Driver Licensing

Driver Licensing
Requirements

Ontario's graduated licensing system explained — G1, G2, and full G licence — plus an overview of other provincial systems.

Ontario

Ontario's Graduated Licensing System

Ontario uses a two-stage graduated licensing system. New drivers must pass through G1 and G2 levels before earning a full G licence. The minimum time from G1 to full G is 20 months — or 12 months if you complete an approved driver education course.

G1

G1 Licence

Entry level — written test required

Pass a written knowledge test and eye exam at a DriveTest centre. Minimum age: 16.

Restrictions
  • Must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver (4+ years) in the front seat
  • Zero blood alcohol — no alcohol or cannabis whatsoever
  • No driving on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways
  • No driving between midnight and 5:00 AM
  • All occupants must wear seatbelts
Minimum hold time before G2 road test
12 months (8 with driver ed)
G2

G2 Licence

Intermediate — road test required

Pass a road test demonstrating basic driving skills. You can drive without an accompanying driver, including on 400-series highways.

Restrictions
  • Zero blood alcohol or cannabis impairment
  • If under 19: max 1 passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 AM (exceptions: immediate family members)
  • All occupants must wear seatbelts
  • 400-series highways now permitted
Minimum hold time before full G test
12 months
G

Full G Licence

Full privileges — advanced road test

Pass a full road test including highway driving at 400-series speeds. No restrictions — you can drive anywhere, any time.

Privileges
  • Drive any time of day
  • Unlimited passengers
  • Blood alcohol limit: 0.08 (zero for under 21)
  • Serve as accompanying driver for G1 holders
  • All Ontario roads and highways permitted
Earliest from G1 start
20 months (12 with driver ed)
Young & Novice Driver Consequences

G1 and G2 drivers caught violating their restrictions face licence suspension, demerit points, and fines. A G2 driver under 19 with multiple under-19 passengers late at night risks losing their licence entirely. These restrictions exist for safety — not to punish.

Other Provinces

Graduated Licensing Across Canada

Every Canadian province has its own graduated licensing system. Restrictions and timelines vary — always check with your provincial licensing authority for current rules.

British Columbia

ICBC

Two-stage system: Learner (L) → Novice (N) → Full. Minimum 12 months at L, 24 months at N. Novice drivers must display an N sign on the vehicle. Zero BAC for all novice drivers.

BC GLP Details →

Alberta

AMA

Learner (Class 7) → Probationary (Class 5 GDL) → Full (Class 5). Minimum 12 months at learner, 24 months probationary. Zero BAC at all stages. Probationary drivers have a 0.05 suspension threshold.

Alberta GDL Details →

Québec

SAAQ

Learner (Class 5) with an accompanying driver, then probationary period. Minimum age 16. Mandatory highway driving course. Zero BAC for drivers under 22. Probationary licence holders face stricter demerit thresholds.

SAAQ Details →

Manitoba

MPI

Learner (Class 5L) → Intermediate (Class 5I) → Full (Class 5). Minimum 9 months at learner, 15 months at intermediate. Night driving restrictions for Intermediate holders. Zero BAC throughout.

Manitoba GDL →

Saskatchewan

SGI

Learner (Class 7) → Novice (Class 5 – Stage 1 & 2) → Full (Class 5). Minimum 6 months learner, 12 months novice stage 1, 12 months stage 2. Passenger restrictions apply at novice stage 1.

SGI Details →

Nova Scotia

Access NS

Beginner (Class 7) → Novice (Class 5N) → Full (Class 5). Minimum 12 months at each stage. Novice drivers must display an N decal, no driving between midnight–5 AM, zero BAC under age 21.

NS GLP Details →
Pro Tips

Tips for New Drivers

Don't Rush the Process

The minimum timelines exist for a reason. Use the time to build genuine skill — not just rack up hours. More time practising different road conditions makes you a better driver.

Take a Certified Driver Ed Course

An MTO-approved course in Ontario cuts 4 months off your G1 hold period and often qualifies you for insurance discounts. It's worth every dollar.

Know Your Restrictions Cold

"I didn't know" is never a defence. Learn every restriction for your licence class before you get behind the wheel. A violation can cost you your licence and set your timeline back significantly.

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