G1 vs G2 vs G Licence Ontario 2026 — Key Differences Explained
Ontario uses a Graduated Licensing System (GLS) with three stages: G1, G2, and full G licence. Each stage has different restrictions, requirements, and privileges. Here's a clear comparison of all three — so you know exactly what you can and can't do at each stage, and how to move forward.
Based on the official Ontario Driver's Handbook and real DriveTest scenarios. Updated October 2026.
G1 vs G2 vs G — Side-by-Side Comparison
Here's a quick-reference comparison of all three licence stages in Ontario's Graduated Licensing System.
| Restriction / Feature | G1 | G2 | Full G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive alone | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Drive midnight–5 a.m. | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 400-series highways | ❌ No* | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Blood alcohol limit | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.08 |
| Accompanying driver required | ✅ Yes (4+ yrs G) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Passenger restrictions | Seatbelts only | Under 19: limited* | ❌ None |
| Supervise G1 drivers | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (4+ yrs) |
| Drive in the U.S. | ❌ No | Varies by state | ✅ Yes |
*G1 drivers may drive on 400-series highways only when accompanied by a licensed driving instructor. G2 under-19 passenger restriction applies for first 6 months between midnight–5 a.m.
Stage 1: G1 Licence
The G1 is Ontario's learner's permit. You get it by passing a vision test and a 40-question written knowledge test at a DriveTest centre. There is no road test at this stage.
How to Get Your G1
- 1Be at least 16 years old
- 2Pass a vision screening test
- 3Pass the G1 knowledge test — 40 questions (20 road signs + 20 rules of the road), need 80% on each section
- 4Pay the licence fee (covers both G1 and G2 tests)
G1 Restrictions
- ✗Must always drive with a fully licensed driver (4+ years experience) in the front passenger seat
- ✗Zero blood alcohol — no alcohol at all
- ✗No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
- ✗No driving on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways (unless with a driving instructor)
- ✗All passengers must wear seatbelts
- ✗Number of passengers cannot exceed number of working seatbelts
How long: Hold G1 for at least 12 months before taking the G2 road test (or 8 months with an approved driver education course).
Stage 2: G2 Licence
The G2 is a full driving licence with some remaining restrictions. You earn it by passing the G2 road test — a 20–30 minute city driving test with an examiner.
How to Get Your G2
- 1Hold your G1 for at least 12 months (8 months with driver education)
- 2Book a G2 road test at a DriveTest centre
- 3Pass the road test — city driving, parking, intersections, lane changes
G2 Restrictions
- ⚠Zero blood alcohol — no alcohol at all
- ⚠Drivers under 21: zero cannabis impairment
- ⚠First 6 months (under 19): between midnight–5 a.m., can only carry one passenger aged 19 or under
- ⚠After 6 months: no passenger restrictions
What you CAN do with G2: Drive alone, drive at any time, drive on highways, carry passengers (with restrictions noted above).
How long: Hold G2 for at least 12 months before taking the G road test. Your G2 is valid for 5 years.
Stage 3: Full G Licence
The full G licence is Ontario's standard driver's licence with no restrictions. You earn it by passing the G road test — which includes highway driving on 400-series highways.
How to Get Your Full G
- 1Hold your G2 for at least 12 months
- 2Book a G road test at a DriveTest centre
- 3Pass the road test — includes highway merging, lane changes, exits, and city driving
Full G Privileges
- ✓Drive anywhere in Ontario and Canada without restrictions
- ✓Drive at any time of day or night
- ✓Carry any number of passengers
- ✓Blood alcohol limit: 0.08 (standard adult limit)
- ✓Supervise G1 drivers (after 4 years of holding full G)
- ✓Drive in the United States — G licence is recognized internationally
Minimum Timeline: G1 to Full G
Apply for G1
Day 1Pass vision test + 40-question knowledge test at DriveTest centre
Hold G1
12 months (8 with driver ed)Practice driving with a qualified accompanying driver
Take G2 road test
Month 12+City driving test — intersections, parking, lane changes
Hold G2
12 monthsDrive independently with remaining G2 restrictions
Take G road test
Month 24+Highway driving test — merging, exits, 400-series highways
Full G licence
Month 24+ (minimum)No restrictions — full driving privileges across Canada
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5 QuestionsWhat is the minimum age to apply for a G1 licence in Ontario?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a full G licence in Ontario?
At minimum, it takes about 20 months from G1 to full G: 12 months at G1 stage (or 8 months with driver education), then at least 12 months at G2 stage before taking the G test. Most people complete the process in 2–3 years.
Can a G2 driver drive alone at night?
Yes. G2 drivers can drive alone at any time of day or night. The midnight–5 a.m. restriction only applies to G1 drivers. However, G2 drivers still have a zero blood alcohol limit and passenger restrictions for the first 6 months.
What happens if a G1 driver drives without an accompanying driver?
Driving without a qualified accompanying driver is a serious offence. You can receive demerit points, a fine, and your licence can be suspended. The accompanying driver must have a full G licence with at least 4 years of experience and sit in the front passenger seat.
Do G2 drivers have any passenger restrictions?
Yes. During the first 6 months of holding a G2 licence, drivers under 19 can only carry one passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m. After 6 months, this restriction is lifted. G2 drivers of any age still have a zero BAC requirement.
What is the difference between the G2 test and the G test?
The G2 test is a city driving test — it covers basic road skills, intersections, parking, and residential driving. The G test (full licence) includes highway driving on 400-series highways, including merging, lane changes, and highway exits. The G test is generally considered more challenging.
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