Getting your first car can be one of the most exciting things ever! There is so much freedom associated with being able to drive on the roads yourself. However, before you can actually get behind the wheel in Ontario, you’ll need to get yourself a G1 licence. Getting your G1 is the first step on your road to becoming a fully licensed driver. Keep on reading to find out about the types of privileges, requirements and restrictions a G1 License holder has. You’ll also learn what you must do next to become a fully licensed driver.
Requirements and Restrictions of A G1 License
The G1 license is the first level of licensing in Ontario. It is intended to provide you with the driving experience required in order to be a safe and responsible driver. With a G1 license, you can drive as long as you have a fully licensed driver accompanying you in the passenger seat, who has had their G level license for a minimum of four years.
As you are a new driver, there are restrictions that you must follow when getting behind the wheel. Below are the G1 license driving restrictions that you should be aware of:
- You can only drive when you have a zero blood alcohol level. No exceptions.
- You can only get behind the wheel and drive when there is a G-licensed driver with a minimum of four years of driving experience sitting in the passenger seat. This passenger must be in the front seat, not any other seats in the car.
- Your passenger must have a blood alcohol level below 0.05 percent.
- You must ensure that all passengers are wearing a functioning seatbelt. That being said, the number of passengers must not exceed the amount of seatbelts available.
- You can not drive on any 400-series highways or high-speed expressways (roads with a posted speed limit over 80km/h).
- You can not drive between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m.
How drivers with a graduated license can obtain a full license
Once you have your G1 license, your next step is to get some practice and driving experience so you can obtain your G2. Ontario’s graduated licensing program gives drivers up to five years to obtain their full license. However, if you feel you’re ready, you will be able to take your G2 road test after 12 months of driving with your G1 license. Even better, if you’ve completed a government-approved driver’s education program, you’re able to take this test after 8 months.
Your G2 road test is in place to ensure that you understand the basics of the road and are able to operate a motor vehicle safely and responsibly. Once you’ve passed your test, you will then graduate to your G2 license, and will then have a little more freedom on the road.
Do I Need Car Insurance With A G1 License?
Every single driver in Canada is required by law to have insurance. However, as a G1 license is technically only a learner’s permit, you cannot be listed as the primary driver on the insurance policy. You are fully able to go out and purchase your own car as a G1 driver, but will need someone else, like a parent or guardian, to be listed as your primary driver until you get your G2.
If you’re insured under someone else’s policy, their insurance premiums could rise as a result. It’s a good idea to have the person who will be insuring you talk to their insurance provider. Having a G1 licensed driver operating their car could affect their premium, so they’ll want to know what types of fees they’ll be facing.
Demerit Points For Drivers With G1 License
While it’s not technically a restriction, it’s important to note that G1 drivers face harsher penalties when it comes to getting demerit points. A G1 driver can still receive demerit points if they are convicted of breaking the law while driving. These convictions will show up on the G1 driver’s record – any convictions will be used as a rating factor. This can affect the driver’s premium when they receive their G2. If a driver receives too many demerits points, their license can be ultimately end up being suspended. They will then have to attend a meeting to explain why they should be allowed to keep their license.
Demerit points remain on your license and your record for two years. If you intend to take your G2 test prior to these two years, those points will still count against you if you pass your test. That means higher insurance quotes - and rates for new drivers are high enough as it is. It’s best to drive very carefully and avoid getting any demerit points during your G1 period and throughout your driving career.
Other than demerit points, any convictions or tickets that you receive while you have your G1 will affect your insurance when you get your G2 license. These convictions will remain on your record for 3 years. Having any insurance claims or being involved in any at-fault accidents can also impact your insurance when you get your G2 license. At-fault accidents can last on your record for up to nine years.
Get The Right Insurance Coverage For Your Car
Getting behind the wheel for the first time is exciting – but it’s important to have the right insurance before you hit the road. Insurance doesn’t just protect you. It also protects your passengers and other drivers on the road. Having a great insurance plan will help put you at ease and give you peace of mind while you’re learning how to drive. You’ll have more confidence knowing you are covered.
Here at BrokerLink, are brokers are experts when it comes to insurance. We have extensive experience in creating custom and tailored insurance policies that will fit you and your lifestyle. We can help you if you’re going to start driving tomorrow or if you’ve been driving for 60 years! If you’re interested in learning more about car insurance, or even just your insurance options in general, we’re here to help!
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Understanding the Restrictions of a G1 License FAQs
Can a G1 driver buy or lease a car?
Yes, a driver with only a G1 license is fully able to purchase or lease their own vehicle. However, as a G1 license is technically only a learner’s permit, you cannot be listed as the primary driver on your insurance policy. You will need someone else, like a parent or guardian, to be listed as the primary driver until you get your G2. To find out more about car insurance and it’s limitations for G1 drivers, please speak to a broker today.
Does my spouse need to tell their insurance company when I get my G1 license?
If you plan on driving the vehicle of someone in your household while holding a G1 license, they will have to notify their insurance company about this. If you will instead be driving your own vehicle, and not your spouse’s or parents’, then there is no need to notify their insurance company.
How many mistakes can I make on the G1 test?
A G1 test is made up of two separate sections. The first section is all about the rules of the road. The second section is about road signs. Each section has a total of 20 questions. You are allowed to make four mistakes on each section, and still get a passing grade. If you make any more than four mistakes per section, you will have to re-take the test.
