Three Levels of Driver’s Licenses in Ontario and What to Know About the Graduated Driver License

G1 License

The G1 license is the first level of driver’s license in Ontario. It is a learner’s permit that allows new drivers to practice driving on the road with a fully licensed driver in the car. To obtain a G1 license, you must be at least 16 years of age and pass a written knowledge test. Once you have a G1 license, you must hold it for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the G1 road test.

During the G1 stage, you must follow certain restrictions, such as:

• You are not allowed  to drive between the hours of 12:00  and 5:00 a.m.
• You must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver who has at least four years of driving experience and a blood alcohol level of less than 0.05
• You cannot drive on 400-series highways and certain other high-speed roads.

G2 License.

After holding a G1 license for at least 12 months and passing a road test, you will be eligible for a G2 license. The G2 license is an intermediate license that allows you to drive without a fully licensed driver in the car, but you must still follow certain restrictions, such as:

• You cannot drive between the hours of midnight and 5:00 am.
• You cannot have more than one passenger in the car who is under the age of 19 unless accompanied by a fully licensed driver who has at least four years of driving experience.
• You cannot drive on 400-series highways and certain other high-speed roads.

G License.

After holding a G2 license for at least 12 months, you will be eligible for a full G license. With a G license, you can drive without any restrictions. However, if you receive six or more demerit points within two years of getting your G license, you will be required to take a driver’s re-examination. If you receive nine or more demerit points within two years, your license will be suspended.

The GDL program.

The GDL program is designed to help new drivers gain experience and develop the necessary skills to become safe and responsible drivers. It is a three-step program that includes the G1, G2, and G licenses. Each stage has its own set of restrictions and requirements that must be met before moving on to the next stage.

The GDL program is proven to be effective in reducing crashes and fatalities involving teenage drivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states with GDL programs have seen a 40% reduction in crashes involving 16-year-old drivers.

New drivers must take their time and practice as much as possible before they move on to the next stage of the GDL program. Parents and new drivers need to understand the GDL program and the restrictions that come with each program stage. By following the rules and restrictions set forth by the GDL program, a new driver can gain the experience and skills needed to become a safe and responsible driver.

As a final note, the laws regarding the GDL program change, so it is important to stay informed and abide by the laws in the state where you reside. It is also important for parents to supervise and guide their teenage children as they go through the different stages of the GDL program. By working together, we can help keep our roads safe for everyone.