Ontario G1 Learner’s Licence: Meaning, GDL Stage and Differences from G2 or Full G (2026)

An Ontario G1 licence is a learner's permit and the first stage of Ontario's Graduated Licensing System. You cannot drive alone, cannot use 400-series highways without an instructor, and must maintain 0.00% BAC.

• A G1 licence is a learner's permit, the first step in Ontario's Graduated Licensing System.
• It allows you to practice driving only under strict supervision.
• Prepare with Ontario G1 practice tests.

Ontario G1 licence: what it lets you do and what it strictly prohibits

The Ontario G1 licence is a Class G1 Licence, a restricted learner's permit issued by the Ministry of Transportation. Its sole purpose is to allow supervised driving practice to gain experience for a full licence.

Definition, Purpose, and Who It's For

This temporary driving permit is for new drivers aged 16 and over. It is not a driver's license. You must pass a vision test and a 40-question knowledge test on road signs and rules.

• ⚠ Age Requirement: Minimum age is 16.
• ⚠ Primary Function: Legal authorization for supervised practice only.
• ⚠ Common Misconception: Some believe a G1 is a license to drive alone. It is not. Driving alone results in an immediate 30-day suspension.

What You Can and Cannot Do With a G1

A G1 lets you practise driving only under Ontario's learner-driver rules. You cannot drive alone. For the full list of supervision, highway, time-of-day, and alcohol restrictions, see the Ontario G1 driving-rules guide.

Is an Ontario G1 licence the same as a full driver's licence?

A G1 learner's permit and a G2 driver's license are different stages with different privileges. The G2 is the first license that allows independent driving.

Key Differences: Permit vs. License

A G1 is a learner licence for supervised practice. A G2 allows independent driving but still carries novice-driver conditions. A full G licence is the final stage.

How the G1 Fits into Graduated Licensing

G1 is the first stage of Ontario's graduated licensing system, followed by G2 and then the full G licence. For waiting periods, road-test timing, and next steps, see the Ontario road-test and licensing guide.

What are the three stages of Ontario's GDL: G1, G2, and full G?

No. A G1 is a learner's permit. A G2 is the provisional license. The G2 allows solo driving with conditions, while the G1 does not.

G1 (Learner) vs. G2 (Provisional) Comparison

Keep the distinction simple: G1 is supervised learner driving; G2 allows solo driving with novice conditions. Detailed restrictions and road-test progression are covered in their dedicated guides.

Strict Rules for Young Drivers

G2 drivers aged 19 and under face extra passenger restrictions between midnight and 5 a.m.

• First 6 months of G2: Maximum of one passenger aged 19 or under.
• After 6 months: Maximum of three passengers aged 19 or under.

These rules do not apply if a fully licensed driver (with 4+ years experience) is in the front seat, or if passengers are immediate family.

Realistic Anecdote: A new G2 driver in Toronto was stopped at a ride check on the Gardiner Expressway at 1:00 a.m. with three friends under 19. They received a ticket and a 30-day licence suspension for violating the passenger rule, not realizing it applied on highways.

Before your G1 knowledge test, call your chosen DriveTest centre to confirm which original ID documents they accept. A Scarborough applicant was turned away for using a health card as secondary ID, which some centres reject, forcing a reschedule.