Learn About Ontario’s Graduated G1, G2 and G Driver’s Licenses Rules and Restrictions
Graduated licensing in Ontario helps new drivers reduce risk and become safer and more effective drivers. Have questions about getting a G1, G2, or G Ontario driver’s license? You are not alone. The rules and restrictions around Ontario’s graduated licensing are a bit complex.
All drivers in Ontario must complete the graduated license system to become a fully licensed driver. This requires you to complete a knowledge test and series of road tests.
The Ultimate Guide To Graduated Licensing
Are you a teenager looking to get your beginners driver’s license? Perhaps you’re a parent who is unclear about what’s required for your son or daughter to get a license. You want to know how to progress from a G1 to a G2 to a full G license. It’s important to know the basics of Ontario’s G licensing system.
This guide will provide you with a good overview of graduated licensing in Ontario. Learn about G1, G2, G driver’s license rules, requirements and restrictions. Get answers to commonly asked questions.
About The Ontario Graduated Licensing System
Young, new, and novice drivers are most likely to cause accidents. They have the highest driver fatality rate and pose the most risk. The graduated licensing program in Ontario, or GDL, helps to remedy this issue.
The Ontario graduated licensing system helps young drivers gain essential driving experience over a period of time. It creates a protective environment for new drivers and young drivers. This allows them to build driving skills and knowledge while progressing through the graduated drivers licensing system. The graduated license system has been in effect in Ontario since 1994.
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What Is A Graduated Driver’s License?
A graduated driver’s license is a system in Ontario and throughout Canada to help new drivers gain experience. Most graduated driver’s licenses have three stages – learners, probationary license, and full driver’s license.
Ontario Driver’s License Rules And Requirements To Drive
There are some basic requirements for anyone who drives in Ontario to follow :
- Driver’s License : You must always have your driver’s license with you. It must be valid.
- Valid Permit And Plate : The vehicle you drive must have valid permit and license plates.
- Insurance Coverage : The vehicle must have valid Ontario car insurance coverage and liability card.
For full details please Ontario Graduated Licensing go to the Ontario Government website.
How Do You Apply For An Ontario Driver’s License?
There are three conditions all drivers must meet to apply for a driver’s licence in Ontario. You must :
- Be at least 16.
- Pass an eye test.
- Pass a written test about the rules of the road and traffic signs.
You can apply for a driver’s license at any DriveTest centre in Ontario. Find a DriveTest centre.
What Documentation Do I Need To Apply For A Driver’s License In Ontario?
You must provide proof of identification to apply. It needs to display your legal name and date of birth. Acceptable documents include :
- Passport (Canadian or foreign).
- Canadian Citizenship Card with photo.
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card (issued on or after December 15, 2009 by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada).
- Ontario Photo Card.
- Permanent Resident (PR) Card.
- Other documents may also be accepted.
Ontario’s G License System Has 3 Levels
To drive with a full G license in Ontario, everyone must meet the requirements at each driving level – from G1 to G2 through to the full G license.
That’s why Ontario’s system for training and licensing drivers is called a graduated licensing program. You must graduate from one level to the next.
Ontario Driver’s License G Classes
The graduated driver’s license system in Ontario has three classes of licensing :
- G1 license
- G2 license
- Full G license
The G1 License
About The G1 License Rules In Ontario
Getting your G1 license is a milestone moment for many. It is also the first step in the Ontario graduated drivers licensing system. It’s the first step toward becoming a fully licensed driver.
The G1 license in Ontario is the beginner’s license or learner’s permit. It is the first of three driver’s licenses in Ontario to complete the graduated licensing system.
You must be at least 16 years old. You’ll need to pass an eye test, and written test about the road rules and traffic signs.
G1 drivers have a number of driving restrictions. These restrictions and rules are in place to help reduce risk and accidents. It helps new drivers learn how to drive in a more controlled environment.
G1 Restrictions
What Are The G1 Driving Restrictions And Rules In Ontario?
