G1, G2 & G License Restrictions Ontario 2026: 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 over-represented in collisions? Although they make up a small share of licensed drivers, drivers aged 16-24 account for roughly 1 in 7 of all drivers involved in reportable collisions, according to Ontario's Road Safety Annual Report. Understanding the restrictions for each license type is crucial for safe and legal driving.
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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 21 or under).
Driving Restrictions
- Limited Highway Driving: G1 drivers cannot drive on 400-series highways with a posted speed limit over 80 km/h or on high-speed expressways such as Windsor's E.C. Row Expressway, 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: A 60-day licence suspension at 9 demerit points within two years.
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 19 and Under: 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 21 or under) is in the front passenger seat.
- The passengers aged 19 or under are immediate family members (e.g., siblings, spouses, or parents).
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
Penalties for Violating G1 & G2 Licence Restrictions
The G1 and G2 conditions are the law, not guidelines. Driving alone on a G1, driving between midnight and 5 a.m. on a G1, or carrying too many passengers aged 19 or under on a G2 at night can all get you charged. If you're convicted of breaking any graduated licensing condition, Ontario's escalating penalties for novice drivers apply:
First Offence
Your licence is suspended for 30 days.
Second Offence
Your licence is suspended for 90 days.
Third Offence
Your novice licence is cancelled, and you start graduated licensing over.
The same penalties apply if you're convicted of a Highway Traffic Act offence worth 4 or more demerit points, such as careless driving or street racing. Every occurrence within a five-year period moves you one step up the ladder.
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.
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
21 and under: Zero tolerance - no alcohol permitted.
Over 21: Legal limit is 0.08% BAC, but penalties begin at 0.05% (warn range), resulting in immediate licence suspension.
Why strict for 21 and under? Younger drivers are still relatively inexperienced, and combining inexperience with alcohol significantly increases accident risk. Learn more about impaired driving laws.
Cannabis Laws
21 and under: Zero tolerance - no cannabis permitted in your system.
Over 21: No "any amount" zero-tolerance rule, but federal criminal limits apply: 2 to under 5 ng of THC per ml of blood is a less serious offence, and 5 ng or more (or 2.5 ng combined with alcohol) is a more serious offence.
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
- 7 days (first offence)
- 14 days (second offence)
- 30 days (third offence)
Penalties
- $250 – first offence
- $350 – second offence
- $450 – third offence
If Convicted
- 1st → 30-day suspension
- 2nd → 90-day suspension
- 3rd → Licence revoked
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 (for the full offence-by-offence breakdown, see our Ontario demerit points chart):
G1 & G2 License
Demerit Points: 9 points = 60-day 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 = 30-day 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.
Ontario License Types: G1 vs G2 vs G Quick Comparison
| Rule | G1Beginner | G2Intermediate | Full GFully licensed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | Required A fully licensed driver with 4+ years' experience in the front seat | Not needed Drive on your own | Not needed Drive on your own, and supervise G1 drivers once you have 4+ years' driving experience |
| Highway driving | Not allowed On 400-series highways over 80 km/h and expressways like E.C. Row, unless with a driving instructor | Allowed All roads, including highways | Allowed All roads, including highways |
| Night driving Midnight–5 AM | Not allowed | Passenger limits If you're 19 or under | No restrictions |
| Alcohol & cannabis | Zero tolerance | Zero tolerance | 0.05 BAC Zero if you're 21 or under |
| Demerit points Suspension at | 9 points 60-day suspension | 9 points 60-day suspension | 15 points 30-day suspension |
| Breaking a licence condition | Suspension 30 days, then 90 days, then the licence is cancelled | Suspension 30 days, then 90 days, then the licence is cancelled | Doesn't apply No graduated licensing conditions |
| Passenger restrictions | Must ensure all passengers wear seatbelts | Must ensure all passengers wear seatbelts, plus nighttime age limits if 19 or under | Responsible for passengers under 16 wearing seatbelts or child restraints |
| Minimum holding period | 12 months 8 months with a BDE course | 12 months | No minimum Renew every 5 years |
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 400-series highways with speed limits over 80 km/h and from high-speed expressways such as Windsor's E.C. Row 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 insurers offer discounts of up to 20% to drivers who complete an approved course. Tell your insurer once you finish.
Yes, auto insurance is required. If you don't own a car, you can be added to a policy as a secondary driver. Our new driver insurance guide covers what to buy, including the accident benefits that became optional on July 1, 2026.
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.
Get expert guidance for all license levels from MTO certified instructors at Rajput Driving School Windsor
