Frequently Asked Questions

What is DriveTest?

DriveTest is the new brand for Ontario’s Driver Examination Centres, formerly managed by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). DriveTest Centres are operated by Serco DES Inc. under a 10 year licence agreement with MTO.

For an list of DriveTest Centre locations, click here. For a list of driver examination services available at DriveTest Centres, click here.

DriveTest is bound by Government of Ontario policy on protection of personal information. For more details click here.

What does graduated licensing mean?

If you're a new automobile driver, it means you'll earn full driving privileges in two stages. In the first stage, Level 1 (Class G1), you'll learn and practise driving under conditions that reduce your risk of collisions.

When you have more experience, you'll be able to take a road test to enter the second stage, Level 2 (Class G2), with more privileges. After a year in Level 2 (Class G2), you can take another test to qualify for a full driver's licence.

Why do we need graduated licensing?

Too many people are being killed and injured on Ontario roads:

• New drivers of all ages are much more likely to get into crashes than experienced drivers;
• Collisions are the leading killer of people between 16 and 24.

Graduated licensing is one way of cutting down the risks new drivers face—a way to prevent collisions and save lives. It's just one of many things the government is doing to make Ontario's roads the safest in North America.

How does the program work?

New drivers of passenger vehicles learn to drive with six important conditions in Level 1 (Class G1). Drivers earn more privileges after passing a road test to enter Level 2 (Class G2). At the end of 12 months in Level 2 (Class G2), they can earn a full driver's licence when they pass another road test.

New motorcycle drivers learn to drive with four conditions in Level 1 (Class M1), which last at least 60 days. They must pass a road test to enter Level 2 (Class M2), with more privileges. They earn a full motorcycle licence when they pass a skills test after 18 to 22 months in Level 2 (Class M2).

Can I shorten the time it takes to get a full car or motorcycle licence?

Yes—when you learn more about safe driving in a Ministry-approved driver education course, you will be eligible to apply for the Level 1 (Class G1)exit road test sooner.

A passenger vehicle driver can finish Level 1 (Class G1) after only eight months by completing a ministry-approved driver education course.

Motorcycle drivers who complete a motorcycle safety course in Level 1 (Class M1) can move into Level 2 (Class M2) after 60 days. Level 2 (Class M2) will take 18 months instead of 22 months if you provide evidence of successful completion of a ministry-approved safety course in either level.

What is a Ministry-approved driver education course?

A Ministry-approved driver education course for automobile drivers is one that:

• Gives you a minimum of 25 hours classroom and 10 hours in-car teaching (12 hours for standard transmission);
• Has you sign and gives you the original of an official "MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education Student Record" bearing the Ontario Government logo. To improve the integrity of the program and to identify/prevent fraudulent use, the new Student Record contains many unique security features. For those students that completed their course prior to November 6th, 2004, they have been issued an "MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education Certificate"

Many commercial driving schools and all high schools with driver education programs offer Ministry of Transportation-Approved Beginner Driver Education courses. Shop carefully because only if you pass a ministry-approved course can you shorten the time it takes to earn full licence privileges and you may qualify for potential vehicle insurance discounts.

Applicants who are enrolled on or after Sept. 29, 2008 in a BDE program with an MTO approved Course Provider or Driving School will be certified online after course completion. DriveTest will not accept paper certificates in lieu of online certification. Please be advised that you will not be permitted to take a road test if you have not been certified online by your Course Provider or Driving School.

For more information on MTO’s BDE Curriculum Standards and Courses, please refer to the Driver Education page of our website.

For a ministry-approved motorcycle driver education course contact your local community college, call the Ministry of Transportation at 416-235-2999 or 1-800-387-3445 or visit the Ministry’s website at www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/gradu/approve.htm

What should accompanying drivers do?

If you are going to be an accompanying driver, it's a good idea to re-read the Driver's Handbook to refresh your knowledge of the rules of the road.

Accompanying drivers help new drivers develop their skills, remind them about the rules of the road and warn them about dangers they may not see.

Accompanying drivers advise new drivers about courteous, defensive driving, and, if necessary, stop other passengers from distracting the driver.

Accompanying drivers are also there to take over driving if you need to use a 400-series highway or continue a trip after midnight. Since they may have to drive, they must have less than the legal suspension limit of .05 per cent blood alcohol.

Does experience in Level 1 (Class G1) and Level 2 (Class G2) count toward the four years' experience you need to be an accompanying driver?

Yes, that experience counts.

Why can't I drive on high-speed expressways, in Level 1 (Class G1/M1)?

High-speed collisions cause more damage than those at lower speeds. That's why it makes sense to reduce the risks while you practise in Level 1 (Class G1/M1). When you have more driving skills, you'll have a better chance of reacting quickly to avoid collisions.

There are always roads you can use instead of 400-series highways and expressways, but if you do need to use a high-speed road, your accompanying driver can take over.

You may practise on high-speed roads with a licensed driving instructor as your accompanying driver.

Why must there be a seat belt for every passenger?

Seat belts are the best way to avoid injury in a collision. This condition lets you drive with family and friends and at the same time ensures that the vehicle is not over-crowded and everyone is protected in case of a collision.

Why can't I drive after midnight?

Staying off the road when the risks are highest is a good way to avoid collisions.

• Half of the fatal collisions involving new drivers happen at night.
• People are tired, it's harder to see, and those drivers who break drinking and driving laws usually do so late at night.

These factors put lives in danger, especially for new drivers who are still developing the skills they need to avoid collision.

What happens if I break one of the conditions of my licence?

If the police stop you for any reason, the officer checking your licence will see that you are a Level 1 (Class G1) or Level 2 (Class G2) driver. If you are charged with and convicted of breaking any of the conditions, your licence will be suspended for 30 days.