You will need:
- To be at least 16 years old
- A valid Identification Document (ID)
- Money for the driver's tests and driving lessons, if needed.
- A car for the road tests. It does not have to be your car. You can rent, borrow or ask your driving school if you can use a driving instructor’s vehicle.
- To pass tests, including an eye exam.
Which forms of ID are acceptable for the driver’s licence test?
To apply for an Ontario driver’s licence, you need to show proof of your:
- Legal name and
- Date of birth (must state the day, month, and year of birth)
You can use one document as proof, such as:
- Passport
- Ontario Photo Card
- Permanent Resident Card
- Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
- Study Permit (IMM 1442)
- Work Permit (IMM 1442)
- See the full list of acceptable identity documents
Documents must be original and valid. Photocopies and expired documents will not be accepted.
How do I get my G1 licence?
You will need to take a written test, called a knowledge test, to get your first licence (G1). To prepare for the test, study the Driver’s Handbook online for rules and regulations of driving in Ontario. There are also a lot of free G1 practice tests you can do online.
- After you get familiar with driving rules, go to a DriveTest Centre near you to write the test.
- You need to bring an ID as outlined above.
- You have to pay a fee to take the knowledge test. This fee includes the written test, the G2 road test, and a five-year licence. See a list of fees on the DriveTest website.
You can write the knowledge test in different languages. See the list of available languages.
Once you pass your G1 written test, you must wait one year before you can take the road test to get your G2. If you register in a government-approved driving school, you only have to wait 8 months. Find driving schools near you.
Learn more about the rules you must follow after getting your G1.
How do I get my G2 licence?
You need to take a G2 “road test” to get your G2 licence. This means you will be tested on basic driving skills and your ability to drive safely and follow Ontario’s driving rules.
- When you are ready to take this test or have completed driving school, you should book a test with DriveTest.
- You need to have a valid G1 driver’s licence number with you to book your test.
- You must also bring a car, your G1 driver’s licence, and a fully licensed driver who has been driving for at least four years.
Once you get your G2, you must wait one year before you can take the G road test to get your full licence (G). Learn more about the rules you must follow after getting your G2.
How do I get my full (G) licence?
You must take a Class G “road test” (highway test) to get your full G License. You will be tested on more advanced driving skills. The process of getting your G is similar to getting your G2:
- When you are ready to take this test, you should book a test with DriveTest.
- You need your valid G2 driver's licence number to book your test.
- You also need to bring a car and your G2 driver’s licence.
Find more information on obtaining a Class G1, Class G2, and then a full Class G Licence on the DriveTest website.
NOTE: You have 5 years to take all your tests to get your full Class G Licence. If you don't take one of the tests within that time frame and your G1 or G2 licence expires, you cannot renew it and have to start again, retake the knowledge test, and pay the full fee. You might be able to get an extension if you book a road test before your licence expires. Learn more.
I have a driver’s licence from my home country. Do I have to apply as a new driver?
You can use your valid (not expired) driver’s licence from another country only for 60 days after moving to Ontario. After 60 days, you have to exchange your licence.
You may also find helpful information in the Settlement.Org article: I have a driver's licence from another country. How do I get an Ontario driver's licence?