Who Can a G1 Driver Drive With?

After passing the written test and obtaining your G1 licence, you’ll be eager to hit the road. Although you’ll be allowed to operate a vehicle, there are several restrictions you’ll have to follow.

One of them states that you cannot drive alone, so there must always be someone in the car with you, including a driver who meets the following requirements:

• Has a full G licence and four years of driving experience. (Time spent driving with a G2 licence can count toward the four years of driving experience.)
• Must be the only passenger in the front passenger seat.
• If they are under 21, their blood alcohol level must be zero. If they are 21 or older, it must be below 0.05%.
• They must meet the same visual acuity requirements as all Ontario drivers, including the wearing of corrective lenses if needed while they supervise your driving.
• For you to drive on 400-series highways, they must be a professional driving instructor.

Beginners often make mistakes. This happens to everyone because only practice can help you improve. While you gain more experience driving, it’s better to have a backup you can rely on.

This rule was implemented to handle potentially dangerous situations, which can happen unexpectedly. In such cases, the assistance of an experienced driver is crucial.

I Want to Drive with My Friends

Some unforgettable memories are made while sharing a car with your friends. If you’re the one driving, the experience is even more special. No matter the situation, always drive responsibly and obey traffic rules. Don’t allow your friends to distract you from the driving task.

When you’re having fun, the thought of a disaster occurring doesn’t cross your mind. Safety should always be a priority, and that responsibility lies with you when you’re driving.

If none of your friends has a full G licence with four years of experience, they must sit in the backseat while a supervising driver takes the front passenger seat.

Another restriction to consider is your car’s seating capacity. While having a large group of friends is great for your social life, you might not be able to transport everyone if your car doesn’t have enough seatbelts.

Drivers with a G1 licence must ensure that every passenger wears a seatbelt. Do not carry more passengers than there are seatbelts in your car. Not only are you putting their safety in danger, but you’re also risking a 30-day suspension of your licence.

Take your time and practise driving in a safe environment under experienced supervision. Once you obtain a G2 licence, you’ll be able to drive unsupervised with your friends, subject to certain restrictions if you’re under 19 years of age at the time.

Can I Drive With My Family?

Most agree that driving with family members can be a supportive experience for a beginner driver. They offer the encouragement you need to improve your driving skills. When one of your parents sits beside you in the car, you won’t need to impress them.

If you are the only driver in the family, remember that you are not allowed to drive without a supervisor. In this case, you’ll need to ask an experienced relative or someone you know.

While you will drive, your supervisor’s state is also essential. If your uncle had a couple of beers before joining you in the car, he is not allowed to take over if something bad happens.

By law, the supervising driver should have a maximum of 0.05% blood alcohol. If they are under 21 years old, they must be completely sober.

Next time you’re on a road trip with your family, you can also take the wheel and relieve your parents of their driving duty while you practise driving. However, it is important to remember one of the 5 rules every G1 driver should know: you cannot drive on 400-series highways and expressways unless accompanied by a licensed driving instructor.

Let the most experienced driver handle the car at the high speeds that are often reached on a highway, and you’ll get your turn on the backroads. After all, your goal is to become an experienced driver while you enjoy the holiday with your family.

What About a Licensed Instructor?

The best way to improve your driving skills is with the guidance of a certified driving instructor. They are trained professionals who use dual-control vehicles, meaning they have a brake pedal and sometimes an accelerator on their side of the car. This way, they can take over when you make a mistake, so you will feel less pressure as you learn. Professional driving instructors are required to have a blood alcohol level of zero while they supervise learner drivers.

Instructors also provide real-time feedback and constructive criticism. They explain situations as they happen, helping you make better decisions when you understand the reasoning behind them.

While G1 drivers are restricted from driving on 400-series highways on their own, lessons with a licensed instructor might include high-speed scenarios. In these situations, the restriction is lifted and you can enter the highway under their guidance.