What you need to get an Ontario driver's license

To get a driver's license in Ontario, you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or permanent residency. You cannot complete this process online or by mail — the province requires a photo and signature taken at the office. You will also need to pass a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a road test before you receive a full license.

The documents you bring depend on whether you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary resident. A Canadian citizen typically brings a birth certificate or passport plus a piece of mail showing their current address. Permanent residents bring their permanent residency card plus proof of address. Temporary residents need a valid passport, a work or study permit, and proof of address.

ServiceOntario offices are located across the province. You can find the nearest one and book an appointment on the ServiceOntario website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but appointment slots often fill weeks in advance, so booking ahead is the faster route.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person with proof of identity, residency, and citizenship status — the process cannot be done online or by mail.
  • Ontario has a graduated licensing system with three levels: G1 (learner), G2 (intermediate), and G (full license), each requiring a written test and road test to advance.
  • A G1 license is valid for five years, a G2 for five years, and a full G license for five years, after which you must renew in person at ServiceOntario.
  • You can renew your license up to nine months before it expires, and renewal by mail is available only if your license is not suspended and you have no medical conditions flagged on your file.

Ontario's three-level licensing system

Ontario does not issue a full driver's license on your first visit. Instead, you move through three levels: G1 (learner's permit), G2 (intermediate license), and G (full license). Each level has different rules about who can sit beside you, what roads you can drive, and when you can drive.

At the G1 level, you must have a fully licensed driver with at least four years of experience sitting beside you at all times. You cannot drive on 400-series highways, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must hold a G1 for a minimum of 12 months and pass a written knowledge test before you can take a road test for G2.

At the G2 level, you can drive alone, but you still cannot drive on 400-series highways between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot drive with more than one passenger under age 20 (with exceptions for family members). You must hold a G2 for a minimum of 12 months before you can take a road test for a full G license. Some people stay at G2 indefinitely and never take the final test.

A full G license has no restrictions beyond the standard traffic laws. You can drive anywhere, any time, with any number of passengers. Once you reach G level, you do not need to take another road test unless your license is suspended or revoked.

How long each license level lasts

A G1 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass the G2 road test within that five-year window, your G1 expires and you must start over — you will need to take the written test again and pay the fee again. The same five-year rule applies to G2: if you do not pass the G road test within five years of receiving your G2, you must restart at G1.

A full G license is also valid for five years. When it expires, you must renew it. Unlike G1 and G2, you do not need to take another road test to renew a full license — you only need to renew the card itself.

The expiry date is printed on the front of your license card. You can renew up to nine months before that date. If your license expires and you do not renew it, you are driving without a valid license, which is illegal in Ontario.

Renewing your Ontario license in person or by mail

If your full G license is not suspended and you have no medical conditions on your file, you can renew by mail. ServiceOntario will send you a renewal package in the mail before your license expires. You fill out the form, include a new photo (which you can have taken at a photo studio or at some ServiceOntario offices), and mail it back with the fee. Processing takes about two to three weeks.

If you cannot renew by mail — because your license is suspended, you have a medical flag, or you straightforward prefer to do it in person — you must visit a ServiceOntario office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. You will have a new photo taken and a new card issued on the spot or within a few days.

You do not need to take a vision test or written test to renew a full G license, unless ServiceOntario has flagged a medical concern or you are over 80 years old. Drivers over 80 must renew in person and may be asked to take a vision test.

Road test requirements and what to expect

To advance from G1 to G2, you take a written test at ServiceOntario. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and costs a fee (which varies by year).

To advance from G2 to G, you take a road test with a licensed examiner. The test lasts about 40 minutes and includes driving in various conditions — residential streets, busier roads, and sometimes highway driving. The examiner watches for safe lane changes, proper signaling, smooth braking, and correct responses to traffic signs. You must bring your G2 license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and in safe working condition.

If you fail a road test, you can take it again, but you must wait at least two weeks before booking another appointment. There is a fee each time you take the test. Many people take the test two or three times before passing.

Fees and what documents to bring

The cost of a new G1 license includes the process fee and the written test fee. The cost of a G2 road test is separate. The cost of a G road test is separate. Renewal of a full G license costs less than getting a new license. Fees change annually, so check the ServiceOntario website for current amounts.

For a first-time license, bring original or certified copies of your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or permanent residency. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, permanent residency card, utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. Photocopies are not accepted for identity documents.

For a road test, bring your G1 or G2 license, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle's registration. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection — headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors must all work. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Ontario license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to nine months before your expiry date. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew it, not from the date your old license expired. Renewing early does not extend your total driving time — it just resets the clock.

What happens if I let my license expire?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ontario. If you are stopped by police, you can be charged. If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can usually renew it at a ServiceOntario office without restarting the licensing process. If it has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and road test.

Do I need to take a road test again if I renew my full G license?

No. Renewing a full G license requires only a new photo and payment. You do not retake any tests unless you are over 80 years old or ServiceOntario has flagged a medical concern on your file.

Can I book a road test online?

Yes. You can book a G2 or G road test through the ServiceOntario website or by calling the phone line for road test bookings. Appointments fill quickly, especially in busy areas, so booking as soon as you are may be able to access is the fastest way to get a test date.

What if I fail my road test?

You can take the road test again after waiting at least two weeks. You must pay the test fee each time. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must still hold the required license level (G1 for G2 test, G2 for G test) and stay within the five-year validity window.