Common G test mistakes and how to avoid them

How the examiner marks you

The examiner scores you against set criteria on a form or tablet scoresheet. For each driving task, the Official MTO Driver's Handbook lists the actions you are expected to perform, such as a traffic check, a signal or a speed adjustment. Missing those actions is how marks are lost.

That makes the handbook's Level Two road test chapter the best study guide for avoiding mistakes. The sections below group the actions learners most need to remember, task by task. DriveTest does not publish a list of automatic fails, so this guide sticks to what official sources say.

Highway and expressway mistakes

The highway component is what sets the G road test apart from the G2 road test, so expect close attention here. Based on the handbook's freeway tasks, avoid these mistakes:

• Merging without a full check. On the ramp, check mirrors and your blind spot as soon as you can see freeway traffic.
• Signalling late. Signal as soon as freeway traffic can see you on the ramp.
• Merging below freeway speed. Use the acceleration lane to match the speed of traffic.
• Merging into a bad spot. Don't move in beside another vehicle or into its blind spot.
• Following too closely. Keep at least a two- to three-second gap, and more if someone tailgates you.
• Poor speed control. Don't exceed the speed limit, and don't drive unreasonably slowly.
• Forgetting your mirrors. Check them every 5 to 10 seconds.
• Slowing too early at exits. Don't slow down until you are completely in the exit lane.
• Crossing solid lines between exit lanes.
• Leaving your signal on after a merge, lane change or exit.

Our highway driving guide walks through each of these step by step.

Lane change mistakes

A lane change has several required actions, and skipping any of them can cost marks:

• Not looking all around before moving
• Not checking the far lane when there is one beyond the lane you are moving into
• Signalling too late for traffic behind to react
• Skipping the final blind-spot check after signalling
• Moving in beside another vehicle or into its blind spot
• Not matching the speed of the new lane
• Drifting instead of moving smoothly into the centre of the lane
• Steering with one hand (the handbook expects both hands, unless a disability prevents it)

Turn and intersection mistakes

Turns and intersections are on both versions of the G test. The handbook is specific about what counts:

• Rolling stops. Come to a complete stop without rolling forward or backward.
• Wrong stopping position. Stop behind the stop line. If there is none, stop at the crosswalk, then the edge of the sidewalk, then the edge of the intersection. If you stop past the line, don't back up.
• Too little space behind a vehicle. Leave room to pull around it without backing up.
• Wheels turned while waiting. Keep front wheels straight while waiting to turn left.
• Hesitating. Move ahead within four to five seconds once it is safe.
• Wide or short turns. Turn into the matching lane without crossing lane markings or curbs.
• Changing lanes in an intersection. Don't cross lane markings or go around a vehicle blocking your lane inside the intersection.

One line in the handbook sums up traffic checks: you have not properly checked traffic if another vehicle or pedestrian has the right-of-way and must take action to avoid your vehicle.

Curve and business area mistakes

On curves, the handbook expects you to slow to a safe speed before the curve rather than braking in it, and to look as far around it as you can so you stay centred in your lane.

In business areas, watch for vehicles and pedestrians at entrances, crossings and railway crossings, not just at intersections. Choose the safest lane for through traffic, which is usually the curb lane unless it is blocked.

Relying on driving aids

The handbook says electronic driving aids may not be used on the road test. It names automatic parallel-parking systems, lane monitoring, cruise control and back cameras. You need to show the skill yourself through shoulder checks and mirror checks.

DriveTest confirms you can use a vehicle that has a rear camera. You still have to show good observation by turning your head, checking mirrors and looking around.

When a test can be stopped or never start

Some problems end a road test before you can earn a pass. DriveTest says the examiner may stop or refuse to start the test if:

• Your vehicle is not in good working order
• You show any signs of impairment from alcohol or drugs
• Your driving skills are not good enough to finish the test without risking safety

DriveTest also lists reasons a test is declared out-of-order, which costs you 50% of your fee. For the G road test, these include:

• Not having enough G2 highway experience
• Passengers or pets in the vehicle
• Refusing to wear a seat belt before or during the test
• Not wearing corrective lenses when your licence requires them
• In-vehicle recording devices that aren't disabled
• Vehicle defects such as a non-working brake light, turn signal or horn, a damaged windshield, or a flat or temporary tire

Arriving late or missing your appointment is different: DriveTest's cancellation policy says you lose your prepaid road test fee.

How to avoid these mistakes

Practise each task until the checks are automatic. Say your actions out loud on practice drives, such as "mirror, signal, shoulder check", so nothing gets skipped under pressure.

The Roadity iPhone app helps you practise this rhythm on real roads. Its G practice routes near 19 Ontario DriveTest centres give spoken turn-by-turn guidance and hints, including at highway entrances, merges and exits. Examiners choose the route on the day, so the goal is skill, not memorizing a route. Download Roadity, then work through the free G road test checklist before your test.