Owning A Car With G2 License – Complete Guide

Ontario’s G Licence System Has 3 Levels: G1, G2, and Full G Licence. To drive with a full G license in Ontario, everyone must meet the requirements at each driving level – from G1 to G2 through to the full G license.

G2 license in Canada refers to the second level of the graduated licensing system in Ontario, which is one of the provinces in Canada. However, keep in mind that regulations and licensing systems can change, so it’s essential to verify this information with official government sources for the most up-to-date information.

Here’s an overview of the G2 license in Ontario:

1. Graduated Licensing System: Ontario, like many other provinces, has a graduated licensing system designed to provide new drivers with progressive training and experience before they obtain a full, unrestricted driver’s license.

2. G1 License: The process begins with the G1 license, which is a learner’s permit that allows you to practice driving with certain restrictions, such as driving only with a fully licensed driver in the passenger seat and no driving on certain high-speed roads.

3. G2 License: Once you have held your G1 license for a specified period and have passed a road test, you can move on to the G2 license.

4. G2 License Restrictions: With the G2 license, you have more privileges than the G1, but there are still some restrictions. You can drive without a fully licensed driver in the car, but there might be limitations on the number of passengers you can carry. You may also have some time restrictions for driving during late hours.

5. Road Test: To qualify for the G2 license, you need to pass a road test to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws.

6. Full G License: After holding a G2 license for a specific period and meeting additional requirements, you can apply for a full G license, which allows you to drive with very few restrictions.

That’s why Ontario’s system for training and licensing drivers is called a graduated licensing program. You must graduate from one level to the next. Let’s begin. 

Auto Licensing System In Canada – Overview

The 2 learning levels in the Ontario licensing program before you get your hands on the full G license are the G1 and G2 License levels. When you have G2, you may drive with fewer restrictions. If you are wondering about a G2 license, then you may read on for useful tips to pass the G2 level and avoid some common mistakes.

In Ontario, you have to pass a road test to get the G2 license which is stressful for most new drivers. With proper practice on the road and attention to the rules of the road and traffic, you may benefit. This will improve your confidence level and comfort once you are behind the wheel to pass the G2 level.

A G2 license driver has more privileges than a G1 license driver and hence more responsibilities associated. When you drive regularly you must follow your instincts, correct road ethics, and remember the rules.

Any unforeseen incident may occur such as road construction, stop signs, emergency stops, danger zones, reduced visibility due to fog, parking lot mishaps, etc.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Going For The G2 License Test

So here’s the thing, you can get a G2 license in Ontario after you wait for a year with your G1 license.

That is, you can go for the G2 license after you gain experience on the roads and know the rules of the road. With a driver education course, they may reduce waiting to 8 months.

As a G2 driver, if you’re considering buying your own vehicle, it’s important to do your research and see which vehicles are known to have a good safety rating and that are inexpensive to repair. These two factors are a good starting point for lowering how much your insurance is as a G2 driver.

Let us check out the importance and eligibility to get a G2 license in Ontario successfully. The following driving skills will be examined during a 20 odd minutes test and you need to practice thoroughly.

• Your response to driving conditions (speed limits, lane changes, stops sign, signals, uphill and downhill parking, emergency brakes, 3-point turn, turn indicators, reverse parking) and hazards in a safe manner

• Following the starting, stopping, turning and passing rules of the road

• Driving skills through uncontrolled and controlled intersections

• Reversing and parking skills

• Adherence to safe speed limits and steering control

Best and Worst Driving Test Centres to Take the G2 Driving Test

Click on the link below to get the complete list of the best and worst driving test centres in Ontario, Canada. 

Again pass percentages for the G2 driving test depending on the individual, the day you take the exam and the instructor. I have heard a lot of very good drivers fail in their first attempt. 

With that said, it’s not to discourage your attempt towards the driving test. Just be careful, practise more and be prepared in advance. 

I did clear my G1, G2 and now the G license test all in my first attempt. It’s always good to know the driving test centres with high pass percentages to plan ahead, before booking the test date, time and centre online. 

What Is The Difference Between a G and G2 License?

When you hold a G2 license it means that you are a novice driver and not fully licensed. At the G2 level, you are still learning the rules of the road by driving practice and theory. This helps to gain valuable driving experience to pass the G2 road test. You may also have driving restrictions with a G2 license.

Being a G2 driver, there is still a lot to learn. You’re a beginner, otherwise known as a high-risk driver. It’s nothing personal, you just don’t have the experience of someone who has been driving for several years.

In Ontario, there is a graduating licensing program that starts with the G1 followed by G2 and then the full license G. The G1 has the most restrictions and the G2 level has lesser restrictions. Once you pass the G2 exit test also known as the G road test, you may get a full license with no restrictions.

Insurance companies consider experience with a G2 license when calculating how much insurance is in Ontario. Don’t be discouraged though, as time goes on you will become an experienced driver and your insurance company will reward your excellent driving record and years of experience with a lower rate.

What Does G2 License Mean?