As a new driver, there are certain G1 road rules you must abide by. G1 licence rules are in place to help new drivers learn how to drive safely and effectively.
The following G1 license restrictions apply to all drivers with a G1 :
- Must be accompanied a full G licensed driver : You can only drive when you have an experienced G license driver in the passenger seat. Accompanying drivers must have a full G license for at least 4 years. They must have an alcohol level of less than 0.05% if over 21. If under 21 they must have zero blood alcohol level.
- Zero alcohol : As the driver, you must have a zero blood alcohol level at all times.
- No cannabis : You cannot have cannabis in your system. No exceptions.
- Seatbelts : All passengers must wear seatbelts.
- No driving between 12 am – 5 am : As a G1 driver, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 am.
- No driving on 400 highways : As a G1 driver, you cannot drive on 400-series highways or expressways including The Gardiner Expressway, Don Valley Parkway and The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW).
- Vehicles : You can only drive G class vehicles – cars, vans, small trucks.
What If I Break The G1 Rules In Ontario?
You are subject to the rules of the road just like any other driver. If you violate the conditions of your G1, you will be held accountable :
- Traffic ticket : You are subject to the same Ontario traffic ticket fines and penalties as fully licensed drivers.
- Demerit points : You are subject to Demerit points in Ontario. However, as a new driver, you have 9 before you face a license suspension. Fully licensed drivers have 15 demerits.
- License suspension : You could face a driver’s license suspension if you violate G1 conditions. This includes having too many demerit points, or a serious traffic violation.
- Increased insurance costs : Breaking G1 rules can also impact your car insurance rates. Insurance companies take into account your driving record and history from day one.
How Do You Get A G1 License?
Requirements To Become A G1 Driver
Here’s a summary of the steps drivers need to complete to get a G1 driver’s license :
- Get the drivers handbook : Pick up the handbook online or at a DriveTest location.
- Study for the knowledge test : Read through the driver’s handbook multiple times. Take some online G1 practice tests. When you are ready, plan to take the test.
- Write and pass the knowledge test : Visit a local DriveTest location to write the knowledge test.
- Pay the G1 licence package fee : Pays the fees associated with getting your G1.
- You’re a G1 Driver!
G1 Licence Practice Period And Road Test
How Long Does It Take To Complete Your G1?
The minimum practice period for G1 drivers before they can take the G1 road test is :
- 8 months with driver’s training : You can move more quickly through the G licensing system if you take drivers ed from a MTO approved driving school. By taking driver training through one of these schools, you’re eligible to take the G1 road test just 8 months after you passed your written test instead of after a year.
- 12 months without driver’s training : You are not eligible to take the G1 road test until 12 months after you have passed your written test unless you have taken an approved drivers ed course.
You can book and pay for your road test online. Note VISA debit is not accepted. You can also phone 1-888-570-6110 or 647-776-0331. This is an automated booking line. You can also go in-person to a DriveTest Centre. Most centres are open Monday – Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Some are open on Saturday.
The G2 License
Getting A G2 License
Getting your G2 driver’s license is your first chance to drive solo. Passing the G1 exit road test allows you to drive without an accompanying driver. It is the second step of three in the graduated licensing process in Ontario.
You’ll have your G2 license for a minimum of one year before taking the G2 exit road test.
Getting your G2 gives you a sense of freedom. It’s the first time you will be able to drive alone and you’ll have fewer driving restrictions. You can also get your own car insurance policy.
G2 Restrictions And Driving Rules
What Are The G2 Restrictions in Ontario?
- 12 month practice period : You may practice with your G2 license for 12 months, without the need for another experienced driver in the vehicle, on any Ontario roads, at any time.
- Zero blood alcohol : You must maintain a zero blood alcohol level.
- All passengers must wear seatbelts : You must carry only as many passengers as there are working seatbelts.
What Are The Additional G2 Restrictions For Drivers 19 And Under?
