If you’re currently a G1 driver in Ontario, chances are your G2 road test is coming up shortly. Below, we explain all there is to know about this road test, including tips on how to ace it and information on car insurance for G2 drivers.
What is the G2 road test in Ontario?
The G2 road test is a driving test operated by the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario. It is the second level of Ontario’s multi-step licencing process, with the first level being the G1 test and the final level being G.
Unlike the G1 test, which is written, the G2 test is a practical road test. It is the first of two road examinations required in Ontario - the second being the final G road test. All three tests must be passed successfully to become a licenced driver in the province.
Since the G2 road test is the first of two road tests, it focuses on evaluating a student’s basic driving skills. Students will navigate city roads. However, they will not drive on any 400 series highways. Highway driving is reserved for the G road test.
Generally speaking, the G2 road test takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and can be taken between 8 and 12 months after earning your G1 licence. If you completed an approved driver’s education course in your province, then the G2 exam can be taken as early as eight months after the G1 exam. However, if you choose not to enrol in a recognized driver’s education course, the earliest you can take the G2 road test after earning your G1 licence is 12 months or one year.
Questions to ask when preparing for the G2 road test
When preparing for the G2 road test, ask yourself the following questions first. These questions can help you discern whether you are ready to schedule and take your G2 road test:
- How many hours have I driven with my G1 licence?
- Did I complete a driver’s education course?
- Am I familiar with traffic laws and the rules of the road?
- Am I confident in my driving abilities?
- Would I benefit from more practice?
- Are there any specific driving skills I should improve before taking the G2 road test?
Booking a G2 road test
Booking your G2 road test is a relatively simple process, which is laid out below:
1. Visit the DriveTest website
The easiest way to book your G2 road test is via the DriveTest website. However, you can do so if you prefer to book your rest in person at a DriveTest Centre in Ontario or over the phone by calling them.
2. Have your Ontario driver’s licence number handy
First, when booking your G2 road test, you must provide proof of your G1 driver’s licence. This can be done by entering the driver’s licence number written on your G1 licence.
3. Choose a date, time, and location
Third, you will need to select your preferred date, time, and location to take the exam. There may be limited availability, especially if you are hoping to book your test sooner rather than later, so it’s a good idea to be flexible.
Please note that if you need to cancel or reschedule your G2 road test appointment, you must do so within 48 hours of the scheduled time to avoid a cancellation fee.
Basic driving skills of the G2 road test
As mentioned, the G2 road test tests a driver’s basic driving skills. Some of the basic skills that you will be judged on include:
- Fastening your seatbelt
- Starting the vehicle
- Stopping
- Turning
- Using your turn signals appropriately
- Navigating traffic lights
- Passing vehicles using both your turn signals and a shoulder check
- Driving in the passing lane
- Driving through controlled intersections
- Parallel parking
- Reversing safely
- Visual checks of your surroundings
- Emergency stopping
- Three-point turn
- Forward parking
- Reverse parking
- Obeying posted speed limits
- Use of the hand brake
- Overall awareness of the road
How much does the G2 road test cost?
When you take your G1 test, you likely paid for a G1 licence package, including the fee to take your G2 road test. This fee is $159.75. However, if you are unsuccessful in your first attempt at the G2 road test, you will need to re-take it, which will cost an additional fee. The fee to re-take the G2 road exam is $53.75. Once you successfully receive your G2 licence, you must also pay a $90 licencing fee. It is worth noting that the G1 licence package you initially paid for is valid for six years from the payment date, so as long as you take your G2 road test within this time frame, your first attempt will be covered.
