Driving Tests

Ontario G1 for International Students: Rules, ID and Declaration

informational·how to guide·Published August 3, 2026

Can an international student get an Ontario G1 licence?

Yes, if you live in Ontario. Ontario gives a G1 to residents, not visitors. You must be at least 16 and pass a vision test and a knowledge test. Since May 11, 2026, you must also declare that Ontario is your primary place of residence and that your presence in Canada is legal. A study permit is an accepted identity document for the application.

Official sources for this guide

The Ontario rules come from O. Reg. 340/94 (version of July 1, 2026) and from Ministry of Transportation (MTO) pages: get a G driver's licence, exchange a licence and drive in Ontario as a visitor. The Official MTO Driver's Handbook adds the identification list. This guide is as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Ministry of Transportation (ontario.ca) before you drive.

What identification to bring for the G1 knowledge test

Bring original, valid documents. Photocopies and expired documents are not accepted.
The Driver's Handbook checklist says to bring two pieces of identification. DriveTest accepts one document if it is on its single-document list, so two is the safe choice.
Your study permit (Study Permit / Student Authorization, IMM 1442) is on the accepted list for temporary residents. A passport from Canada or another country is on the list too.
Your documents must show your legal name and your complete date of birth (day, month and year). If one document does not show both, bring more documents.

How to apply for a G1 in Ontario

1
Check the basics
You must be at least 16 and live in Ontario.
2
Gather your originals
Bring your original passport and your original study permit. Both are on the accepted list, and the Driver's Handbook checklist says to bring two pieces of identification. Bring more documents if these two do not show your legal name and full date of birth.
3
Go to a test location
Use a DriveTest centre (no appointment needed) or the ServiceOntario Bay and College location in downtown Toronto (by appointment only).
4
Make the declaration when you apply
Declare that Ontario is your primary place of residence and that your presence in Canada is legal.
5
Pass the vision test and the knowledge test
After you pass both, you get a G1 licence.

Can you drive in Ontario on your home licence?

You are visiting Ontario for less than 3 months

You can drive on a valid licence from your own province, state or country.

You are visiting from another country for more than 3 months

You need a valid licence from home and an International Driver's Permit from your own country. Bring the permit when you arrive in Ontario: you cannot apply for one once you are here.

You move to Ontario

You can use a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days. After 60 days you need an Ontario licence to keep driving.

Exchange your licence or start at G1?

If you live in Ontario and have never held an Ontario licence, you can apply only for a G1 or an M1. There is one exception: a person who holds a licence from another place and who can exchange it, or who is partly or wholly exempt under the law. Which tests you need depends on how long you have driven and on whether your country has an exchange agreement with Ontario. The guide to countries that can exchange a licence has the list.

What to do with your home licence in Ontario

What to do with your home licence in Ontario
Your licence	What happens in Ontario
A Canadian province or territory, the Canadian Armed Forces, a U.S. state (not a U.S. territory), or one of these countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Denmark, the Isle of Man, Japan, South Korea, Kosovo, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Taiwan or Ukraine.	You can exchange it for an Ontario licence.
Any other jurisdiction	You cannot exchange it. Show the valid licence with proof of identity, pay the fees, and pass the vision test and knowledge test to get a G1.
A learner's permit from any jurisdiction	You cannot exchange it.

Credit for driving experience if your country has no exchange agreement

Since July 1, 2026, you can get credit for up to one year of driving experience by showing a valid, original foreign licence and an authentication document. This is an official letter from the foreign government or agency that issued the licence. The letter must confirm that the licence is authentic, and it must be written in English or French. Only experience from the past three years counts, up to 12 months. The post on foreign driving experience credit has the details.

How credited experience changes the wait for the G2 road test

How credited experience changes the wait for the G2 road test
Your experience credit	Before the G2 road test
12 months or more	You can take the G2 road test at once.
6 months	You hold the G1 for 6 more months. With your 6 months of experience, that makes 12 months before the G2 road test.
No credit	You can take your first road test after 12 months with a G1, or after 8 months if you finish a government-approved driver education course.

Translation of a foreign licence

A foreign licence that is not in English or French needs a certified translation dated within six months of your application. Approved translators include non-Canadian embassies, consulates and high commissioner's offices. A translator may not go with you during the road test. For the languages of the G1 knowledge test, see the guide to G1 test languages.

Key takeaways

Bring two original pieces of identification, such as your passport and your study permit.
Since May 11, 2026, you declare that Ontario is your primary place of residence and that your presence in Canada is legal.
Next step: practise on the free Ontario G1 practice test before you go to the test.

Ontario G1 for international students: common questions

How long can I drive in Ontario on my foreign licence?

A visitor can drive in Ontario for less than 3 months on a valid licence from home. If you move to Ontario, a valid licence from another province, state or country works for 60 days. After 60 days you need an Ontario licence to keep driving.

Does my driving experience from home count toward the G2 road test wait?

It can. If your country has no exchange agreement, you can get credit for up to 12 months of driving experience from the past three years. Show your valid, original foreign licence and an authentication letter. With 12 months of credit you can take the G2 road test at once. With 6 months of credit you hold the G1 for 6 more months.

Is my country's licence on the Ontario exchange list?

Ontario exchanges licences from Canadian provinces and territories, the Canadian Armed Forces, U.S. states and 19 listed countries, such as Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Ukraine. You cannot exchange a licence from any other jurisdiction. You start with a G1 instead.

If my country is on the exchange list, how do I exchange my licence?

You apply in person at a DriveTest centre or at the ServiceOntario Bay and College location in downtown Toronto. Bring your original identity documents, which must show your legal name and date of birth, and your original, valid foreign licence.

How long does an Ontario G1 last?

A G1 is valid for five years. You have up to five years to finish the graduated licence process. After five years without a full G licence, you start over.