If you are 19 years of age and under with a G2 license, you are subject to additional restrictions. These apply to when you can drive and the number of passengers :
- Night driving restrictions for first 6 months : You must drive for the first six months with only one passenger who is 19 or under between midnight and 5 AM.
- Night driving restrictions after 6 months : You may drive after the first six months with up to three passengers 19 or under between midnight and 5 AM.
- Night driving restrictions exceptions : These conditions do not apply if you have a fully licensed driver in the car (with at least four years driving experience) or if your passengers are all immediate family members such as a parent, brother or sister.
What Happens If I Violate The G2 Restrictions In Ontario?
If you violate your G2 restrictions you are subject to:
- License suspension : Violating G2 restrictions could result in a 30 day license suspension for your first offense.
- Demerit points : You will receive demerit points in Ontario for traffic convictions and violations.
- Traffic convictions and fines : Ontario traffic ticket fines range from $50 to $500 or more.
- Increased insurance rates : A license violation or traffic ticket can cause an increase in your car insurance premiums.
The Full G License
About Getting Your G License
The G license in Ontario is the final step in the graduated licensing process. Getting a full license removes most driving restrictions and allows you to drive on all roads at all times. Getting the full G driver’s license gives you a sense of freedom. You can finally drive without restrictions.
It also provides you with sense of relief. The process is complete. You have no more road tests to worry about and you’ll get lower car insurance rates.
G License Restrictions
What Are Full G License Rules And Restrictions?
The G class license restrictions in Ontario are very different than the G1 and G2 restrictions. For the most part, there are very few driving restrictions and rules.
G license restrictions in Ontario limit the type of vehicles you can drive. It also limits the amount of blood alcohol concentration you can have in your system.
- Vehicle limitations : You can only drive G class vehicles.
- BAC : Drivers cannot have a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80mg. Drivers with 50mg-80mg in their system are in the warn range. You could receive administrative penalties such as a roadside suspension or an immediate roadside prohibition.
- 21 years old or younger : Zero BAC if you have a G driver’s license and are 21 years old or younger.
Class G License Tips
Getting your G license can bring a sense of freedom and relief. You still need to apply everything you learned up to this point to remain a safe and effective driver.
- Don’t develop bad habits : It’s common for new G license drivers to relax once they get their license. This can lead to the development of bad habits.
- Avoid distractions : We all know distracted driving in Ontario is a huge road safety issue. Avoid distractions and avoid being part of the problem.
- Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking : The laws for G license alcohol and cannabis consumption have changed recently. Make sure you abide by all impaired driving laws.
How Much Does A G License Cost?
A G driver’s license costs $90. It also costs $90 to renew your driver’s licence upon expiry. These prices are different than the costs for a G road test. One G road test attempt is $91.25. Costs are subject to change.
Why Is Graduated Licensing Important?
Gradated licensing in Ontario is important. It allows new drivers to learn how to drive in the right environment. It provides new drivers with the opportunity to get experience behind the wheel while limiting risk exposure.
The graduated licensing system allows new G1 and G2 drivers to ease into driving and traffic conditions. Through driver education, you will have the ability to learn and practice driving skills. As drivers gain more experience, you can increase driving frequency. You can also drive on busier streets and in more demanding conditions.
A List Of The Benefits Of Graduated Licensing
There are many benefits of having a graduated licensing system in Ontario :
- Develop skills and knowledge over time : Learning to drive safely and effectively takes time. Graduated licensing provides you with the time to develop your skills.
- Safer drivers : When you have proper training, you are more likely to be a safer driver.
- Reduce accidents : Graduated licensing helps to remove young drivers from situations where they are most likely to cause accidents.
- Situational awareness : New drivers can develop situational awareness. You learn how to deal with a variety of different driving conditions.
- Build confidence : Young drivers can build confidence and be more prepared to be a full licensed driver.
- Learn at your own pace : Some drivers need more time than others to develop their skills. It can take time to build confidence behind the wheel.
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