Driver’s Licences
Ontario G1, G2 and Full G Licence Rules
Ontario licenses new drivers through a graduated system: G1, then G2, then a full G licence. Each stage has its own requirements and restrictions, and how a ticket affects you can depend on which stage you’re at.
The graduated licensing system, at a glance
Most new drivers move through three stages — G1, G2, and full G — over roughly 20 to 24 months, though Ontario allows up to five years to complete the whole process. Each stage requires holding the previous licence for a minimum period before you’re eligible to test for the next one.
| Stage | Minimum time before moving on | General requirement |
|---|---|---|
| G1 | 12 months (8 months with an approved driver-education course) | Pass vision and knowledge tests; must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver with at least 4 years of experience. |
| G2 | 12 months | Pass a road test to get G2; can then drive alone, including on highways. Drivers under 21 must maintain zero blood alcohol. |
| Full G | — | Pass an exit road test; no novice-specific restrictions remain. Licence is valid for up to 5 years before renewal. |
G1: the learner’s stage
To get a G1, you must be at least 16 and pass vision and written knowledge tests on the rules of the road and traffic signs. A G1 driver must always be accompanied by a fully licensed driver sitting in the front passenger seat, and other novice-driver restrictions apply, including a zero blood-alcohol requirement.
G2: driving on your own, with conditions
After holding a G1 for the minimum period and passing a road test, you move to G2 and can drive without a supervising driver, including on highways. Drivers under 21 must still maintain zero blood alcohol, and other novice-driver conditions can still apply.
Full G: no novice restrictions
After holding a G2 for at least a year and passing the G exit road test, you receive a full G licence with no novice-driver restrictions. From here, renewal is generally required every few years.
Sources
- Government of Ontario — graduated licensing (G1/G2/G) program requirements
- DriveTest Ontario — driver's licence testing information