After passing your G2 road test, you receive a temporary G2 licence immediately. Your permanent card is mailed in 4 to 6 weeks. You can now drive alone, at night, and on highways. You must hold your G2 for at least 12 months (or 8 months with BDE) before taking the G test.
Key Facts
- Drive alone without a fully licensed accompanying driver
- Drive at any time of day or night
- Drive on all roads including 400-series highways
- Carry any number of passengers (with exceptions for young drivers at night)
- No longer required to have a front-seat supervisor
In this article
What Do You Receive at the DriveTest Centre?
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, when you pass your G2 road test, the DriveTest centre issues you a temporary driver's licence on the spot. This is a paper document that is valid for driving immediately. Your permanent G2 licence card with your photo is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 4 to 6 weeks. Keep the temporary licence in your vehicle until the permanent card arrives.
What Can You Do with a G2 Licence That You Could Not Do with a G1?
The G2 licence removes most of the G1 restrictions. With your G2, you gain significant new privileges:
- Drive alone without a fully licensed accompanying driver
- Drive at any time of day or night
- Drive on all roads including 400-series highways
- Carry any number of passengers (with exceptions for young drivers at night)
- No longer required to have a front-seat supervisor
What Restrictions Still Apply with a G2?
Under Ontario's graduated licensing system, G2 drivers still have some restrictions. All G2 drivers must maintain a blood alcohol content of zero (0.00 BAC) regardless of age. Separately, all drivers age 21 or under must also maintain zero BAC regardless of licence class. For G2 drivers age 19 or under, there are passenger restrictions during the first six months: only one passenger age 19 or under between midnight and 5:00 AM. After six months, up to three passengers age 19 or under during those hours. These night-time passenger limits do not apply if a fully licensed driver is in the front seat.
How Long Before You Can Take the G Test?
According to Ontario's graduated licensing rules, you must hold your G2 licence for a minimum of 12 months before you are eligible to take the full G road test. If you completed an MTO-approved BDE (Beginner Driver Education) program, the wait is reduced to 8 months. Your G2 licence is valid for 5 years from the date it is issued. If your G2 expires before you pass the G test, you lose your driving privileges entirely and must restart at the G1 level.
What Should You Do Next After Getting Your G2?
Once you have your G2 licence, start building experience in all driving conditions. Practice highway driving, night driving, and driving in rain and snow. These skills are tested on the G road test, which includes a highway component. Begin preparing for the G test at least a few months before your scheduled date. Many drivers benefit from professional G test preparation lessons to address highway merging, lane changes at speed, and other advanced manoeuvres.
Related Questions
What Are the Restrictions on a G2 Licence in Ontario?
G2 drivers must maintain a zero blood alcohol level (0.00 BAC), ensure all passengers wear seatbelts, and avoid handheld electronic devices. Drivers age 19 or under also face passenger limits between midnight and 5 AM. These restrictions remain until you pass the full G road test.
Read answerHow Long After Getting Your G2 Can You Take the G Test in Ontario?
You must hold your G2 licence for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the G road test in Ontario. There is no way to shorten this waiting period. Unlike the G1-to-G2 wait, BDE does not reduce the G2-to-G timeline.
Read answerHow to Pass the G Road Test in Ontario
The G road test in Ontario includes mandatory highway driving: merging onto a 400-series highway, lane changes at speed, and exiting. You also need to demonstrate advanced manoeuvres and confident handling of complex traffic. The test is approximately 30 minutes.
Read answerHow Old Do You Have to Be to Drive in Ontario?
You must be at least 16 years old to begin driving in Ontario. At 16, you can take the G1 written knowledge test at a DriveTest centre to receive your learner's permit. If you are under 18, you need a parent or legal guardian's signed consent.
Read answerCan You Get an Ontario Licence If You Have a Licence from Another Province?
Yes, if you move to Ontario with a valid driver's licence from another Canadian province or territory, you can exchange it for an Ontario licence without retaking the knowledge test or road test. You must visit a DriveTest centre within 60 days of establishing residency in Ontario.
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