What Is Graduated Licensing in Ontario?

According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, graduated licensing is a system designed to give new drivers progressively more privileges as they gain experience and demonstrate safe driving. Ontario introduced the GLS in 1994. Rather than giving new drivers a full licence immediately, the system introduces them to driving in stages, each with fewer restrictions and more responsibility.

The G1 is your learner's licence. You get it by passing a written knowledge test covering road rules and road signs at a DriveTest centre. With a G1, you can practice driving but must always be accompanied by a fully licensed driver (full G, 4+ years experience) sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive on 400-series highways, between midnight and 5 AM, or with any alcohol in your system.

Under Ontario's graduated licensing system, after the G1 waiting period (8 months with BDE, 12 without), you take the G2 road test. The G2 is a 20-minute road test covering residential driving and basic manoeuvres. Passing gives you a G2 licence, which allows you to drive without a supervising driver on most roads at any time. Remaining restrictions include zero BAC, a midnight passenger limit for drivers under 20, and the standard handheld device ban.

After holding a G2 for at least 12 months, you take the G road test. This longer test (approximately 30 minutes) includes mandatory highway driving. Passing gives you a full G licence with no novice driver restrictions. You are then subject only to the standard rules that apply to all Ontario drivers.

Research consistently shows that graduated licensing reduces collisions among new drivers. New drivers gain real-world experience with supervision before driving alone, and gain full independence only after demonstrating readiness at each stage. Ontario's GLS is one of the most comprehensive in Canada. Completing each stage thoughtfully, not just meeting the minimum requirements, makes you a safer driver for life.