Graduated Licensing

What do you need to know about how to get your driver’s licence?


In Ontario, new drivers must complete the graduating licensing system which consists of three stages of licences; G1, G2 and G class licence. To help assist new drivers in London, Ontario successfully earn their driver’s licence, Ward’s New Drivers offers in-class and in-vehicle training with certified driving instructors; to learn more about driving course click here.

G1

The first stage of the graduated licence system is to obtain your Class G1 licence. You must meet the following criteria to successfully earn your Class G1 licence:
  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Provide proof of identity; passport, birth certificate, Canadian citizenship card
  • Successfully complete a written examination
Successfully earned your Class G1 licence, now what?
You’ve passed your written driving test, congratulations! Remember that there are some rules that you must follow while carrying a Class G1 licence:
  • Must hold a Class G1 licence for a minimum of 12 months (8 months if you’ve successfully completed a ministry approved driver’s education course)
  • Must be accompanied by a Class G driver with a minimum of 4 years driving experience
  • Blood-alcohol level must be zero
  • You must not drive on the 400 series freeway or roadway with a posted speed limit exceeding 80km/h
  • You are not permitted to drive between the hours of midnight and 5 AM
For more information on the Class G1 licence, visit the Ministry of Transportation.

G2

The second stage of the graduated licence system is to obtain your Class G2 licence. You must meet the following criteria to successfully earn your Class G2 licence:
  • Have completed 12 months (8 months with successful completion of a ministry approved driver’s education course) carrying a Class G1 licence
  • Successfully passed the G1 Exit Road Test
Successfully earned your Class G2 licence, now what?
You’ve passed your G1 Exit Road Test, congratulations! While the rules have now changed from your Class G1 licence, there are a few things to remember while carrying a Class G2 licence:
  • You must have a blood-alcohol level of zero
  • Between the hours of midnight and 5AM, you must follow these regulations:
    • Within the first 6 months with a Class G2 licence, you may carry a maximum of one passenger 19 years old and younger
    • Within the second 6 months with a Class G2 licence and until a Class G licence is obtained, you may carry up to 3 passengers 19 years and younger
For more information on Class G2 licence, visit our G2 Licence Rules page or the Ministry of Transportation

G

The third and final stage of the graduated licence system is to obtain your class G licence. You must meet the following criteria to successful earn your Class G licence:
  • Have completed 12 months carrying a Class G2 licence
  • Successfully passed the G2 Exit Road Test
Successfully earned your Class G Licence, now what?
You’ve passed your G2 Exit Road Test, congratulations! You have now completed the graduated licensing system and have a full licence! Be sure to remember the rules of the road and practice defensive and safe driving skills!

Benefits of Graduated Licensing


Why does Ontario have a graduated licensing system, and how does it benefit you?

Since 1994, Ontario has required that all new drivers complete a three stage driving licence system. The three stages are broken into three different licence classes, all with varying requirements and regulations; Class G1, Class G2, Class G. By implementing a graduated licencing system, we can ensure that our driver’s are prepared for the demanding world of driving in today’s traffic. With more cars than ever on our roadways, causing congested traffic, it is important that our new driver’s are practised in defensive driving with proper road safety skills.

The three stages of Ontario’s graduated licence are designed to slowly teach the rules of the road to encourage skilled and knowledgeable new drivers. The first stage emphasizes understanding the theory of safe driving and the rules of the road. The second and third stages are designed to put the theory learned from you Class G1 licence into practice through guided hands on driving experience.

Through the graduating licence system, we are creating a generation of drivers with a thorough understanding of the rules of the road!

To learn more about the graduating licensing system in Ontario, visit the Ministry of Transportation
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