The Ultimate Ontario DriveTest Road Test Checklist: Pass Your G2/G With Confidence

The day of your G2 or G road test is the moment all your practice and preparation comes to a head. It's normal to feel nervous, but the best antidote to anxiety is being thoroughly prepared. Walking into the DriveTest centre knowing you've covered all your bases allows you to focus on one thing: driving safely.

This ultimate checklist is designed to ensure you're not surprised by anything. We'll cover the three critical areas of preparation: the vehicle, the documents, and you, the driver.

Part 1: The Vehicle Readiness Checklist

Before your test begins, the examiner will conduct a quick but thorough inspection of the vehicle you provide. If the vehicle is deemed unsafe or not in proper working order, your test will be cancelled on the spot, and you will lose your test fee. Go through this list item by item before leaving for your appointment.

• [ ] Brakes: Both the foot brake and the parking brake must work perfectly.
• [ ] Lights: All lights must be functional.
  • [ ] Headlights (low and high beams)
  • [ ] Turn Signals (front and rear, left and right)
  • [ ] Brake Lights (including the third, centre light)
• [ ] Horn: Must be in good working order.
• [ ] Tires: Must have adequate tread and be free of any obvious damage.
• [ ] Windshield & Wipers: The windshield must be clean, with no major cracks obstructing your view. Wipers must work properly.
• [ ] Doors & Windows: The examiner's door must open and close from both the inside and outside. Windows must be operational.
• [ ] Seatbelts: The seatbelt for the examiner's seat must be fully functional.
• [ ] Speedometer: Must work and be clearly visible.
• [ ] No Warning Lights: Your dashboard must be free of any illuminated warning lights (e.g., Check Engine, Airbag, ABS).
• [ ] Cleanliness: Ensure the vehicle is clean and free of clutter, especially on the passenger side. A clean car makes a good impression.
• [ ] Fuel: Make sure you have at least a quarter tank of gas. You don't want to run out of fuel during your test.

Part 2: The Essential Document Checklist

Arriving with incorrect or missing paperwork is an easy way to get sent home. Gather these documents and place them in a folder the night before. All documents must be original.

• [ ] Your Current Ontario Driver's License: You must have your physical G1 card (for a G2 test) or G2 card (for a G road test). Expired licenses or temporary paper licenses are not accepted for a road test.
• [ ] Vehicle Registration Permit: The original, green ownership permit for the vehicle. Ensure it is not expired and that the license plate number on the permit matches the plate on the car.
• [ ] Insurance Liability Card (Pink Slip): The original, valid insurance slip for the vehicle. Check the expiry date.
• [ ] Corrective Lenses: If your license has a condition "X" requiring you to wear glasses or contact lenses, you must be wearing them.

Part 3: The Driver Preparation Checklist (You!)

The car is ready, the papers are in order—now it's time to prepare yourself.

• [ ] Practice Key Maneuvers: This is the most important step.
  • For the G2 Test: Focus on residential driving skills. Master parallel parking, three-point turns, roadside stops (uphill/downhill parking), and reversing in a straight line.
  • For the G Test: You must be proficient in all G2 skills, plus highway driving. Practice merging onto a highway at speed, maintaining lane position, changing lanes safely on the highway, and exiting.
• [ ] Know the Rules: Refresh your memory on right-of-way at intersections, how to handle emergency vehicles, and the meaning of all traffic signs.
• [ ] Get a Good Night's Sleep: A rested mind is an alert mind. Don't cram practice the night before.
• [ ] Arrive Early: Plan to be at the DriveTest centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This gives you time to park, check in at the counter, use the washroom, and calm your nerves.
• [ ] Know What to Expect:
  • The examiner will give you clear, simple instructions. Their job is to assess your driving, not to trick you.
  • Avoid making small talk. Focus on your driving and listening for the next instruction.
  • Make your actions obvious. When you check your mirrors or blind spots, turn your head so the examiner can see you doing it.
• [ ] The Aftermath: When the test is over, the examiner will tell you your result. If you pass, congratulations! They will direct you inside to get your new license. If you are unsuccessful, listen carefully to their feedback. They will give you a scoresheet explaining where you made errors. This is invaluable information to help you practice and succeed next time.

By meticulously going through this checklist, you can eliminate preventable problems and walk into your road test with the confidence and focus needed to earn your next license. Good luck!