Driving Tests

G1 to G2 in Ontario: 12 Months, or 8 With a BDE Course

informational·how to guide·Published August 24, 2026

How long must you hold a G1 in Ontario before the road test for a G2?

You must hold your Ontario G1 for at least 365 days (12 months) before the road test that gives you a G2 licence. If you finish a Ministry-approved beginner driver education (BDE) course and the Ministry accepts your evidence, the minimum falls to 245 days, about 8 months.

Where these times come from

Ontario sets the minimum times in section 28 of O. Reg. 340/94 (version of 1 July 2026). The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) explains them on its G driver's licence page, in the Official MTO Driver's Handbook and on its page on government-approved driving schools. This guide is as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Ministry of Transportation (ontario.ca) before you book your road test.

The standard wait: 365 days in G1

The road test that gives you a G2 licence is also called the G1 exit test. In most cases you practise with your G1 for 12 months before you take it. The question on how long a G1 driver must hold the licence tests this rule.

G1 and G2 minimum times in Ontario, with and without a BDE course

G1 and G2 minimum times in Ontario, with and without a BDE course
What	Without a BDE course	With a BDE course
Minimum time in G1	365 days (12 months)	245 days (about 8 months)
Minimum time in G2	365 days (12 months)	365 days (12 months)
Shortest total time in G1 and G2	730 days (about 24 months)	610 days (about 20 months)
What you need	Nothing extra	A Ministry-approved BDE course, and evidence that the Ministry of Transportation accepts

How a BDE course cuts the G1 wait to 245 days

The BDE route saves 120 days in G1 (365 days minus 245 days), about four months. Only the G1 time changes: the G2 minimum stays at 365 days. The question on the BDE waiting period tests this rule.

How to use the BDE route, step by step

1
Pick an approved school. Not every driving school offers a government-approved course, so check that the school is approved and is not on the revoked schools list.
2
Finish the 40-hour course. It must include at least 20 hours of classroom instruction, at least 10 hours in the vehicle with a licensed instructor and 10 hours of flexible instruction time.
3
Let the school certify you. After a successful course the school certifies you online, and your student driver record is updated through the Ministry of Transportation.
4
Get proof if you need it. You can order your driver's licence history (CAD 12) to get proof that you completed the BDE course.
5
Book and take the road test. The fee you pay when you apply for your licence includes your first road test. You must prepay the fee to book a road test, and a G1 driver must bring an accompanying driver to the test centre.

BDE certificate, G1 and graduated licensing time limits

BDE course certificate: valid for two years from its date of issue, for the 245-day reduction.
G1 licence: valid for five years.
Whole process: you have up to five years to finish both levels. If you do not have a full G licence after five years, you start over.

What if you fail the road test, or your G1 expires?

You fail the road test and your G1 has not expired

You can try the road test again.

You fail the road test and your G1 has expired

You must start all over and pay the test fees again.

What the road test for a G2 checks

The first road test checks basic driving skills in the vehicle and in traffic: left and right turns, stopping, parallel parking, one-way streets, lane changes, 3-point turns, driving in residential neighbourhoods, and traffic lights, stop signs and yield signs. The second road test comes after at least 12 months in G2. See the rules that apply once you hold a G2.

Key takeaways

The minimum is 365 days (12 months) in G1 before the road test that gives you a G2.
An approved BDE course, with evidence the Ministry accepts, cuts the G1 minimum to 245 days (about 8 months). The G2 minimum stays at 365 days.
The BDE certificate counts for two years from its issue date. A G1 is valid for five years, and you have up to five years to finish the whole process.
If you fail the road test and your G1 has expired, you start all over and pay the test fees again.
Next step: practise on the free Ontario G1 practice test.

Questions about the G1 to G2 wait in Ontario

Do I need a BDE course to get my G2 in Ontario?

No. Without a course, the minimum time in G1 is 365 days (12 months). The Ministry of Transportation encourages all new drivers to take an approved course to learn driving skills and knowledge, and a course cuts the minimum to 245 days.

Does a BDE course lower my car insurance in Ontario?

Your insurance provider may offer a discount after you complete a BDE course. The discount is your insurer's own offer and is not part of Ontario's BDE program, so contact your insurer for details.

Can I take the BDE classroom lessons online in Ontario?

Yes. The classroom part (at least 20 hours) can be digital or in person. The in-vehicle part (at least 10 hours) is taught by a licensed instructor, and you must finish it within one year of the start of the classroom lessons.

How soon can I retake the G1 road test in Ontario?

You must wait at least 10 days between road tests, and you can try again if your G1 has not expired. You prepay the fee for the new appointment. If your G1 has expired, you start all over and pay the test fees again.

What is the difference between the G1 exit test and the G2 exit test?

The G1 exit test is the first road test. You can take it after 12 months in G1, or after about 8 months with an approved BDE course, and passing it gives you a G2. The G2 exit test is the second road test, after at least 12 months in G2, and passing it gives you a full G licence.