How to Get an Ontario Driver’s License for Newcomers

Do you need an Ontario driver’s license for newcomers and wonder how to get one? 

If you’re moving to Ontario, you can use a valid driver’s license from another province, state, or country for up to 60 days. After that, you’ll need to exchange it for an Ontario driver’s license if you plan to continue driving.

Some places have exchange agreements with Ontario, allowing drivers to swap their foreign licenses without taking additional tests. If your country has an agreement, you may follow a different process, which you can check on the official Ontario website.

If your country does not have an exchange agreement (this was our case), you may still be able to fast-track the process and receive credit for your previous driving experience.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to get an Ontario driver’s license for newcomers, focusing on how to obtain a full G license as quickly as possible by demonstrating your prior driving experience.

1. Understanding the Ontario Licensing Process

In general, Ontario has a graduated licensing system, meaning you must go through three stages:

• G1 License (written test) – This is the beginner’s permit.
• G2 License (road test in the city) – After 12 months of practice, you take a road test to upgrade from G1 to G2.
• G Full License (highway test) – After another 12 months of experience with a G2 license, you take the final road test to get your full G license.

For most people, this process takes about 20 months from start to finish. However, as a newcomer to Canada, you can skip the G2 stage if you have more than one year of driving experience in your home country, significantly reducing the time it takes to obtain your Ontario driver’s license for newcomers.

If you have a valid driver’s license from your country with one or more years of driving experience, follow these steps to fast-track the process.

2. General Requirements

To apply for an Ontario driver’s license for newcomers, while validating your previous driving experience, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have your foreign driver’s license and an official letter proving your experience, validated through your country’s consulate.
• Pass an eye test.
• Pass a written knowledge test on Ontario’s road rules (G1).
• Pass a road test covering both city driving and highway access (G full).

It might sound simple, but let’s break it down into manageable steps.

3. Gathering Documentation

1. Original Foreign Driver’s License and Official Letter

To prove your driving experience, you need:

• Your original foreign driver’s license.
• An official letter from your home country’s consulate confirming the validity of your license and experience. The letter must be in English or French.

Aldo, for example, contacted the Chilean Consulate in Toronto, which provided instructions for requesting the document. He was required to send:

• His driver’s license.
• A copy of his passport or national identity card.
• A letter to the consul explaining the request.
• Two prepaid envelopes (Canada Post XpressPost).
• A money order for 10 USD.

The Consulate validated his license, provided an official confirmation letter, and also issued a driver’s record in Spanish.

If you are from another country, contact your respective consulate in Canada to check their process.

Note: If you are a Chilean citizen, this is the email to contact the Consulate of Chile in Canada (Toronto): toronto@consulado.gob.cl

2. Translation of Documents

If your driver’s license or letter is not in English or French, it must be translated by a certified translation service.

Aldo used Translation Agency of Ontario, which made the process quick and easy. He scheduled an appointment, provided the original documents, and received the translated versions within a week. The cost varies, but at the time of his application, he paid $150.29 CAD.

For a list of approved translation agencies, check this official link.

3. Acceptable Identification

When you apply for your Ontario driver’s license, you will need valid ID proving your name, birthdate, and signature.

Most people use their passport, but here is a list of other acceptable identification.

4. Prepare for the G1 Written Test

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you are ready to take your G1 exam. If you want to save time, you can start studying while you are still gathering your paperwork. Preparing in advance will help you feel more confident and increase your chances of passing on the first try.

The G1 exam is a written test that covers driving regulations in Ontario. Even if you have years of driving experience in your home country, it is important to remember that driving rules in Canada may be different. Things like road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and school zone regulations may not be the same as what you are used to.

To get your Ontario driver’s license for newcomers, you need to be well-prepared for the exam. Studying thoroughly will ensure you understand Ontario’s driving laws and avoid unnecessary retakes.

You can prepare for the test using various study resources. Here are some that helped Aldo pass on his first attempt:

• Online through Service Ontario (Free)
• App: Ontario G1 – Driving Test (Free)
• Official Ontario Driving Manual ($14.95 plus taxes) – Available for purchase at Service Ontario

Taking the time to study properly will help you move one step closer to getting your Ontario driver’s license for newcomers as quickly as possible.

5. Take the G1 exam

To apply for and take the knowledge test, you must find a DriveTest center. While appointments are not always required, I recommend scheduling one after you have prepared or while you are still studying. In some cases, you may be able to take the test on the same day you book it, as was Aldo’s experience.

