Moving to Ontario? How Soon to Change Your Driver's License?
When you move to a new province or country, it’s important to be aware of the local driving requirements. If you hold an out-of-province or foreign driver’s license, it will only be valid for 60 days after you arrive in Ontario. After this period, you must obtain an Ontario driver’s license from the Ministry of Transportation. Not doing so could result in a fine. The process for getting an Ontario driver’s license varies depending on your previous location. Here’s what you need to know.
Obtaining an Ontario Driver’s License if You are Moving to Ontario within Canada
If you are moving to Ontario and hold a valid driver’s license from another province, then you can exchange it for a full G Ontario license without any extra testing. However, you may be asked for an eye test to determine whether you can drive without glasses.
There are exceptions to this rule. You must have at least two years of driving experience with a full license, and this experience must be within the past three years. If you have less than two years of full license experience, you can obtain a G2 license first and then progress to a full G license by passing the G2 exit test.
For those with an out-of-province learner’s permit, you may only qualify for a G1 learner’s license in Ontario, which will require passing both the G1 and G2 tests to achieve a full license. The Ministry of Transportation provides detailed information about their requirements on their website.
Obtaining an Ontario Driver’s License if You are Moving to Ontario from Another Country
Ontario has a license exchange agreement with several countries that have similar licensing processes and road safety regulations. Here’s a list of selected countries that have a streamlined process to obtain an Ontario license:
- United States of America
- Australia
- Austria
- United Kingdom
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
If you come from a country not on this list, then the process is a bit lengthier. You will need to provide an official confirmation of your license from your country’s transportation ministry or another government body like an embassy or consulate. It should be dated (and written within the last 6 months), written on the official letterhead, and written in either English or French.
The type of license you receive and how soon you can obtain a full G license depends on your driving experience. If you have less than a year of driving experience in the past three years, you will only be able to get a G1 learner’s permit. You will need to complete the full waiting periods for each new license test (8-12 months to go from a G1 to G2, another 12 months to go from G2 to G).
If you have 1-2 years of driving experience in the past three years, then you will be eligible to take the G1 exit test shortly. Passing this test will grant you a G2 license. The MTO might also consider your driving experience as time towards the mandatory waiting time between licenses, which could reduce the 12-month wait required to upgrade from G2 to a full G license.
If you have two or more years of driving experience within the past three years, then you will be eligible to take either a G1 or G2 exit test. If you take the G1 exit test and pass, then you will receive a G2 license and can immediately take the G2 exit test without having to go through the 12-month waiting period.
Get Closer to Your License with the G1 Practice Test Ontario
Are you passionate about driving on Ontario roads but lack an Ontario Driver’s License? We will help you pass the G1 Test with our effective Driver License Practice Test Ontario. You may attempt the G1 Written Test directly, but practice always makes it better and perfect. For this purpose, we have prepared online practice tests for your trial. Our Practice Tests are identical to the actual test. This trial method has proved successful for many candidates, as they were able to pass the G1 Knowledge Test on the first attempt with our guidance.
The Canada Learners Practice Test Online is advantageous for beginners and those who have failed even after multiple attempts. Our practice test sessions prepare you well for the actual exam, giving you an overall idea of the test. The practice tests ensure you get all the theoretical knowledge you need to know before you start driving, including state road signals, traffic rules, road rules, etc. It gives you a clear understanding of safe driving practices. Practicing with the G1 Practice Tests prepares you for the actual exam and provides familiarity with the test format and types of questions, which reduces anxiety and boosts confidence for the exam.
