How to get Your Driver's License in Ontario
There are ton of great things about being 16 years old, but for most teens the best thing is being able to drive. If you're in Ontario and celebrating your 16th birthday, your head might be filled with dreams of freedom on the open road. But before you get behind the wheel first you'll have to get your driver's license.
In Ontario, there are 15 types of driver's licenses available; each specifies which type of vehicle you'd be allowed to drive and under which circumstances. The chances are you're not looking to drive a tractor or truck at 16 years old, so it's a safe bet you're going to want to get your standard G license which has a graduated licensing system.
The Knowledge Test
Ontario uses a 3-step graduated licensing system that will keep your wings clipped for at least 20 months before letting you have your full license. The first step doesn't even involve an actual vehicle, just a written test.
Study the driver's handbook, get a partner to help quiz you on the rules of the road or use a practice test online. When you go to the test centre make sure to come prepared with a couple of things:
- Acceptable ID proving your legal name, date of birth, and signature.
- The $146 license fee, which covers both the initial knowledge test, the next step road test and the license itself.
Now Actually Learn to Drive
Once you get your G1 license (a.k.a. you passed the written test) you're allowed to drive, but with two conditions: there has to be an experienced driver who's been driving for at least four years in the car and your blood alcohol level has to be 0% at all times.
If you're thinking about taking driver's education but aren't sure the cost is worth it, keep in mind there are some benefits to paying for a good driving course.
First of all, you can advance to take the G2 (a.k.a. the road test) sooner. The regular minimum time spent with your G1 license is 12 months, but if you take driving lessons you can cut that down to only eight months.
Second of all, your auto insurance premiums will be lower. Young drivers are notoriously expensive to insure, but those who go through driver's education end up saving hundreds of dollars per year on car insurance even after the cost of driver education.
The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario maintains a list of approved driving schools for your convenience.
Practice Makes Perfect
The road test might be a little nerve-wracking, but with enough practice you shouldn’t have a problem getting your G2 license. When you pass you will be able to drive by yourself, with a few restrictions.
After 12 months of having your G2 license, you’ll be able to take your final test a.k.a. the G license. This is very similar to the first road test except it also involves a highway driving test. At this point you should be pretty comfortable behind the wheel so it should be no sweat.
Good luck to all the new driver's out there. Share your driving experience with us on Facebook and stay tuned for more tips for young drivers right here on HUB Insurance Hunter.