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HomeDriver's ResourcesOntario G, G1, G2 Drivers Licence Times

The graduated licensing system (GLS) is a three-stage driver licensing program that is used in the province of Ontario, Canada. The GLS includes three different levels of licences: G1, G2, and G.

Here is an overview of each level:

  1. G1: This is the first level of the graduated licensing system. To obtain a G1 licence, an individual must pass a written test on the rules of the road and traffic signs. Once the written test is passed, the driver can operate a vehicle, but they must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience. The G1 licence is valid for 12 months.
  2. G2: This is the second level of the graduated licensing system. To obtain a G2 licence, an individual must pass a road test. The G2 licence allows the driver to drive without a fully licensed driver, but they still have some restrictions, such as a zero blood alcohol level while driving. The G2 licence is valid for 5 years.
  3. G: This is the final level of the graduated licensing system. To obtain a G licence, an individual must pass another road test. Once the G licence is obtained, the driver can operate any type of vehicle without any restrictions. The G licence is valid for 5 years.

It’s important to note that the Ontario government has implemented a number of measures to ensure road safety, including a zero blood alcohol level for all drivers 21 years of age and under, and a graduated licence system for new drivers. The GLS is designed to help new drivers gain the skills and experience they need to become safe and confident drivers.

Why is graduated licensing important?

driver's license

Graduated licensing is important for a number of reasons:

  1. Safety: Graduated licensing systems are designed to improve road safety by gradually introducing new drivers to the road and reducing their exposure to high-risk driving situations. Studies have shown that young drivers are more likely to be involved in collisions than experienced drivers, and graduated licensing systems have been shown to reduce the number of collisions involving young drivers.
  2. Experience: Graduated licensing systems allow new drivers to gain experience gradually and under safe conditions. This can help them develop the skills and confidence they need to become safe and competent drivers.
  3. Education: Graduated licensing systems typically require new drivers to take a written test and a road test, and may also require them to complete a driver education course. These requirements can help new drivers learn the rules of the road and develop safe driving habits.
  4. Enforcement: Graduated licensing systems typically include a number of restrictions on new drivers, such as limits on the number of passengers they can carry and restrictions on night driving. These restrictions can help enforce safe driving practices and reduce the risk of collisions.

Overall, graduated licensing systems are an important tool for improving road safety and ensuring that new drivers have the knowledge and experience they need to become safe and confident drivers.

How long does it take to get G1?

Full G License

In Ontario, it takes a minimum of one year to get a G1 license. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

  1. Pass a written test: To get a G1 license, you need to pass a written test on the rules of the road and traffic signs. You can study for the test using the Ontario Driver’s Handbook.
  2. Vision test: You’ll also need to pass a vision test to make sure your eyesight meets the minimum standards for driving.
  3. Pay the fee: There is a fee for getting a G1 license, which you’ll need to pay when you take your written test.
  4. Restrictions: Once you have your G1 license, there are a number of restrictions you’ll need to follow. For example, you can only drive with a fully licensed driver in the passenger seat, and you can’t drive on 400-series highways or between midnight and 5 a.m.

In Ontario, it typically takes at least 12 months to go from a G1 license to a G2 license. During that time, G1 drivers need to accumulate driving experience and follow certain restrictions, including driving only with a fully licensed driver in the passenger seat and avoiding driving on 400-series highways or between midnight and 5 a.m.

Once a G1 driver has held their license for at least 12 months and has accumulated enough driving experience, they can take a road test to get a G2 license. The exact amount of driving experience required can vary depending on the driver’s age and whether they have taken an approved driver education course, but generally, G1 drivers need to have at least 12 months of driving experience before they can take the G2 road test.

In Ontario, it typically takes at least 12 months to go from a G2 license to a full G license. During this time, G2 drivers need to accumulate driving experience and follow certain restrictions, including avoiding driving with any alcohol in their system and carrying only as many passengers as there are working seat belts in the vehicle.

To be eligible for a full G license, G2 drivers must hold their license for at least 12 months, accumulate enough driving experience, and pass a final road test. The exact amount of driving experience required can vary depending on the driver’s age and whether they have taken an approved driver education course, but generally, G2 drivers need to have at least 12 months of driving experience before they can take the final road test.

The final road test is designed to evaluate the driver’s ability to handle various driving situations and assess their overall driving skills. If the driver passes the road test, they are granted a full G license with no further restrictions.

It’s important to note that G2 drivers who commit traffic violations or are involved in accidents may have their license suspended or be required to retake certain parts of the licensing process, which can prolong the time it takes to obtain a full G license.

The exact amount of driving experience required can vary depending on the driver’s age and whether they have taken an approved driver education course, but generally, G1 drivers need to have at least 12 months of driving experience before they can take the G2 road test, and G2 drivers need to have at least 12 months of driving experience before they can take the final road test to get a full G license.

About the Author: Valerie D. Hahn

Valerie is an insurance editor, journalist, and business professional at RateLab. She has more than 15 years of experience in personal financial products. She strives to educate readers and ensure that they are properly protected.

One Comment

  1. David Young 27 July 2021 at 7:38 pm - Reply

    I had a license for over 20 years and lost it over 17 years ago…took the back on track but never got my license again…how long do I have to wait after I get my beginner’s to get my G2?

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