You may get your G2 license after practicing for a year with your G1 license. If you complete a driving course then you need to wait for 8 months. You may practice driving with your G1 license and follow all the restrictions. The passing of your road test and knowing the rules of the road are essential to get your G2 license.

If you choose to practice driving by enrolling in a certified driving school it would benefit you. In case you fail a G2 road test you may practice and appear again until your G1 license is valid. You may also have to pay the fees for the road test each time. With ample practice time and focus on the rules, you may pass the road test.

What Is The Difference Between G1 and G2 License?

After you meet all the requirements as per the G1 level you may book for a G2 road test in Ontario. You get your G2 when you pass your road test after a year with your G1. By taking a driving course you may give G2 road test after 8 months and will also hone your driving skills.

In case you do not pass your G2 road test in your first attempt then you need not worry. You may practice more on the roads and take professional lessons to improve your driving skills.

When you are prepared and confident then you may give another G2 road test. It is good to remember the old phrase, ‘Practice makes a man perfect. This is true for driving too.

G2 Road Test Qualifications – Eligibility 

You may qualify for the G2 road test if you have your current G1 license for a year (or 8 months with a course) and a G class vehicle.

You must pay the test fees and arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment. There is an expressway driving component for which you may sign a declaration for sufficient driving experience.

What Are The Restrictions On A G2 License?

1. 12 Month Practice Period: You may practice with your G2 license for 12 months, without the need for another experienced driver in the vehicle, on any Ontario roads, at any time.

2. Zero Blood Alcohol: You must maintain a zero blood alcohol level.

3. All Passengers Must Wear Seatbelts: You must carry only as many passengers as there are working seatbelts.

4. For the First 6 Months – Night Driving Restrictions: You must drive for the first six months with only one passenger who is 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m.

5. After 6 Months – Night Driving Restrictions: You may drive after the first six months with up to three passengers 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m.

6. Exceptions – Night Driving Restrictions: These conditions do not apply if you have a fully licensed driver in the car (with at least four years of driving experience) OR if your passengers are all immediate family members such as a parent, brother, or sister. 

Personal Experience of Owning A Car with Ontario G2 License 

So here’s the thing, I leased a brand new Honda HR-V in 2017. Owning a car with the Ontario G2 license is a real nightmare especially if you plan to buy a new car.  

The costs of the insurance are extremely high for the novice driver and almost impossible for someone with mediocre income to pay the car installments and insurance monthly along with gas and maintenance.

The main thing needed to keep a G2 driver’s insurance premiums low is to maintain a clean driving record by driving safely. We understand that accidents happen, but it’s good to pay closer attention to the things that are within your control. For example, everyone can drive a little slower and check blind spots a little more often

The insurance cost can be as high as 450 CAD for a novice driver with G2 (Talking about the mediocre car here). To add to it you have the neighborhood you stay in, age, driving experience and this add to the insurance costs as well.

Ontario insurance companies won’t treat all speeding equally. This is good news because if you get a minor speeding ticket, it’s likely that you’d only see a small increase in your rates.

When I spoke to a few friends and colleagues about this, all I got to know was its a huge thing to own a car in Canada unless you earn real good money or you have a G license with lots of experience and no tickets.

Can I Drive Uber With a G2 License? 

Unfortunately no. 

To drive Uber In Canada or take rides on Uber, you need to have a full and complete G License. Without having a G License you will not be able to drive for Uber. 

Can I Use My Own Car For G2 Test?

Yes. 

You can use your own for giving the G2 Drive Test In Ontario, Canada. 

How Much Does G2 Test Cost?

If you just want to give the G2 Road Test, it’s going to cost you $53.75 Canadian Dollars. Keep in mind, the five-year license which you will get, once you pass your G2 will cost an additional $90. 

If you are new to Canada, and starting off with your Canadian auto licensing system, you can go for the G1 License Package, where you will end up paying $159.75 CAD. 

The G1 License package includes a knowledge test, G2 Road Test and a five-year license. Now, that’s a pretty sweet deal and a package to consider. 

However, mind you, every extra attempt to clear the knowledge test is going to cost you an additional $16. 

Final Words

In this article, we are talking about the G2 license as it is widely popular in Ontario, Canada.

Thousands of people arrive in Canada every year as immigrants and get their G2 license in fairly a year’s time. Once you have the G2 in your hand then it’s only a matter of choice to either own or rent a car. If you are a family guy and need to purchase a car, you are a slice of dead meat especially if you are the sole income earner in your home.

If you are renting a car with G2 you need to buy insurance separately at the time of renting. This costs you additional money as well apart from the car rental fee.

Everyone has to start at some point or the other and that’s the whole idea of this, eventually, the insurance costs drop with experience and time. Please do not get any tickets that shoot up the insurance costs right then.

If you’re a parent of a G2 driver, you’ll need to add your child to your policy. Including your child on the policy ensures that they are protected in the case of an accident. Your insurance company will adjust your pricing accordingly, so be sure to get in touch with them as soon as your G2 driver is licensed.  

Driving can be a fun experience for newer drivers, but it’s important to make sure you are fully insured before heading out onto the road.