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Navigating the Process of Exchanging a Foreign Driver's License in Ontario and Taking the G1 Test

  • Writer: Ada Ndubisi
    Ada Ndubisi
  • 25 minutes ago
  • 5 min read

So you’ve landed in Ontario — wide roads, winter tires, “use your signal!” energy everywhere — and now you’re staring at your foreign driver’s licence wondering, “Can I use this? Do I take a test? Why is everyone talking about G1, G2, G?”


Welcome. Let’s break this down the way newcomers actually need it explained..



Eye-level view of Ontario Ministry of Transportation building entrance
Ontario Ministry of Transportation building entrance, eye-level view

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is where many newcomers begin their licensing journey.



Ontario’s Graduated Licensing System (G1 → G2 → G) — The Quick Breakdown


Before we talk about exchanging foreign licences, you need to understand the skeleton of Ontario’s licensing system.


Ontario uses a graduated licensing structure for regular cars (Class G):


G1 (written test + vision test)

  • Beginner stage

  • You must drive with a fully licensed driver

  • No driving on 400-series highways unless with a certified instructor

  • No driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.

  • Zero alcohol in your system

Wait time:

12 months, or 8 months if you take an approved driving course.


G2 (first road test)

  • You can drive alone

  • You can drive on all roads

  • Must maintain 0% alcohol if under 21

  • Some passenger restrictions for young drivers

Wait time:

  • Normally 12 months before attempting the G test.


Full G (final road test)

  • Highway driving + advanced skills

  • Removes most restrictions

  • Usually lowers your insurance

  • You’re officially “free.”


From scratch, it normally takes 20–24 months to move from G1 → G2 → G.


But if you already have a foreign licence, your timeline can shrink significantly.

Close-up view of a G1 Ontario driver's license card
Close-up of Ontario G1 driver's license card

Can You Drive With Your Foreign Licence When You Arrive?

Yes, but only for a short time.

If you become a resident of Ontario, your foreign licence is only valid for 60 days of driving. After that, you need to start the Ontario licensing process.


Two Paths for Newcomers: Do You Get a Direct Exchange or Not?

Ontario divides foreign licence holders into two categories:


Path A — Countries With Direct Exchange (No G1 Written Test Needed)

Ontario has reciprocal agreements with several countries. If your licence is from one of them, congratulations — your process is the easiest.


Countries with direct exchange agreements:

  • All Canadian provinces/territories

  • All U.S. states

  • Australia

  • Austria, Germany, Switzerland

  • Belgium, Denmark, Hungary

  • France

  • Great Britain (UK)

  • Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland

  • Japan

  • South Korea

  • New Zealand

  • Taiwan


How the exchange works:

  • Bring your foreign licence + ID to DriveTest

  • Take a vision test

  • Provide any required documents (some countries need a driving abstract)

  • If you have 2+ years of driving experience, you can be granted a full G

  • If under 2 years, you’ll usually be given a G2


Special Note: Japan

Japan is the unicorn of the list:

  • You can exchange without surrendering your Japanese licence

  • Usually only need your licence + consular certificate/IDP

  • With 2+ years experience, many Japanese newcomers walk out with a full G on the same day


Path B — Countries Without Direct Exchange (Nigeria, India, Philippines, etc.)


If you’re from a non-exchange country, Ontario still recognizes your driving experience — but you will not skip the G1 written test.

This applies to Nigeria, India, Ghana, Philippines, Pakistan, UAE, China (depending on province), and many others.


Your process looks like this:

  1. Take the G1 written test

  2. Do a vision test

  3. Provide a driving record/extract proving your driving experience

  4. Skip waiting periods if your experience is accepted

  5. Immediately book G2 or G road tests (depending on how many years you’ve driven)


Experience Credits: How Ontario Decides Your Path

Your foreign driving record determines whether you start at G1, G2, or go straight to G.

0–12 months of experience:

  • Standard track

  • G1 written

  • Must wait 12 months (or 8 with lessons) for G2

  • Then wait 12 months to attempt G

12–24 months of experience:

  • G1 written

  • Can take the G2 road test immediately

  • Then wait out remaining months before attempting G

24+ months of experience (within the last 3 years):

  • G1 written

  • You can book the G road test immediately

  • If you pass → you jump straight to full G

This is how foreign drivers massively shorten the journey.


🇳🇬 Spotlight: Nigerians Exchanging Their Licence in Ontario

Nigeria is not an exchange country — but Nigerians can fast-track the process if they provide:

  • Valid Nigerian driver’s licence

  • A driving extract/authentication

  • Letter from Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa confirming your licence details


Typical Nigerian path:

  1. G1 written test

  2. Vision test

  3. Submit your authenticated extract

  4. With 2+ years of experience:

    • Wait time waived

    • You may book G2 or G road test immediately

So yes — you still take G1, but that dreaded 1-year wait after G1 is removed.


Required Documents for ALL Newcomers

Regardless of country, bring:

  • Your foreign licence (translated if not English/French)

  • Passport or immigration document

  • Proof of address

  • Any required driving abstracts or authentication letters

  • Payment for test/exchange fees

  • Glasses/contacts (if you use them)


How Long This Whole Thing Actually Takes

Exchange-country newcomer (with 2+ years experience):

1 day — licence exchange completed, walk out with G

Exchange-country newcomer (<2 years experience):

1 day + future G road test

Non-exchange country with 2+ years experience (e.g., Nigeria):

1–14 days depending on document authentication + test availability

Non-exchange country with <2 years experience:

8–24 months, depending on your course + wait times


Step-by-Step: Your First 60 Days in Ontario (Driver’s Edition)

Week 1–2

  • Verify if your country is on the exchange list

  • Request your extract/authentication letter if you need one

  • Study for the G1 written test (use the MTO handbook)

Week 2–4

  • Take your G1 test

  • Submit your foreign driving experience documents

Week 4+ (depending on credits)

  • Book your G2 or G test

  • Or start driving lessons if needed


Tips to Make Your Life Easier

  • Start document requests early — some embassies take weeks

  • Book your G tests immediately — waitlists vary

  • Practice in the area you’ll be tested

  • If in doubt, take lessons — Ontario examiners are picky

  • Don’t drive alone on G1, even if you drove for 10 years abroad

  • Buy winter tires if you’re testing between November–April


Final Thoughts

Ontario’s licensing process looks intimidating from afar — forms, acronyms, mysterious “G1/G2/G” levels, and the eternal question: Will my foreign licence count for anything?

Here’s the good news:

  • If your country is on the exchange list, you’re laughing — show documents, do vision test, walk out with G or G2.

  • If your country isn’t on the list (Nigeria, India, etc.), you’ll still write G1 — but your past driving can dramatically reduce the timeline.

  • And once you get your G?Insurance drops, life becomes easier, and you finally understand why Canadians take driving so seriously.

Learning to drive here isn’t just paperwork — it’s part of settling into your new Canadian life. And you’ve got this.

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