Drivers License in Ontario

Getting your drivers license in Canada is a feat. People think that it is easy, and the process will be as easy as a pie. Well making a pie is also not that easy. Following is an overview of the process of getting a drivers license in Ontario, Canada. Why Ontario? Because I landed as an immigrant in Ontario and I have been through the process.

It wasn’t as easy for me, stay hooked to find out what I had to do to get my driver’s license. But before I move ahead and let you know my story, let me just lay down the process in actual for immigrants landing in Ontario, Canada.

License Classifications – Ontario:

The Drivers license in Canada are categorized differently in every province. In Ontario, the License classifications are as follows:

1. A – Tractor-Trailer License, can also drive D & G
2. B – School Bus, can also drive C, D, E, F & G
3. C – Regular Bus, can also drive D, F & G
4. D – Truck exceeding 11,000kgs GW, can also drive G
5. E – School Purpose-Bus, maximum 24 Passengers, can also drive F & G
6. F – Any regular Bus, maximum 24 Passengers, and Ambulances, can also drive G
7. G – Any car, van or small truck not exceeding 11,000kgs
8. G1 – Level 1 Graduated License, any class G vehicle with an accompanying Class G License Holder
9. G2 – Level 2 Graduated License, any class G Vehicle subjected to conditions
10. M – Any type of Motorcycles, any class G vehicle with G1 conditions
11. M1 – Level 1 Graduated License, any Motorcycle under M with certain conditions
12. M2 – Level 2 Graduated License, any Motorcycle under M with certain conditions and can drive a G Class vehicle with G1 conditions
13. M with L Condition – Limited Speed Motorcycles or Mopeds only
14. M2 with L Condition – Limited Speed Motorcycles or Mopeds only
15. M with M Condition – Can only operate a Motor Tricycle
16. M2 with M Condition – Can only operate a Motor Tricycle

NB: “Z” Endorsement is required to operate any Air Brake equipped motor vehicles under any drivers’ license.

Getting your G License:

The list of licenses in Ontario is very long. Every license has their own perks and benefits. During these past few years, I went ahead and got the following classes added in my Drivers’ license in Ontario: A, G, M2 with Z endorsement. I had my reasons. Will talk about it some other time.

Now back to the G License, an essential for most of the immigrants who wish to drive around rather than use public transit. Or you could have it as a potential earning option if you are between jobs. You can drive for Uber, Door Dash, Skip the Dishes etc. and it does pay the bills.

The process of getting the G license is different for both experienced and novice drivers. When you land as a permanent resident in Canada, you need to have a G1 License before you can drive a Class G vehicle.

Some people have the perception that you can drive for 90 days and in the meantime get your Canadian License, that has not been the case since a very long time now. Only visitors can drive for 90 days on their international or foreign licenses.

Requirements:

As a new driver in Ontario, you must take the following with you to the Drive Test location:

1. Proof of Identification (Passport and Confirmation of Permanent Residence/PR Card)
2. Applicable Fee (Cash, Credit or Debit)
3. Glasses or Contact Lenses (Your Eyesight will be tested during application process).
4. Experience Certificate and Foreign Drivers License (If you are an experienced Driver and wish to receive G2 Test Exemption)

At the Drive Test Location:

When at the drive test location, you must wait for your turn prior to getting served. The documents that you bring along are checked prior to you getting your token. I had to wait in line for 3 hours prior to getting in the Drive Test location. The 2^nd time I visited Drive Test, I was there at 7am in the morning and first to wait in line and be served.

“You either adapt or you don’t survive.”

As an experienced driver, I had to fulfill all requirements mentioned earlier. All my documents were verified by the reception to be accurate and complete. These were then handed back to me as they were to be taken to the counter once my turn was up. The counter then double checked my documents to be complete.

Now, Eye Test and Picture time. Having a 6×6 eyesight is required to pass the eye-sight test therefore it is important to have your eyeglasses or contacts. Also, make sure you look your best as your photo will be taken at the counter. There is a fee for changing your photo later.

You will be asked if you are taking the knowledge test on the same day depending on availability of the Test room and Test taker registered. If you have practiced and are ready for the test you can opt to give the test the same day.

Fee will have to be paid at the counter. Following is the fee schedule for Ontario:

Knowledge Test:

The Knowledge test constitutes of two components, Rules and Signs. You can buy the MTO Booklet at the Drive Test location or Walmart etc. If you don’t want to buy the booklet, it is available for free at the this link.

Knowledge Test is made up of a total 40 questions. There are 20 Questions for SIGNS and 20 Questions for RULES. The passing grade required is 80% which means that you must answer 16 Questions correctly in both categories to pass. Once you pass, you are a G1 License holder and can now drive a vehicle with a full G-License holder.

