Ontario G1 License Restrictions and Requirements

The Ontario G1 licence is step 1 in getting your Ontario car licence. While this licence comes with the ability to actually operate and drive a car in Ontario there are some key rules that G1 drivers must follow at all times. Drivers in violation of the Ontario G1 licence restrictions could face G1 licence suspensions and/or fines. Make sure you abide by these five key G1 drving restrictions until you pass the G2 exam and enter your next licence stage.

1. You Must Maintain a Blood Alcohol Level of Zero.

Zero Tolerance For Alcohol Consumption

G1 drivers are not permitted to have any alcohol at all in their system at any time when operating a vehicle. This is one of the G1 license restrictions that could result in a suspension if you are caught driving with a blood-alcohol level above zero.

2. A Fully Licensed Driver With a Blood Alcohol Level Below 0.05% Must Be in the Passenger Seat.

Supervised Driving Is Mandatory

One of the G1 license rules requires G1 license holders to always have someone with a minimum of four years driving experience and who is sober in the passenger seat next to them. If the accompanying driver is under the age of 21, then his/her blood alcohol level must be zero. This G1 restriction ensures that a driver is available to take over at the wheel if necessary. You cannot have any other passengers in the front seat of the car to be in accordance with Ontario G1 restrictions. This is only one of the G1 passenger rules.

3. You May Not Have More Passengers in the Vehicle Than There are Seat Belts.

Passenger Seatbelts

Although this is one of the G1 restrictions in Ontario, it is a general rule that should be followed even after passing the G1 test. This goes beyond G1 conditions as everyone in the car should always be wearing a seat belt.

4. G1 Ontario Restrictions Prohibit Driving on 400 Highways and High-Speed Expressways.

No Highway driving

Among the driving restrictions for G1 license holders is that they can not drive on 400 highways. They are also prohibited from driving on any high-speed expressways. This is because they require more driving skill and higher speed.

5. G1 Driving Hours are From 5:00 am Through Midnight.

Restricted Driving at Night

From midnight to 5:00 am, G1 drivers may not be on the road, even if they are in compliance with all of the other G1 restrictions. One of the G1 restrictions Ontario drivers must follow is the observance of G1 hours. This is designed to keep G1 drivers off the road during some of the most dangerous hours.

Let Us Help You With All Your Ontario Driving Questions

Graduating From Your G1 Licence and Getting an Ontario G2 Licence

The Ontario graduated driver licensing program is a step-by-step approach to learning to drive in Ontario. In order to get your G1 licence, you had to master Ontario road signs and road rules and pass a written G1 test. Once you have your G1 there are some key steps and milestones you must meet before you can graduate to the next licensing level, which is your G2 licence.

Passing the Ontario G1 Test

In order to get your G1 licence, you will have to spend a good amount of time practicing Ontario road signs and road rules. The actual G1 written test is two sets of 20 MCQ's and you have to correctly answer 16/20 on each of the test sets. You will know immediately after taking the G1 test if you have passed and can start practicing how to drive on Ontario roads with a licensed, qualified supervising driver as soon as you get your G1 licence.

Practice Ontario G1 Test

Driving With an Ontario G1 Licence

You must remain at the G1 licence stage for a minimum of 8 months (with a ministry approved driver training course) or 12 months(without a ministry approved driver training course) . Your G1 is valid for 5 years during which time you must complete the entire Ontario GDL program and get your final G licence. While adhering to the G1 licence restrictions plan to get lots of practice driving in Ontario with a qualified supervisor.

Drive With Your G1 Licence

Getting Your G2 Licence

To get your G2 licence, you need to practice driving while at the G1 licence stage, book an appointment and pass an Ontario road test/ G1 exit road test. The G2 road test is designed to allow you to demonstrate driving skills such as turning, changing lanes, signaling, parking etc. The G2 test itself takes about 20 minutes and you have to bring your own vehicle.  Lots of practice is the best way to prepare. Also see G2 License Rules.

Passing your G2 Test

Frequently Asked Questions About G1 Licence Restrictions and Requirements.

At icandrive.ca it's our mission to help remove any confusion when it comes to process of getting your Ontario car licence and/or moving through the different Ontario graduated driver licensing stages. No matter what your question is, we have the answers.

