Driver Testing

There are a number of tests the Ontario Ministry of Transportation requires an individual to take when applying for a driver's licence. The tests will depend on both the type of licence you are applying for and your driving status.

Knowledge and Vision Tests

Knowledge tests determine whether or not you have a good understanding of the rules of the road and traffic signs. New drivers are required to take a knowledge test and a vision test. Individuals who are renewing, reinstating or exchanging their licence may also be required to take a knowledge test and possibly a vision test as well. The fee for the knowledge test is $10.00.

"Novice" drivers can no longer book a road test after their expiry date. These applicants must start the graduated license process over again. Please note any test booked illegitimately after the expiry date will not be taken out and your fees may be lost.

Written tests for all license classes are offered in all our DriveTest centres

Oral knowledge tests are conducted at all Driver Examination Centres by appointment only. If a translator or interpreter is required by the applicant, the translator or interpreter must meet the criteria outlined under "Qualifications of Interpreters and Translators"

G1 written test languages by centre

There is no appointment required to take the written test. However, Customers are advised to arrive at least 1 hour prior to the test centre close to provide sufficient time to conduct and process a knowledge and vision test.

Road Tests

Road tests assess your driving skills. You are tested on your ability to apply the rules of the road and safe driving practices. The G1 road test deals with basic driving skills. The G2 road test deals with more advanced knowledge and driving skills.

When you feel qualified to drive safely and are confident enough to take your road test, book your appointment with DriveTest by using:

• Interactive Road Test Booking Service: 1-888-570-6110 or 416-325-8580; or
• Road Test Booking Online

Make sure you have your valid driver's licence number available.

You must bring a vehicle for your road test. Make sure it is a vehicle of the appropriate class and is in good working order. Bring your current licence on the day of your road test appointment. If you are a G1 driver, a fully licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience must accompany you to a DriveTest Driver Examination Centre.

Note: If you are a G1 or G2 driver, you may not bring a panel van for your G1 or G2 road test. Panel vans are passenger vehicles that do not have side windows.

Please be advised that Low-Speed Vehicles cannot be used for road tests. For more information about LSVs, please visit the Ministry of Transportation’s New and Alternative Vehicles website at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/emerging/index.shtml#low

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.

As a courtesy to other applicants be sure to arrive early on the day of your test. It is recommended that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment in order to initiate all processing (i.e. road test fee payment) before the scheduled time of the road test. Failure to arrive on time for the appointment may result in the test being cancelled and loss of the test fees.

During the road test, no pets or passengers, other than the Driver Examiner are allowed in the vehicle. The Examiner may stop or refuse to start the driving test if:

• your vehicle is not in good working order or the licence plate validation has expired;
• you have been drinking alcohol or show any signs of impairment from alcohol or drugs;
• your driving skills are not good enough to finish the test without risking the safety of yourself, the Examiner or other road users.

For other information regarding road test preparation, please refer to this link http://www.drivetest.ca/en/edu/roadTestPreparationFactSheet.aspx.

The Examiner will explain the test and you should simply follow her or his instructions. The Examiner is not allowed to coach you during the test, so if you have any questions, ask them before you begin.

At the end of each test, the Examiner will give you a complete report of your skills and explain any mistakes you made. If you do not pass, after you have had more practice, you can make an appointment to take the test again but you must wait a minimum of ten days between tests. For an M1 or M2 road test, you must wait a minimum of three days between tests.

Pre-Trip Inspection - Knowledge and Road Tests
(Class A, B, C, D, E and F)

Changes to Ontario’s daily driver vehicle inspections took effect in July 2007.  These inspections are also known as “trip inspections”, pre-trip inspections and “circle checks”.  These changes will affect the controlled class knowledge tests and your controlled class road test for daily driver vehicle inspection. The pre-trip inspection on your road test is a condensed version of the minimum check required under the law.

The new regulation can be viewed at: www.e-laws.gov.on.ca / Highway Traffic Act / Ontario Regulation 199/07 (Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections), made under the Highway Traffic Act.

For complete details, including sample inspection reports and schedules, please visit MTO’s website at:

• (Trucks) http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/regulations/daily/
• (Buses) http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/bus/regulations/daily/

The following should only be used as a guide in conjunction with your handbook to help you prepare for your knowledge and road tests.

Major Changes to Pre-Trip Inspection Requirements

1. The list of vehicle defects has been revised.

• Vehicle defects are now differentiated between "major" and "minor".
• "Major" defects, which pose an imminent safety risk, are to be recorded and reported by the driver, and must be repaired immediately.
• "Minor" defects, which are related to vehicle maintenance, are to be recorded and reported by the driver.

2. Drivers are now required to continually monitor the vehicle during the course of a trip to detect the presence of major or minor defects.

In addition to the items you are currently required to check for, you are now also required to check the following items as part of your circle check:

• fuel cap
• fuel tank

• oil and coolant levels
• drive belts and hoses (for loose wires or leaks)

Motorcycle Road Tests

Motorcycle tests are conducted at DriveTest Driver Examination Centres on a seasonal basis. Depending on the weather, motorcycle tests are available from early May to the end of September. The M1 licence must be held at least 60 days before you are eligible to attempt the M1 road test. The licence is valid for 90 days. Please plan the completion of your motorcycle knowledge test accordingly.

Tests For Seniors

A driver 80 years of age and over is no longer automatically required to pass a road test to renew a driver's licence. Instead, a vision and knowledge test must be taken and the driver must participate in a 90-minute group education session which is offered by the Ministry of Transportation. The group education session will emphasize defensive driving techniques and traffic situations that could present difficulties for senior drivers. You may still have to take a road test; that decision will be made by the MTO counsellor at your education session. In addition, your driver's licence will be renewed for two years.

For information on Ministry of Transportation programs for senior drivers, please click here to link to the MTO site.

Customer Service Options

Below are the service channels where you can purchase/order this service. Click on the underlined titles below for an address/location.

	DriveTest Driver Exam Centre	Licence Issuing Office (link to MTO Web site)	Service Ontario Kiosk (link to MTO Web site)	Mail	Phone	Order Online
Taking a knowledge and vision test
Booking a road test
Booking a senior education session

For additional information, please follow the link to Ready for the road: Earning your driver's licence in Ontario's graduated licensing system.