Getting your driver’s licence is really exciting but it might feel a little complicated. Here’s an easy guide to earning that plastic card and finally getting behind the wheel.

First of all, you should know that Ontario has a "graduated licensing" system. This means you have to take three license steps over 5 years before getting a full driver's licence. The first license is called G1, the second one G2 and the full license’s name is G.

FIRST STEP: G1 or Learner's Permit

How do I get it?

You have to be at least 16 years old. You must pass an eye test to find out if you can see well enough to drive safely, and you must take a written test about the rules of the road.

What are the rules?

As a G1 driver you can’t drive alone.  You will have to:

• drive with a fully licensed driver who has at least four years of driving experience (and a blood alcohol level of less than .05 per cent, in case he or she needs to take over the wheel)
• be sure that the other driver is the only other person in the front seat
• make sure that everyone in the car has a seatbelt
• stay off Ontario's "400-series" highways or key highways such as the Queen Elizabeth Way, Don Valley Parkway and the Conestoga Parkway
• have zero blood alcohol level. Which means no drinking before and while driving
• not drive between midnight and 5:00 am.

Note:

If the other driver is a driving instructor licensed in Ontario, you may drive on any road.

SECOND STEP: G2 or Probationary Licence

How do I get it?

You must have had your G1 licence for at least one year before trying to get your G2. This can be 8 months if you take a driving course approved by the Ministry of Transportation. To get the G2, you must pass a road test.

What are the rules?

At the G2 level, you can drive without another licensed driver on all Ontario roads and at any time but you still have to:

• have zero blood alcohol level
• be sure that your car has enough working seat belts for all your passengers.

As a G2 driver, you also have limits on the number of other teens that can be in your car between midnight and 5:00 a.m.:

• If you’re under 19 years old, you can only carry one other teen
• After the first six months as a G2 driver, you can carry up to three teens.

These restrictions don’t apply if the G2 driver is with a full "G" licensed driver (with at least four years of driving experience) in the front seat, or if the passengers are your siblings, children, parents or grandparents (immediate family members).

THIRD STEP: G or Full License

How do I get it?

You must have had your G2 license for one year. Then you need to take another road test.

What are the rules?

If you pass the road test, you will get a full licence without restrictions.

FIND OUT MORE

Find out more about the Graduated Licensing System of Ontario, including how to get a motorcycle (M) licence.

Where can I take the tests? What else do I need?

You can take the tests at the DriveTest Examination Centres.

• Once you’re there you will have to show a proof of your legal name, the day, month and year of birth and your signature. That proof could be your passport, birth certificate or your Canadian Citizenship Card. Documents must be original and up-to-date. Here’s more information on what you need.

Where can I study before taking the tests? Where do I learn how to drive?

You may want to take lessons from a driving school. Not all driving schools have courses approved by the Government of Ontario. Look for schools that offer “MTO-approved beginner driver education courses”, or “ministry-approved beginner driver education courses”.

Beginner driving schools in Ontario are regulated by the Ministry of Transportation. Choose carefully by following these guidelines:

• You may want to check the list of driving schools that offer ministry-approved beginner driver education courses.
• You might ask your friends or co-workers to recommend a driving school to you. Some of them have lessons at high schools.
• You could ask to meet with the instructors who will be teaching the driving lessons and giving the behind-the-wheel training.

You can also check the Official Driver’s Handbook by the Ministry of Transportation.

What if I lose or someone steals my driver’s license?

To get another driver's licence, visit a ServiceOntario Driver & Vehicle Licence Issuing Office. You will have to show proof of identification with your legal name, date of birth and signature, and pay a $10 fee. They will give you a temporary licence to use until your permanent one is mailed to you. 

If you want to get a more detailed explanation of the driver licensing system in Ontario, check out the Ministry of Transportation website driver licensing section