What Are the Supervision Requirements for Novice Drivers in Ontario?
G1 drivers in Ontario must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver (G licence held for 4 or more years) who sits in the front passenger seat at all times. G2 drivers do not require a supervisor and can drive alone. For G1 drivers, the supervisor must also have a legal BAC and not be impaired.
Key Facts
- Supervisor must hold a valid Class G licence
- Supervisor must have held the G licence for 4 or more years
- Supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat
- Supervisor must not be impaired; warn-range (0.05+) and criminal (0.08+) BAC limits apply to the supervisor the same as any driver
- Supervisor must not be impaired by drugs or alcohol
In this article
G1 Supervision Requirements
A G1 driver must always have a qualified supervisor seated in the front passenger seat while driving. The supervisor must hold a valid Ontario Class G licence and have held it for at least 4 years. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring the G1 driver follows all road rules and is legally accountable if unsafe conditions are permitted.
- Supervisor must hold a valid Class G licence
- Supervisor must have held the G licence for 4 or more years
- Supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat
- Supervisor must not be impaired; warn-range (0.05+) and criminal (0.08+) BAC limits apply to the supervisor the same as any driver
- Supervisor must not be impaired by drugs or alcohol
G2 Drivers: No Supervisor Required
Once you pass the G2 road test, you no longer need a supervisor. G2 drivers are permitted to drive alone at any time of day. The G2 restrictions that remain in place are about the driver's own behaviour (BAC, passenger limits at night) rather than requiring another person in the vehicle.
Passenger Restrictions for G2 Drivers at Night
While G2 drivers can drive without a supervisor, there is a specific restriction for drivers in their first 12 months of holding a G2. During the hours of midnight to 5 a.m., a G2 driver who has held their licence for fewer than 12 months can carry a maximum of one passenger under age 19 (unless a fully licensed driver with 4+ years is present). After 12 months on a G2, this restriction no longer applies.
- First 12 months on G2: max 1 passenger under 19 from midnight to 5 a.m.
- Exception: fully licensed supervisor (4+ years G) can be present to allow more passengers
- After 12 months on G2: no passenger restriction at night
- Seat belt requirement always applies for all occupants
Who Qualifies as a G1 Supervisor?
The supervising driver must hold a valid Ontario G licence that has been held continuously for at least 4 years. This means a G2 driver cannot supervise a G1 driver, even if they are an experienced G2 driver. Out-of-province drivers may also qualify if they hold an equivalent full licence from another Canadian province, but Ontario G is the clearest standard to verify.
Related Questions
What Is a Novice Driver in Ontario?
A novice driver in Ontario is anyone holding a G1 or G2 licence. Ontario's graduated licensing system classifies new drivers as novices during the G1 and G2 stages, during which stricter rules apply, including lower demerit point thresholds and a zero blood alcohol requirement regardless of age.
Read answerWhat 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 answerWhat Are the Restrictions on a G2 Licence in Ontario?
G2 drivers must maintain a zero blood alcohol level (0.00 BAC), ensure all passengers wear seatbelts, and avoid handheld electronic devices. Drivers age 19 or under also face passenger limits between midnight and 5 AM. These restrictions remain until you pass the full G road test.
Read answerCan You Get a Driver's Licence With a Criminal Record in Ontario?
Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent you from getting an Ontario driver's licence. The MTO evaluates driving-related offences and licence history, not your criminal record in general. However, certain criminal convictions directly related to driving, such as impaired driving or dangerous driving causing death, can result in a suspension or permanent revocation.
Read answerHow Do You Check Your Demerit Points in Ontario?
You can check your demerit points by requesting your driver's record online through ServiceOntario for a $12 fee, or by visiting a ServiceOntario location in person. Your record shows demerit points, licence status, and any convictions.
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