The G2 road test is short, and nothing on it should surprise you. Plenty of people who don’t pass know how to do every skill on it. What catches them is doing one of them carelessly, once, with an examiner watching. This guide is about making the right habits automatic.
What the G2 road test is
It’s the first of Ontario’s two road tests. You take it on your G1, after holding that licence for 12 months, or 8 months if you finish a government-approved beginner driver education course.
DriveTest calls it the city test, and it usually takes about 20 minutes. The examiner gives you directions as you go, so you don’t need to know the route. What they’re checking is basic driving, done safely and the same way every time:
- Left and right turns
- Stopping, at lights, stop signs and yield signs
- Lane changes
- One-way streets
- Residential streets
- Parallel parking
- Three-point turns
Hamilton note
Testing in Hamilton
Hamilton’s DriveTest centre is at 370 Kenora Avenue North in the east end. The Hamilton DriveTest centre guide covers booking, the car check and what happens after.
The habits examiners watch for
None of these are tricks. They’re the things Ontario’s Driver’s Handbook asks for, done on purpose so the examiner can see them.
Shoulder checks, every time
Mirrors don’t show your blind spots. Before you pull away from the curb or change lanes, turn your head and look. Check again right after you signal, just before you move over.
Stops that are actually stops
Come to a full stop behind the stop line, or before the crosswalk if there’s no line. A slow roll through a stop sign is one of the easiest ways to lose marks.
Space in front of you
Keep at least two to three seconds behind the car ahead. Pick a sign or a pole, and count when the car in front passes it.
Signals that start early and end on time
Signal before you brake for a turn, not halfway through it, and make sure the signal switches off afterwards.
Three-point turns and parallel parking
For a three-point turn, use the whole width of the road and reverse only once. When you parallel park, the Handbook suggests leaving at least 60 cm between you and the car you park behind.
A practice plan for the last few weeks
- Make a list of your weak spots. Be honest. Most people have one or two skills that only work on a good day.
- Practise without a backup camera. Cameras and parking aids aren’t allowed during the test, so learn to park with mirrors and shoulder checks.
- Drive one-way streets. They’re on the test, and downtown Hamilton has plenty to practise on.
- Do a mock test. Have someone give you directions without warning, the way an examiner would, and talk through what you’re checking.
- Book a lesson close to the date. A warm-up shortly before the test settles nerves and catches small habits.
one lesson, two hours before the test
“In that short time, she explained everything I needed to know about the test and highlighted all the important aspects to focus on. Her guidance was clear, practical, and exactly what I needed. Thanks to her class, I passed my test!”
Want help with your G2? Call or text Mrs. Akbar.
On the day
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bring:
- Your current driver’s licence
- Glasses or contacts, if you drive with them
- A printout of your road test confirmation email
- A car in good working order, with enough gas for the test
DriveTest doesn’t supply cars. Yours can be owned, borrowed or rented, as long as it’s plated, insured and working. The examiner checks it first: signals, brake lights, horn, speedometer, and wipers or defroster if the weather calls for them. A damaged windshield or a temporary spare tire can get the test cancelled, and you’d lose half the fee. Turn off any dash camera before you start.
Nobody rides along with you, instructors included. With your permission, an instructor can help at check-in and at the debrief afterwards.
If it doesn’t go your way
It happens, and it isn’t the end of anything. You can test again while your licence is valid, though DriveTest generally asks you to wait at least 10 days between tests, and you pay the fee again.
Your scoresheet is the most useful thing you’ll get that day. It shows exactly where marks went, which tells you what to practise before the next attempt.
Sources
Quick answers
How long is the G2 road test?
Usually about 20 minutes.
Can my driving instructor ride with me during the test?
No. Nobody rides along during a road test. With your consent, an instructor can help at check-in and at the debrief afterwards.
What happens if my car fails the examiner’s check?
The test is declared out of order and you lose half of the road test fee. Common problems are a turn signal, brake light or horn that doesn’t work, a damaged windshield and a temporary spare tire.