The G1 knowledge test is available every day and can be taken in several languages. When you arrive and pay, you will be asked if you want to take the exam immediately and in which language. The test fee at the time of Aldo’s process was 106 CAD, though this may vary, so it’s a good idea to check the latest fees before applying.

Being well-prepared increases your chances of passing on the first attempt, saving you time and money. However, if you don’t pass, don’t worry—you can retake the test, but you will need to pay the fee again.

If you pass, you will receive a provisional G1 license on paper with an expiration date.

Your final plastic card license will be mailed to you within approximately 15 days. Passing this test is an important step toward obtaining an Ontario driver’s license for newcomers and moving forward in the licensing process.

6. Practice for the G full

Even if you have extensive driving experience in your home country, driving in Canada comes with different rules and road conditions. Understanding these differences is crucial to passing your test and driving safely.

Practicing as much as possible before your G full test is essential. You can do this with a friend, family member, or a professional driving instructor who understands Ontario’s driving regulations and can help you focus on key areas.

Here are some options to prepare effectively:

• Enroll in a driving course at a recognized driving school.
• Hire a private driving instructor for focused practice.
• Rent a vehicle for practice and test day.

Having access to a car is necessary to take the G full test. If you do not own one, many driving schools offer test-day packages that include lessons and a vehicle for the exam. Some private driving instructors also provide this service, but there will be additional costs.

By preparing properly, you can increase your chances of passing on the first attempt and move forward in obtaining your Ontario driver’s license for newcomers.

7. Schedule the G full driving test

To take the road test for your G full license, you need to schedule an appointment. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at any DriveTest center. The cost for the test is around 91.25 CAD.

It’s a good idea to book your appointment while you are still practicing since wait times can be long. In Aldo’s case, the next available test date was about a month away. To avoid delays, plan ahead and secure a test date as soon as you feel confident in your driving skills.

You can schedule your test using one of the following methods:

• Online
• In person at any DriveTest center

When booking your appointment, you will need to provide:

• Your Ontario driver’s license number, including the expiration date
• Your preferred test location
• A second and third choice of location
• A preferred date and time

If you need to cancel or reschedule your test, make sure to do so at least 48 hours in advance to avoid any cancellation fees. Proper planning will help you stay on track toward getting your Ontario driver’s license for newcomers without unnecessary delays.

8. Day of the test for G full

On the day of your G full road test, make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time to complete the check-in process. Being on time and well-prepared will help you stay calm and focused.

Bring your G1 license with you. If you haven’t received the final plastic card yet, the paper version will be accepted. You will also need to park your car in one of the designated test parking spots, which are usually numbered and clearly marked.

Here’s what to expect on test day:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test.
• Park your car in the designated test area and note the parking number.
• Take a front-facing photograph of your car, as you may be asked for details like the license plate, make, model, color, and parking number.
• Go to customer service to check in and provide your name and appointment details.
• You will be asked for your G1 license, confirmation of your personal information, and details about your vehicle. They may also ask if you have experience driving on highways and how often you have done so.
• Once confirmed, you will be instructed to wait in your car for the driving examiner.

When the examiner arrives, they will:

• Verify your vehicle information and G1 license.
• Ask you to test basic functions like turn signals, brake lights, and the horn.
• Explain the test procedure and ask you to sign a consent form before beginning.

During the test, follow all instructions carefully and drive as confidently and safely as possible. At the end of the test, the examiner will provide feedback, noting any important observations and informing you whether you have passed.

If you pass, you will return to the office to receive a provisional G license on paper, valid until your final plastic card arrives in the mail, typically within 15 days.

Conclusion

Getting your Ontario driver’s license for newcomers may seem like a long process, but with the right preparation and understanding of the steps, it can be much more manageable.

While the process requires time and effort, being well-prepared will help you move through it smoothly and confidently.

If you are ready to take your test and are just reviewing the latest information to make sure you are not forgetting anything, I wish you a successful outcome on your tests, and once you have your Ontario driver’s license for newcomers, you’ll be ready for the next big step—buying a car.

Having your own vehicle gives you more freedom to explore, commute, and travel comfortably. If you’re considering purchasing your first car in Ontario, check out A Newcomer’s Guide to Buying a Car in Ontario, Canada for a complete breakdown of the process, from choosing a vehicle to registering and insuring it.