3 STEPS TO GETTING YOUR LICENCE:
G1 - WRITTEN TEST (like getting your Leaners licence in South Africa)
This test is done on a touch screen computer. I did mine at Drive Test in Oakville on Wyecroft Road.
Having your G1 means that you can drive with another driver who has a full Canadian drivers license (called a G license, see below) and more than 4 years driving experience.
➡︎ LEARNING FOR YOUR G1
You can get the G1 handbook from your local library (go get your free library card), or
Download the G1 Genius app on your phone. This is the best way to learn, they have a great test simulator under "exam mode".
G2 - DRIVE TEST (with limitations)
There are limitations to this licence in that you may not drive between midnight and 5am with more than one driver, that is not family.
This is the next step in the driving process for beginner drivers. You will not necessarily do this licence as someone who already has driving experience.
As a South African with driving experience, you will complete your G1 and then book your G licence. You will however need to prove that you have driving experience (see below on how to get this verification document).
G - DRIVE TEST - (full licence: "G" stands for Graduated licence)
This drive test is not as stressful as the South African K43 drive test! Promise. I think we were more stressed about it because we were being tested on something we can do with our eyes closed (sort of!). So it was nerve-racking! The whole drive test was literally 15 or maybe 20 minutes and I was done! Book your G licence as soon as possible after passing your G1. The slots book up really quickly, you can only book online once your have your G1 licence number. Find a Drive Test Centre close to you to book the G1 and G tests.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A FOREIGN LICENCE
Go to www.drivetest.ca to get all the information you need on obtaining a foreign licence, booking your G1 and G tests. This website covers costs, documents, international licences, licence exchange, motorbike licences, etc.
VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS - DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Go to http://www.dirco.gov.za/consular/drivers_license.htm for the process to get your South African Verification documents to prove your driving experience.
DRIVING LESSONS
Download www.yelp.ca to find the closest driving schools to you. (Young Drivers of Canada, Roadaware, G1/G2, Ultimate Drivers, ABC Driving School, Green Light are some). I recommend you go for a couple of lessons (2 or 3 should me more than enough and make sure that one of these lessons is done just before your G test. Your driving coach may even suggest it).
If you work through a driving school, you would usually use their car for your driving test, which is great since you have been using this car for your lessons.
You will not be permitted to use your car backup cameras for any part of your driving - so using their car is best. The driving school vehicle has been through checks and the Drive Test Centre is very familiar with these drive instructors, which helps.
Good luck!!!! See you on the right side of the road - what's left of it! (Standard joke in Canada....potholes are a thing here because of the salt on the roads. There are almost as many potholes as there are lakes, I think!)
XOXO
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