Differences Between Ontario’s G2 and Full G Licences

To get a driver’s licence in Ontario, you’ll need to go through all three stages of the graduated licensing system: G1, G2 and full G. The first two are held by student drivers.

There are several differences between them, mainly regarding restrictions that are meant to create a safe learning environment for beginners. Student drivers are more likely to make mistakes, so these rules also keep the roads safe.

The G1 licence is the strictest, featuring a set of rules that allows its holders to drive only under the supervision of a fully licensed driver. Also, they may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. After several months of practice, they can proceed to the G2 stage if they pass the G1 exit test.

Although some restrictions still apply to the G2 licence, it gives its holders more freedom behind the wheel. They can drive at night and don’t need to be supervised by an experienced driver, but several limitations remain. It’s only when they reach the full G licence that those restrictions are lifted, but G drivers must still obey traffic laws.

G2 License: A Transitional Stage

Once a driver has held a G1 licence for at least 12 months (or 8 months with an approved driver education course), they can take the G1 exit test. This exam evaluates basic driving skills such as making safe turns, lane changes and various parking maneuvers.

Upon passing, drivers receive their G2 licence, which activates the following privileges and restrictions:

• Driving alone: You can now drive alone and there’s no need for a fully licensed driver to supervise you from the front passenger seat.
• Highway driving: Unlike G1 licence holders, G2 licence holders are allowed to drive on expressways and 400-series highways where the speed limit is often high.
• International Driving Permit: With a valid G2 licence, you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which allows you to drive in the many countries that require one. (Before you do, however, you should carefully consider the risks of driving in foreign countries with your relatively limited driving experience.)
• Seatbelts: Like a G1 licence holder, a G2 licence holder must ensure that every passenger has a working seatbelt.
• Zero alcohol: Like a G1 licence holder, you must have a blood alcohol level of 0% whenever you get behind the wheel.
• Cell phones: In Ontario, it is illegal for any driver to use a hand-held cell phone or other hand-held electronic device while driving. However, the penalties for G1 and G2 drivers are harsher, including a 30-day licence suspension for a first offence in addition to the same fine as for fully licensed G drivers.
• Demerit points: A driver’s G2 licence will be suspended if the driver accumulates 9 or more demerit points within a two-year period, compared with 15 or more demerit points for a fully licensed G driver. (Nine points can be the equivalent of just two speeding tickets, depending on the type of road and the speeds attained.)
• Special restriction for young drivers: If a G2 driver is 19 years old or younger, they can only have one passenger aged 19 or younger between midnight and 5 a.m. This restriction is modified after six months of holding the G2 licence, allowing them to carry up to three passengers under 19 years of age. If the passengers are immediate family members or if the G2 driver is supervised by a fully licensed driver, this restriction is lifted.

The Freedom of a Full G Licence

After holding a G2 licence for at least 12 months, student drivers can take the G2 exit test. This exam is similar to the G1 exit test, but it will evaluate your advanced driving skills. At this point, you have been practising driving for at least 20 months, which is enough time to gain a lot of experience.

Once you pass this last driving exam, you will receive a full G licence, which has all the same privileges as a G2 licence and lifts the G2 restrictions. You can accumulate up to 14 demerit points in two years without losing your G licence. The limit on blood alcohol levels increases from 0% to 0.05%, but those under the age of 21 are still required to have zero blood alcohol.

Fully licensed drivers must ensure that every passenger under 16 years of age is using a seatbelt or suitable child restraint. Passengers 16 years of age or older are responsible for their own safety.

Full G licence owners can supervise G1 drivers and even pursue professional driving careers, such as becoming a driving instructor or examiner.

Will My Full G Licence Expire?

Driving is a skill you learn for life, and a full G licence proves you have learned how to safely operate a vehicle. In Ontario, your driver’s licence has an expiration date and it is valid for five years from the date it was issued or last renewed.

You must renew your licence before it expires. If you’re not used to setting reminders, the Ministry of Transportation will send a renewal notice 90 days before the expiration date if they have your current mailing address on file. Drivers who fail to renew their licence within three years may need to start the graduated licensing process from the beginning.

Those who are 80 years of age or older will need to pass a vision test, retake the knowledge exam and attend a group education session. If there are doubts regarding their driving ability, a road test might also be required.