The G road test: what changes after the G2

When you can take it

You can take the G road test once you’ve held your G2 for 12 months. You have five years from getting your G1 to finish the whole graduated licensing system, so don’t leave the G until the last minute. The test usually takes about 30 minutes.

The highway declaration

Before the test you sign a Declaration of Highway Driving Experience. It asks how often you’ve driven on freeways and fast highways in the three months before the test, and how long those trips usually were.

Around Hamilton, Highway 403 and the QEW are both on the declaration’s list of freeways. If you’re short of trips, lessons on those roads count, and they’re a calmer way to build experience than heading out alone.

What the test covers right now

Until further notice, full-time DriveTest centres give a modified G test. It leaves out parallel parking, the roadside stop, the three-point turn and residential driving. It still covers:

• Major roads and expressways: merging on and off, speed and space, signalling
• Turns, curves and lane changes
• Intersections
• Business areas

Part-time Travel Point locations still give the standard G test, so check which kind of centre you’ve booked.

Merging without drama

1. Look early. On the ramp, check ahead, your mirrors and your blind spot for a gap in the nearest lane.
2. Signal as soon as highway traffic can see you.
3. Use the whole acceleration lane. Speed up to match the traffic you’re joining. Merging slowly is harder and less safe than merging at speed.
4. Leave two to three seconds of space to the car ahead once you’re in, and don’t settle into another driver’s blind spot.
5. Move into the middle of the lane, then cancel your signal.

Changing lanes and getting off

Lane changes at highway speed are the same routine as in the city, done earlier and more smoothly: mirror, signal, shoulder check, then a gradual move. Plan exits well ahead. Get into the right lane early, signal, and do most of your slowing on the exit ramp rather than on the highway itself.

Practising around Hamilton

Hamilton has a good spread of practice roads. Highway 403 runs west through Ancaster and north through the west end. The QEW runs along the lake through Stoney Creek. The Lincoln Alexander Parkway crosses the Mountain, and the Red Hill Valley Parkway, posted at 80 km/h for most of its length, connects it to the QEW.