Taking your G2 or G road test in Peterborough? This guide covers the DriveTest centre's address and hours, what examiners actually look for on each test, and practical day-of tips — so you walk in prepared instead of guessing.
The Peterborough DriveTest centre sits at 724 Lansdowne Street West, just west of the downtown core and close to Lansdowne Place shopping centre. It's easy to reach from Highway 115 — exit at Lansdowne Street and head west — and from most Peterborough neighbourhoods via Lansdowne Street itself. [2]
Because road tests start from this location, it's worth arriving for your appointment a little early and scouting the immediate area first. The streets directly around the centre — a mix of commercial and residential roads — are the same kind of driving you'll be asked to demonstrate during your test.
The centre operates on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed on weekends and most holidays. That said, road tests are not drop-in — you must book an appointment in advance through DriveTest online or by calling 1-888-570-6110. [2]
Morning slots are popular and can book out weeks ahead, so schedule early and avoid the temptation to reschedule at the last minute. If you need a specific date or time, keep checking — cancellations do open up.
Before you book, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements — showing up too early means a wasted appointment and a fee. [1]
| Test | Minimum wait after previous licence |
|---|---|
| G2 road test (G1 exit) | 12 months with a G1 — or 8 months if you completed an MTO-approved BDE course |
| G road test (G2 exit) | 12 months with a G2 |
That eight-month reduction is one of the biggest reasons students sign up for a Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course: it lets you take your G2 test a full four months sooner while you build real, instructor-guided road experience.
The G2 road test (the "G1 exit" test) runs roughly 20 minutes and is assessed entirely on city streets. It confirms you can handle the vehicle safely without highway driving. [1] Expect to be marked on:
The examiner sits beside you and scores you on observation, spacing, and judgment — not on speed. Small errors add up, so smooth, deliberate driving beats rushing.
The G road test (the "G2 exit" test) lasts about 30 minutes and includes everything from the G2 test plus higher-speed driving. In Peterborough, the highway segment typically takes you onto Highway 115, the controlled-access highway that connects the city to Highway 401. [1]
On the highway you'll be asked to merge safely, match the flow of traffic, hold a steady speed, and change lanes with full blind-spot and mirror checks before exiting. The examiner is watching for confident merging and proper following distance more than anything else.
A common question is whether you can memorize the exact Peterborough test route. DriveTest does not publish official routes, and examiners can vary them from test to test. What is predictable is the type of driving: residential streets with parked cars, busier commercial corridors like Lansdowne Street West, school-zone speeds, and — for the G test — a Highway 115 segment. [3]
That's actually good news. Rather than trying to memorize streets, focus on the skills examiners always look for: complete stops, shoulder checks on every turn and lane change, correct speed, and calm lane positioning. Master those and the specific route won't matter.
Most road-test failures in Peterborough come down to a small number of repeated errors. Know them in advance and you can turn them into easy marks:
Arrive with everything ready so you're not turned away or flustered at check-in:
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Arrive 20–30 minutes early | Gives you time to check in and settle your nerves |
| Do a short warm-up drive first | Re-familiarizes you with the vehicle before the test |
| Exaggerate your mirror and shoulder checks | Examiners need to see them to score them |
| Narrate nothing — just drive smoothly | Calm, deliberate control reads as confidence |
| Adjust mirrors and seat before moving | Shows control and proper setup from the start |
The Peterborough DriveTest centre is a fair, straightforward place to test once you know what's expected. Show up early with the right documents, drive the way you've been taught, and treat the highway and residential segments the same way you practised them. If you're at all unsure about a skill — parallel parking, merging onto Highway 115, or right-of-way — book a refresher lesson before your date rather than leaving it to chance.
MTO-approved BDE courses and in-car lessons in Peterborough and Ottawa, taught by certified instructors who know the local test routes.
View Driving Packages📞 705-808-4087 (Peterborough) | 613-801-8589 (Ottawa)