiness. Their structured programs are built around the real requirements of Ontario's graduated licensing system.

Ready to book your first lesson? Contact RD Academy today at rdacademy.ca

G1 to G2: Your Complete Ontario Driving Licence Guide