G1, G2 and Novice Driver Rules in Ontario
Ontario's graduated licensing system gives new drivers more freedom in steps. At each stage there are rules, and a ticket can have more serious consequences for a novice driver than for someone with a full licence.
- New drivers move from a G1 to a G2 and then a full G licence, with road tests in between.
- Novice drivers must have zero blood alcohol and zero drugs in their system when driving.
- Passenger limits, curfews and where a G1 driver may drive depend on the stage and on age. Check the current rules before you drive.
- A conviction or a licence suspension can set a novice driver back, and extra penalties may apply.
The stages
- G1: a learner's stage. A G1 driver must drive with an experienced driver in the front seat, and has restrictions on where and when they can drive, including limits on highways and late-night driving.
- G2: the second stage, after passing the first road test. A G2 driver may drive alone, but certain restrictions continue, such as limits on passengers for younger drivers at night.
- G: the full licence, after passing the final road test, with the restrictions of the earlier stages lifted.
- M1 and M2 are the equivalent stages for motorcycles.
Zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs
Drivers who hold a novice licence, and all drivers 21 and under, must not have any alcohol or drugs in their system while driving. A driver found with any amount can face an immediate roadside suspension, and a conviction can lead to a longer suspension and a fine. See the guides on drinking and driving.
Passengers and curfews
- The G1 stage has a limit on who may sit in the vehicle and a curfew for late-night driving.
- A G2 driver who is young is limited in how many passengers of their own age they may carry at certain hours, unless an experienced driver is in the car.
- These rules change from time to time, so check the Ministry of Transportation's current rules before assuming what applies to you.
If a novice driver gets a ticket
- Demerit points count, and novice drivers have a lower threshold for a warning letter, an interview or a suspension than a full licence holder. See the demerit points guide.
- A conviction for a serious offence can lead to a suspension of the licence, or to a downgrade to an earlier stage.
- Insurance cost increases are common, because a new driver is already rated as higher risk. See the guide on insurance and tickets.
- It is worth fighting a ticket that is wrong, because a conviction can have lasting consequences for a young driver.
Parents and guardians
A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can in some cases be asked to take responsibility for the driver, and can ask for the licence to be cancelled. If your child gets a ticket, talk about it, and get advice early.
Common questions
Can a G2 driver have a drink and drive?
No. Novice drivers must have zero blood alcohol while driving.
Can a novice driver lose their licence for one ticket?
A single serious conviction can lead to a suspension, and several smaller ones can add up through demerit points. The details depend on the offence and the stage.
Who can help. Licensed paralegals can represent drivers in Ontario's Provincial Offences Court on traffic tickets, including speeding and licence offences.
This guide is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.
Not sure where you stand? A licensed paralegal can look at your documents and tell you your options.
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