Getting your driver’s licence is a two-year-long process that starts with the G1 test, the only exam that evaluates your theoretical knowledge.
After hearing about the price, some wonder why the written test is so expensive. Although it is required before you start the first exam, the $159.75 CAD fee covers three different components.
Let’s explore them in detail so you can understand how your money is being spent.
This is the first G1 test, which consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must choose the correct answer to 16 questions in each of two different sections: traffic signs and rules of the road.
Failing on your first attempt is not the end of the world. It can happen to anyone, but the system is understanding towards those who need a second chance. For a fee of $16 CAD, students can retake the exam as often as they want. However, it is important to prepare thoroughly to avoid spending too much.
Some students prefer to retake the test immediately. This is an excellent idea if you are confident you can pass on your second try. After all, emotions can burden even the most prepared students, which causes them to make some unintentional mistakes.
But if your results are far from ideal, it is recommended to have patience. Wait it out and come back another day, when you feel ready to try again. Give yourself time to review the materials, practice on a free G1 test and identify the areas where you’re struggling.
This fee also includes your first attempt at the first G2 road exam, which is the driving test you take 12 months after obtaining your G1 licence. This period can be shortened by four months if you complete a certified driving course.
The G2 driving test will evaluate your ability to apply all the driving knowledge and skills you’ve learned to real-world conditions of basic driving. (Freeway driving is tested on the G2 exit test, also known as the G Road Test.) Passing the G1 exam proved that you know all traffic signs and road rules, but theory only works when it is put into practice.
If you do not pass the G2 test on your first attempt, there is an additional fee of $53.75 CAD for each retake. You must wait ten days before retaking it, and another appointment will be necessary.
A G1 licence is valid for up to five years. You won’t have to pay again within this period unless you need to renew it.
As you know, you can proceed to the G2 licence 12 or 8 months after passing the theory exam. Even though a year is enough time to prepare for most students, there’s no rush.
But if you don’t take this step within five years, you’ll have to renew the licence and pay the initial fee again. Please keep track of the expiration date to avoid misunderstandings, especially during its last year of validity.
Some quick learners master the art of driving a car within weeks, while others might struggle with advanced maneuvers like parallel parking or three-point turns.
Moving at your own pace is crucial because you are not against the clock. In normal conditions, it takes a student two years to obtain a full G licence. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll have to follow the same pattern, especially if you are not confident in your skills.
Take your time to practice and seek the help of an instructor that’s willing to help you. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to driving a vehicle.
Although it is an optional choice, taking a certified driver education course can be advantageous. These courses shorten the waiting time for your G2 test by four months. The price varies depending on the driving school, but you should expect to pay between $500 and $800 CAD.
These courses provide structured training to help you become a competent driver, just like the tools on g1.ca help you pass the theory exam.
Students will learn about traffic laws, safe driving practices and road safety in a classroom before they get behind-the-wheel training. This involves driving a vehicle with an expert instructor in the passenger seat, guiding you.
Ontario recommends that you choose a government-approved driving school. These driving schools are licensed by the government to meet certain standards for general administration and the amount of in-vehicle training offered. You can search for a government-approved driving school near you at https://www.ontario.ca/page/government-approved-driving-schools#find.
Some driving schools offer private lessons that focus specifically on the areas where you need to improve, but these come at an additional cost.