Knowing what to expect on a class G road test will make you avoid any bad surprises on that day. Furthermore, it will help you pass the test if you know what is expected of you. What exactly will the examiners check or instruct you to do?
The meet up
The examiner will be punctual to show up at the agreed meet up point on time. Try to arrive at the test center at least 10 minutes earlier than scheduled to avoid any inconvenience. Remember that if you’re too late to show up at the test center, the road test will be cancelled. Once you meet up with the examiner, he/she will check out your credentials. Depending on your Canadian province or territory, the documents may vary. For instance, in Ontario you will need to carry your G1 license to show you passed the written exam. Of course, any supporting document that proves your vehicle is fully insured and original identification that shows your legal name, DOB and signature will be essential in this stage. The examiner will then ask you a few questions to confirm if the details are correct before asking you to sign a declaration form. After confirming your document details, the examiner will proceed to check if your brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers and headlights are working. The examiner will likely go a step further by checking if other components of the vehicle are in order too so make sure your car is in perfect condition. Expect an eye-sight test to be done before the road test.
During the G road test (up to 20 minutes timeline)
After being assured, the examiner will give the go-ahead to start the road test. However, the examiner will be very keen to check if you fasten the safety belt before starting the vehicle.
Once you’re backing up out of the parking space, the examiner will check if you signal, check the mirrors and look for any blind spots.
The examiner will instruct you to make a few right or left turns on the road to evaluate your turning skills.
Before making any turn, the examiner will check if you signal, look both ways and proceed with caution.
If you reach a red light, the examiner will check if you will make a complete stop behind the white line before making a turn.
It is very likely that you will make a turn to a multi-lane road. Keep in mind that when making a turn on a multi-lane road, do not cross lane markings and stay in your respective lane. For instance, a right turn on a multi-lane road should be turned from a right lane to a right lane.
Once you’re at a four-way stop, the examiner asses if you know which vehicle has the right of way.
While driving, the examiner will be keen to see if you constantly check the mirrors and observe traffic around you.
What about the acceleration? Is it smooth? Are you within the speed limit? Are both of your hands on the steering wheel? Such questions will be lingering on the examiner’s mind as you take the road test.
During the G road test (between 20-40 minutes)
The examiner will likely instruct you to proceed to the highway.
Once you’re on the highway, the examiner will instruct you to change multiple lanes to test if you signal and check your mirrors/blind spots before you take any action.
Be aware that you should constantly monitor your surroundings on the highway and there should be at least 3 seconds gap between the traffic in front and behind you.
Tailgating is a direct ground for failure! Are you in the right lane unless you’re passing slower traffic? How do you overtake? Such questions are what the examiner will be looking for to answer.
On a typical class G road test route, you will pass through a residential area or a school zone to asses if the candidate will observe the road signs, slow down gradually and watch out for pedestrians.
On a crosswalk, the examiner will check for your head movement. Observation is important; make sure you look out for cars making turns from mall entrances or other side streets.
Usually, in residential areas, there are not enough stop signs with warning strips along intersections. However, the examiner will evaluate if you will stop to check if it is safe to proceed on a residential intersection.
Examiners know beginner drivers don’t like to parallel park so they will ask you to do it before the test is over. Be sure to practice parallel parking sufficiently before the test since a lot of candidates fail on that part.
Additionally, expect the examiner to instruct you to do a 3 point turn.
Note: Although an emergency vehicle like an ambulance on siren driving behind you is not generally a part of the driving exam, it is wise to expect the unexpected. If it does happen, pull over to the side and let it pass but don’t forget to signal.
After the G road test
- You can practice G1 test online before you sit your knowledge test at a driveTest Centre.
- Visit here for road test booking.
- Check out best and worst place to take you road test in Ontario.
