Ontario's G Road Tests Just Changed & Here's What You Need To Know

Drivers looking to get their full G licence will be in for a surprise if their road test is coming up soon.

In order to clear the backlog of in-vehicle road tests stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and to address the increased demand, the press secretary for Ontario's transportation minister, Dakota Brasier, told Narcity that the G road test will be modified. This is to ensure that more appointments for the road test are available.

The modified version of the exam will be in effect until at least March 31, 2022, Brasier said.

"DriveTest will continue to ensure applicants’ driving abilities are evaluated in challenging conditions on major roads and expressways but will use modified and more direct routes to and from road test locations, and will temporarily pause testing on certain duplicative road test elements that are tested and evaluated in the G2 road test," Brasier told Narcity via email. The email did not specify exactly what changes would be made to the test during this time.

"This will allow for more streamlined tests while continuing to evaluate driver skills alongside new skills such as highway driving requirements. Modifying G tests will increase the number of appointments open for booking and the amount of tests being completed while still maintaining Ontario’s road safety."

Based on the Official Ministry of Transportation Driver's Handbook, the Level Two road test — which if passed, gives drivers their full licence — focuses on advanced skills and knowledge that drivers gain with experience, while the Level One test covers basic driving skills.

"The ministry will continue to monitor testing and can extend the date if it is necessary," Brasier added.

While G tests are going to be affected, the G2 road test will still be the same.