Ontario’s Graduated Licencing System
Getting your driver’s licence can be an exciting experience, however, there are a few things you will need to know beforehand. Driving in Ontario is a privilege and a licence must be carried with you wherever you drive. The driver’s licence contains personal information as well as a personal photograph.
To apply for a driver’s licence, you must:
- be at least sixteen years of age
- pass a vision test
- and pass a test of the various traffic regulations and traffic signs
All new drivers applying for their car or motorcycle licence enter Ontario's Graduated Licensing System. After you pass these tests, you will get a Class G1 licence and a driver information package for new drivers. You must pass two more road tests to become fully licensed.
New drivers earn full driving privileges by completing three stages within a five year period. These stages include your Class G1, G2 and G (full graduated licence) licences.
Quick Links
Click here to learn about the Class G1 and Class G2 licence.
Click here to see all licence class types in Ontario.
Click here to read about the demerit point system.
Click here to get information about the official driver’s handbook published by the Government of Ontario.
Applying for Driver’s Licence
- To apply for a driver’s licence you must visit the DriveTest Examination Centre. Detailed information on how to apply (ie. what information you are required to bring) can also be found by clicking here.
Ministry-Approved Beginner Driver Education Courses
By taking an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education Course at a driving school, G1 licence holders may qualify for a four-month reduction in the 12-month minimum G1-licensing period as well as a potential reduction in insurance premiums.
How do you choose a ministry-approved driver education course?
Not all driving schools offer ministry-approved beginner driver education courses. Look for schools that offer “MTO-approved beginner driver education courses”, or “ministry-approved beginner driver education courses”.
Beginner driving schools in Ontario are regulated by MTO. Choosing a school is a personal choice. Choose carefully, by following the guidelines below:
- You may want to check the list of driving schools that offer ministry-approved beginner driver education courses at the bottom of this page.
- You may wish to ask your friends or co-workers to recommend a driving school to you.
- You could consider asking to meet with the instructors who will be conducting the classroom instruction and the behind-the-wheel training.
For a list of ministry-approved driver education courses please click here
