Graduated licensing in Ontario
Like most people I know, I obtained my driver’s license prior to the implementation of graduated licensing in the province of Ontario. This meant that from the moment I received my license, I was able to drive on 400 series highways at 2am on my own. However, since April 1, 1994, newly licensed drivers have not been able to legally do this because of the graduated licensing system.
Under the graduated licensing scheme, new drivers start a two-step process that takes at least 20 months to complete and must be completed within five years. The system “lets new drivers get driving experience and skills gradually”, according to the MTO. Assuming you’re at least 16 years old, pass a vision test and a knowledge test of the rules of the road and signs, you will receive a Class G1 license.
A Class G1 license allows the holder to drive a vehicle provided that they have no alcohol in their bloodstream, are accompanied by a reasonably sober (less than 0.05%) fully licensed driver who is the only other person in the front seat, but doesn’t allow them on 400-series highways or highspeed expressways such as the QEW, Don Valley, Gardner or a couple of others I’ve never heard of. And, they cannot drive the vehicle between midnight and 5am. If the person sitting next to you is a driving instructor licensed in the province of Ontario, you are allowed to drive on the “prohibited” roads.
You have to hold a G1 license for at least 12 months, unless you’ve passed an approved course in which case you can reduce this to 8 months. After this 8 or 12 month period has passed, you get to try a G1 road test. If you pass it, you get a Class G2 license.
A Class G2 license allows the holder to drive on any road in Ontario without a “co-pilot” provided that they have no alcohol in their bloodstream and do not have more passengers in the vehicle than working seatbelts, which is also a condition for the G1. As of September 1, 2005, there are limits on the number of “young passengers” (19 years old or under) a G2 driver 19 years or under can carry between midnight and 5am. G2 drivers who are 19 years or under who have had a G2 for less than six months can only carry one young passenger. Once they’ve had their G2 for more than six months or turn 20, they can carry three young passengers. There’s an exception to this rule if the passengers are immediate family members or if there’s a fully licensed G driver onboard.
Once you’ve had a G2 for at least a year, you can try a G2 road test, which will give you a full G license if you pass.
You’re probably asking yourself “so what?”.
Well, I’ve noticed over the last few years that the number of drivers on the Queensway who travel along at 80 to 90 km/h has markedly increased since I got my license under the old system in the mid- to late-80’s. I have been speculating that this is a result of the graduated licensing system. Drivers who have been driving on a G1 for a year or two probably haven’t had a whole lot of experience driving at speeds in excess of 80 km/h. When they finally graduate to a G2 license, they are able to drive on roads with speed limits 25% higher than they’re used to. Consequently, they tend to drive in their comfort zone, rather than at the 100 km/h speed limit found on 400 series highways and highspeed expressways. I don’t have any empirical data to support this, of course, just a gut feeling based on a steadily increasing incidence of drivers travelling below the speed limit, primarily on the 417 in Ottawa, when 100 km/h is appropriate to the road and weather conditions.
The Ministry of Transportation’s website claims that the graduated licensing system has been a “resounding success” and reduced death and injury among new drivers. Their research also shows a link between the number of teenage passengers onboard and the likelihood of a serious or even fatal collision, with new teenage drivers being nearly three times as likely to experience such a collision. That’s why the G2 has restrictions on when and how many young passengers a G2 driver can carry.
I have no doubts that the graduated licensing system has indeed had an impact on the accident rates for new drivers. But at the same time, I believe it’s producing drivers who are less confident in driving at 400 series/expressway speeds, which has potentially significant ramifications to other drivers on these roads. Drivers who drive below the speed the rest of the traffic is moving at are just as dangerous as those who weave in and out of traffic. They lead to other drivers having to break unexpectedly for no reason other than they’re travelling too slowly.
What I’d like to see are some statistics correlating driving speed on a 400 series/expressway, license class and years that class has been held. I think the real story would emerge then. Perhaps some sort of voluntary black-box vehicle tracking system which was excluded from being used against the driver if they did get stopped for some moving violation, would allow statistics to be gathered on driving habits and new drivers.
