Article Overview:
This in-depth guide explains everything new drivers in Ontario need to know about G1 restrictions, including supervision requirements, driving limitations, zero-alcohol rules, and the steps to progress safely toward a G2 licence. It covers eligibility, common mistakes, and penalties for violations while emphasizing responsible, skill-building driving habits. The article also highlights how maintaining valid insurance is essential for compliance and how Duliban Insurance Brokers helps G1 drivers and families ensure their insurance data is properly registered with ServiceOntario, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to honesty, integrity, and accountability.
Table of Contents
What Is a G1 Licence?
A G1 licence is the first stage in Ontario’s Graduated Licensing System (GLS), designed to introduce new drivers to the road in a structured, lower-risk environment. It allows novice drivers to gain practical experience while following strict rules that limit exposure to high-risk situations. According to the Ministry of Transportation’s Official MTO Driver’s Handbook, the graduated licensing process was developed to help reduce collisions and create safer, more confident drivers across the province of Ontario.
G1 drivers are permitted to drive only under certain conditions. They must always have a fully licensed supervisor in the passenger seat and adhere to several restrictions related to time, location, and passenger limits. These rules ensure that learners are not exposed to dangerous conditions before they have the experience necessary to handle them safely.
For example, a 17-year-old driver in Toronto might use their G1 licence to practice driving through quiet residential streets with a parent beside them. That experience allows them to build confidence in steering, parking, and obeying road signs before they ever drive independently.
How to Obtain a G1 Licence
To apply for a G1 licence in Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old and demonstrate that you meet the province’s basic vision and knowledge standards for safe driving. The first step is completing a vision test, which ensures you can clearly see road signs, markings, and other vehicles at a safe distance. Good vision is critical for anticipating hazards and responding quickly behind the wheel.
Next, you must pass a written knowledge test based on Ontario’s Official Driver’s Handbook. This exam covers road rules, traffic signs, right-of-way laws, and safe driving habits. Many new drivers study the handbook for several weeks in advance, since the questions are designed to test understanding, not just memorization. Both the vision and knowledge tests are conducted at designated DriveTest centres or select ServiceOntario locations across the province. You’ll also need to bring identification that confirms your legal name, date of birth, and signature, such as a passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card.
Once you pass both tests, you’ll receive a temporary paper licence allowing you to begin practicing immediately, while your official G1 card is mailed to you. The G1 licence is valid for five years, during which you are expected to gain experience and prepare for your next stage, the G2 road test. If you do not move on within that period, your licence expires and you must start the process again from the beginning. This time limit encourages consistent practice and helps new drivers stay active behind the wheel rather than allowing long gaps between training and testing.
For many new drivers, particularly teenagers in growing cities like Oshawa, Hamilton, and Mississauga, earning a G1 licence marks a major milestone. It represents independence, freedom, and the first step toward full driving privileges. Yet, this independence carries serious responsibility. Understanding and respecting G1 restrictions, such as supervision, zero alcohol or drugs, and passenger limits, is essential to maintaining your licence and building safe driving habits that will carry into the G2 and full G stages.
Core Restrictions for G1 Drivers
Every G1 driver in Ontario must follow a specific set of rules designed to ensure safety and accountability for everyone on the road. These regulations are not optional, they are the foundation of Ontario’s graduated licensing system and are strictly enforced by law enforcement and the Ministry of Transportation.
The first and most important rule is that you cannot drive alone. A G1 driver must always be accompanied by a supervising driver who holds a full G licence and has at least four years of driving experience. This supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat, remain alert, and be ready to take control in the event of an emergency. Their role is to provide real-time guidance, helping the new driver learn proper observation techniques, speed management, and defensive driving strategies. For example, a parent supervising a G1 driver in Oakville or Barrie might coach their teen through merging safely onto busy roads or adjusting following distances during rain.
In addition to supervision, Ontario enforces a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs among G1 drivers. This means your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must always be 0.00, and you must have no detectable drugs in your system. Even a small amount of alcohol, cannabis, or impairment-causing medication can lead to immediate penalties, including licence suspension, fines, or mandatory driver education programs. These restrictions exist because new drivers are statistically at higher risk of collisions, and any level of impairment significantly increases that risk. By requiring zero tolerance, the province helps ensure that G1 drivers develop safe, sober habits from their very first day behind the wheel.
