The Ontario licensing system is a graduated system, meaning drivers must go through several stages before getting their full licence.
New drivers must first get their G1 licence before they can progress to their G2 licence and, finally, their full G licence.
The idea with the graduated licensing system is that new drivers can experience driving in the right environment for their ability level while reducing risks.
In this guide, we take a closer look at the G1 licence in Ontario, including the rules, restrictions, how long you have to be on a G1 licence, and more.
Ontario Licensing System
The first stage of learning to drive in Ontario’s graduated system is to get your G1 licence. Following this, you can get your G2 licence before moving on to your full G licence.
You must take a knowledge test to get your G1 licence and become a Level One driver in Ontario. You will then need to take an exit test to get your G2 licence. After this, you must take another road test to get your full G licence.
You have five years to complete the process before you have to start again. However, you can typically do it in about two years.
Requirements to Drive in Ontario
There are a few requirements to remember if you want to drive in Ontario.
Firstly, you must be 16 years old to drive in the province. You will also need to have your valid driver’s licence with you all the time.
You must also have car insurance and a valid licence plate. If you are the vehicle owner, you must have a valid permit to show this.
Class G1 Licence Ontario Restrictions
When you get your G1 licence in Ontario, there are several restrictions you must be aware of:
- You can’t drive alone and must be accompanied by a licensed G driver.
- The licensed driver must be in the front passenger seat, have at least four years of driving experience, and have a blood-alcohol level of under 0.05 percent. If they are under 21, they must have a blood-alcohol level of zero.
- Your blood-alcohol level must be zero.
- Everyone in the vehicle must have a seatbelt in good working order.
- You cannot drive on 400-series highways with a speed limit of over 80 km/h.
- You cannot drive on high-speed expressways, including the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Gardiner Expressway and more.
- You can drive on any road, however, if you are with a driving instructor.
- You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- You are restricted to driving G-class vehicles.
Always check the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook when you have a G1 licence to check for updates on these restrictions.
How to Apply for a G1 Licence
Applying for a G1 licence in Ontario is a straightforward process.
To apply for your licence, you must be 16 or older. You also need valid documentation and proof of identification like a passport or Canadian Citizenship Card.
Study the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook to find out what you need to know for the knowledge test.
Then book an appointment at a DriveTest Centre. You can book at a Travel Point if there is no regional center.
When you apply for your licence, you need to pay a fee that covers the cost of both tests and a five-year licence.
You will have to answer questions about your health when you apply. If you have a condition that prevents you from driving, you will be informed when you apply.
When you turn up to take the test, you must also pass an eye exam. You will then take the written assessment about traffic signs and driving rules.
When you pass the test, you can get your G1 licence.
G1 Knowledge Test Requirements
The G1 knowledge test consists of 40 questions. These multiple-choice questions are divided into two sets of 20 questions.
The first set is related to traffic signs, and the second focuses on driving knowledge.
You need 80% to pass, and you can get four answers wrong in each set and still pass.
Practice doing tests online and reviewing the information in your book, then take the test when you are ready.
G1 Exit Test Requirements
Once you have passed the test and got your G1 licence, you can start driving. But to move onto the next stage, G2, you must pass an exit test.
This is a driving test where you demonstrate your driving skills. You start with 100 points, and points are deducted for errors.
The instructor will test your general driving skills, including parallel parking, paying attention while driving, braking and more. You need 70% to pass.
How Long Do You Have to Complete Your Ontario Driver’s License?
G1, or Level One, takes about 12 months before you take your exit test. However, if you take an approved course, you can complete G1 in eight months.
G2, or Level Two, takes at least 12 months to pass.
As a result, it should take you about two years to get your G licence. However, it can take longer.
You need to get your full G licence within five years, or you will have to start the process again.
FAQs
When you are a G1 driver, the number of passengers who can travel in the car is equal to the number of working seatbelts. Most cars have five seat belts, meaning there is a maximum of five people, including yourself, so you and four passengers.
G1 drivers are not permitted to drive between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
You cannot drive anywhere with a G1 licence. You are not allowed to drive on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways. However, if a licensed driving instructor is with you in the vehicle, you can drive on any highway.
You will need your G1 licence for 12 months before taking the class G2 road test and becoming a G2 driver. However, if you take an approved driving course, this can be reduced to eight months.
Your G1 is valid for five years in Ontario. If you do not progress to a full licence, you must start the process again.
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