If you are learning to drive in Ontario, you may be wondering about the difference between a G2 licence and a full G licence.

Both licences allow you to drive a regular passenger vehicle without having another fully licensed driver in the vehicle. However, a G2 is part of Ontario’s graduated licensing system, while a full G licence means you have completed the final road test and graduated to the full Class G licence.

Understanding the difference can help you plan your driving lessons and road tests.

What Is a G2 Licence?

A G2 licence is the second level of Ontario’s graduated licensing system.

You receive your G2 after passing the first road test, commonly called the G2 road test or G1 exit test. Once you have your G2, you can generally drive by yourself without an accompanying driver. You can also drive on Ontario roads, including highways.

However, G2 drivers still have certain conditions.

For example:

• You must maintain a zero blood alcohol level.
• Everyone in the vehicle must wear a working seatbelt.
• Drivers aged 19 and under have additional passenger restrictions between midnight and 5 a.m.
• Your G2 is still considered part of Ontario’s graduated licensing system.

For drivers aged 19 and under, the passenger restrictions apply during the first six months of G2 and then change after six months. There are certain exemptions, including immediate family members and situations where a fully licensed driver with the required experience is present.

What Is a Full G Licence?

A full G licence is the final level of Ontario’s graduated licensing system for regular passenger vehicles.

To receive your full G licence, you must pass the second road test, commonly called the G road test or G2 exit test.

The G road test evaluates more advanced driving skills and includes driving on major roads and expressways, merging, lane changes, turns, intersections, maintaining appropriate speed and space, and other driving skills.

After successfully completing the G road test, you receive full Class G driving privileges.

G2 vs. G Licence: Main Differences

The specific vehicle privileges associated with Class G are defined under Ontario’s licensing regulations.

How Long Do You Need to Have Your G2 Before Getting Your G?

Generally, you must hold your G2 for at least 12 months before taking the G road test.

Ontario’s graduated licensing system requires new drivers to complete two levels and pass two road tests before receiving a full G licence.

If you completed an approved beginner driver education course, you may be eligible to take your first road test after eight months instead of 12 months.

This is one reason many new drivers choose to complete an approved BDE course while working toward their G2.

What Is Tested on the G2 Road Test?

The G2 road test focuses primarily on fundamental driving skills.

Depending on the test location and current testing requirements, skills can include:

• Turns
• Lane changes
• Stopping
• Intersections
• Traffic lights
• Stop and yield signs
• Parallel parking
• Three-point turns
• Residential driving
• One-way streets

Ontario’s current G2 road-test information identifies these types of basic driving skills as part of the first road test.

What Is Tested on the G Road Test?

The G road test is designed to evaluate more advanced driving skills.

The current Ontario requirements include skills such as:

• Driving on major roads and expressways
• Merging onto and exiting expressways
• Maintaining appropriate speed and following distance
• Lane changes
• Turns and curves
• Intersections
• Driving in business areas
• Proper signalling
• Managing traffic safely

Ontario has also changed some elements of the G road test. At full-time DriveTest centres and temporary road-test locations, the current G test does not include some skills already tested during the G2 test, such as parallel parking, roadside stops, three-point turns and residential-neighbourhood driving. Part-time Travel Point locations continue to offer the standard G road test.

Because testing procedures can change, students should always check the current requirements before their test.

Do You Need Driving Lessons for Your G Test?

There is no specific number of driving lessons that every driver needs before taking the G test.

Your preparation should depend on your experience, confidence and ability to consistently perform the skills required for the test.

A G test preparation lesson can focus on areas such as:

• Highway and expressway driving
• Merging and exiting
• Lane changes
• Safe following distance
• Speed control
• Observation and mirror checks
• Proper signalling
• Intersections
• Turns and curves
• Test-route preparation
• Correct responses to examiner instructions

Practising these skills before your test can help you become more familiar with the expectations of the road test.

G2 and G Licence: Which One Do You Need?

If you have recently passed your G2 road test, you can legally drive independently under the conditions that apply to a G2 licence.

However, your goal as a new driver is normally to continue gaining experience and eventually complete the G road test.

The full G licence removes the G2-specific graduated licensing restrictions and represents completion of Ontario’s graduated licensing process for a regular Class G licence.

Driving Lessons in Oshawa and Durham Region

If you are preparing for your G2 or G road test, Sun Driving Academy provides driving lessons and road-test preparation in Oshawa and surrounding Durham Region communities.

We serve students in areas including:

• Oshawa
• Courtice
• Bowmanville
• Whitby
• Brooklin
• Ajax
• Pickering

We also provide driving lessons for students in parts of Toronto, including Scarborough, North York and East York.

Our training can help new drivers build practical driving skills, understand Ontario road rules and prepare for their road test.

Whether you are working toward your G2 licence or preparing for your full G licence, proper practice and instruction can help you become a more confident and responsible driver.

Ready to Prepare for Your G2 or G Test?

If you are looking for driving lessons in Oshawa, Sun Driving Academy can help you prepare for your next step.

We offer:

• G2 driving lessons
• G road-test preparation
• Road-test car packages
• Beginner driver education (BDE)
• Highway driving practice
• Driving lessons for new and experienced drivers

Contact Sun Driving Academy today to discuss your driving lesson or road-test preparation needs.

Sun Driving Academy
MTO-Approved Driving School
Oshawa, Ontario
Phone: 416-458-6363
Website: sundrivingacademy.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive alone with a G2 licence?
Yes. A G2 licence generally allows you to drive without an accompanying driver, subject to the conditions that apply to G2 drivers.

Can I drive on Highway 401 with a G2?
Yes. G2 drivers can drive on Ontario roads, including highways.

How long after G2 can I take the G test?
Generally, you must have your G2 for at least 12 months before taking the G road test.

Is the G test harder than the G2 test?
The two tests assess different levels of driving. The G2 test focuses on fundamental driving skills, while the G test evaluates more advanced skills, including expressway and major-road driving.

Do I need a driving school to take the G test?
No. You are not required to take driving lessons before the G test. However, professional lessons can provide structured practice and help you identify areas that need improvement.

Does a BDE course help me get my G2 sooner?
An approved beginner driver education course can reduce the usual G1 waiting period for the first road test from 12 months to eight months, provided you meet the applicable requirements.