Driver License Types & How to Get a Driver’s License in Ontario  

Do you know the different types of driver’s licenses in Ontario? There are 12 different types of driver’s licenses in Ontario. Discover how to apply for a driver’s license and find out their contact details.  

This blog covers the process of applying for a driver’s license in Ontario and explains the different license types available. The Driver’s License classification details the specific license required for operating various types of vehicles. Inexperienced drivers are not eligible to hold a classified or driving instructor’s license. In Ontario, it is possible to hold multiple licenses, such as classes A and B, if the applicant meets both qualifications. A person holding any license class from G through A, including AM, EM, and ABM, can combine it with a class M license.  

Types of Driver’s Licenses in Ontario  

CLASS A   

A person needs a Class A license to operate tractor-trailers. This license also allows you to drive vehicles in the D and G categories. To obtain this license, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid Ontario class G license, pass a test on the operation of large trucks and tractor-trailers, meet vision standards, submit a valid medical certificate, and complete a road test. A Class A vehicle consists of a motor and towed vehicles with a total gross weight exceeding 4,600 kilograms.  

CLASS B  

To drive a school bus and operate vehicles of classes C, D, E, F, and G, one needs a Class B license. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 21 years old, meet specific medical and vision standards, have no more than six points on their driving record, pass the MTO driver examination or obtain a certificate of competence, and be proficient in bus equipment maintenance and passenger safety. Applicants cannot possess a driver’s license that authorities have suspended for over a year due to criminal behavior, dangerous driving, or fleeing from the police. They must also not have more than two convictions for offenses under sections 4 or 5 of the Narcotics Control Act of Canada.  

CLASS C    

To drive a large bus, like a coach or municipal bus, you need this license. It allows driving of D, F, and G class vehicles but does not cover school buses. To qualify, you must be 18 years old or older, hold a valid Ontario class G license, meet medical and vision standards, know bus equipment maintenance, and pass the MTO driver examination or obtain a certificate of competence.  

CLASS D  

To drive smaller panel delivery vehicles or dump trucks, you need this license level. You need a D-class license if the vehicle’s gross weight exceeds 11,000 kg or if the total weight of the truck and trailer exceeds 11,000 kg, as long as the trailer does not weigh more than 4,600 kg. To obtain this license, drivers must have a valid Ontario class G license, be at least 18 years old, provide a medical certificate, meet vision standards, pass a truck operating knowledge test, and complete a road test.   

CLASS E    

Operating a small school bus with fewer than 24 passengers requires this license. It also allows you to drive vehicles in the F and G classes. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, meet medical and vision requirements, have no more than six points on their driving record, and pass an MTO driver examination. They must also have knowledge of bus maintenance and passenger safety, have completed a school bus driver improvement course, hold a valid Ontario class G or higher license, not have had their license suspended in the past 12 months, and have no history of multiple offenses or criminal code violations.  

Class F    

This license is necessary for operating an ambulance or a small non-school bus with fewer than 24 passengers and for practicing as a paramedic. It also allows you to drive G-Class vehicles. Applicants must be at least 18 years old or older, hold a valid Ontario Class G license, meet medical and vision standards, be familiar with bus equipment maintenance, and either pass the MTO driver examination or obtain a certificate of competence. You must also know about bus equipment maintenance and passenger safety.  

CLASS G  

G-class vehicles are those with a weight of 11,000 kg or less, or up to 11,000 kg when towing a trailer that does not exceed 4,600 kg. Everyday cars, vans, and SUVs fall under the G-class category in the Ontario Graduated Licensing System. Here’s how the G1, G2, and full G licenses work in Ontario:  

CLASS G1   

To get a G1 license, you must pay a fee and pass a written and eye exam. While driving a G-class vehicle, you must be supervised by a qualified co-driver, among other conditions.  

CLASS G2   

You can apply for a G2 license after holding a G1 for 12 months, or 8 months if you complete a driving course approved by the MTO. The G2 license allows you to drive a G-class vehicle independently with certain restrictions after passing a road test.  

FULL CLASS G  

A full G license can be obtained after holding a G2 license for an additional 12 months and passing another road test. Full G licenses have some age-related restrictions, such as maintaining a zero-blood alcohol content until age 22.  

CLASS M  

 M-class vehicles include motorcycles and mopeds, and the Ontario Graduated Licensing System also covers M-class cars.  

CLASS M1   

To obtain an M1 license, you need to pass the written test and pay the fees. M1 license holders can operate M-class vehicles but must follow certain restrictions, such as riding only during the day and not carrying passengers.  

CLASS M2   

You can apply for an M2 license after holding an M1 license for at least 60 days. This requires passing a road test. Certain restrictions apply for an M2 license.  

CLASS M   

You can apply for a full M Class license after holding an M2 license for at least 22 months.   

How to get a driver’s license in Ontario  

Ontario implements its graduated licensing system to reduce risks for new drivers, especially in a province known for its ice and snow. To achieve a full driver’s license, drivers must navigate through the graduated licensing process, which involves progressing from a G1 license to a G2 license and finally to a full G license. The process involves a written test and two road tests. This system intends to give novice drivers extensive hands-on experience before allowing them to drive independently with minimal restrictions.  

If you are visiting Ontario and hold a valid driver’s license from abroad, you can drive legally in the province for up to 90 days, provided your vehicle has adequate insurance and you carry proof of ownership. Those planning to settle in Ontario as permanent residents must apply for an Ontario driver’s license within 60 days of arriving. New residents with a valid driver’s license from a different province, state, or country can use it for the first 60 days after moving. This also applies to international students and foreign workers relocating to Ontario.  

Applying for a driver’s license in Ontario   

If you don’t have a driver’s license and wish to obtain one in Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old to apply.  

Steps to Obtain a Graduated Ontario Driver’s License   

1. Prepare for the test by studying the Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver’s Handbook and practicing ours G1 Practice Test Ontario. 
2. Schedule an appointment at a Drive Test Center online to take the written driver’s license test. 
3. A fee of $159.75 CAD additional taxes are required for the “G1 license package,” which includes the written knowledge test, your first road test (advancing you from a G1 to a G2 license), and a five-year licensing fee. You must pay this fee at the time of application. Customers can prepay for their bookings online; otherwise, they must make payment at Drive Test Centers.  4. On the day of your appointment, visit a Drive Test Center or a Travel Point (a temporary Drive Test Center in areas without a regional center). 
4. At the appointment, present valid, original proof of age, date of birth, and signature. We will also assess you for any medical conditions that could impact on your driving and conduct an eye exam. 
5. Take and pass the written test. 
6. After you pass the written test, you will receive your G1 license and become classified as a beginner driver.  8. After obtaining your G1 license, you must wait for almost a year before applying for a G2 license.  9. Your home country’s driving experience qualifies you for the license.  10. After you pass the G2 test, you will receive a full license. 

Level Up Your G1 Test Performance with Our Canada Learners Practice Tests  

Applying for an Ontario driver’s license is a lengthy process. It takes time, persistence, dedication, and money, no matter what you choose to apply for a G license or M license. Each license has a three-step graduation process, you should pass each step to get the full G or M license. It’s time to get practicing with us. Start your preparation by attempting our G1 Practice Test online. The tests mimic the official test pattern and derive their content from the MTO driver’s handbook. Using a single manual to prepare can feel monotonous. We use interactive tests with images to prepare you for any situation.