For all classes of licence you are required to pass three types of tests including knowledge tests, a vision test and a road test. Some classes of licence also require a medical examination.
Knowledge tests
The knowledge tests consist of two parts: driving situations, as well as the rules of the road, and sign identification. If you fail any part of these tests, you will be required to rewrite only the examination(s) you failed. You may write only once per day.
If you are unsure about the meaning of any of the questions, please ask the examiner to assist you. Cellphones and electronic devices are not allowed in the test area.
You can find practice test questions in the Let Me Drive quiz, as well as helpful animations in this online version of the handbook.
Vision test
The vision test may include:
- a colour test
- a field of vision test
- a visual acuity test
- distance judgment
There are certain minimum vision standards you must meet. If you fail to meet those standards, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist for further testing, and possible prescription of glasses or contact lenses. If you can pass the eye test only when you are wearing your glasses or contact lenses, you will be issued a restricted licence. This means your driver's licence will be valid only when you are wearing prescribed corrective lenses.
Learning period
The holder of a Class 7 licence must retain that classification for at least nine months before becoming eligible for any examinations toward obtaining a licence in any other class.
Road test
You are required to take a road test in the appropriate class of vehicle and you must supply the vehicle. The road test is an evaluation of your ability to safely operate a vehicle. You will be tested on:
- starting
- stopping
- turning
- traffic signs and signals
- proper lane driving
- travelling through controlled and uncontrolled intersections
- parallel parking and backing up
- anticipation of potential hazards
- various safe driving practices like speed selection and steering techniques
If you have any questions about the test, the examiner will be happy to answer them for you before the test starts.
Note: No pets or passengers, other than examination staff, are permitted in your vehicle during the road test.
A road test will be refused if:
- you are late for your appointment
- you do not have the appropriate driver's licence or have not paid the exam fee
- you cannot provide a Driver Education Certificate as proof of having completed the required driver education
- you have not held a Class 7 licence for at least nine months
- you do not meet the vision or medical fitness standards
- you drive to the test office illegally
- the vehicle you provide for the road test is unsafe or not equipped in accordance with the law. The Driver Examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins. The following list of equipment must be in working order, or the test can be refused:
- horn
- signal lights
- brake lights
- headlights (as required)
- windshield wipers (as required)
- working defrost (as required)
- seatbelts
- speedometer
- one valid licence plate properly attached to the rear of the vehicle
- unobstructed windshield
- no aftermarket tinting on the windshield or front side windows
- functioning driver's and front passenger's doors
- proper seats
- the passenger compartment of the vehicle is not clean
- the vehicle is not the right class for the licence you want
You will fail the road test if you:
- exceed the speed limit
- are involved in a collision for which you are 50% or more responsible
- fail to stop where required
- fail to yield to vehicles and pedestrians
- fail to wear a seatbelt
- cannot parallel park
- disobey traffic lights
- fail to follow a request from the examiner
- require the assistance of the examiner
- make a combination of minor mistakes
At the end of the road test, a complete report will be given to you with all errors explained. If you were unsuccessful, the report will indicate where improvement is required. When you have had more practice, you may make an appointment for another road test. You must pay an additional test fee before each road test. If you are applying for a Class 5 licence and fail your road test, you must wait two weeks before you may repeat it.
Additional training may be recommended or a longer learning period imposed. If you were successful on the road test you must take the Driver Examination Certificate to any SGI motor licence issuer within 12 months to have your new class of licence validated. There may be an administration fee for this service.
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