Excalibur’s Guide to Getting Your G License in Ontario

Think you’re ready to take your road test? The examination for obtaining your G license will be proof of that. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of where to start, then Excalibur has your back! We might be experts in insurance, but we also understand the difficulties and stresses that new drivers can face – whether you’re a young driver or a newcomer to Canada. If this is your first time tackling the G road test, then we’ve got some hot tips for you.

First of all, you’ll need to note that there are some requirements you’ll need to meet before you can take the Ontario G road test. Those are:

• Carrying a G2 license for at least 12 months.
• Completing the “Declaration of Highway Driving Experience” form.
• Providing proof of a valid G2 driver’s license before you begin your exam.

If those requirements have been met, you’re all set! You can now begin your G road test at your nearest DriveTest Centre. But, before you do, make note of Excalibur’s guidance below.

Master the art of the following skills.

In order to pass your G test in Ontario, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have mastered the following driving skills:

• Approaching intersections (while also making left-hand turns)
• Correct lane usage and lane changing practices
• Defensive driving
• Driving on freeways
• On-road observation skills and techniques
• Parallel parking
• Properly spacing between yourself and other vehicles
• Roadside stops

As a rule, the Ontario government will expect you to have mastered these techniques while you are holding your G2 driver’s license. If not, it’s OK to seek out additional help, such as through a driving instructor or a defensive driving course.

Before your exam, make sure you practice common driving skills.

You can’t perfect the aforementioned skills without having practiced them first. Some people may perfect these skills in a defensive driving course, whereas others might do so with practice on the road – or in the company of a parent/other fully licensed driver who can give them the tips they need to succeed. When you are driving with your G2, be conscious of the skills you need to practice, and of all the common driving mistakes you could make – even if the route you’re on doesn’t exactly call for all those skills. It’s a good idea to perfect these in order to pass your G test and, of course, for whenever you need to use them in a real situation.

Be sure to include time to practice the following common driving skills when you’re out and about:

• Parallel parking. This one can get a lot of people, and even some long-time fully licensed drivers will admit to having difficulties with this skill. It’s part of your G road test, however, so you’ll need to put some time into this one.
• Merging lanes safely. The more we drive, the more complacent we become. It’s not a bad idea to go through the few steps you’ll need to keep in mind when driving during the course of your practice runs. Don’t forget to signal, shoulder check, and give all your mirrors a glance before your merge lanes!
• Backing into a parking space. Depending on the registry where you’re taking your exam, this might not be a necessary skill, but it can come in handy in the real world! It makes it much easier to get out of tight lots and it can be a lot more efficient when done correctly.
• Three-point turns. If you’ve been driving for a while, you’ve probably had to make a few of these. Three-point turns can be seriously handy in a tight spot, and they’ll likely make an appearance on your G road test, too.

Be sure to include a lot of highway and expressway driving, too. Most G road tests will include plenty of assessment of your driving knowledge on highways.

Know how to do a once-over of your vehicle before you depart.

You may have the option of using a car owned by a family member, a friend, or even the driving instructor for your G road test. If you have your own car by this point, you’ll be able to use that as well. Whatever the case, be sure to get into the practice of doing a once-over of your vehicle before heading out. Check your vehicle’s turn signals, brake lights, and headlights to see if they’re in working order.

Your examiner will assess the condition of your vehicle before they permit you to take the G road test. If any of the components listed aren’t working properly, you’ll need to get those fixed before you can reschedule your test for another date.

Do a practice examination.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Have a fully licensed individual – either a friend, family member, or driving instructor – take you on a practice examination. It will give you a better idea of what you need to work on before you actually take your examination. You may want to get feedback from multiple individuals, such as a family member and a driving instructor.

Before you take your exam, you’ll also want to review the Ontario driver’s handbook. This is one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with all the rules or techniques that may have slipped your mind. Consider all the rules of the road, steps for getting a license, and safe driving techniques.

If you pass your test, you’ll receive a full summary of your driving skills from the examiner. You may receive a paper copy of your score sheet. You’ll receive a temporary Ontario driver’s license upon your passing and, after 90 days, you’ll receive your full G license in the mail.

Note: as a fully licensed driver, your auto insurance may be cheaper.

Because being a fully-licensed driver may reflect the fact that you have perfected advanced driving skills and techniques, your insurance provider may consider you at a lower risk of getting into a collision. If you are ticket-free and collision-free upon receiving your G license, even if you’re younger, you can expect lower auto insurance rates than if you only had a G2 license. You will still be paying more until you reach the age of 25, at which point your rates may decrease substantially, but the full license will help marginally. Also, if you’re insured under a parent’s policy, note that this will decrease their rates if you are under the age of 25. You can also check out Excalibur’s auto insurance for young drivers.

Excalibur hopes that these tips have helped set you on your way to a confident, stress-free, and successful G road test! Good luck, and happy trails!