Do G1 drivers need insurance?

G1 insurance is usually provided by the parents or guardians of the G1 driver. If you are driving with a G1 license in Ontario, you do not need your own policy, nor will insurance companies provide a policy. Parents or guardians of a G1 driver should notify their insurance company immediately of anyone who obtains a G1 license in their home.

Can I buy a car with a G1 licence?

You can buy a car at any time, but you will not be able to insure it under your own policy until you hold a full license. You may be able to insure the car under the policy of a parent or guardian.

What do you need to bring to your G1 test?

When you go to get your G1 drivers license, you will need to bring proof of your identity which shows your full name and your date of birth. You must also have identification with your signature. You can find a full list of the acceptable documents for license application here to meet the G1 requirements.

Can you drive after getting your G1?

Once you have passed the G1 license Ontario exam, you can drive as long as you are in compliance with all of the G1 regulations.

When can you drive with your G1 licence?

The legal G1 driving times are from 5:00am until midnight. During the hours from midnight through 5:00am, it is illegal for a G1 driver to be behind the wheel, even if all other G1 driver license restrictions are complied with.

Who can a G1 driver, drive with?

G1 licence restrictions require that a G1 driver have someone in the passenger seat at all times who has held a full drivers license for at least four years. That person must have a blood alcohol level of less than 0.05%. If that person is under the age of 21, then his/her blood alcohol level must be zero.

Can G1 drivers, drive on the highway?

G1 driver restrictions include limitations on which roads the driver can be on. For those holding a G1 license, Ontario highways with 400 numbers as well as high-speed expressways are off-limits. You may drive on highways other than these G1 limitations. If you are driving with a licensed driving instructor, these G1 license rules are lifted.

What is a G1 licence in Ontario?

The G1 license is a learner’s permit that allows new Ontario drivers to practice driving skills. There are a set of restrictions for G1 drivers that help keep themselves and others safe as they learn to drive. The G1 is the first stage of Ontario’s graduated licensing system.

Can a G1 driver, drive in the US?

G1 license Ontario rules apply to your license no matter where you are. No matter where you are driving you must follow the rules of your license. Whether or not you can drive with your G1 license, even in compliance with all restrictions, may depend on the laws of the state you are in. You should verify these laws before driving.

What time are G1 drivers allowed to drive?

G1 drivers are forbidden from driving between the hours of midnight and 5am because new drivers are more likely to have an accident during these hours. You can drive as a G1 driver with a supervising driver between the hours of 5 am to 11:59 pm.

Can a G1 driver, drive with a child?

A child may be a passenger in the car as long as there is an appropriate seat belt or car seat in use and the child is not in the front seat with the G1 driver. G1 driving restrictions Ontario drivers must follow include the law that there must be a seat belt for every passenger, and it must be in use.

Can a G1 driver, drive without insurance?

A G1 driver is not required to have their own insurance policy. It is important to note that every vehicle on the road in Ontario must be insured. G1 drivers are usually covered under the policy of a parent or guardian but not officially listed on the policy as a driver.

Can you drive in the evening with a G1 licence?

Yes, you can drive in the evening, up until midnight, as long as you are in compliance with all other G1 license restrictions.

Can you drive at midnight with a G1 licence in Ontario?

No, the G1 license restrictions Ontario drivers must comply with prohibit driving between midnight and 5:00am.

How long does it take to find out if your got your G1 licence?

You will be notified of a pass or fail on the G1 license test immediately following the exam.

Are G1 drivers allowed to have a passenger in the car?

G1 drivers can have passengers in the car as long as they each have a seat belt, and the passenger in the front seat is a fully licensed driver of at least four years. No other passengers are permitted in the front seat.

Can you drive with a G2 with a fully licensed driver in the front seat?

G2 drivers can drive without any other drivers required to be in the vehicle, at any time.

Can a G1 driver, drive alone?

A G1 driver must always drive with a fully licensed driver who has 4+ years of driving experience and has a blood alcohol level of <0.05. If the accompanying driver is under the age of 21, then his/her blood alcohol level must be zero.