Top 12 Driving Test Mistakes in Ontario, Canada (2026)
Every year, thousands of Ontario drivers fail their G2 and G driving tests for the same avoidable reasons. Here are the 12 most common mistakes — including the pedestrian crossover and school zone rules that catch many drivers off guard — and exactly how to fix them before your test.
Based on real DriveTest Ontario feedback and the official Ontario Driver's Handbook. Applies to G2 and G road tests across all Ontario cities. Updated October 2026.
Rolling Through Stop Signs
Automatic FailThis is the single most common reason people fail the G2 and G driving tests in Ontario. A rolling stop — where your car slows down but doesn't fully stop — is treated as a major fault and results in an automatic fail. Your wheels must be completely still before you proceed at every stop sign, every time.
How to fix it: After stopping, count "one-one-thousand" silently before moving. Make it a habit during every practice drive.
Failing to Shoulder Check
Automatic FailMirror checks are not enough. Before changing lanes, merging onto a highway, pulling away from a curb, or making a turn, you must physically turn your head and look over your shoulder. Examiners specifically watch for this. Skipping a shoulder check is a major fault.
How to fix it: Make shoulder checks an exaggerated habit during practice — turn your head visibly so the examiner can clearly see you doing it.
Not Signalling Early Enough
Minor FaultMany drivers signal at the same time they start turning — this is too late. In Ontario, you must signal at least 30 metres before turning in a city, and 150 metres on a highway. Signalling late doesn't give other drivers enough warning and is marked as a fault.
How to fix it: Signal before you start braking. Think: signal → brake → turn. In that order, every time.
Driving Too Slowly
Minor FaultTest-takers often drive well below the speed limit thinking it's safer. But driving significantly below the posted limit disrupts traffic flow and is marked as a fault. On a 50 km/h road, driving at 35 km/h is a problem. Aim to drive at the posted speed limit under normal conditions.
How to fix it: Check your speedometer regularly. If you're more than 10 km/h below the limit on a clear road, speed up gradually.
Parking Too Far from the Curb
Minor FaultDuring parallel parking, you must park within 30 cm (about 12 inches) of the curb. Many drivers park too far out — sometimes 50–60 cm away — which is marked as a fault. The examiner will check your distance after you park.
How to fix it: Practice parallel parking until you can consistently park within 30 cm. Use a reference point on your car (like the side mirror) to judge distance.
Forgetting to Check Mirrors Regularly
Minor FaultExaminers expect you to check your mirrors every 5–8 seconds. Many test-takers focus so hard on the road ahead that they forget to scan their mirrors. Before braking, always check your rearview mirror. Before turning, check the relevant side mirror.
How to fix it: Build a rhythm: scan ahead → check rearview → scan ahead → check side mirror. Make it automatic.
Hesitating Too Long at Intersections
Minor FaultWhile caution at intersections is good, excessive hesitation — waiting much longer than necessary when it's clearly safe to proceed — is marked as a fault. It disrupts traffic and signals poor judgment. You need to assess the situation and proceed when it's safe, not wait indefinitely.
How to fix it: Practice making clear, confident decisions at intersections. If it's safe to go, go. If not, wait — but don't freeze.
Incorrect Lane Positioning
Minor FaultDrifting toward the centre line, riding the edge of the lane, or straddling lane markings are all faults. You should drive in the centre of your lane, with equal space on both sides. On curves, do not cut the corner.
How to fix it: Focus on a point far ahead in your lane rather than the road immediately in front of you. This naturally keeps you centred.
Not Yielding to Pedestrians
Automatic FailFailing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks — especially at marked crosswalks and school crossings — is a major fault and results in an automatic fail. In Ontario, pedestrians always have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks.
How to fix it: Slow down as you approach any crosswalk, even if no one appears to be crossing. Be prepared to stop.
Improper Pedestrian Crossover Behaviour
Automatic FailPedestrian crossovers (marked with orange X signs and overhead flashing lights) have stricter rules than regular crosswalks. At a crossover, you must stop even if the pedestrian is on the far side of the road — not just when they're in your half. Many drivers miss this distinction. Failing to stop at a crossover is a major fault and commonly causes test failures.
How to fix it: When you see orange X signs, treat the entire crossover as a no-go zone until the pedestrian has fully cleared both lanes. Stop well before the line.
Not Adjusting Speed for School Zones
Minor FaultIn Ontario, the speed limit in school zones is 40 km/h when children are present. Some municipalities have reduced this to 30 km/h. Many drivers fail to reduce speed when approaching a school zone during school hours, which the examiner will note. This is especially relevant on G2 test routes that pass schools.
How to fix it: Watch for school zone signs and reduce speed proactively. If you see children near the road, slow down even before the sign.
Nerves Causing Rushed Decisions
General AdviceTest anxiety causes many people to rush through manoeuvres, skip checks, or make poor decisions. The examiner expects you to drive safely — not perfectly. A few minor faults won't fail you. Rushing to "get it over with" causes more mistakes than taking your time.
How to fix it: Take a deep breath before starting. Drive at your normal practice pace. If you make a mistake, don't panic — continue driving safely.
How the G2/G Test Is Scored
DriveTest examiners use a standardized MTO score sheet. Understanding the scoring system helps you know what to prioritize:
- The score sheet has specific categories: observation, speed control, lane use, signalling, following distance, stopping, parking, and more.
- Errors are classified as minor faults or critical (major) faults.
- A single critical fault — like a rolling stop, missing shoulder check, or not stopping at a pedestrian crossover — results in an immediate fail.
- Minor faults accumulate. Too many in the same category can fail you even without a critical fault.
- The examiner does not tell you your score during the test — results are given at the end.
For a full breakdown of what examiners look for, see our G2 common test errors guide.
Pre-Test Checklist — Review Before Your DriveTest
Conclusion: Avoid These Mistakes and You'll Pass
The vast majority of G2 and G test failures in Ontario come down to a small set of repeatable mistakes — most of which are completely preventable with focused practice. The automatic-fail errors (rolling stops, missing shoulder checks, pedestrian crossover violations) should be your top priority. Eliminate those first, then work on the minor faults.
For more preparation, read our full G2 study guide, the top 10 G2 mistakes article, and our guide on how to pass the G2 test first try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an automatic fail on the Ontario driving test?
Major faults like running a red light, failing to stop for a school bus, not yielding to pedestrians, or dangerous driving result in an automatic fail. Rolling stops at stop signs, missing shoulder checks, and not stopping at pedestrian crossovers are also major faults.
How many minor faults can I have on the G2 test?
There is no fixed number — the examiner uses judgment. Accumulating many minor faults in the same area (e.g., consistently not checking mirrors) can result in a fail even without a single major fault.
Can I fail the G2 test for driving too slowly?
Yes. Driving significantly below the speed limit is a fault. Aim to drive at the posted limit under normal conditions.
Is parallel parking required on the G2 test in Ontario?
Yes. Parallel parking is part of the standard G2 test at all DriveTest centres in Ontario.
What is the difference between a pedestrian crossover and a crosswalk?
A pedestrian crossover has orange X signs and overhead flashing lights. You must stop even if the pedestrian is on the far side of the road. At a regular crosswalk, you stop when the pedestrian is in your half. Crossovers have stricter rules and are a common source of test failures.
What is the speed limit in Ontario school zones?
40 km/h when children are present. Some municipalities have reduced this to 30 km/h. Always watch for school zone signs and reduce speed proactively.
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