How to Pass Your Ontario G2 Test (Simple Guide for 2025)

Passing your Ontario G2 road test doesn’t have to be stressful. The exam is short, predictable, and focused on safe, basic driving skills. If you know what the examiner expects and avoid the common slip-ups, you’ll be in great shape to pass on your first try.

Here’s a quick, straightforward breakdown of what actually matters on the G2.

What Examiners Are Looking For

The G2 isn’t about advanced techniques — it’s about proving you can drive safely on regular city streets. You’ll be evaluated on:

• Smooth acceleration and braking
• Proper right-of-way decisions
• Signalling and lane use
• Turning safely
• Parking (parallel, 3-point turn, roadside stop)
• Consistent observation checks

If you can drive confidently without surprises, you’re already ahead.

Master Your Observation Checks

Most students fail because of missed shoulder checks.

Do these every time:

• Before lane changes
• Before turning right or left
• Before pulling over
• Before re-entering traffic

Also get in the habit of checking your mirrors every few seconds and scanning intersections, even with a green light. Examiners watch for this constantly.

Clean Turns = Big Points

Left turns

Slow down early, yield to oncoming cars, and turn into the correct lane. Tight, controlled turns are best.

Right turns

Check for pedestrians, shoulder check, slow down, and only accelerate once you’ve straightened out.

Speed Control Matters

Driving too slow can fail you just as quickly as speeding. Stay close to the posted limit and go with the flow of traffic.

As a guideline:

• Residential: 40–50 km/h
• Main roads: 50–60 km/h
• School zones: 30–40 km/h (when active)

Smooth and steady wins here.

Parking Skills You'll Need

You’ll be tested on at least one of the following:

• Parallel parking
• Three-point turn
• Roadside stop / pulling over
• Uphill/Downhill parking

The key is control, observation, and staying within a safe distance of the curb.

Common G2 Mistakes to Avoid

These are the mistakes that fail students most often:

• Rolling stops
• Not shoulder checking
• Turning into the wrong lane
• Driving too slow
• Late signals
• Not yielding to pedestrians
• Hesitating too much at intersections

If you avoid these, you’re already in great shape.

Final Tips to Pass Your G2 with Confidence

• Practice around the test center area
• Don’t rush your turns
• Aim for smooth, predictable driving
• Over-communicate with signals and checks
• Stay calm — the examiner wants you to pass

If you can drive safely for 15 minutes without major mistakes, you’ll pass.

Need Help Preparing?

Golden Key Driving School offers private G2 test prep lessons, and instructor feedback to help you pass with confidence.

Feel free to check out our lessons page for more details.