If the statistics on young drivers and teenage passengers are true, then I would have no problems with restrictions similar to those in the G2 license being in force if the graduated system were scrapped. At most, it would inconvenience new young drivers for a couple of years.
AKA Keeper of Maps, I'm a geocacher who lives in Ottawa, Canada.
hi im about to go schedule my g2 test…like not the g2 exit but the g1 exit to get my g2. i was wondering though, all of my freinds driving instructors took them on the 400 series..and mine never did. im not sure whether he was supposed to or not, but he didnt so i was wondering if they would test me on that? thanks.
Hi Ian…
I looked at the MTO’s website and I couldn’t find anything that said specifically what they test at the end of the G1. When you want to graduate from a G2 to a G, you have to have certain amount of highway experience, but that was the only reference to it. You should probably give your local testing office a call to make sure you’ve got the appropriate experience. If you do, could you post what they tell you? Cheers!
Scott…
To my knowledge, anything that earns you points on your license can probably affect your insurance. I’m guessing you’ve picked up 3 points because you were 28 km/h over. Even if you were only 18 km/h over the limit, you still would have earned 3 demerit points because you would still have been speeding. Your insurance may go up. It’s not a simple question because the insurance company is going to take all sorts of factors such as your age, driving history, etc into consideration when they make their decision. Hopefully, it won’t cost you too much money and that you’ll pay closer attention to the speed limits. I believe that speeding on your road test is an automatic failure. Let us know how it works out…
–G
I was wondering, i did driver’s training and started doing my road lessons (to get my g2) im due to write the test in 15 days, but my driving instructor wont get back to me to get my ohter lessons done, do i need the in-cars to write the test?? or is it okay taht i have the 40 hours of in classroom stuff?( i have my certificate, but do u need teh 10 hours of in car?) Thanks for reading
Was just wondering if having your G2 permits you to drive on any highways i.e. 400 series/expressways??? Or do you have to have your full G license before you can drive on highways??
hi, how many mistakes can you make and still pass your road test?
In Jan. 2004 I received a 30 day suspension of my driver’s license for a novice driver violation when I had my G2. Shortly thereafter I received my full G. About three months ago my insurance company doubled my rate due to this violation three years ago, which apparently was just brought to their attention. Thus, I have decided to change companies. Currently, I have checked my driver’s abstract and this violation is not present. Do I need to disclose this to the new insurance company? The previous insurance company seems to think that this
novice driver violation suspension carries as much weight as an impairment. How long will this remain on my driving record? And what record?
Hi,
My G2 license is expired a month ago, and I recently took a G1 test since I have to do all the cycle once again.
Passing the G1 (knowledge) test, I am qualified to take G1 road test now.
Do you know how long after getting G2 should I wait before I may reapply to G test?
Thank You.
According to the MTO’s website: “Level One lasts at least 12 months, but no more than 60 months. You can reduce that time to 8 months by completing a Ministry-approved driver education course…”. It also says “It will take at least 20 months from the time you start in Level One to the time you can take the Level Two test to earn full driving privileges. The final test measures your overall driving ability.”
It also says “To keep your driving privileges, you can take the appropriate road test to graduate to the next level of licence, example, take Level One road test to graduate to Level Two, or Level Two road test to graduate to a full class licence. If not, your licence will expire and you will have to take the knowledge test to re-qualify for Level One, or take Level One road test to re-qualify for Level Two.”
So, it sounds like you have the better part of two years until you can go for your G. However, you should talk to the MTO and get more authoritative information from them. 🙂
Howdy,
I currently have my G1 and passed 40 hours of in class and 10 hours in car lessons, me exit test is tomorrow… (I doubt you’ll reply to this in time)
In case you do reply to this in time, I have a few questions
If I pass, can I drive on the highway (400 series)
Will they take me on the highway for the test?
If I fail, how much money to retake the test?
My G1 has expired I have already used my one extension. I did not pass the road test, I feel as though the examiner misjudged a situation when I came to a complete stop as a fire truck passed, she thought I was about to go but I was not.
