In Ontario, getting your full G licence can often help lower your car insurance premium. The reason is that insurers generally view fully licensed drivers as less risky than drivers who are still in the graduated licensing system. A G2 licence is an intermediate stage, while a full G licence shows that you have completed the province’s licensing process and passed the final road test, including more advanced driving requirements. Because of that, moving from a G2 to a full G may improve how you are rated for insurance. The exact savings will vary based on your insurer, age, vehicle, location, driving history, and claims record, but for many drivers, earning a full G licence is an important step toward better insurance rates in Ontario.
Graduated Drivers License System
Graduated licensing systems are an excellent way for new or novice drivers to gain experience and knowledge. Although the Ontario graduated license system has been around since 1994, it helps protect these young people while building up their driving skills under supervision to be more confident on the roads after graduating from this program.
The Three Levels of Graduated Driver’s License in Ontario
To drive with a full G license in Ontario, a driver must meet the requirements at each driving level from the first level known as G1 to the second level, G2, to the final level, a full G license.
That’s why the system for training and licensing drivers in Ontario is called a graduated licensing program. You graduate from one level to the next until you attain full G status.
The three licensing levels in Ontario are:
- G1 license
- G2 license
- Full G license
G1 License in Ontario
The G-license in Ontario is the first stage of licensing for all drivers. It is mandatory to hold this license for one year before moving on to the next level, leading you up toward your full G’s status.
G1 restrictions
- Must be accompanied by a full G licensed driver
- Zero blood alcohol level at all times
- No cannabis at any time
- No driving between 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- No driving on 400 highways
- You can only drive G class vehicles
How To Get a G1 license
- Get the drivers handbook online or at a DriveTest location
- Study the driver’s manual thoroughly
- Visit a local DriveTest location to take the knowledge test
- Pass the knowledge test
- Pay the associated G1 fee
G2 License in Ontario
Getting a G2 license allows one to drive solo without another driver in the car. You must have a G2 license for a minimum of one year before taking the G2 exam.
G2 restrictions
- Minimum 12-month driver practice period
- Zero blood alcohol level
- All passengers must wear seat belts
- For the first six months, between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., only one passenger aged 19 or under.
- After six months, between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., up to three passengers aged 19 or under
- Night driving restrictions do not apply if one fully licensed driver with four or more years of experience is in the car.
Full G License in Ontario
A full G license is the final step of the graduated driver’s license process. A full G license removes most of the driver restrictions found on the G1 and G2 licenses and allows one to drive on all roads with no time restrictions.
Full G Restrictions
- Ability to drive class G vehicles only
- Drivers limited to blood alcohol limit of 80 milligrams if 21 or over
- No blood alcohol if under 21
Cost of a Full G License
The cost of a full G license is $90.
How To Get a Full G License After Your G2
You have to pass the G license road test. You also must have a G2 license for a minimum of one year before taking the G test.
What Is the Difference Between a G2 License and a Full G License in Ontario?
A G2 licence is the intermediate stage of Ontario’s graduated licensing system, while a full G licence means you have completed it. G2 drivers can drive independently, but still face certain novice-driver rules. A full G licence is earned after passing the final road test, which includes more advanced driving skills such as highway driving. (Ontario.ca)
From an insurance perspective, a full G may help some drivers qualify for better rates because it shows they have completed the graduated licensing process. Savings vary by insurer and driver profile.
How Long Do You Have To Get Your Full G License?
Drivers have up to five years to get their full G license after successfully passing the G1 test. However, it is possible to get a full G license in as little as two years.
The final stage is passing the G road test. If one does not achieve their G license within five years, they have to start the process all over.
When Can You Get a Full G License?
You can take the G license test after 12 months of having a G2 license.
Benefits of The Graduated Licensing Process in Ontario
Graduated licensing allows new drivers to get driving experience and skills gradually, which reduces risk. This is especially important in the first few months and years of driving when new drivers are most likely to be involved in accidents.
The Ontario graduated licensing process assists new drivers in gaining valuable driving experience and knowledge over some time. It also builds confidence as the new driver progresses through the graduated licensing process.
Teen drivers are almost three times more likely to be in a fatal accident than older, more experienced adult drivers. However, the graduated licensing process in Ontario has been proven to reduce the accidents that new drivers, including teens, face.
The graduated licensing process was implemented in Ontario to help new drivers gain valuable driving experience and knowledge before being given a full license. The graduated licensing system helps reduce the risk of crashes as teens learn how to drive and decrease crash rates for young drivers by as much as 30%.
How a Full G License Affects Insurance Premiums
In many cases, moving from a G2 to a full G licence can help lower your car insurance premium in Ontario. That is because insurers generally view fully licensed drivers as lower risk than drivers who are still in the graduated licensing system. (fsrao.ca)
While this discount is not set by the province as a guaranteed savings amount for every driver, FSRA states that drivers who progress through the graduated licensing system should receive a 10% rate reduction on applicable coverages, subject to factors such as driving history. The actual impact on your premium can still vary by insurer, vehicle, location, age, claims history, and convictions.
For some households, the savings may be meaningful, especially when a young driver moves from G2 to full G and already has a clean driving record.
Why Are Insurance Premiums Lower When You Have A Full G License?
The discount is because when a G license holder achieves full G status, they are considered more experienced and less of a risk. In addition, the fewer restrictions found on their new licenses also help them become safer drivers, which lower insurance premiums for all Ontario motorists in general.
There are several benefits to getting a full G driver’s license, including no nighttime driving restrictions. Another bonus is the insurance savings you will see once you get your G license.
Final Thoughts
The graduated licensing process helps new drivers gain valuable driving experience and knowledge over a period of time. It also builds confidence as the new driver progresses through the graduated licensing process.
Some insurance carriers will give discounts to those that achieve full G status, which can be substantial in some cases.
To learn more about full G driver’s license insurance discounts, contact the experts Duliban Insurance Brokers at 1-855-385-4226
