What Happens if You Fail Your G Test in Ontario?

By Lois Tuffin | Published on 11 Sep 2023

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    So, you took your G Test in Ontario and unfortunately, you didn’t get the outcome you had hoped for. Don’t despair. After all, many people fail their G Test on their first attempt. But what happens if you fail your G test?

    In this article, we will explore the various repercussions of failing the G Test in Ontario, including time and money. With these tips, you can easily bounce back from this setback.

    Understanding the G Test in Ontario

    Before we dive into the specifics of failing the G Test, let’s first understand what the G Test entails. Ontario’s G Test marks the final step towards obtaining your full driver’s license in Ontario. 

    It assesses your ability to handle a vehicle safely and responsibly in various driving conditions. This comprehensive road test evaluates your knowledge of traffic laws and defensive driving skills Further, it reveals your ability to anticipate and react to potential hazards. In short, the G Test ensures that you can navigate Ontario’s roads on your own. But what happens if you fail your G test can cost your in terms of money and delays.

    The Importance of the G Test

    Passing the G license test grants you the freedom to drive without any restrictions, allowing you to explore the open roads with confidence. Imagine the thrill of embarking on a road trip with friends or family. While taking the wheel, you know that you have the skills and knowledge to handle any situation that may arise.

    Vitally, many employment opportunities require a valid G license, as driving may become an essential aspect of the job. Perhaps you aim for a career as a delivery driver, a sales representative or even a rideshare driver. In any case, having a G license opens up a world of possibilities. It shows potential employers that you can safely operate a vehicle.

    Lastly, a G license often helps lower your car insurance rates, making it more affordable for you to hit the road. Insurance companies view G licensed drivers as less risky, as they have proven their competence through a rigorous testing process. This can result in significant savings on your insurance premiums. As a result, you can allocate your funds towards other important aspects of your life.

    Components of the G Test

    You may also know the G Test as the G2 exit test. It marks the final step of the journey from your G1 (learner’s permit) and G2 (one year of practice tests) licences. To clear the backlog of G road tests, Ontario has removed these components:

    • parallel parking
    • roadside stops
    • 3-point turn
    • driving in residential neighbourhoods

    However, new drivers must still merge and drive on highways, signal appropriately and navigate turns, curves, intersections and business areas. To do so, you need a solid knowledge of road signs.

    Additionally, the examiner will observe how you respond to different road conditions, such as complex intersections. They will assess your ability to make safe, confident decisions, so you feel well-prepared for the challenges of real-world driving.

    Preparing for the G Test requires a combination of practical driving experience and studying the Ontario Driver’s Handbook. It helps to practice your driving skills in various conditions and seek guidance from experienced drivers or driving instructors. 

    Remember, the G Test doesn’t just focus on passing a test; it’s about becoming a safe and responsible driver. So, embrace the learning process, take the time to develop your skills, and approach the G Test with confidence. Passing this test will open up a world of opportunities and set you on the path to a lifetime of enjoyable and safe driving.

    Receiving Your G Test Results

    After completing the G Test, you will receive immediate feedback from the examiner regarding your performance. They will provide you with constructive criticism and highlight the areas where you need improvement. Listen attentively and take note of their advice as it will help you enhance your driving skills for the future.

    As you receive your test results, you may experience a mix of emotions. You may feel a sense of disappointment or frustration, especially if you had high expectations for yourself. Naturally, these emotions are normal and valid. Take a moment to acknowledge and process them, but also remind yourself that setbacks come with the learning process.

    Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of failing the G Test, use this opportunity to reflect on your performance. Consider what went wrong and how you can improve in those areas. Remember, every mistake is a chance to learn and grow.

    Retaking the G Test

    What happens if you fail your G test? First, take time to regroup, refocus and prepare for your second attempt. After all, you can still keep driving under the same restrictions as before, such as never driving alone. Keep these key aspects in mind:

    Scheduling a Retest

    Once you’ve accepted your test results, you can retake the G Test as soon as you can book another appointment. The waiting period varies depending on which Ontario DriveTest location you use and its backlog. 

