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G1, G2 & G License Restrictions Ontario 2025: What You Can & Can't Do

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Driving in Ontario follows a graduated licensing system with three distinct levels: G1, G2, and full G license. Each level comes with specific rules and restrictions designed to keep you and others safe on the road. Did you know that young drivers in Ontario are more likely to be in accidents? In fact, drivers aged 16-24 are involved in almost 30% of crashes, according to the Ministry of Transportation. Understanding the restrictions for each license type is crucial for safe and legal driving.

Important 5-Year Timeline: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for your G1 license. Once you start, you have 5 years to complete the entire graduated licensing program (G1 → G2 → G). If you don't obtain your full G license within this 5-year period, you must restart the entire process from the beginning.
G2 Licence Guide Ontario

Ontario G1 Licence Restrictions & Requirements

The G1 license is the first step in Ontario's graduated licensing system. As a G1 driver, you're a beginner learning the basics of driving with significant restrictions to ensure safety. With your G1, you can drive on most roads (except high-speed highways), practice essential skills, and gain valuable experience under supervision.

Supervision Requirements

Mandatory Supervisor

You must have a fully licensed G driver with at least 4 years of driving experience in the front passenger seat at all times. The supervisor must have a blood alcohol level below 0.05 (or zero if they're under 21).

Driving Restrictions

  • Limited Highway Driving: G1 drivers cannot drive on expressways or 400-series highways where the speed limit is over 80 km/h, except when accompanied by a licensed driving instructor during professional lessons. Your instructor can help you practice highway driving skills safely.
  • No Driving Between Midnight and 5 a.m.: Night driving is prohibited during these hours.
  • Zero Alcohol & Cannabis: Absolutely no alcohol or cannabis in your system while driving (see detailed section below).
  • No Hand-held Devices: Strict prohibition on using hand-held electronic devices while driving.
  • Demerit Points: Licence suspension at 9 demerit points within two years.
2025 Update: All information has been verified against the latest Ontario government sources (updated September 2025) to ensure accuracy and compliance with current regulations.

Ontario G2 Licence Restrictions

After passing your G1 exit test, you advance to G2 with more freedom but important restrictions remain to build safe driving habits. With your G2, you can drive independently without supervision, use all highways and expressways, and gain real-world experience in all driving conditions.

Passenger Restrictions

Nighttime Passenger Limits for Drivers Under 19: If you're 19 years old or younger:

  • For the first six months of having your G2 License, you can carry only one passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • After six months, you may carry up to three passengers aged 19 or under during these nighttime hours.

Exceptions: These nighttime restrictions do not apply if:

  • A fully licensed G driver with at least 4 years of driving experience (including G2 experience) and a blood alcohol level below 0.05 (or zero if they're under 21) is in the front passenger seat.
  • The passengers aged 19 or under are immediate family members (e.g., siblings, spouses, or parents).
Safety First: These restrictions are designed to protect you and others on the road. Young drivers with passengers are 44% more likely to be involved in fatal crashes. Following these rules significantly reduces your risk while you build essential driving experience.

What's Tested on the G2 Road Test (G1 Exit Test)?

The G2 road test evaluates basic driving skills. You must hold your G1 for at least 8 months (with an approved driver education course) or 12 months before taking this test. The test includes:

  • Left and right turns
  • Stopping at traffic lights and stop signs
  • Parallel parking
  • Three-point turns
  • Lane changes
  • Driving in residential neighborhoods
  • One-way streets
  • Yield signs and intersections

The Freedom of a Full G Licence

After holding a G2 licence for at least 12 months, you can take the G2 exit test to earn your full G licence. This advanced road test evaluates highway driving skills and more complex maneuvers. With a full G license, you have complete driving freedom with no graduated licensing restrictions - you can drive anywhere, anytime, carry any number of passengers, and supervise new G1 drivers.

What's Tested on the G Road Test (G2 Exit Test)?