Any way, what happens now, how do I renew.
Hi Michael…
According to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/edu/ReadyRoad.aspx , if you pass the G1 test “you may also drive on any Ontario road”. In my opinion, you should get training and experience on 400-series highways so that you aren’t intimidated by them and know how to drive on them properly.
I don’t get the impression from what I’ve read that the G1 exit test takes you on the 400-series highways, but I could be wrong. I did not have to go through the graduated system so I have no personal experience.
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/edu/roadTestPreparationFactSheet.aspx should give you an idea of what to expect on both the G1 and G2 exit tests.
I quickly looked through the Drive Test website and I couldn’t find out what the financial implications are if you do not pass the test. I would assume that you would have to pay for another test at the standard testing cost.
Good luck! Let me know how it goes!
jj, have you had your G1 for more than 60 months? If you have, then I think you have to re-enter the graduated system from scratch. That’s too bad about the fire truck incident, but I guess the examiner had her doubts. I don’t know if there’s an appeal process, but I would be surprised if there was. Did you talk about it with the examiner after the test was finished?
Yes, I did speak to the Examiner, and I also made an appeal by phone message, I agree with you that there is no chance for a reconsideration at this point. I feel as though I have bad luck and that I will never be able to drive, could it be that the Place I go to in Downsview might be a little more strict than the other driving centres. I’ve had so much practice and I really am a safe driver. I’m feeling rather hopeless at this time and my self esteem is crashed!
I passed :), I did not go on the highway. But… I passed 🙂
Congratulations, Michael! 🙂
Hi, i am currently driving whit my g1 alone. The car has insurance, my husband it is the only incluede in the insurance, and the ownership is on his name also. I wonder know if i could have any problem for that and what are the consequences of this. thanks
Hi Alisva… If I read that correctly, you have a G1 and are driving without a licensed driver who has 4 years experience in the right front seat. From what I’ve read on the MTO’s website, you are not respecting the conditions of a G1 license, which specify that a G1 license holder is “required to: … be accompanied by a fully licensed driver, who has at least four years driving experience, and a blood alcohol level of less than .05 per cent, in case he/she needs to take over the wheel…”. Presumably you would not be covered by the insurance since you’re not listed on the policy and you don’t meet the requirements of the G1 license when you’re driving alone.
I am not a lawyer, but I think you should stop driving alone immediately. You should probably contact your insurance company to find out if you need to be explicitly listed on your husband’s insurance policy. For the specific consequences of driving without a fully licensed driver who meets the requirements, you should contact the Ministry of Transportation. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is an infraction that could result in temporary or permanent loss of driving privileges.
Hi Gordon,
What is the Canadian Window Tinting Rules? Up yo what percentage % are we allowed (Ontario)?
Regards,
Asad
Hi there, I’m planning on booking a road test so that I could get my G licence and I’m getting mixed reviews over the price of it. A friend said they booked it over the phone with a credit card, and another friend said that it shouldn’t cost anything if it is your first time since the $100 you paid for the G1 also covers the G2 and G test. I wasn’t aware about the G2 cost because I went with a driving instructor at the time so I thought the cost was included when I paid to use the car.
I also have my middle break light burnt out and my current mechanic is unable to change the bulb and advised me to go to the dealership. Will this have the examiner turn me away and have me reschedule at another time? I do have the left and right brake lights working though.
Hi Asad…
The rules vary from province to province. A couple of provinces do not allow tinting of the driver’s window. I know someone from Alberta who was pulled over in British Columbia and given a fairly hefty ticket because their driver’s window was tinted. http://www.thestar.com/Wheels/article/131463 has a short answer on the question of window tinting in Ontario, but since it’s a newspaper rather than official legislation you shouldn’t use it as your sole source of information.
One thing to consider is that having a tint on your driver’s side window, especially a dark tint, can make police very wary should you ever be stopped because they can’t see whether you might be pointing a gun at them.
Ultimately, at least for Ontario, it seems that it’s a matter of safety. If you can’t safely see out then it’s not legal.
