G1 licence fees and the G1 → G2 → G process
Ontario uses graduated licensing. You start with a G1, move to a G2 after a road test, and earn a full G after a second road test. This guide lists what each step costs and how long each step takes, so you can budget both money and time.
The G1 licence package
When you apply for a G1, you pay for a Class G1 licence package of $159.75 at the DriveTest Centre. You pay it at the time of application, before you take the knowledge test. The package covers three things:
- your first G1 knowledge test;
- your first Class G2 road test (the one you take to move up to G2);
- a five-year licence.
The package adds up exactly from the individual prices: $16.00 knowledge test + $53.75 G2 road test + $90.00 five-year licence = $159.75.
Fee table (Class G)
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Class G1 licence package (knowledge test + G2 road test + five-year licence) | $159.75 |
| Knowledge test, each extra attempt | $16.00 |
| Class G2 road test (retests, or any G2 test not covered by the package) | $53.75 |
| Class G road test (to earn a full G) | $91.25 |
| Five-year licence (on its own) | $90.00 |
| Official MTO Driver's Handbook, printed (cash only) | $18.00 |
Without any retests, the minimum is $251.00: the $159.75 package plus the $91.25 G road test. Each failed attempt adds the matching fee. DriveTest accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, debit, certified cheques, bank drafts, money orders (payable to Serco Canada Inc.) and traveller's cheques.
For road tests, cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours ahead or you may lose the fee. Driving school and insurance costs are separate and not included here.
Timeline: G1 → G2 → G
| Stage | Minimum time | How you move on |
|---|---|---|
| G1 (learner) | 12 months, or 8 months with an MTO-approved beginner driver education (BDE) course | Pass the G2 road test (basic skills: turns, stops, parking) |
| G2 (probationary) | 12 months | Pass the G road test (advanced skills, including highway driving) |
| G (full licence) | — | Fully licensed (some conditions still apply to drivers 21 and under) |
DriveTest says most people take about 20 to 24 months to finish, and you have up to five years from the start. If your G1 expires before you pass the G2 road test, you start over and pay the fees again. If you're getting close to five years at G2, you can requalify as a G2 for another five years by passing the G2 road test again, with the road test and licence fees.
Driver education (BDE)
A beginner driver education course is optional. If you complete an MTO-approved course with an MTO-licensed school and instructor, you can take your G2 road test after 8 months instead of 12. DriveTest also notes the course may help with insurance discounts. Only MTO-approved schools count. MTO keeps a list of approved schools, and DriveTest publishes BDE information in several languages, including Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
Step by step
- Study the handbook, signs and rules. Our sign library and practice tests can help.
- Visit a DriveTest Centre with your ID. See the test day checklist.
- Pass the vision test, pay $159.75, and pass the knowledge test.
- Drive under G1 conditions for 8 or 12 months.
- Book and pass the G2 road test. It's already paid for in your package the first time.
- Drive for 12 months at G2, then book and pay for the G road test ($91.25).
FAQ
If I fail the G1 knowledge test, do I pay $159.75 again?
No. Each extra knowledge test attempt costs $16.00. The package covers your licence and your first G2 road test, and those aren't charged again.
Is the G road test included in the G1 package?
No. The package includes the G2 road test only. The G road test is a separate $91.25 fee, paid when you book it.
Can I go faster than 12 months at G1?
Yes, with an MTO-approved beginner driver education course you can take the G2 road test after 8 months. The 12 months at G2 stays the same.
Do fees change?
They can. Fees are set by the Government of Ontario. We checked them on drivetest.ca in November 2026. Check the official fee page before you go.
Sources: DriveTest – Fees, DriveTest – Drivers' Licences (Cars), DriveTest – Beginner Driver Education, Ontario.ca – Get a G driver's licence. Checked November 2026.