Can a G1 Driver Drive on a 400-Series Highway in Ontario?
No. G1 licence holders are prohibited from driving on 400-series highways and other high-speed expressways in Ontario. G1 drivers may only drive on roads where the speed limit is 80 km/h or less, and they must always be accompanied by a fully licensed driver.
Key Facts
- Must be accompanied at all times by a fully licensed (Class G) driver with at least 4 years of experience sitting in the front passenger seat
- Blood alcohol concentration must be exactly 0.00
- No driving between midnight and 5:00 AM
- No driving on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways
- All occupants must wear seat belts
In this article
The Highway Restriction for G1 Drivers
Under Ontario's graduated licensing system, G1 drivers are not permitted to drive on 400-series highways (Highways 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 406, 407, 409, 410, 412, 416, 417, 420, 427) or on any designated high-speed expressway such as the QEW, Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, or E.C. Row Expressway. These roads are excluded because of their higher speed limits and complex merging requirements.
What Roads Can G1 Drivers Use?
G1 drivers may drive on most regular city streets, rural roads, and provincial highways where the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or below. This covers the majority of day-to-day driving situations and is sufficient to build foundational skills before progressing to highway driving.
All G1 Restrictions at a Glance
The highway prohibition is just one of several G1 conditions.
- Must be accompanied at all times by a fully licensed (Class G) driver with at least 4 years of experience sitting in the front passenger seat
- Blood alcohol concentration must be exactly 0.00
- No driving between midnight and 5:00 AM
- No driving on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways
- All occupants must wear seat belts
- Cannot use any hand-held communication device
When Do G1 Restrictions End?
You graduate from G1 to G2 after passing the G2 road test, which you can take after a minimum of 12 months as a G1 holder (8 months if you complete an MTO-approved BDE course). Once you have your G2, you are permitted to drive on 400-series highways but still face other restrictions until you pass the full G road test.
Penalties for Breaking G1 Restrictions
Driving on a prohibited road or driving without a qualified accompanying driver is a violation of G1 conditions. Officers can charge the G1 driver with failing to comply with licence conditions. This can result in fines and may reset your waiting period before you can take the G2 road test.
Related Questions
What Are the G1 Licence Restrictions in Ontario?
G1 drivers in Ontario must be accompanied at all times by a fully licensed G driver with at least 4 years of experience in the front passenger seat. G1 holders cannot drive on 400-series highways or expressways with limits above 80 km/h, cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM, cannot have any blood alcohol content, and cannot carry more passengers than there are working seatbelts.
Read answerHow to Get Your G1 Licence in Ontario
To get your G1 licence, visit a DriveTest centre with valid ID and proof of Ontario residency, pay the combined licence and test fee, pass a vision test, and pass a 40-question written knowledge test. You need at least 80% on each of two sections: road rules and road signs.
Read answerDoes Your BDE Certificate Expire in Ontario?
No, a BDE (Beginner Driver Education) certificate does not expire in Ontario. Once you complete an MTO-approved BDE course, the certification is permanent. However, you must use it before your G1 licence expires to get the insurance discount and reduced wait time.
Read answerFrom Our Blog
BDE Program Guide: What You Need to Know
Everything you need to know about Ontario's Beginner Driver Education program. Learn what BDE includes, how much it costs, and whether it is worth the investment.
Read articleG1 Written Test Study Guide: Pass on Your First Try
A focused study guide for the Ontario G1 written test. Learn what topics are covered, how the test works, and the best way to prepare so you pass on your first attempt.
Read articleReady to Start Driving?
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