Finally, seatbelt use is mandatory for everyone in the vehicle. Every passenger must wear a properly functioning seatbelt, and the number of passengers cannot exceed the number of seatbelts in the car. This rule applies regardless of the situation, whether you’re driving a family vehicle in a quiet subdivision or practicing with an instructor on a rural road. G1 drivers are responsible for ensuring compliance; if any passenger fails to buckle up, the driver can receive a ticket. This regulation reinforces the principle that safety begins before the vehicle even starts moving.
Together, these fundamental G1 restrictions, supervised driving, zero alcohol and drug tolerance, and mandatory seatbelt use, form the backbone of responsible learning on Ontario’s roads. They teach discipline, awareness, and accountability, preparing new drivers for more independence at the G2 and full G levels.
Supervision and Alcohol Rules
Supervision is the cornerstone of Ontario’s G1 licensing system. Every G1 driver must have a qualified supervising driver in the passenger seat at all times when behind the wheel. This rule is not just a formality, it’s a safeguard designed to keep new drivers, their passengers, and other road users safe. The supervising driver must hold a full G licence and have at least four years of driving experience. Their role is to provide calm, knowledgeable oversight, helping the learner navigate challenging situations like merging into traffic, parking, or handling poor weather conditions.
Supervising drivers are expected to act as both instructors and safety monitors. They must remain fully alert and capable of taking control if necessary. This means they should not be distracted by phones, food, or other activities while supervising. The law also requires that they occupy the front passenger seat, not the back, so they can provide clear directions and intervene immediately if the learner makes an unsafe move. For example, a parent in Kitchener supervising their teen driver might remind them to check mirrors before changing lanes or help them anticipate hazards in busy intersections.
Ontario’s zero-tolerance alcohol and drug policy applies to both the G1 driver and, in some cases, the supervising driver. A G1 driver must maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.00 and have no detectable drugs in their system. Even small amounts of alcohol, cannabis, or certain medications can impair reaction times and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents. The Ministry of Transportation emphasizes that “zero means zero”, there are no exceptions. For drivers under 21, this same rule applies regardless of licence class.
If a supervising driver is under 21, they too must maintain a BAC of 0.00 while overseeing a learner. For supervising drivers 21 and older, although the law allows a BAC below 0.05, the safest practice is to avoid any alcohol entirely while accompanying a G1 driver. A supervisor who has consumed alcohol or drugs compromises their ability to react quickly, undermining the purpose of their role.
Violating Ontario’s zero-tolerance policy can have serious consequences. If a G1 driver is found with any alcohol or drugs in their system, they may face an immediate roadside suspension, fines, and possible licence cancellation. These penalties also delay progression to the G2 stage and may lead to mandatory driver education courses. Insurance providers also take these violations seriously, often raising premiums for several years afterward.
Supervision and sobriety are about more than compliance, they represent a shared responsibility between the G1 driver and their mentor. By practicing sober, attentive driving under the watchful eye of an experienced supervisor, new drivers build habits that will serve them for life. Whether driving through Toronto’s downtown traffic or navigating rural highways near Sudbury, following these rules ensures that learning happens in a safe, structured, and responsible way.
Passenger, Seatbelt, Time & Highway Limits
Ontario’s G1 restrictions are clear about who you can drive with, when you can drive, and where you can go. Every passenger must have a working seatbelt, and you cannot exceed the number of seatbelts in your vehicle. This ensures all occupants are safely restrained in the event of a collision.
Driving between midnight and 5 a.m. is prohibited for G1 drivers. Nighttime driving presents additional challenges such as fatigue, limited visibility, and higher accident rates. By restricting driving hours, Ontario reduces risk during the period when novice drivers are most vulnerable.
G1 drivers are also not allowed to drive on 400-series highways or other major expressways, including the Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, and Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). The only exception is when accompanied by a certified driving instructor in the passenger seat. These high-speed roads demand quick reactions, advanced merging skills, and a high degree of situational awareness, abilities that most learners have not yet developed.
Night and Expressway Driving Rules
In addition to the midnight-to-5 a.m. ban, G1 drivers are encouraged to limit night driving as much as possible. Visibility drops significantly after dark, and even experienced drivers face greater challenges identifying road hazards, pedestrians, or animals on rural routes. For new drivers, those challenges are magnified.
