Ontario G1 Licence Expiry: What Happens After 5 Years and How to Renew (2026)

An Ontario G1 learner's licence is valid for up to five years from the date you pass the knowledge test. You cannot renew it like a full G licence. If it expires, you must restart the application process.

How long is an Ontario G1 licence valid before it expires?

The G1 licence validity period is a strict 5-year window to complete the graduated licensing system. The expiry date is exactly 5 years from your G1 test pass date, not your birthday.

Expiry Consequences and Re-application Process

If your G1 expires, you must stop driving immediately. There is no grace period. You cannot renew it; you must re-apply as a new driver at a DriveTest Centre.

• ⚠ Retake the knowledge test: You must pass the 40-question G1 written exam again.
• ⚠ Pay the G1 package fee again: The current Class G1 licence package fee is $159.75.
• ✗ Logged practice hours expire: Your logged practice hours remain valid if you re-apply within 3 years. You must meet all practice requirements again.

• Example: A driver in Mississauga let their G1 expire after 5 years.
• They drove to a DriveTest Centre the next day to 'renew,' only to be told they had to re-apply, pay the re-application fee and retake the written test immediately.
• They were turned away for not having their original birth certificate, causing a week's delay.

Waived Waiting Period and Road Test Eligibility

Re-applying after expiry can affect when you may take the next road test. Keep this section focused on expiry; use the dedicated road-test and waiting-period guide for booking timing and eligibility details.

Can you renew an Ontario G1 before it expires?

A G1 is not renewed the same way as a full G licence. Near expiry, eligible novice drivers may have requalification options; otherwise the graduated-licensing rules determine whether they must reapply.

What happens when your Ontario G1 expires before you pass the G2 test?

You renew an expired G1 by re-qualifying. This process is done in-person at a DriveTest Centre, not online or at ServiceOntario.

Required Steps and Documents

The G1 licence validity period is a strict 5-year window to complete the graduated licensing system. The expiry date is exactly 5 years from your G1 test pass date, not your birthday. If your G1 expires, you must stop driving immediately. There is no grace period. You cannot renew it; you must re-apply as a new driver at a DriveTest Centre. ⚠

• Retake the knowledge test: You must pass the 40-question G1 written exam again. ⚠
• Pay all fees again: The current Class G1 licence package fee is $159.75. ✗
• Logged practice hours expire: Your logged practice hours remain valid if you re-apply within 3 years. You must meet all practice requirements again
• Example: A driver in Mississauga let their G1 expire after 5 years. They drove to a DriveTest Centre the next day to 'renew,' only to be told they had to re-apply, pay the re-application fee and retake the written test immediately. They were turned away for not having their original birth certificate, causing a week's delay. Waived Waiting Period and Road Test Eligibility If you re-apply within 3 years of your G1 expiry, the mandatory 12-month (or 8-month with BDE) waiting period for the G2 road test is waived. You can book your G2 road test immediately after passing the written exam again. If your permit expired yesterday, you cannot take a road test. You must first re-apply and pass the G1 knowledge test again
• Example: An Ottawa student's G1 expired. They re-applied within a year. Because they brought their expired licence card as proof, the DriveTest agent waived the waiting period on the spot, allowing them to book a G2 test for the following week. What happens when your Ontario G1 expires before you pass the G2 test? You renew an expired G1 by re-qualifying. This process is done in-person at a DriveTest Centre, not online or at ServiceOntario

Complete the application form online, print it, and bring it filled out to avoid handwriting errors that cause rejections at busy centres like Brampton.

Complete Ontario permit details are on the Ontario permit guide.

See the Ontario learner's permit guide for complete requirements.

Extension for Booked Road Tests

If you have a G2 road test booked before your G1 expires, you can get a temporary extension.

• Visit a DriveTest Centre before your expiry date.
• Request a 'Temporary Driver's Licence Extension.'
• This paper extension keeps your licence valid until your test date, even if it's after the original expiry.

• Example: A driver in Hamilton had a G2 test scheduled 3 weeks after their G1 expiry.
• They visited the DriveTest Centre on the last valid day, got the extension, and took their test legally.
• Without this step, their test would have been cancelled.

What if your G1 expires only a few days or weeks before your road test? If the road test was booked before the novice licence expired, Ontario rules can allow a temporary licence that remains valid up to the scheduled test date. Do not wait until after expiry to arrange it.

Can you retake the Ontario G1 knowledge test if your licence expires?

There is no limit to how many times you can apply for a G1. However, you only get one 5-year validity period per application. If you don't get your full G licence in that time, you must restart.

Costs of Re-application

Visit a DriveTest Centre before your expiry date. Request a 'Temporary Driver's Licence Extension.' This paper extension keeps your licence valid until your test date, even if it's after the original expiry.

Example: A driver in Hamilton had a G2 test scheduled 3 weeks after their G1 expiry. They visited the DriveTest Centre on the last valid day, got the extension, and took their test legally. Without this step, their test would have been cancelled. Can you retake the Ontario G1 knowledge test if your licence expires? There is no limit to how many times you can apply for a G1. However, you only get one 5-year validity period per application. If you don't get your full G licence in that time, you must restart.

Book your G2 road test at a less busy centre, like Guelph or Orangeville, 6-8 months in advance to secure a date well before your 5-year deadline and avoid last-minute expiry.

Key Differences from a Full G Licence

• Validity: A G1 is valid for a fixed 5-year learning period. A full G licence is renewed every 5 years on your birthday.
• Renewal: A G1 cannot be renewed; it requires re-application. A full G licence can be renewed online or by mail.
• Testing: An expired G1 requires retaking the knowledge test. An expired full G licence typically does not.