Understanding Ontario’s Graduated Licensing System

Your step-by-step guide to earn a full G-license

If you are new to driving in Ontario - whether you are a teenager, newcomer or adult, and obtain your first license - it is important to understand how the grading license system works. Ontario follows an approach designed to help new drivers gain experience and develop safe driving habits before earning full driving privilege.

In this guide we will explain how the system works, what is included in each step, and how to transfer from G1 to G2 to G -License.

What is Ontario’s Graduate License System? Graduate Licensing Systems (GLS) were introduced to reduce the conflict associated with new drivers by allowing time to create low -risk skills. It has three steps:

G1 -License (student permit)

G2 -License

Zee License (Full License)

Let’s go through each one.

Phase 1: G1 -License (Student’s Permit) G1 is your entrance nivy. To get this, you need:

Be at least 16 years old

Pass a written knowledge test on road signals and rules

Pass a synthesis

When you have your G1, you are allowed to drive - but with strict conditions:

G1 restrictions: One should drive with a completely licensed driver, who has at least 4 years of experience and has alcohol levels in the blood below 0.05

No driving between midnight and 17.00.

No alcohol or cannabis in your system

Do not run on a 400-series highway or high-speed highway (unless with licensed instructor)

All passengers should use seat belt

You must wait at least 8 to 12 months before taking your next test.

Wait for 8 months if you complete an MTO analog driver Education Course

Otherwise, wait 12 months

Step 2: G2 License (Trial Time) After keeping G1 for the desired time, you can take the G1 Exit Road test, also known as the G2 test. It evaluates basic driving skills such as:

Turn and close

Parking (parallel and vice versa)

Trajectance

Compliance with traffic signals

Mirror control and blindness with blind spot

Once you have passed, you will get the G2 license. This allows you to drive alone, anywhere in Ontario. However, certain conditions still apply.

G2 -Restrictions: Zero alcohol or cannabis tolerance

All passengers should use seat belt

Night’s passenger boundaries (for drivers under 20 years during the first 6-12 months)

You must keep your G2 license for at least 12 months before trying to test G.

Step 3: G -License (Full License) The G -License is the final phase and provides a supplement to complete driving privilege without any restriction - just like any experienced driver in Ontario.

To get your G2 license, you must pass the G2 exit test, which is also known as G -Test, including:

Highway driving (fusion, change of lane, exit)

Emergency stop

Speed control and advanced observation

Protective driving and safe distance

Once you have passed, you get a whole license. Why does this system mean something Ontario’s GLSS Tier approach ensures new drivers:

Create experience of real world over time

Practice first in situations with low risk

Learn to make safe decisions under pressure

Prepare carefully for complex landscapes such as motorway driving

Statistics show that the confrontation rate for new drivers falls significantly under the Graduate License System such as Ontario.