Obviously, I am not a lawyer, so you should check with the appropriate authorities. 🙂
Hi Chris…
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/edu/roadTestPreparationFactSheet.aspx says that, among other things, your vehicle can fail the requirements of the road test if you have a “Non-functional right/left brake light or turn signal.” To me, this seems like it shouldn’t disqualify you from the road test if the middle brake light is burnt out, but you’re probably better off if it’s working.
I couldn’t find a fee schedule for the tests, but their website seems to imply there’s a fee for each test. I’d give your local testing office a call to confirm it. And if you could post what you find out, that would be great, too.
Good luck!
Hey sorry for the late reply. I finally did book my test and I asked the Downsview representative over the phone about my brake lights. She told me that my car needs to be in perfect condition meaning yes all three brake lights need to be in working order. And that to book the G2 Exit test is going to be $75.00 Cdn.
Further hints went as to studying chapter 6 in you drivers handbook as thats what you will mostly be doing for the test.
Hey there, i was just wondering if you get into an accident and your driving with only your g1 license BY YOURSELF, What is the worst that could happen with fines and stuff. Because my mom says that if i get into an accident where someone is hurt and im driving by myself, that we could lose our house. I just want to know if that can actually happen and what the smallest and the biggest consequences are
Thanks, Chris
Hi Chris…
Well, from what I’ve read, you would almost certainly lose your G1 and could very likely find yourself banned from driving for up to a year, maybe more depending on the severity of the accident. I think what your mom is implying is that if you were driving along with only a G1 and had an accident you could discover that your insurance would not cover you. Thus, you and/or your parents would be liable for anything you might be sued for by the injured person(s). Given that something like this could be very costly, your parents might have to sell their house to pay for court costs, not to mention anything the court might award the person suing you if they make their case. And something like this would probably have a significant impact on your relationship with your parents.
If you read the comments starting around #23, you’ll find a comment by me with some quotes from the laws concerning insurance, particularly the fines and penalties. Also earlier, you’ll find comments from Elias who was stopped while driving with a G1 and no insurance (and some other problems) and what he’s going through as a result.
If I were you, I would spend your time in the graduated licensing system building up your driving experience within the constraints of the system. It should only take a couple of years from start to finish, which may seem like a long time, but really isn’t. 🙂
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, so you should talk to a lawyer and/or the MTO to get more authoritative information.
I had my G2..but I failed my G test and my license expired..When I got back and get my G1 again…do I have to wait the 8 months again before I can go for my G2?
Hi Shelley…
From what I’ve read, it looks like you are normally in the G1 for 12 months, but you can shorten that to 8 months by taking a Ministry-approved driver education course. (ref: http://www.drivetest.ca/en/edu/ReadyRoad.aspx)
Good luck! 🙂
Hi,
This seems kinda popular topic, and since I started whole licensing mess not too long ago (I do need to start riding something faster than a bicycle some day… 🙂 ), might as well contribute…
First, to answer Shelley’s question: you don’t need to wait if it’s been less than 3 years. Source: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/renewal.htm
Now, I have my own question: does anyone know if it’s possible to book multiple road tests at once? Because waiting times anywhere near Toronto are at least a month, so figured I book like 5 tests spaced 10 days in between, and then cancel the rest once I pass… 🙂 Would save me lots of waiting time…
Thanks.
The MTO’s website says “You must pass the Level Two road test to become a fully licensed class G driver. Novice Driver Re-qualification: Your Level One or Level Two novice licence will expire if you do not exit the Graduated Licensing Program within 5 years after you obtained your novice licence. To keep your driving privileges, you can take the appropriate road test to graduate to the next level of licence, example, take Level One road test to graduate to Level Two, or Level Two road test to graduate to a full class licence. If not, your licence will expire and you will have to take the knowledge test to re-qualify for Level One, or take Level One road test to re-qualify for Level Two.”
The page on license renewals says “Novice (classes G1, G2, M1, M2 and M2 with condition “L”) drivers whose licence have been invalid (expired/cancelled/suspended) for up to three years and reapply for a licence during this time do not have to serve the mandatory time period under graduated licensing. However, if the licence has been invalid for more than three years, the driver must serve all the mandatory time periods.
