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 are prohibited from 400-series highways over 80 km/h and designated high-speed expressways unless accompanied by an Ontario-licensed driving instructor, cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM, cannot have any blood alcohol content, and cannot carry more passengers than there are working seatbelts. G1 drivers may never drive alone.
Key Facts
- No 400-series highways over 80 km/h without an Ontario-licensed driving instructor
- No QEW or urban expressways with limits above 80 km/h without an instructor
- Ordinary multi-lane roads and city arterials are permitted with a qualified accompanying driver
- Highway driving without an instructor becomes available after you pass the G2
In this article
What Is the Supervision Requirement?
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.
What Are the Highway and Expressway Restrictions?
G1 drivers are prohibited from 400-series highways over 80 km/h (Highway 400, 401, 403, 404, 407, 410, 416, 417, 420, 427) and designated high-speed expressways unless accompanied by an Ontario-licensed driving instructor. This includes the DVP and the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto. With a qualified non-instructor supervisor, stick to ordinary roads and arterials rather than restricted highways. G1 drivers may never drive alone.
- No 400-series highways over 80 km/h without an Ontario-licensed driving instructor
- No QEW or urban expressways with limits above 80 km/h without an instructor
- Ordinary multi-lane roads and city arterials are permitted with a qualified accompanying driver
- Highway driving without an instructor becomes available after you pass the G2
What Are the Time Restrictions?
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.
What Is the Zero Blood Alcohol Rule?
Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, the zero-tolerance law applies to all novice drivers (G1, G2) and all drivers age 21 or under. 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.
What Are the Passenger Restrictions?
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.
When Do G1 Restrictions End?
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.
Related Questions
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Read answerWhat Is Ontario's Zero Tolerance Law for New Drivers?
Ontario's zero tolerance law requires G1 and G2 drivers to have a blood alcohol level of exactly 0.00 when driving. Any detectable alcohol results in an immediate 24-hour roadside licence suspension and additional penalties. This is stricter than the 0.08 limit that applies to fully licensed drivers.
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.
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Generally, G2 drivers in Ontario can tow a trailer, but only if the combined weight does not require a different licence class. A standard G2 licence allows you to drive vehicles up to a gross weight of 11,000 kg. If the towing combination exceeds that threshold or involves certain commercial trailers, a higher class licence is required.
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MTO stands for the Ministry of Transportation Ontario. It is the provincial government body responsible for setting and enforcing road rules, managing driver licensing, overseeing vehicle registration, and maintaining Ontario's highway infrastructure. The MTO also approves driving schools and administers the graduated licensing system.
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