For many people, getting your Ontario driver’s license is an exciting symbol of freedom. You finally get to go places all on your own without relying on public transit or rides from parents and friends. But with that license comes great responsibility. When you get your G1 license, you become a beginner level driver and need to make sure you follow the proper steps and learning techniques to advance to full driving privileges.
In the province of Ontario, we use a graduated licensing system, through which those aged 16 and older are able to obtain their full license in three stages: G1, G2, and G (full license).
How to Get Your G1 in Ontario
The Ontario G1 test is a written exam and a visual test. Before you go and take your written test for your G1 driver’s license, you should get yourself a copy of the Ontario driver’s handbook. Copies of this handbook may be purchased online on the ServiceOntario Publications website, or from a retail store near you, a DriveTest centre, or select ServiceOntario Centres. The cost is $14.95 plus applicable taxes. This book covers the topics and questions that are on the written exam. This is the best way to get prepared so you can pass on the first try.
As soon as you turn 16, you can take the written exam. You’ll need two pieces of ID and the $159.75 fee, which covers your first attempt at the G1 test, your 5-year permit, and your G2 road test. If you don’t pass the first test, you’ll have to pay another fee of $16 per attempt to write it again, but you can do so right away.
Rules and Regulations for Ontario G1 Drivers
Once you obtain your Ontario G1 driver’s permit, you’re going to have some rules and conditions to follow. These conditions are also written in your Ontario driver’s handbook if you need to reference them again.
G1 driving restrictions in Ontario include the following terms:
Whenever you’re behind the wheel, you need to be accompanied by a full G driver who has had their G license for at least 4 years, and they must be in the front passenger seat with you at all times.
You are not permitted to drive on any 400-series highways or highways with a speed limit of over 80 km/hr unless you’re with a licensed driving instructor. This includes the QEW, Don Valley Parkway, and the Gardiner Expressway.
Each passenger in the car needs to have a working seatbelt.
You are not permitted to drive between the hours of 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
Your blood alcohol level must be zero (0.000%) at any time while driving.
When to Start Driving School
Once you get your G1, you can start driving as soon as you want – as long as you’re with a G class driver with 4 years of experience, of course. You should start practicing as soon as possible so you can maximize your time to learn as much as you can.
You can start driving school as soon as you’re ready. Most of our students come to us as soon as they get their G1 permit, eager and ready to get started. We don’t blame them – driving is exciting!
All of our courses are good for one full year, so if you end up delayed for any reason you can come back and pick up where you left off within that year.
Getting Ready for Your Ontario G2 Road Test
When you take a ministry-approved driving school course, like ours at All State Driving School, you’ll be able to go for your G2 road test in eight months instead of the one-year waiting period. You can book your road test through the DriveTest website, or we can book it for you if you are using one of our vehicles for the test.
The G2 test is a road test that will test your practical knowledge and driving skills. You’ll be asked to perform a variety of basic tasks you’d use while driving in the Greater Toronto Area, such as parallel parking, switching lanes, left turns, and more. Our driving school helps you learn how to do all of these maneuvers safely and accurately the way your examiners will expect so you’re fully prepared to pass.