Expressway restrictions serve a similar safety purpose. Ontario’s busiest highways, such as Highway 401 or the QEW, can see thousands of vehicles per hour, often travelling at 100 km/h or faster. These roads require confident merging, lane discipline, and familiarity with fast-changing conditions. For that reason, new drivers can only access them when a certified instructor is present to provide professional guidance.
These limitations might feel restrictive, but they are meant to build gradual skill development. By the time you progress to your G2 licence, you’ll have the confidence and experience to handle more demanding driving environments safely.
Consequences of Violating G1 Restrictions
Breaking G1 restrictions can result in severe consequences that extend beyond simple fines. A first offence can lead to a 30-day licence suspension, a second offence can result in a 90-day suspension, and repeated violations may cause you to lose your licence entirely and restart the process. These penalties are outlined under Ontario’s novice driver regulations.
Violations also have lasting impacts on your driving record. Any record of suspension or non-compliance may increase your insurance premiums once you move to a G2 or full G licence. For example, a young driver in London or Brampton who is caught driving without a qualified supervisor could face immediate suspension and higher insurance costs for years to come.
In addition to licence penalties, violating G1 restrictions undermines your ability to develop safe driving habits. Ontario’s licensing framework is built on accountability and learning. Ignoring these conditions not only delays your progress but puts yourself and others at risk.
Tips & Best Practices for G1 Drivers
Your G1 phase is a crucial learning period, and using it effectively can help you become a safe and confident driver.
- Start practicing in calm, low-traffic areas such as parking lots or quiet residential streets before tackling complex intersections.
- Drive only during daylight hours and good weather conditions until you gain confidence behind the wheel.
- Choose a supervising driver who is calm, patient, and experienced. Their attitude will directly influence your confidence and safety.
- Keep your focus entirely on the road. Avoid distractions such as mobile phones, food, or loud music.
- Remember to check your mirrors, use turn signals consistently, and follow posted speed limits.
By building good habits early, you prepare yourself not only for the G2 test but for a lifetime of responsible driving.
What to Do When You’re Ready to Move Up
You must hold your G1 licence for at least 12 months before taking the G2 road test. However, if you complete an approved driver education course from a Ministry of Transportation–recognized school, you can reduce this waiting period to eight months. The G2 road test evaluates your ability to handle typical driving situations such as lane changes, turning, and obeying traffic signals.
Once you pass, you will obtain your G2 licence, which offers more freedom, you can drive alone and access highways, but still includes certain restrictions. After an additional period of safe driving and a successful final road test, you will qualify for a full G licence.
It’s important to schedule your road test well in advance, as test centres in high-demand areas like Toronto and Mississauga can have long wait times. Keep track of your eligibility date and maintain continuous practice under safe conditions.
To better understand what changes once you earn your next licence, read our in-depth guide: G1 vs. G2 Licenses in Ontario: Everything You Need To Know.
Why Your Insurance Matters During G1
Even though G1 drivers do not own their own policy in most cases, they must still be covered under a valid auto insurance policy. If you are learning to drive using a family vehicle, you must be added as a listed driver under that vehicle’s insurance. Failing to do so could cause complications in the event of an accident or during licence renewal.
If your family decides to switch insurance providers, it is critical that your new insurer submits all required information to ServiceOntario. Inaccurate or missing insurance data can delay renewals or trigger compliance issues that prevent progression to G2.
This is where working with a trusted, independent insurance broker like Duliban Insurance Brokers makes a difference. Duliban provides transparent, honest guidance to ensure your information is correctly updated and compliant with Ontario regulations. Our team works with integrity and accountability to help families manage auto insurance transitions seamlessly during the G1 learning phase.
Understanding and following Ontario’s G1 restrictions is the foundation of becoming a safe, confident, and responsible driver. These rules exist to protect you, your passengers, and every other person on the road. Take this stage seriously, practice diligently, and treat every drive as an opportunity to learn.
If you or your family are reviewing your auto insurance during the G1 stage, Duliban Insurance Brokers can help ensure your coverage is complete and properly registered with ServiceOntario. Contact Duliban today to speak with a broker who values honesty, integrity, and accountability, and who will make sure you’re protected every step of the way.
Contact us
Get in touch
Submit your message below for a speedy response from our broker team.