Note: If you passed the G1 or M1 or M1 with condition “L” road test within 12 months of your driver’s licence expiry, you may pay the licensing fee of $75 at a DriveTest centre to receive a G2 or M2 or M2 with condition “L” driver’s licence valid for five years. You must do this before your licence expires.”
Someone in this situation should seek an authoritative answer from the MTO, but should consider the fact that if they haven’t obtained a Class G license after five years and, in fact, didn’t pass the test, they probably should get a little more serious about obtaining the license and take some additional training.
WRT booking multiple tests: It might save you lots of waiting time, if they allow you to book like that, but it’s not really fair to the other drivers because it reduces the number of slots available to everyone else disproportionately.
Just wondering, I have my G1 license, had to go through the whole graduated licensing thing again, since my G2 expired while I was overseas…and I’ve got a sweet deal on a car that I want to buy. Can I still buy, register and insure a vehicle even though I won’t be able to drive alone for the next few months? Do you have any idea what the process would be?
I don’t think there’s a problem with you buying a car, though you may find the insurance could be rather high. Check the MTO’s website or, better yet, give them a call and then tell us what you found! 🙂
Hey Gordon, this question has probably be asked before but just wondering… I have a clean G1 rite now and my G2 appointment is soon… and well here and there I drive my dad’s car to school Alone… so I was thinking what would be the consiquences if i got pulled over without a reason cuz i don’t kno maybe the cops thought i looked a little young… wat would i have to face in regards to that?? Plus would it be permanent or jus for a certain period of time? Thanks
Hi Nick…
Holders of a G1 aren’t allowed to drive alone, so the consequences could be quite severe, depending on the circumstances and how you behaved when you were stopped (argumentative/aggressive vs accepting). You could very well see your G1 suspended. And, there could be insurance implications: you may not be covered by your insurance when you’re driving alone, so if you have an accident you might not be covered. An accident can very quickly run into the thousands of dollars, which I’m sure you and your parents would prefer not to have to spend.
I think you’re risking a lot by driving alone with a G1, particularly if your G2 test is in the near future. Good luck!
Hey,
I’m actually going for my final driving test this Friday. I see what you mean about noticing people actually driving under the speed limit — I’ve found that to be the case as well! However, I know that the graduated licensing system (though annoying to me) did not limit me by making me weary to go anywhere but where I was comfortable.
I can see this being the case with other people, though — my case is different. My dad is the only fully licensed driver in my family, and I live with my mom, grandparents, and brother. I’ve been FORCED to drive to places I’ve never been in busier areas in the city, though I never took the freeway (because I couldn’t without my dad).
I admit, the first time I went freeway driving I was surprisingly uncomfortable, even though I’d been driving for a few years with the G2 under my belt! But I think the fact that I’d been driving for quite some time allowed me to quickly adjust to the speed (literally, in a day’s worth of freeway driving).
What I hate the most about graduated licensing is not so much that it’s a slower process, because I think some people need the time, but because eventually, we sink into some driving habits that we have to curb when we take our final test years after our G2. Another thing I absolutely hate: having to start at the G1 again if you don’t pass your G test!
Which reminds me… if I don’t pass this final test, and have to take my G1 all over again, will I not be able to drive at all for a time? Cause that ain’t happening. : ) (Either way, I think I’ll pass.)
Hi Sylvia…
I don’t think there’s a mandatory waiting period before you can take the G1 again, but I’m sure they’ll tell you if you don’t pass. (There might be a 5 or 10 day waiting period…. check with the MTO to be sure.) Whatever you do, don’t go driving without a license because that could seriously screw things up for you for a long time. Read through the comments from other people above to find out what some people are experiencing for driving where/when they shouldn’t with a G1.
But, if you’re prepared for the test, comfortable with the rules and driving, I think you’ll be fine.
Good luck on the test and let me know how you do!
I got three questions..
