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Are you a teenager looking to get your beginner's driver’s licence? It’s important to know the basics of Ontario’s G licencing system. Perhaps you’re a parent who is unclear about what’s required for your son or daughter to start driving, or you are new to driving, and you want to know how to progress from a G1 to the full G licence.
All drivers in the province must complete the graduated system to become fully licenced drivers. This requires you to fulfill a knowledge assessment and a series of road tests, which are necessary before you can get car insurance in Ontario.
This guide will provide an overview of the Ontario graduated licence system. Learn about G1, G2, and G driver’s licence rules, requirements and restrictions. Get answers to commonly asked questions.
Gradated licencing in Ontario is essential. It allows new drivers to learn how to drive in the right environment and allows them to get experience behind the wheel while limiting risk exposure.
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 licencing program in Ontario, or GDL, helps remedy this issue. Since 1994, the system has helped young drivers gain essential driving experience. It creates a protective environment for new and young drivers. This allows them to build driving skills and knowledge while progressing through the graduated driver's licencing system.
The graduated licencing 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, they can increase driving frequency. You can also drive on busier streets and in more demanding conditions.
Here are many benefits of having a graduated licencing system :
To drive with a full G licence, everyone must meet the requirements at each driving level – from G1 to G2 through to the full G licence.
That’s why Ontario’s system for training and licencing drivers is called a graduated licencing program. You must graduate from one level to the next.
The system has three classes :
As you progress through the driving system, you’ll have fewer restrictions on the road, but there are some basic requirements to follow :
You must provide proof of identification to apply - it needs to display your legal name and date of birth. Acceptable documents include :
Getting your G1 licence is a milestone moment for many. It is also the first step in the Ontario driver's licencing system.
The G1 is the beginner’s or learner’s permit. It is the first of three classes to complete the graduated licencing system. G1 drivers have many 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.
Getting your G1 licence opens up a world of possibilities and a whole new set of responsibilities. Before you become a fully licenced driver, you need to start the journey with your G1. Here’s a summary of the steps drivers need to complete :
Although you passed your written test, there is some time for G1 holders to wait before moving on to the next step. The minimum practice period for G1 drivers before they can take the road test is :
You can book and pay for your test online at DriveTest.ca. You can also phone 1-888-570-6110 or 647-776-0331. Another option is to go in person to a DriveTest Centre. Most centres are open Monday – Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Some are open on Saturday.
Applying for a licence is quite straightforward once you are of age to start learning. Most of the booking can be done online or at DriveTest centre. There are three conditions all drivers must meet to apply, including :
You can apply at any DriveTest location. Find a DriveTest centre.
As a new driver, there are certain G1 road rules you must abide by. G1 rules are in place to help new drivers learn how to drive safely and effectively. The following G1 restrictions apply :
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 :
But, any vehicle a G1 licence holder drives, must be insured. If you drive your parent's or guardian's vehicle, they will need to notify their provider.
You can get insurance with a G1. You need a parent or guardian (G2 minimum) to be the primary driver on your policy as an occasional driver. Even if they own the vehicle, a G1 driver cannot be the primary driver on a policy.
Whether you are a new driver or fully licenced, talk with our advisors to compare quotes and find the lowest rates. We'll make sure you get the coverage you need.
The G1 knowledge test and G1 road test are together in the Class G1 licence package. The cost is $159.75. You pay this amount when you pass your G1 written test. The package includes :
A variety of actions could lead to a suspension. They include :
You can drive on a highway with a G1 only if you are with a licenced driving instructor.
You will need to bring identification that includes your legal name, signature, and birth date. Some examples include a passport, Canadian citizenship card, or permanent/temporary immigration documents.
The G1 is valid for five years from the date it is issued.
G1 drivers can drive with as many passengers as seatbelts there are in the vehicle. All passengers must have a 0% BAC.
After 12 months of your G1, you can begin the process of getting your G2. If you have a ministry-approved driving course, this can lower down to 8 months.
You do not need to book an appointment to begin the take your G1 test.
You can buy a car with a G1, but you cannot have it on your own Ontario auto insurance until you have a full G.