What to bring to your G2 road test
Preparing for your G2 road test involves more than practicing your driving skills. There are a few things that you will need to bring with you on the day of, so make sure that you have the following:
- Your valid G1 licence
- A vehicle in good condition, i.e. without defects
In addition, make sure that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Common mistakes to avoid on your G2 road test
There are a few mistakes that are commonly made on the G2 road test. If you want to give yourself the highest odds of passing the test the first time, make sure to avoid the mistakes listed below. Remember that a single mistake could cost you the test, especially if it’s a major one:
Forgetting to use your turn signal
Forgetting to use your turn signal is a major mistake. Anytime you are turning or changing lanes, you must use your turn signal. This includes when you are backing into or out of a parking spot, when you’re driving through a roundabout, and when you’re parallel parking or doing a three-point turn.
Failing to obey the posted speed limit
Failing to abide by the posted speed limit is another common mistake. Pay close attention to the speed limit signs on the roads you’re driving on, and take care never to exceed the limit. Speeding on your road test is a quick way to fail.
Not checking your mirrors
Checking your mirrors regularly is an important driving habit as it allows you to be aware of your surroundings. By glancing at your side view mirrors and rearview mirror every few seconds, you will have a better idea of what’s going on around you on the road. The drive test examiner will be watching to see that you check your mirrors regularly. If you need to, exaggerate this movement in your head or neck so that it’s clear what you’re doing.
Not coming to a complete stop
Not coming to a complete stop when at a stop sign or red light is another big mistake people make. Rolling stops are a big no-no. So, anytime that you approach a stop sign, make sure that you come to a complete stop, let the car rock back, and count to three before hitting the gas pedal.
Improper parallel parking
Improper parallel parking is one last mistake that is all too common on G2 road tests. Parallel parking can be tricky, but unfortunately, you have to be able to do it correctly when taking your road test. Though you likely won’t be docked if you can’t get it on the first attempt, making attempt after attempt could be grounds for a test failure.
What happens if I fail my G2 road test?
The reality is that many drivers fail their G2 road test the first time that they take it. However, failing is far from the end of the world. If you fail, your G1 licence is still valid, which means you can continue driving with a fully licenced driver in your vehicle. You can then rebook your G2 road test at a later date. Just make sure to rebook it before your G1 licence expires. At the time of the test, you will need to pay the fee to re-take the test. If you do not rebook your G2 road test and your G1 licence expires, then you will need to start the process all over again from the beginning.
Tips to prepare for the G2 road test: leading up to the test
If you want to become a better driver and pass your G2 road test on the first try, then here are some tips to help you do so. These tips are all for the time period leading up to the test, e.g. the months and weeks ahead of the test:
Start slow with short drives in your neighbourhood
Before you progress to higher-speed, higher-traffic roads, start slow by going for short drivers in your neighbourhood. This will ease you into the practice of driving without the added stress of lots of cars and pedestrians around you.
Gradually increase the length of your practice drives
Once you get more comfortable behind the wheel, slowly increase the length of your practice drives. You should also aim to increase the complexity, e.g. driving during rush hour or in areas with more pedestrian traffic.
Try to experience varying driving conditions
To become a confident driver, it’s essential to experience a variety of driving conditions. For example, practice driving during rush hour, at night and during the day, through construction zones, near schools, and even in different types of weather, such as rain. You can find a list of safe driving tips to help you navigate these different conditions here.
Book your road test in advance
One last tip is to book your G2 road test in advance. If you have limited flexibility in your schedule, then the earlier you book your G2 test, the better. Otherwise, spots tend to fill up quickly, especially over the summer or March break when students are off school.
Tips to prepare for the G2 road test: the day of the test
On the day of the G2 road test, follow these tips to help you prepare:
Bring your driver’s licence and a form of payment
Before you leave home, make sure that you have your driver’s licence and a form of payment with you. You will need to provide both of these upon check-in.
Check that your car is working and the gas tank is full
Next, make sure that your car is in working order and that your gas tank is full. When we say working order, we mean that you should check that everything is functioning as it should, including the horn, parking brake, turn signals, brake lights, high and low beams, etc. A mechanical issue with your car could be grounds for the examiner to cancel your test.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time
It’s wise to arrive early on your test day to have plenty of time to get settled in. When you arrive at the DriveTest Centre, you must first check-in. You may be asked to show proof of your G1 driver’s licence at this time.