1: If your G1 expires, and you apply and relieve a new one. Do you need to wait for another eight to twelve months to be able to driver with another person holding a G?
2: Is it possible to extend your G1 license?
3: What’s the waiting time before someone that gets their G2 can apply for their G license?
Thanks in advance!
hi, i was just wondering ig there is there any province in Canada that doesn’t have the license graduating system.
Hi, I have my G1 and ive been driving by my self and with friends. I know im not suppose too, if i got pulled over what would be the possible consequences? Would it be better to lie and say i dont have my license on me or show my g1?
Hi Erika…
I believe the possible consequences could include a suspension/revocation of your license and maybe fines, too. It would certainly not be better to lie to a police officer because that alone may be an offense and if he were to look up your name in the computer in his car he’d discover you only had a G1. Honestly, you are much better off to drive respecting the limitations of your license because the problems that could ensue if you were stopped, or worse had an accident, could haunt you for years to come, particularly if you end up receiving a criminal record as a result.
hi gordon i have my g1 and i was wondering can i buy a car
I don’t believe there are any reasons you can’t. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if you find the insurance costs higher.
Hi there, I posted a comment about a month ago but I don’t see it anymore, I don’t know why but the question was : If i got pulled over by a police officer and I only have my G1 driver’s license and I am driving alone but I have insurance, what would be the consequences. And the reason I got pulled over was because of speeding. I hope I can get a answer. Thanks alot Gordon!!!
Hi Adam…
If you’re stopped while driving alone with a G1, the consequences could be quite severe. Though you have insurance, it might not be in effect if you have an accident while driving alone with a G1 — you’d have to ask your insurance company to clarify this. If you were stopped for speeding, I expect you would receive a fine, possible demerit points (depending on the speed) and it might even result in a suspension.
But, I’m not a lawyer, so you should check with the MTO for an authoritative answer.
Personally, I would respect the restrictions of the G1.
i took the in class and finished it but im waiting for my lessons do i have to take those lessons or can i just go and book my test ive only have my g1 for 10 months????
I’m almost 16 and getting my m1 license soon, can I take my m2 test after 60 days or do I have to be 18? and what are the usual costs for speeding or getting caught driving at night? Do you think my license could get suspended if I was driving at say 9pm because the sun probably would have set by then? – Thanks.
My G1 expires in about 2 months. If I take my driving test and recieve my G2 will I be granted extra time to get my G or will I have to start all over again?
Erika… they are fines, not costs. Speeding fines are determined based on the amount you are exceeding the posted limit by. You should be aware that in addition to monetary penalties, you will also receive demerit points. If you receive enough demerit points, there are other penalties that can occur, the most severe of which can be revocation of driving privileges.
With respect to the question about age, it appears that you have to hold an M2 for a minimum of 22 months, so if you obtain your M1 shortly after turning 16 and advance to an M2 within 3 months (you must have an M1 for at least 60 days and no more than 90 days), then you’ll be at least 18 when you obtain your M, unless you reduce the 22 month period to 18 months by completing an approved safety course.
With the M2 you gain the privilege of driving at night, so I’m sure you can respect this limitation of the M1 for a couple of months.
Good luck!
Jim…
If your G1 is expiring, then that means you’ve held if for a long time without obtaining your G2. I believe there is a maximum length of time you’re given to complete the graduated licensing process (i.e. get your class G) and if you don’t obtain it within this period then it’s back to square one. However, I can’t immediately find the reference to that on the MTO’s website, but it may have been referenced in a previous comment.
Frankly, if you haven’t obtained a G2 within this period, then chances are you should start the process again, take the recommended courses and do the tests in a more timely manner.
Good luck!
Hi i recently got 3 demerit points to my license and i was thinking about jsut waiting for the demerits to expire so my insurence wont go up…would this work and if so how long would i hav to wait?
Hi Derek…
Demerit points do eventually go away, but I’m not sure how long that takes.
What are you wondering if it “would work”? If you’re thinking of not renewing your insurance until the demerits have expired, then you’re also looking at giving up driving because driving without insurance is illegal and carries some very severe penalties when you’re caught.