No, a G1 driver must always be with a fully licenced driver who has 4 or more years of driving experience and a 0% blood alcohol level.
Getting your G2 is your first chance to drive solo. Passing the exit road test allows you to drive without an accompanying driver. It is the second step in the process. 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 policy and start the process of buying or leasing a vehicle.
Once you have completed a government approved driver education program and passed your G2 driving test, you are permitted to drive independently on any Ontario highway or roadway at any time. However, there are still rules and restrictions you must obey.
If you are 19 years of age and under a G2, you are subject to additional restrictions. These apply to when you can drive and the number of passengers :
Violating traffic laws and rules of your license can lead to a variety of consequences depending on the fraction. These convictions can have a negative impact on your policy. If you violate your G2 restrictions you are subject to :
If you violate any of the zero tolerance conditions for cannabis or alcohol, here’s what will happen immediately :
There are no G2 restrictions for highway driving. With a G2, you can drive on any highway. This includes 400 series highways, 407, QEW, and two-lane highways in the province.
Yes. You must be on the policy of the vehicle you drive. If you live at home with your parents, they must notify their insurer. Even if you don’t drive the vehicle regularly, you must be included as an occasional driver.
To earn a G2 licence, it will cost $53.75. You may also want to budget for any driving school classes, which cost between $500 and $1000.
The expiry date of your G2 is on the front of your driver’s licence. The expiry date is 5 years from the day you received your G1.
You can get your G2 one year from the day you get your G1 licence. You can get your G2 after 8 months if you complete a driver training program.
In general, yes, you can drive in the United States with a G2. However, you are subject to the driving laws of the state you visit. Some states may or may not permit you to drive with a G2.
Technically, no. You either need to pass your G road test or retake the G2 road test to renew it for 5 more years.
You can have as many passengers as you have functioning seatbelts in the vehicle.
You cannot get your G2 faster than 8 months after you get your G1. 8 months is the shortest amount of time you will have to wait.
To drive for Uber, you must be 21 years of age or older, have a full G licence, and Uber insurance.
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The G licence is the final step in the graduated licencing process - you can get it 12 months from the day you get your G2.
Getting a full licence removes most driving restrictions and allows you to drive on all roads at any time. It also provides you with a sense of relief. The process is complete. You have no more road tests to worry about, and you’ll pay less for auto insurance.
Getting your G licence can bring a sense of freedom and relief. You still need to apply everything you have learned up to this point to remain a safe and effective driver.
A G driver’s licence costs $90, which is different than the costs for the G road test. One G road test attempt is $91.25, and that does not include the cost of driver's education. Costs are subject to change.
G licence restrictions in Ontario limit the type of vehicles you can drive and the amount of blood alcohol concentration you can have. Here are other restrictions you should be aware of as a G driver :
You can get your G licence by successfully completing the G road test. You must have your G2 for one full year before you can take the G test.
You have 5 years to get your G licence from the day you pass your G1 test. You can get your G in as little as two years. To complete the final phase of the graduate licencing system, you must pass the G road test. If you are 21 or younger, there are restrictions. If you do not get your G licence within 5 years, you will need to restart the process.
To change your address, you must do the following :
In Ontario, you can legally drive with an out-of-province licence for up to 60 days. After 60 days, you will have to apply for or exchange your existing driver's licence for an Ontario licence.
If you have a full, valid licence from another Canadian province or territory, you can exchange it for an Ontario licence. Just go to a DriveTest Centre near you.
If you have a valid driver's licence from another country, you need to determine if your country has a licence exchange agreement with Ontario. You can find out from this list of eligible countries.
You can exchange your driver's licence if your country is on this list. The exchange process is the same as if you’re from a Canadian province. Some conditions apply to drivers who do not have a full driver's licence or are in a learning program.
An Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL) can serve as a travel document for proof of identity and citizenship. It is valid when travelling between Canada and the United States. You can only use it for land or water travel and not valid for air travel.
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Kayla-Jane has been a content writer with ThinkInsure since 2020. She creates insurance content for auto, home, and commercial. Kayla-Jane has a diploma in Journalism.
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