Receiving your G2 driver’s licence in Ontario
If you successfully pass your G2 road test, then you will progress to the second level of Ontario’s graduated licencing system. As such, you will receive a G2 driver’s licence with new privileges and restrictions. The good news is that G2 restrictions are less than the restrictions for G1 drivers. Be sure to familiarize yourself with G2 licencing rules and regulations before getting behind the wheel with your new licence:
What you can do as a G2 driver
The main freedom you will earn as a G2 driver is driving on your own. You are no longer required to drive with a supervisor. In addition, you are now allowed to drive on highways between the hours of midnight and five a.m.
What you can’t do as a G2 driver
Despite the new freedoms you have gained as a G2 driver, there are still several restrictions that you must be aware of. A few of the most important restrictions are as follows:
- Your blood alcohol level must be zero.
- You cannot have any cannabis in your system.
- G2 drivers are responsible for seatbelt use in their vehicles. Not only must they be wearing seatbelts, but they must also ensure that all other passengers in the car are wearing their seatbelts at all times.
- If you are 19 years old or younger, for the first six months after receiving your Ontario G2 licence, you can carry only one passenger aged 19 or under between the hours of midnight and five a.m. After six months have passed or when you reach the age of 20, you are permitted to carry up to three passengers, ages 19 or under, between the hours of midnight and five a.m.
Please note that if you're caught breaking any of the rules listed above, you could receive multiple demerit points, impacting your driving record.
Car insurance for G2 drivers
If you’re a G2 driver who is driving on their own, then you will need a student car insurance plan. It’s a good idea for G1 drivers to get insurance, but as soon as you become a G2 driver, it becomes a necessity.
You might be wondering if you are covered under your parent's insurance plan. The truth is that it depends. If you are a teen driver living in the same household as your parents, then they can add you to their car insurance policy. However, this may not make the most financial sense, given how expensive adding a new driver to a car insurance plan can be. In this case, you may opt to buy your own insurance policy.
In Ontario, all drivers must have basic car insurance coverage, which is made up of the following four types of coverage:
Please note that when it comes to third-party liability car insurance, you must have no less than $200,000 of it.
Suppose you want enhanced coverage that goes beyond the minimum coverage requirements listed above. In that case, you can choose to add a variety of other coverages to your policy, including but not limited to:
The cost of car insurance for G2 drivers
Since G2 drivers tend to lack experience on the road, their insurance rates are usually higher. The good is that with time and practice, your rates will go down, so long as you keep your driving record clean. There are also steps that you can take to minimize how much you pay for car insurance.
For example, many insurance companies offer discounts to young drivers who complete driver’s education programs. You can also qualify for a safe driver discount if you maintain a clean driving record for many consecutive years.
Some more general tips can help you reduce your premium, such as selecting high deductibles or paying for your policy annually rather than monthly. For more information on how car insurance premiums are determined, how to get the most competitive rates for your policy, or how to request a free car insurance quote, contact BrokerLink today.
Get in touch with BrokerLink
Do you still have questions about the G2 road test? Taking the G2 road test can be stressful for young drivers, but it’s a necessary step if you want to become a fully licenced driver and receive your full G licence in Ontario. BrokerLink is here to help you navigate this challenging test and ensure you have the right coverage as soon as you pass and can hit the road on your own.
Here at BrokerLink, we know the ins and outs of young driver car insurance. We will make sure that your policy complies with provincial laws and contains the extra coverage that makes sense for you. We can also offer a professional opinion on whether you are better off being added to your parent's car insurance plan, if applicable, or purchasing a separate auto insurance plan on your own. We can even help you find an international student car insurance plan if you temporarily stay in Canada.
Get in touch with BrokerLink to get started and request your free quote now.
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