From G1 to G: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Driver's License in Ontario

Getting your driver's license in Ontario is a journey of empowerment, opening up a world of freedom and opportunity. The province uses a system called Graduated Licensing to ensure every new driver builds the necessary skills and experience in a safe, controlled way. It's a three-step process that takes you from a complete beginner to a fully licensed driver.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through each stage—G1, G2, and G—so you know exactly what to expect, what rules to follow, and how to successfully navigate the road to getting your full driver's license.

Understanding Ontario's Graduated Licensing System (GLS)

The GLS is a program that lets new drivers gain experience and skills gradually. The two-step licensing process takes at least 20 months to complete and is designed to help you become a safe, confident driver. The three levels are:

G1 License: The learner's level, where you must always be supervised.
G2 License: The first level of independent driving, with some restrictions.
Full G License: An unrestricted license with full driving privileges.

A critical rule for all new drivers: a zero Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is mandatory for all G1 and G2 drivers, regardless of age.

Step 1: Getting Your G1 License (The Learner's Permit)

This is where your driving journey begins. The G1 is your learner's permit, allowing you to practice driving under specific conditions.

How to Apply for a G1 License:

You must apply in person at a DriveTest Centre. You cannot book this appointment in advance.

To apply, you must:

Be at least 16 years old.
Pass a vision test: An employee will test your eyesight to ensure you meet the provincial standard for safe driving. If you need glasses or contacts to pass, you will have a condition on your license requiring you to wear them.
Provide proof of identity: You need to bring original identification that shows your legal name, date of birth, and signature. Acceptable documents include a Canadian passport, a permanent resident card, or a Canadian birth certificate paired with another valid ID.
Pass a written knowledge test: This multiple-choice test covers the rules of the road and traffic signs, based on the official MTO Driver's Handbook.
Pay the fees: A package fee covers your written test, your first road test (G2), and your five-year license.

G1 Driving Restrictions:

Once you pass your tests and pay the fee, you'll receive your G1 license. You must follow these rules for the entire G1 phase:

Supervising Driver: You must always drive with a fully licensed driver who has at least four years of driving experience and a BAC of less than .05%. This person must sit in the front passenger seat.
Zero BAC: You must not have any alcohol in your system.
Seatbelts: Every passenger must have a working seatbelt.
Prohibited Roads: You cannot drive on 400-series highways (like the 401, 400, QEW) or major expressways unless accompanied by a licensed driving instructor.
Night Driving Curfew: You are not permitted to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.

You must hold your G1 license for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the road test to get your G2. This can be shortened to 8 months if you complete a government-approved driver education course.

Step 2: Getting Your G2 License (The First Road Test)

The G2 license is the next step, allowing you to drive independently with some key restrictions. To get it, you must pass the G2 road test.

The G2 Road Test:

This test focuses on basic driving skills and takes about 20 minutes. It assesses your abilities in areas like:

Starting, stopping, and turning.
Obeying traffic lights and signs.
Driving safely through intersections.
Parallel parking and three-point turns.
Reversing and lane changes.

You must book your G2 road test in advance, either online through the DriveTest website, by phone, or in person.

G2 Driving Restrictions:

While you can now drive without a supervising driver, some important rules still apply, especially for drivers 19 and under:

Zero BAC: The zero-tolerance alcohol rule continues.
Seatbelts: You must have a working seatbelt for every passenger.
Teen Passenger Restrictions (for drivers 19 and under):
- First 6 months: You can only carry one passenger aged 19 or under.
- After 6 months (until you get your full G or turn 20): You can carry up to three passengers aged 19 or under.
- These restrictions do not apply if you have a supervising driver in the front seat or if the passengers are immediate family members.

Step 3: Getting Your Full G License (The Final Road Test)

This is the final stage of graduated licensing. To get your full, unrestricted G license, you must pass the G road test.

The G Road Test:

You are eligible for the G road test after you have held your G2 license for 12 months. This test is more advanced and longer than the G2 test, focusing on your ability to handle more complex driving situations. It includes all the elements of the G2 test, plus:

Highway driving: This includes merging onto a highway, maintaining proper speed, passing, and exiting.
Driving in heavier traffic.
Advanced road-side stops.

Once you pass the G road test, you become a fully licensed driver. The GDL restrictions are lifted, giving you complete driving freedom.

For Newcomers to Ontario

If you have a valid driver's license from another province or country, you may be able to exchange it for an Ontario license without going through the full GDL process. Ontario has reciprocal agreements with all Canadian provinces, the U.S., and several other countries. You will need to apply at a DriveTest centre and provide your original license and proof of identity.

The path from G1 to a full G license is a journey of learning and responsibility. By understanding and respecting the rules at each stage, you'll be well on your way to becoming a safe and confident driver on Ontario's roads.