The G road test focuses on advanced driving skills, especially highway driving. Note that parallel parking, three-point turns, and residential neighborhood driving are NOT re-tested (they were covered in the G2 test). The G test includes:

  • Highway driving and expressway navigation
  • Merging on and off highways
  • Maintaining appropriate speed and spacing
  • Advanced lane changes and signaling
  • Driving on major roads
  • Turns, curves, and intersections
  • Driving in business areas

Full G Licence Privileges

Once you pass the G test, you receive a full G licence with enhanced privileges:

  • No Supervision Required: Drive independently without any supervision requirements.
  • Unlimited Driving Times: No restrictions on when you can drive - day or night, anytime.
  • All Roads Permitted: Full access to all highways, expressways, and roads without restrictions.
  • No Passenger Limits: Carry any number of passengers at any time (as long as you have enough seatbelts).
  • Supervise G1 Drivers: Can supervise G1 drivers after 4+ years of driving experience.
  • Professional Driving: Eligible to pursue careers as driving instructor, examiner, or commercial driver.
Full Driving Freedom: With a full G licence, you can drive without any of the graduated licensing restrictions. Stay safe and enjoy the road!

Seatbelt Responsibilities Across All Licenses

Seatbelt requirements vary slightly depending on your license level. Here's what you need to know:

G1 & G2 Drivers

You must ensure every passenger (regardless of age) wears a properly working seatbelt. You cannot carry more passengers than there are working seatbelts in the vehicle.

Full G Drivers

You're responsible for passengers under 16 years old wearing seatbelts or appropriate child restraints. Passengers 16+ are responsible for themselves.

Key Rule

Regardless of license type, you can never carry more passengers than available working seatbelts. Every person needs a seatbelt.

Alcohol & Cannabis Laws: Complete Guide for All Licenses

Understanding Ontario's alcohol and cannabis laws is critical for maintaining your driving privileges. The rules vary significantly based on your license type and age:

G1 & G2 Drivers: Zero Tolerance

Strict Zero Tolerance Policy

Alcohol: Absolutely no alcohol permitted in your system while driving. Any detectable amount results in immediate penalties.

Cannabis: Zero tolerance - no cannabis permitted in your system. These strict rules apply to all G1 and G2 drivers regardless of age.

Full G Drivers: Age-Based Rules

Alcohol Limits

Under 21 years: Zero tolerance - no alcohol permitted.

21+ years: Legal limit is 0.08% BAC, but penalties begin at 0.05% (warn range), resulting in immediate licence suspension.

Why strict for under 21? Younger drivers are still relatively inexperienced, and combining inexperience with alcohol significantly increases accident risk. Learn more about impaired driving laws.

Cannabis Laws

Under 21 years: Zero tolerance - no cannabis permitted in your system.

21+ years: Legal THC limit is 2-5 nanograms per millilitre of blood. However, any detectable amount can result in roadside penalties.

Important: Cannabis stays in your system much longer than alcohol. Even legal use days earlier can affect driving ability and result in impaired driving charges.

Penalties for Zero Tolerance Violations (G1 & G2)

If you violate the zero tolerance policy for alcohol or cannabis, consequences include:

Roadside Suspension
  • 3 days (first offence)
  • 7 days (second offence)
  • 30 days (third offence)
Fines
  • $250 – first offence
  • $350 – second offence
  • $450 – third offence
If Convicted
  • 1st → 30-day suspension
  • 2nd → 90-day suspension
  • 3rd → Licence revoked
Additional consequences: Vehicle towed or impounded if no sober driver is available.

Demerit Points & Hand-Held Device Penalties Across All Licenses

Understanding demerit points and device penalties is crucial for maintaining your driving privileges. Here's how the rules differ across G1, G2, and full G licenses:

G1 License

Demerit Points: 9 points = suspension

Hand-Held Devices (Distracted Driving):

  • 1st offense: $615 fine + 30-day suspension
  • 2nd offense: $615 fine + 90-day suspension
  • 3rd offense: $615 fine + licence cancellation (must redo GLS program)

Note: No demerit points for novice drivers, but longer suspensions instead.

G2 License

Demerit Points: 9 points = suspension

Hand-Held Devices (Distracted Driving):

  • 1st offense: $615 fine + 30-day suspension
  • 2nd offense: $615 fine + 90-day suspension
  • 3rd offense: $615 fine + licence cancellation (must redo GLS program)

Note: No demerit points for novice drivers, but longer suspensions instead.

Full G License

Demerit Points: 15 points = suspension

Hand-Held Devices (Distracted Driving):

  • 1st offense: $615 fine + 3 demerit points + 3-day suspension
  • 2nd offense: $615 fine + 6 demerit points + 7-day suspension
  • 3rd offense: $615 fine + 6 demerit points + 30-day suspension

Note: Fines can increase up to $1,000-$3,000 if fighting in court and losing.

