Home โ€บ Licence Guides โ€บ Full G

Getting Your Full G Licence: Highway Test & What to Expect (2024)

Advertisement

The full G licence is the final destination of Ontario's Graduated Licensing System โ€” and the moment you earn it, all restrictions are removed. You become a fully licensed driver with no BAC limits beyond the standard 0.08%, no passenger restrictions, and full driving privileges across Canada.

The G exit road test is more demanding than the G2 test because it includes mandatory highway driving. This guide tells you exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and how to pass on your first attempt.

When Are You Eligible for the Full G Test?

To be eligible for the G exit test, you must have held your G2 licence for a minimum of 12 months. There is no "course shortcut" to reduce this wait time โ€” 12 months is the mandatory minimum for all G2 holders.

Don't let your G2 expire

Your G2 is valid for 5 years total (from when you first got your G1). If you don't take the G exit test before it expires, you'll need to restart the licensing process. Book your G test well before the 5-year expiry date.

How to Book the G Exit Test

  1. Visit drivetest.ca or call DriveTest at 1-888-570-6110
  2. Log into your account and select "G road test"
  3. Choose a DriveTest centre that offers the G test near a highway route โ€” not all locations offer it
  4. Pay the road test fee and choose your date
  5. Confirm your vehicle is properly registered, insured, and roadworthy
Choose your test centre carefully

The G exit test must be taken at a DriveTest centre located near a 400-series highway, since the test includes highway driving. Centres in smaller towns may not offer the G test โ€” check the DriveTest website to confirm which centres in your area have G test availability.

What Happens During the G Exit Road Test?

The G exit test is approximately 30โ€“40 minutes and covers both city streets and highway driving. The examiner evaluates your ability to handle a broader range of driving situations than the G2 test.

Part 1: City / Urban Driving

The first portion of the test is similar to the G2 test โ€” city streets, intersections, turns, and general driving habits:

  • Turning, lane changing, and signalling
  • Navigating intersections and four-way stops
  • Proper mirror use and shoulder checks
  • Controlled stops and smooth acceleration
  • Speed management in school zones and residential areas

Part 2: Highway Driving

This is what makes the G test unique. You will drive on a 400-series highway and be evaluated on:

  • Highway entry (merging): Checking mirrors and blind spots, accelerating to match highway speed, merging smoothly without forcing other drivers to brake
  • Highway lane changes: Proper mirror-signal-shoulder check sequence, smooth execution at highway speeds
  • Maintaining highway speed: Keeping a steady speed at or near the posted limit (typically 100 km/h)
  • Following distance: Maintaining a safe gap (at highway speeds, 3+ seconds minimum)
  • Highway exit (off-ramp): Signalling early, gradually reducing speed on the ramp without braking suddenly on the highway itself
Advertisement

Tips to Pass the G Exit Test

Practice Highway Driving Beforehand

If you haven't spent much time on 400-series highways, do it before your test. Practice merging, lane changes at speed, and highway exits until they feel natural. Nervousness on a highway is detectable and can lead to hesitation โ€” which examiners notice.

Master the Merge

Highway merges are where many G test candidates struggle. The goal is to match the speed of highway traffic before you merge, not to slow down and wait for a gap. Accelerate confidently on the on-ramp, check your blind spot, signal, and merge when safe.

Use the Full Shoulder Check

Examiners watch for visible shoulder checks constantly โ€” at lane changes, merges, and exits. Don't rely solely on mirrors at highway speed. Turn your head and check your blind spot every time.

Don't Drive Too Slowly on the Highway

Driving 80 km/h on a 100 km/h highway is actually a traffic hazard โ€” and examiners penalize it. Aim to drive at posted highway speeds (adjusting for traffic and conditions). Timid highway driving is a common reason for G test failures.

Signal the Exit Early

Signal your intention to exit well before the off-ramp โ€” at least 100โ€“150 metres in advance. Move into the right lane first if needed, then signal your exit. Reduce speed after you've moved onto the ramp, not before.

Smooth is Everything

The G test rewards smooth, confident driving. Abrupt braking, jerky acceleration, and hesitation at merges are red flags. The examiner wants to see that you're comfortable at highway speeds and aware of your surroundings.

What the Examiner Is Grading

Skill AreaWhat They Look For
ObservationRegular mirror checks, head turns for shoulder checks, scanning intersections
Speed controlAppropriate speed in all zones, matching highway traffic speed
Lane disciplineStaying in lane, proper lane changes with full signal and check
Highway mergeAccelerating to match traffic speed, merging safely and confidently
Highway exitSignalling early, reducing speed on the ramp
Following distanceSafe gap at all speeds
SmoothnessNo abrupt braking, jerky steering, or erratic acceleration

What Changes When You Get Your Full G?

With a full G licence, every restriction from your graduated licensing period is removed:

  • Blood alcohol limit rises to the standard legal limit (0.08%) โ€” though driving sober is always safest
  • No passenger restrictions โ€” you can carry as many passengers as your vehicle has seat belts
  • No time restrictions โ€” drive at any hour
  • No requirement for a supervising driver
  • You can now supervise G1 drivers (as long as you've held your G for 4+ years)
  • Your insurance rates may improve โ€” notify your insurer

Insurance Impact of Getting Your Full G

Getting your full G licence is one of the most significant factors in lowering your car insurance premium. Insurers view fully licensed drivers as lower risk than G2 holders โ€” especially young G2 holders. Contact your insurance provider immediately after you pass to update your licence class and check for a lower rate.

Disclaimer This guide is for general educational purposes based on our understanding of Ontario's G licensing system as of mid-2024. Always verify current rules, test procedures, and fees with the Ministry of Transportation Ontario or DriveTest. DriveCentral is not affiliated with any government agency. All content is completely free.