    If your G1 licence remains valid, you can try the road test again anytime within five years of first securing it. However, if five years have elapsed, you will need to start all over and pay the test fees again. The full package adds up to $159.75.

    Perhaps you’d like to try a different location next time. After all, different centres have widely varying rates of passing or failing the G2 road test. A change of scenery may help you the next time around.

    Preparing for a Retest

    Preparing diligently for your retake boosts your chances of success. Take the time to review and understand the areas where you struggled during your previous attempt. Practice those specific skills until you feel confident in performing them flawlessly. Consider taking additional driving lessons from a qualified instructor at a government-approved driving school. All these steps further hone your skills and address any specific weak spots.

    Financial Implications of Failing the G Test

    Failing the G Test may come with some extra costs. For the next attempt, budget for these repercussions:

    Retest Fees and Other Costs

    When retaking the G Test, you must pay the applicable fees. Each time, you pay test fees of $91.25. Also, a full set of driving classes typically cost $600, with fees ranging from $575 to $800. However, you may just need a few in-person sessions to bone up on the skills identified by your examiner.

    Additionally, if you had planned to purchase or rent a car, you’ll have to pause that transaction. As a result, you might incur additional expenses or have to find another vehicle later.

    Impact on Car Insurance Rates

    While passing the G Test may impact your car insurance rates, failing it does not increase your family’s car insurance rates. However, the sooner you reach this milestone, the sooner you’ll see up to a 10 percent savings in your premiums. Since new drivers tend to pay more for insurance, this can result in substantial savings.

    To save even more, invest in those pre-test driving lessons. Once you graduate, the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario attaches your certificate from a licensed school to your driving record. 

    Usually, insurance companies rate new drivers at one star, but this distinction will change your rating to a three-star driver. This equals a driver with more than three years of driving experience. When insurance companies upgrade your status, they may also lower your car insurance rates by 10 to 20 percent. Those savings can really add up within those key early years.

    Failing Your G Test in Ontario: The Bottom Line

    Failing the G Test in Ontario may feel disheartening at first. However, what happens if you fail your G test doesn’t signal the end of your journey towards obtaining your full driver’s license. Approach the situation with a positive mindset, learn from your mistakes and use the experience to become a better driver. 

    Remember, many successful drivers have faced setbacks along the way. With determination and perseverance, you can overcome this hurdle and achieve your goal of becoming a licensed Ontario driver!

    FAQs About Failing Your G Test in Ontario

    What happens if I fail my G test in Ontario?

    If you fail a G test in Ontario, you can take it again anytime within five years of first securing your G1 licence. However, if five years have elapsed, you will need to start all over and pay $159.75 again. It may take some time to book another appointment due to backlogs.

    Can I retake a G test after failing it?

    Yes, you can retake a G test after failing it. You can try again as often as needed to pass as long as you can book these attempts during a five-year window. The clock starts ticking when you get your G1 licence. To boost your chances, and lower your insurance rates, consider a class from a government-approved driving school.

    How many times can you fail your G test?

    You can fail your G test multiple times and still go back for an unlimited number of attempts. However, you must succeed within five years of getting your G1 licence. The sooner you book another appointment, you’ll have more chances to reach your goal. Each time, assess where you fall short so you learn and hone your skills to become a better driver.

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    Lois Tuffin has worked as a journalist since 1989, beginning in community newspapers in the Ottawa area. Subsequently, she managed three newsrooms in the Peterborough area for 15 years, winning every major industry award for her opinion pieces and leadership. Along the way, she never stopped writing and interviewing, fueled by an insatiable curiosity. As of 2020, she began her own freelance enterprise. Since then, she has written articles for Motor Magazine, Motor Age, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. As a finance junkie, she also has written business books in the style of The Wealthy Barber for clients in Canada and Saudi Arabia.