Road Test:

You must now practice for your Road Test which is either for G2 (New Driver) or G (Experienced Driver) license. Mind this, you will only get one chance at G as an experienced driver, if you fail, you will only be able to register for a G2 Test paying the fees required. You don’t have to wait for the G Test after you pass your G2 and can register directly after passing the test. The average wait time between tests is approximately 4 weeks to 2 months depending on locations. You don’t want to fail your test, trust me.

You must practice before you go on a road trip with the Examiner (Registered MTO Examiner) from Drive Test. Even if you are a seasoned driver, ensure that you take three hours of classes by a Driving Instructor. The normal rate nowadays is C$35 – C$45 per hour. It is still cheaper than loosing your chance to get the full G-License and paying for tests again and again.

An Experience – G-Class Road Test:

I went for the G-Test as I had registered experience from U.A.E. of about 14 years. I still took 3 hours of drivers training from a registered instructor. Getting a full training course and certification helps you reduce your insurance premiums. Just so you know.

I went to the Drive Test location in my brother’s car. You need to have a registered vehicle available for the Drive Test and the vehicle should pass safety inspection by the Drive Test Examiner. The examiner that came to take my test was very rude from the beginning of the test. It was not my lucky day. Remember I told you about it in the blog “My first car in Canada”.

The G Test involves passing criterions for city driving as well as highway. You can make 18 minor mistakes in the driving test. If any major errors are encountered, it is an automatic fail. I had a few minor errors like not watching the mirrors or not switching off my turn signal after changing lanes instantly. I didn’t have any majors.

My Result:

It was an amazing test, upon returning at the Drive Test with the examiner, he informed me of a manual fail. I was shocked and amazed at the same time. Failed on the fact that I changed lanes in front of vehicle that was coming fast, and it was not safe. I had lost my only chance at a G License. Now, I had to register for G2 and then G to get my full license. I didn’t say anything as I didn’t know what to make of it. When I called my instructor and told him I had failed, he was shocked as well. He asked me how he looked. On describing him, he gave me the examiners name and told me it’s the same guy who fails everyone at this location. He doesn’t pass anyone. I was new and I had already registered for my G2 Test at the same location. I couldn’t do anything now.

You can read about restrictions between G1 and G2 here.

I got seconds – G2-Class Road Test:

I came back with my own car this time, I had to register my car on my brother’s name because I had failed my G-Test on the day my car was imported into Canada. Lucky me. Guess what, who was my Examiner for G2? It was again HIM. G2 includes only city test and is shorter than the G2 Exit Test/G-Class Road Test.

This time I had taken another 2 hours of classes with the instructor and was ready. I was keeping track this time myself to ensure I am not making any mistakes. It was again an amazing test. I knew there was nothing that would fail me here.

My Result:

I was wrong. He had failed me again. This time he failed me on minors. I had surpassed the total number of minors allowed. When I asked him where these errors were done, he didn’t answer and asked me to return the Yellow grading sheet. I gave it back thinking he will mention he was wrong and pass me now. He put it under his pink slip and wrote – Manual Fail “Countered Examiner Instructions”. Now I was fuming.

I took the Yellow paper in the drive test location and asked to talk to the Manager. Waited for an hour but finally I had her attention. I gave her the story about the examiner and how he has been failing test takers based on assumptions and self-proclaimed failures. She heard my grievance completely and then told me she didn’t believe he is failing people on purpose. I said try me and then decide on the fact.

She told me she is not able to take my test today, but I will have to come back the next Thursday and she will be taking my test herself. I was spared the wait time of 4-8 weeks here and I got a free test with the Drive Test Manager herself.

Then I Passed:

I took the test the next Thursday, the only infarction that she mentioned on my yellow slip – Turn Signal not switched off on lane change. She did apologize to me and mentioned that she will talk to the Examiner. She also requested not to file complaint with MTO against that instructor. I was happy that I had passed that I didn’t care and didn’t follow-up.

But guess what, my instructor did file a complaint with MTO against that Examiner and took a statement from me a few months down the line.

Finally – The G License:

After my last encounter I decided to take my G-Class test in Oakville. The overall process did cost me a bit extra and more time spent in this process. I passed my G-Class Test in Oakville on the 1^st try. I got my drivers license as full G after a total 3 months from the beginning of the process.

In a general scenario, this is never the case. An experienced driver gets his Drivers License in Ontario in approximately 1.5 months from when they open their files or start the process. It is straight forward and is generally easy. You just need to practice for your knowledge test as well as the Road test and you should pass it in the first try both time. Unless you have my luck!!

Hope this helped you in understanding how the process works. Do shoot me a message or comment here if you have any questions or concerns. Stay safe, stay healthy. Until Next time….

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Important Links:

1. Ontario Guide – Getting your Driver’s License
2. Drive Test – Drivers’ Licenses – Cars, Vans, & Small Trucks
3. Drive Test – Fees
4. MTO – Drivers Handbook
5. Sample Tests – Ontario G1 Knowledge Test