Driving test fees and timelines: a detailed guide to getting a driver’s license in Ontario

Driving test fees in Ontario

Earning your Ontario driver’s licence requires time, practice, and, unsurprisingly… money.

There are driving test fees at every step of the process. Some fees you’ll pay once and (potentially) never again, and others you’ll have to pay periodically.

In Ontario, beginner drivers must be at least 16 years old and must undergo the graduated driver licensing program, which is a three-step progression through each of the licence levels: G1, G2, and G. Along the way, there are some inevitable driving test fees:

Service	Fee (including tax)
Class G1 licence package (knowledge test + G2 road test + five-year licence)	$159.75
Knowledge test (per attempt)	$16.00
G2 road test	$53.75
G road test	$91.25
Five-year licensing fee	$90.00

Let’s explain how each of these costs breaks down.

G1 licence

The G1 licence is Ontario’s version of a learner’s permit. When you first apply, you’ll usually pay test fees for the first two levels up front. The package is $159.75, which includes a vision test, a knowledge test ($16), a G2 road test ($53.75), and five years of licensing ($90).

Ideally, you’ll prepare enough to pass the knowledge test on your first attempt. If not, you can undergo as many retakes as you need — just know the fee applies for each attempt.

To better prepare, consider reviewing the official Driver’s Handbook issued by the Ministry of Transportation. Exam questions are typically drawn from here, so knowing the material will give you a clear edge come test day. It also covers road rules and driving tips, so it’ll even assist with the practical side. You can buy a paper version at DriveTest Centres or authorized retailers in Ontario for $18 or use the online guide for free.¹

After passing the knowledge test, you’ll receive a G1 licence. You’ll need to hold this licence for at least 12 months (or 8 months if you go through a government-approved driving school) before you can attempt the G2 road test. The good news is you already paid for this test with the G1 licence bundle. However, if you’re unsuccessful on the first go, it’s $53.75 for each subsequent attempt.

G2 licence

Okay, you’ve passed the G2 road test. What’s next?

You’ll need to wait another 12 months before you can apply for a G road test. However, you’ll have slightly more driving privileges than your G1 licence. You can drive at night, on highways, and without an accompanying driver — just to list a few. There are still a few restrictions, though.²

Once the waiting period ends, you can apply for a G road test for $91.25. Like the previous ones, the fee applies per attempt, so practice plenty beforehand.

G licence

The last step of graduated licensing is the G2 exit test, which, if passed, grants the full G licence.

Ideally, you’ll pass this on your first attempt, in which case there would be a final payment of $90 for issuing the G licence. If not, you can keep trying until you pass while your G2 licence is valid – just plan for the extra costs.

For most people, the G licence (like the G1 and G2) comes with a validity of five years. While you won’t have to take more driving tests afterward, you will need to renew your license every five years to continue driving. The renewal cost is $90, the same as the price of a new licence.

Passing all the graduated licensing tests on the first attempt isn’t unheard of. If this is your case, the program should cost $251 ($159.75 plus the $91.25 G road test fee) in total.

Are there any driving test fees for exchanging a licence?

If you’ve recently moved to Ontario and hold a foreign or out-of-province driver’s licence, you’ll (eventually) need an Ontario licence to continue driving. The process—and whether you’ll need to take any tests—depends on the origin of your previous licence and your years of driving experience.

Ontario has driver’s licence exchange agreements with all Canadian provinces and jurisdictions of some countries.³ Eligible licence holders can surrender their non-Ontario licence for an Ontario one, potentially foregoing some or all necessary driving examinations.⁴ Only drivers with a full licence and over two years of driving experience are eligible for direct exchange. Newcomers with less experience might not qualify for a G licence immediately but may receive credit on a G2 licence while they gain the required experience.

A vision test is required for all applicants. However, the remaining tests will depend on the licensing arrangement:

Driving experience	Exchangeable licence	Non-exchangeable licence
Two or more years	G licence granted directly	Knowledge test + G road test
Less than two years	Knowledge test + G test	Knowledge test + two road tests (G2 + G)

If you qualify for a G licence directly, you’ll only pay the $90 licensing fee. Otherwise, it’s $90 plus any applicable knowledge or road test fees.

Licence exchange applications are made in person, so come prepared with funds and proper documentation to avoid delays. You may need to bring an acceptable ID and a driver’s abstract (or a letter of authentication) from your previous jurisdiction. And obviously, don’t forget your out-of-province licence.

If your licence or supporting documents are not in English or French and are not accompanied by an authentication document from a consulate or similar authority, you’ll need to have them translated by an approved translator recognized by the Ministry of Transportation.

If you get a provisional driver’s licence, try to acclimate yourself to the local roads before scheduling your road tests — even if you consider driving second nature. Operating a vehicle correctly is one thing, but dealing with local driving habits is a different challenge.

Commonly asked questions

What’s the difference between a licensing fee and a test booking fee?

The licensing fee is the administrative cost of issuing or renewing an Ontario licence. You receive five years of licensing each time you pay the $90 licensing fee.

The fees may be reduced if the renewal period is less than five years. Usually, the expiry date is shifted to match the expiry of your Ontario health card (if you have one). So, the licensing fees would be prorated in accordance with the licence validity. Drivers over the age of 76 may face different fees, too.⁵

On the other hand, the test booking fee is the charge that applies when you book a road test appointment. The G2 and G road tests are different, as are their fees: $53.75 for the former and $91.25 for the latter. Your driving examiner will reveal your result after the test. If unsuccessful, you’ll need to make another reservation and pay the corresponding fee for the next attempt.

Are there any driving test fees for renewing an expired licence?

Driving with an expired licence is illegal, so it goes without saying that you should renew it on time.

But if it does happen, here’s how the fees break down:⁶

• Expired for 1-3 years: You must take a (free) vision test at a DriveTest centre. If you don’t pass, you’ll get a form to take to your own eye doctor for retesting, which could mean extra fees.
• Expired for 3-10 years: You must complete a vision test, a knowledge test ($16), a G2 road test ($53.75), and a G road test ($91.25).
• Expired for over 10 years: You’ll need to reapply as a new driver, which means undergoing all the tests again and paying the applicable fees.

Sources

1. DriveTest. “Official MTO Drivers’ Handbooks.” drivetest.ca, www.drivetest.ca/tests/official-drivers-handbooks. Accessed 1 May, 2025.
2. DriveTest. “Drivers’ Licences – Cars, Vans, & Small Trucks.” drivetest.ca, www.drivetest.ca/licences/drivers-licences-cars. Accessed 1 May, 2024.
3. Government of Ontario. “Exchange an out-of-province driver’s licence.” ontario.ca, 22 Oct. 2012, www.ontario.ca/page/exchange-out-province-drivers-licence.
4. CanadaVisa. “Driving in Canada as a Newcomer.” canadavisa.com, www.canadavisa.com/drivingincanada.html. Accessed 2 May, 2024.
5. Government of Ontario. “Renew a driver’s licence.” ontario.ca, 18 Oct. 2021, www.ontario.ca/page/renew-drivers-licence.
6. Government of Ontario. “Renew an expired driver’s licence.” ontario.ca, 24 Oct. 2012, www.ontario.ca/page/renew-expired-drivers-licence.

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