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Every question, answered

G1, G2 and full G licences, MTO-approved BDE courses, driving lessons, pickup, pricing — everything students and parents ask us, in one place. Type to find your answer instantly.

Licences & road tests

How do I get a driver's licence in Ontario?
Ontario uses graduated licensing: pass the written knowledge test for your G1, practise, pass a road test for your G2, then a final highway-level road test for your full G. Most new drivers go from G1 to fully licensed in around two years.
What's the difference between G1, G2 and full G?
G1 is a learner's permit — you drive only with a fully licensed driver beside you. G2 lets you drive on your own with some restrictions. Full G is the complete, unrestricted Ontario licence.
How long until I can take my G2 road test?
Twelve months after getting your G1 — or just 8 months if you complete an MTO-approved BDE course like ours.
How long do I have to finish the graduated licensing process?
Five years from the day you get your G1. If time runs out, you start over — so plan your road tests with room to spare.
What should I bring to my road test?
Your valid licence, your booking confirmation, glasses or contacts if you need them for driving, and a vehicle in proper working order. Arrive early — showing up late can mean rebooking and paying the test fee again.
Which DriveTest centres do City Star students use?
Most of our students test at Downsview, Metro East, Port Union or Etobicoke (Centennial Park). Each one tests very different roads — see our Toronto, Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough pages for what to expect at each.
What happens if I fail my road test?
You rebook through DriveTest and pay the test fee again. Before the retake, we recommend a refresher lesson focused on exactly what went wrong — it makes the second attempt a very different experience.
I have a driver's licence from another country — where do I start?
It depends on the country and your driving experience. Ontario exchanges licences with some countries outright; others can credit your experience so you skip straight to a G2 or full G road test. Call us at 416 996 9395 and we'll point you to the right path.

The BDE course

What is Beginner Driver Education (BDE)?
BDE is Ontario's government-approved new-driver program: a structured curriculum of classroom and in-car training delivered by MTO-licensed driving schools, with official certification recorded on your driving record when you finish.
What's included in a BDE course?
At minimum: 20 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours one-on-one in the car, and 10 hours of flexible instruction — the MTO standard every approved course must meet.
Why take a BDE course at all?
Three reasons: you can take your G2 road test after 8 months instead of 12, you may qualify for a car insurance discount, and — the part that matters most — you actually learn to drive safely, not just to pass a test.
Is City Star an MTO-approved school?
Yes. City Star Driving School Ltd. is a Ministry of Transportation-approved BDE provider — our curriculum, classroom and instructors are all held to the government standard, and have been for 20+ years.
How long do I have to complete the course?
MTO rules give you one year from your course start date to finish all components. With classes running 7 days a week, most students finish well within that.
Do I get a certificate when I finish?
Your certification is recorded electronically with DriveTest and appears on your driver's licence history — nothing to print or lose, and insurers can verify it from that record.

Lessons & scheduling

When do lessons run?
Seven days a week, 9 AM to 9 PM — including evenings and weekends, because that's when students are actually free.
Do you pick me up for lessons?
Yes. Free pickup and drop-off comes with every in-car lesson — home, school or work, anywhere in Toronto, Etobicoke, North York or Scarborough.
Which areas do you serve?
Toronto, Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough — each with its own dedicated page covering local roads and DriveTest centres. Start from our locations page.
Can I request a female instructor?
Absolutely. Mention it when registering or on the phone and we'll arrange it — no fuss.
I'm nervous behind the wheel. Is that a problem?
It's the most normal thing in the world — and honestly, our specialty. Lessons move at your pace, starting on quieter streets, and confidence gets built one small win at a time.
Do lessons run in winter?
Year-round — and winter lessons are underrated. Learning snow and slush with a certified instructor beside you beats facing your first storm alone after you're licensed.
How do I reschedule a lesson?
Call us at 416 996 9395 as early as you can and we'll adjust your schedule.

Pricing & registration

How much do driving lessons cost?
Every package has one clean, itemized price — package cost plus taxes and certification fee, nothing hidden. Current G1, G2 and full G pricing is on our Courses & Pricing page.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. What you see on the pricing page is what you pay: the package, applicable taxes and the certification fee, all itemized before you commit.
How do I register?
Three ways: online in about two minutes, by phone at 416 996 9395, or in person at 180 John Street, Suite 419, Toronto — 7 days a week.
Can a parent register for their teen?
Yes — parents do it all the time. Just include the student's details on the form and mention any preferences, like a female instructor.
What happens after I register?
Our team reaches out to confirm your package and build a lesson schedule around your week.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes. Your details go only to our registration team, are used only to set up your course, and are never sold or shared for marketing.

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Question not on the list?

Every situation is a little different — licences from abroad, tight timelines, nervous starts. One call sorts it out.

416 996 9395

Open 7 days · 9 AM–9 PM · 180 John Street, Suite 419, Toronto

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