A Guide to Passing Your G Driver’s Test in Ontario
Written by DriveAxis.ca July 19, 2023
Every teenager reaches that age when it’s time to get behind the wheel of their parents’ car and learn how to drive. Before they’re permitted unfettered access to roads without any stipulations or restrictions, they’ll need to pass their G test, which certifies them to receive a full license. Many adults may need to take this test as well, especially if they’ve lived outside of Canada and have allowed their license to expire before they return.
Passing a G test isn’t superbly difficult, but it does help to know what to expect before the big day. New drivers especially will want to pay attention in order to tackle a G test with finesse, confidence and skill. Before you know it, your test will have been completed, and a shiny new full driver’s license will be yours.
PREREQUISITES
Before one even thinks of taking their G test, they must already have received their G1 and G2 licenses. This system came into effect in Ontario back in the early 1990s as part of a pilot program to test the graduated licensing concept, and it has now taken root as de facto standard in the province. The G1 test is based on knowledge and requires no driving to achieve, while G2 can be completed within a year afterwards, and does require a road test
Both licenses include restrictions on where drivers can go, how much blood-alcohol content they may have, and whether another occupant with at least four years of driving experience must be in the vehicle. Once these two graduated licensing steps are achieved, the driver must wait 12 months before applying for the G license test, which can be booked online. Here is where all the knowledge and skill attained through the G1 and G2 phases will be put to the test.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE G TEST
Drivers who take the G test will be expected to perform a series of maneuvers while adhering to the rules of the road with pinpoint accuracy, and zero deterrence. Your driving instructor won’t tolerate laxity, so make sure you’re behaving by the book at all times. That being said, it’s good to know what specific things the instructor will test you on, and these are as follows:
1) Left & Right Turns
While simple enough in theory, the G test will require you to take left and right turns while adhering to some rules. Your instructor will keep tabs on whether you are checking your mirrors and looking over your shoulder to check your surroundings and blind spots. Proper use of the car’s signals in conjunction with reduction in speed and generous distance between yourself and other vehicles in front of you will also be required.
If stopping before turning is required, make sure it’s a complete spot instead of a rolling one, and don’t allow the car to move backwards if you’re driving stick shift. Use both hands to make the turn at all times so that you have full control of the vehicle. Your driving instructor will be meticulous, and so should you.
2) Proper Stopping
As mentioned above, proper stoppage will be gauged by the instructor, and that means reducing speed properly, downshifting appropriately if driving manual (with no clutch-coasting), and coming to a complete stop instead of rolling through. Make sure to leave adequate distance during a stop between the car in front of you, in case you need to maneuver around it during an emergency. Only proceed through an intersection if the light is green and you’ve checked for oncoming pedestrians or other vehicles, and never assume that others are following the rules of the road. Vigilance is key here, and your instructor will be keeping an eye on you, to check if you’re keeping an eye on everything (and everyone) else.
3) Driving Through Intersections
Intersections are where a large bulk of accidents happen, usually when one or more parties aren’t paying attention. Show your driving instructor that you’re aware of this by adhering to the right techniques. When approaching the intersection, make sure to glance left and right to make absolutely sure that other drivers aren’t soaring through at the same time, even if you have the green light.
The same goes for pedestrians who may think it’s safe to cross when you’re in their path. If other vehicles are in front of you, leave enough space to hit the brakes if they need to hit theirs in a hurry, so that you avoid a rear-end collision. Your instructor won’t just be noting your driving technique, but also your consideration of others on the road, so be mindful of this.
4) Highway Driving
G2 drivers will have had some experience on highways, but there’s no room for error during a full G test. Highway driving involves keeping an eye on a multitude of things besides just vehicle speed, such as entering and exiting freeway ramps, maintaining appropriate distance between other vehicles, and executing safe lane changes whilst checking mirrors and blind spots.
Turn signals are also a must here, especially when entering a freeway from an on ramp. Once there, check your mirrors frequently so that your instructor knows you’re keeping tabs and remaining alert at all times. Never become complacent during this phase of the driver’s test. It’s also wise to avoid trailing large vehicles like semis, as they can obstruct your view of the road.
5) Parallel Parking
There is some argument as to whether driving instructors will actually make you perform a parallel parking maneuver during a G test, and the results are split. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to practice your parallel parking well in advance, and get it down to a science just in case you are asked to do it. Besides, the extra practice won’t hurt a bit, so take the time necessary to get it right. Under no circumstances should computer-assisted parallel parking be used, unless you wish to earn the ire of your driving instructor!
CONCLUSION
The G test may seem intimidating, especially for younger drivers, but a lack of confidence won’t make it any easier. Instead, you should practice diligently in order to secure the confidence necessary to greet your instructor and knock their socks off with a dynamite performance. Remember always that your driving instructors aren’t out to fail you because they’re mean. Rather, they want you to adhere to strict standards so they can give you a pass, knowing you’ll be a responsible driver long after the test has ended.
Once you’ve claimed your coveted G license, it’s time to secure a new vehicle to enjoy it in. DriveAxis has an inventory loaded with premium, high-quality pre-owned vehicles backed up by a rigorous inspection process, and an even better warranty for worry-free driving. Not sure if your credit score is good enough to secure financing? Not to worry - we handle that as well, through our in-house financing department. Everyone gets approved! Contact us today, and let’s get you seated in a new car befitting your status as a fully-licensed Ontario driver!
