What Are the G1 Licence Restrictions in Ontario?

According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, a G1 driver must always have a qualified supervisor in the front passenger seat. The supervisor must hold a valid full G licence (not G1 or G2) and must have held it for at least 4 years. The supervisor cannot be impaired. Both the G1 driver and the supervisor can face consequences if restrictions are violated.

G1 drivers cannot drive on 400-series highways (Highway 400, 401, 403, 404, 407, 410, 416, 417, 420, 427) or other high-speed expressways with posted limits above 80 km/h. This includes the DVP and the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto. Stick to arterial roads with posted limits of 80 km/h or below until you have your G2.

G1 drivers cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 AM. There are no exceptions for emergencies built into the rule. If you need to drive late and have an emergency, a fully licensed driver must take over before midnight.

Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, the zero tolerance law applies to all novice drivers (G1, G2) and all drivers under 22. As a G1 driver, you cannot have any detectable blood alcohol content while driving. There is no lower limit or grace amount. The penalty for a zero-tolerance violation includes an immediate licence suspension.

G1 drivers cannot carry more passengers than there are working seatbelts in the vehicle. All passengers must be buckled. The supervisor in the front passenger seat counts as one of the permitted passengers.

G1 restrictions end when you pass the G2 road test. You become eligible for the G2 test after 8 months with an approved BDE certificate, or 12 months without. Once you have your G2, you move to a lighter set of G2 restrictions and continue building toward a full G licence.