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Written By
Zain Usmani
Feb 18, 2021
•Driving
Preparing for your driving test in Canada is vital, especially if you want to pass the exam on your first try. Getting a driving license in Canada can be a lengthy process. It involves both written driving test questions and a road test. Still, having a driver’s license in Canada is worth it. With a license, you can get around quickly and efficiently and save travel time. After all, time is money.
In this guide, you’ll learn about Canada’s graduated licensing system, driver’s license requirements at each level, and tips to prepare and pass your test.
In Canada, provincial governments are responsible for establishing transportation laws. Because of this, a driving test will vary slightly from province to province, but the idea behind tests is the same. The test ensures your ability to drive a car while accounting for your safety and the safety of others. This ensures that everyone on the road prevents road accidents every day. Read more about the 10 key facts newcomers must know about driving in Canada.
Canada and a group of countries entered the Foreign License Exchange Agreement. This agreement allows migrants between these countries to exchange their previous driving licenses with a new one.
The following countries have a License Exchange agreement with Canada:
*United Kingdom: England, Wales, and Scotland are included in the agreement, but Ireland is excluded.
If you emigrate from one of these countries, you can exchange your previous driving license for a Canadian license without a driving test. This opportunity is only available to immigrants for a maximum of 60 days after arriving in Canada. After two months, you must go through the process to get a driving license.
This is also available to interprovincial migrants. If you already have a license in your current province and are moving to a new province, you can swap your old license for a new one.
The graduated system has three levels:
G2 license
G driving license.
These are the most common names for the tests, but some provinces have different names. Each license has a driving test. The tests are different according to the type of driving license.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARThe G1 driving license, also known as a learner’s permit, is the most basic of the three. It also is the easiest test to pass because it only has written driving test questions, and no driving is required. The test has two parts with 20 driving test questions in each part:
In total, the G1 driving test has 40 multiple-choice questions.
You need 80% or higher in each section to pass the test. That means at least 16/20 questions correct in each section. If you pass one and fail the other, you will only need to retake the section you failed.
Here is a practice G1 knowledge test. It’s wise to take practice tests before your final G1 knowledge test to know what to expect.
Once you pass the test and get your learner’s license, you can drive a car with certain restrictions:
2. You cannot drive at a speed higher than 80 km/h or on any road with a speed limit higher than 80 km/h. If your accompanying driver is a driving instructor, however, you are allowed to drive on any road.
3. You are only allowed to drive between 5:00 AM and Midnight.
Not following any of these rules can have your license suspended as well as a fine, depending on your offence.
A G2 driving license gives you more freedom than a G1 license. This is why the test is harder to pass. For starters, the G2 driving test is a road test, so you must get in a car and show the instructor that you can drive a car. Some things that a G2 driving test will cover include:
Obeying traffic lights and traffic signs
Driving through intersections (both with traffic lights and stop signs)
Parking (parallel, forward, and reverse)
Making u-turns, two and three-point turns, and reversing
Turning your vehicle on and off as well as other internal features.
It’s vital to practice all of these actions before your driving test. Parallel parking is one of those things that people have trouble with. If you can’t get it right, it’s an automatic fail.
Checking your mirrors and obeying speed limits, traffic lights, and traffic signs are some things to keep in mind during the test. It is also best if you don’t ask for advice. The driving instructor is looking to see whether or not you know the rules.
For more information on the G2 driving test, take a look at Ontario’s Guide to a G2 Driving Test. Even though it is from the province of Ontario, it will give you a good idea of what to expect from a driving test anywhere in Canada.
You must meet the following requirements to take your G2 driving test:
Your car must be fully functioning. The driving instructor can cancel the test even if a single light is not working. This is why it is vital to check your car before the test.
And, of course, you must pass all aspects of the driving test.
There are some minor restrictions on G2 drivers as well. They only apply to G2 drivers aged 19 or under and between Midnight to 5:00 AM.
If you have had your G2 license for less than six months, you can carry a maximum of one person under the age of 19.
If you have had your G2 license for more than six months, you can carry a maximum of three people under the age of 19. This restriction is in place until you get your Full G license or turn 20.
A G driving license is the most advanced of the three. Naturally, it gives you more driving privileges. This also means that the test to obtain a G license is more difficult to obtain. Once you have passed the test, however, a G License is worth it.
A G road test covers:
Highway driving: lane changing and overtaking
Merging into and exiting highways.
Since the G2 road test has no highway driving, the G License covers almost every aspect of highway driving plus everything covered in a G2 test. This ensures you can drive a car on any road and in any situation.
The G road test only has one requirement: You must have had a valid G2 license for at least two years. If you have completed an approved driving course, you only need to have had your G2 for eight months. Again, these timeframes may differ depending on your province.
There are no restrictions on a driver with a G license. However, all drivers must follow speed limits, traffic lights and signs, and all driving rules. Drivers must also have zero blood alcohol content.
When you prepare for the written driving test questions and road tests, you’ll enjoy the convenience of driving in Canada.
WRITTEN BY
Zain Usmani
Writer, Prepare for Canada
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
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