Important: The $615 fine applies if settled out of court. If you receive a summons or fight the ticket and lose, fines can be up to $1,000 (1st), $2,000 (2nd), or $3,000 (3rd offense). You'll also pay a licence reinstatement fee after each suspension. Source: Ontario.ca (Updated July 2025)
Why No Demerit Points for G1/G2 Drivers? Novice drivers face longer licence suspensions (30/90 days, then cancellation) instead of demerit points for distracted driving. This stricter approach emphasizes zero tolerance during the critical learning period when inexperienced drivers face the highest risk.

Ontario License Types: G1 vs G2 vs G Quick Comparison

Feature G1 License G2 License Full G License
Supervision Required Yes - qualified driver in front seat No - drive independently No - drive independently + can supervise G1 drivers (4+ YOE)
Highway Driving Prohibited on highways over 80 km/h (except with driving instructor) Allowed on all roads including highways Allowed on all roads including highways
Night Driving (12-5 AM) Prohibited Restricted passengers if under 19 No restrictions
Alcohol/Cannabis Tolerance Zero tolerance Zero tolerance 0.05 BAC (zero if under 21)
Demerit Points Limit 9 points 9 points 15 points
Passenger Restrictions Must ensure all passengers wear seatbelts Must ensure all passengers wear seatbelts + nighttime age limits (if under 19) Responsible for passengers under 16 wearing seatbelts/child restraints
Minimum Holding Period 8 months (with BDE course) or 12 months 12 months Permanent (until age-related renewal)
Progress Through All Levels: Each license stage builds upon the previous one, gradually increasing your privileges while maintaining safety standards. The graduated system ensures you gain experience progressively.

Why Choose Rajput Driving School for G1, G2 & G Preparation?

Understanding all license restrictions is essential for safe and lawful driving. At Rajput Driving School Windsor, we provide comprehensive training for all license levels:

  • Complete G1 to G Training: From your first G1 lessons with supervision to advanced G test highway skills, our MTO certified instructors guide you through every stage.
  • Clear Understanding of All Restrictions: We explain G1, G2, and G rules clearly, including supervision requirements, passenger limits, highway restrictions, and zero-tolerance policies.
  • Faster Progression Through License Levels: Our approved driving courses let you advance faster - take your G1 exit test in 8 months instead of 12.
  • Practical Application at Every Stage: We simulate real-life driving scenarios appropriate for each license level, from basic G1 residential driving to advanced G highway merging.
  • Comprehensive Support: We address your specific questions about restrictions at any license level and provide tips to avoid common violations and penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about G1, G2, and G licence restrictions

If you fail a road test, you must wait at least 10 days before retaking it. If your G1 license expires before you pass the G2 test, you must start completely over. If your G2 is about to expire, you can retake the G1 exit test to get 5 more years as a G2 driver to complete your full G license.

No. G1 drivers must always have a qualified supervisor (fully licensed G driver with 4+ years experience) in the front passenger seat. Driving alone with a G1 license is illegal and can result in serious penalties.

G1 drivers are generally prohibited from highways with speed limits over 80 km/h because they're still learning basic driving skills. Highway driving requires advanced abilities like high-speed merging, lane changing, and traffic management that come with more experience.

Exception: G1 drivers CAN drive on highways when accompanied by a licensed driving instructor during professional driving lessons. This allows you to practice highway skills safely under expert supervision before your G2 test.

Yes, you can drive to the US with a G2 license, but you must follow Ontario's G2 restrictions.

You have 5 years from the date you obtain your G1 license to complete the entire graduated licensing program and get your full G license. If you don't complete it within 5 years, you must start over from the beginning with a new G1 test. After getting your G2, you must hold it for at least 12 months before taking the G test.

Yes! Completing a government-approved driver education course (like those offered by Rajput Driving School) provides two major benefits: you can take your G2 test after 8 months instead of 12, and many insurance companies offer significant premium discounts (often 10-20%) for drivers who complete an approved course.

Yes, auto insurance is required. If you don't own a car, you can be added to a policy as a secondary driver.

Yes, insurance companies need to know about all licensed drivers in your household to adjust the policy if necessary.

Yes, you can buy a car with a G2 licence, but you'll need insurance to legally drive it.

Book Your G1, G2 or G Test Preparation

Get expert guidance for all license levels from MTO certified instructors at Rajput Driving School Windsor