G2 Licence Restrictions

You can drive alone, including on highways

The biggest practical change at G2 is that the accompanying-driver requirement from G1 no longer applies. G2 drivers can drive by themselves, at any time of day, on any road including provincial highways. This is often the moment new drivers feel like they’ve gained real independence — but it’s worth remembering that G2 is still explicitly a novice stage under the Highway Traffic Act, not a full licence.

Zero blood alcohol for drivers under 21

Drivers under 21 must maintain zero blood alcohol while driving in Ontario, regardless of licence class. For a G2 driver who is under 21, this rule applies on top of their novice-driver status. Once a driver turns 21, the standard legal limit that applies to fully licensed adult drivers generally takes over, but the novice-driver conditions tied to holding a G2 remain in place until they move to a full G licence. See our zero blood-alcohol rules page for how this requirement fits together across age and licence class.

Other novice-driver conditions

Beyond the accompanying-driver rule dropping away, G2 drivers remain subject to the broader novice-driver framework, including lower demerit-point thresholds than fully licensed drivers before a warning letter or suspension is triggered. Our novice-driver penalties page explains how these thresholds compare to those for fully licensed drivers, and why a conviction at the G2 stage can carry different consequences than the same conviction would for someone with a full G licence.

Why these conditions exist

The graduated licensing system is built around the idea that driving skill and safe judgment develop over time and with experience. G2 sits in the middle of that progression: more freedom than G1, but not yet the full set of privileges (and full accountability) that comes with a G licence. Treating G2 restrictions seriously is generally in a new driver’s own interest, separate from any legal requirement.

Moving to a full G licence

After holding a G2 for a minimum of 12 months, you become eligible for the G exit road test. Passing it removes the remaining novice-driver restrictions. See getting a full G licence for what that final step involves.

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