Getting your driver's licence in Ontario is a structured process governed by the Ministry of Transportation's Graduated Licensing System (GLS). This system is designed to give new drivers the experience they need to progress safely. Here's everything you need to know at each stage.

Stage 1 — The G1 Licence

The G1 is your starting point. To obtain it you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Pass a vision test
  • Pass a written knowledge test on the rules of the road (based on the Ontario Driver's Handbook)
  • Pay the applicable licensing fee

With a G1 licence you can drive as long as a fully licensed driver with at least 4 years of experience accompanies you in the front passenger seat. You must also maintain a zero blood alcohol level and cannot drive on expressways or between midnight and 5 a.m.

Completing a ministry-approved driver education course like Bell Driver's reduces your G1 waiting period from 12 months to just 8 months before you can take your G2 road test.

Stage 2 — The G2 Licence

After holding your G1 for 12 months (or 8 months with a ministry-approved driving course), you can take your G2 road test. This test evaluates basic driving skills in an everyday driving environment:

  • Proper vehicle operation and control
  • Following rules of the road
  • Left and right turns, U-turns, and three-point turns
  • Parallel parking
  • Driving in traffic

Once you pass, you can drive without an accompanying driver. However, G2 restrictions still apply: zero blood alcohol, maximum of one passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m. (with some exceptions), and mandatory seatbelts for all occupants.

Stage 3 — The Full G Licence

After holding your G2 for 12 months, you're eligible to take the G road test. This test includes highway driving and evaluates more advanced skills:

  • Driving on a 400-series highway (merging, lane changes, passing, exiting)
  • Parallel parking
  • Three-point turns
  • Overall driving judgment and hazard awareness

Passing the G road test grants you a full G licence with no restrictions. You are now a fully licensed Ontario driver — congratulations!

How Bell Driver Can Help

Our ministry-approved program is specifically designed to prepare you for success at every stage. The 20 hours of in-class instruction prepares you for the G1 knowledge test and the rules of the road, while the 10 hours of in-vehicle lessons build the practical skills needed to pass your G2 road test with confidence. Our 98% pass rate speaks for itself.