If you’re a G2 driver in Ontario preparing for your full G licence, understanding the wait time and requirements for the G test is crucial. The G licence grants you full driving privileges, including on highways and under all conditions. This article offers a detailed breakdown of how long you need to wait after getting your G2, the eligibility criteria, regional delays, how to prepare, and what can affect your timeline.
1. G2 to G: Minimum Wait Time Requirement
Limited Time Automotive Amazon DealsThe Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) requires that G2 drivers wait a minimum of 12 months before taking the G test. This is calculated from the date your G2 licence is issued. There is no way to shorten this wait period—unlike the G1 to G2 process, where you can reduce the time with driver training.
Summary Table: G2 to G Waiting Timeline
| Licence Stage | Minimum Wait Time | Ways to Reduce Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| G2 to G | 12 months | None | Must wait full year |
2. Eligibility Criteria for the G Test
To be eligible for the G test in Ontario, you must:
- Hold a G2 licence for at least 12 months
- Have a valid, unexpired licence
- Be in good standing with the Ministry (no suspensions, disqualifications, etc.)
- Be medically fit to drive (if applicable)
If you meet these requirements, you can book your G road test online or by phone. However, booking delays are common.
3. Booking Backlogs: What is the Real Wait Time in 2025?
While the minimum wait time from G2 to G is 12 months, actual test appointment availability varies by region. As of 2025, booking delays in some parts of Ontario—particularly in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ottawa, and parts of Northern Ontario—can mean waiting 1 to 3 months after becoming eligible.
Current Wait Times by Region (Estimates):
| Region | Avg. Booking Delay (2025) |
|---|---|
| Toronto (Etobicoke, Downsview) | 2–3 months |
| Mississauga/Peel | 1–2 months |
| Ottawa | 1–2 months |
| Kitchener-Waterloo | 1 month |
| Thunder Bay | 2–4 weeks |
| Windsor/Sarnia | 2–4 weeks |
If you are in a region with high demand, consider checking nearby cities or smaller towns for sooner appointment slots.
4. How to Book Your G Test
Booking can be done through:
- Online: DriveTest.ca
- Phone: 1-888-570-6110
- In Person: At any DriveTest Centre
You will need:
- Your driver’s licence number
- A credit card to pay the fee
- Your preferred testing location(s)
The G road test currently costs $91.25 as part of the graduated licensing package, or as a standalone fee if retaking.
5. What If You Don’t Pass the G Test?
If you fail the G test, you must:
- Rebook another test (and possibly pay again)
- Wait for the next available slot
- Remain a G2 driver in the meantime
There is no mandatory wait period after failing—you can retake the test as soon as another appointment is available. However, due to backlog, rebooking might delay your full licence for weeks or months.
6. What Happens If Your G2 Licence Expires?
A G2 licence is valid for 5 years, but it’s important to upgrade before it expires.
If your G2 expires:
- You may have to restart the graduated licensing process from G1
- You cannot renew a G2 beyond its expiration
- You lose highway and solo driving privileges
It is advisable to attempt the G test at the 12-month mark, even if you plan to delay driving full-time. Booking early helps secure your spot and avoid the risk of expiry.
7. Preparing for the G Road Test
The G test is more advanced than the G2 test. It includes:
- Highway driving (merging, exiting, lane changes)
- Advanced observation and signalling
- Emergency stops
- Parallel and reverse parking
Preparation Tips:
- Take a driving lesson or two with a certified instructor
- Practice highway driving, especially merging and checking blind spots
- Know the speed limits and lane rules
- Ensure your car is in good condition (working lights, mirrors, tires)
8. Driver’s Licence Validity in Graduated System
Your G2 licence date impacts both your test eligibility and your licence expiration.
Licence Validity Overview:
| Licence Type | Validity | Key Info |
|---|---|---|
| G1 | 5 years | Can be extended if needed |
| G2 | 5 years (from G1 date) | Must complete G test before expiry |
| G (Full) | 5 years | Renewable, no restrictions |
If you were delayed due to COVID or personal reasons, and your G2 licence is nearing expiry, contact DriveTest immediately for options. In the past, the province offered extensions during pandemic-related delays, but these are no longer active in 2025.
9. Graduated Licensing Time Limits
If you are part of the graduated licensing program, you have 5 years total to complete all steps (from G1 to G). If you exceed this period, your progress is voided and you must start over. This means:
- G1 and G2 combined cannot exceed 5 years
- If your G2 was issued late in the 5-year period, you have a very short window to upgrade
10. Tips for Faster Progression
- Book your G test early (even if it’s months away)
- Check cancellations daily to grab earlier dates
- Practice regularly, especially highway scenarios
- Use smaller cities for faster test slots (e.g., Orangeville, Stratford, Orillia)
Conclusion
The path from G2 to G in Ontario is structured around a 12-month minimum wait, but actual time to completion depends on how soon you book and pass your test. Regional booking delays, personal readiness, and licence expiry windows can all affect your progression. Planning early, preparing thoroughly, and monitoring your timeline can help you secure your full G licence efficiently. Don’t let backlogs or missed deadlines delay your driving freedom—start preparing as early as possible.If you’re a G2 driver in Ontario preparing for your full G licence, understanding the wait time and requirements for the G test is crucial. The G licence grants you full driving privileges, including on highways and under all conditions. This article offers a detailed breakdown of how long you need to wait after getting your G2, the eligibility criteria, regional delays, how to prepare, and what can affect your timeline.