For new drivers in Ontario, understanding the G1, G2 & G Licence Rules Ontario drivers must follow is important before moving through the graduated licensing system. If you are learning to drive in Milton, Hamilton, or surrounding areas, knowing the restrictions, waiting periods, passenger rules and G road test requirements can help you understand what is expected at each stage.
G1, G2, and G Licence Rules Ontario Drivers Must Know
While perhaps not all of them new in 2026, these regulations are crucial for anyone looking for G licence rules Ontario, G2 rules Ontario Canada or Ontario driving rules G1 test.
G1 Rules
A G1 driver must:
- Avoid excessive liquids, snacks, or beverages.
- Ensure passengers are in seatbelts whilst working.
- Not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Not drive on 400-series highways and on certain high-speed expressways.
- Drive with a qualified fully licensed accompanying driver.
G1 Restrictions
The G1 level comes with restrictions that drivers must follow while they are in the first stage of Ontario’s graduated licensing system.
A G1 driver must drive with a qualified fully licensed accompanying driver and cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. G1 drivers also cannot drive on 400-series highways and on certain high-speed expressways.
G1 12-Month Period
The G1 level normally lasts 12 months.
If you take an approved Beginner Driver Education course, you can shorten the minimum G1 time to 8 months.
G1 Practice Test and Ontario Road Rules
These are the areas drivers should learn about when taking a G1 practice test Ontario road rules or Ontario G1 road rules practice test.
Understanding the rules of the road is an important part of progressing through the graduated licensing system.
G2 Rules
A G2 driver is usually permitted to drive on Ontario roads on his or her own, but is required to:
- Remain sober while driving.
- Make sure passengers’ seats are properly belted.
G2 drivers must also follow special passenger restrictions if they are 19 years and younger.
G2 Zero-Alcohol Requirement
G2 drivers must remain sober while driving. The rules require G2 drivers to have zero blood alcohol.
Seatbelt Requirements
G2 drivers must make sure passengers’ seats are properly belted.
G2 Passenger Restrictions for Drivers 19 and Under
Special passenger restrictions apply to G2 drivers who are 19 years and younger.
G2 drivers 19 and under — midnight to 5 a.m.:
- After the first six months, one passenger age 19 or younger will be allowed.
- After 6 months, up to 3 passengers who are 19 years old or younger are allowed.
Some exemptions are in effect, such as when it comes to a fully licensed accompanying driver or immediate family.
G Road Test Rules
The G road test is the second road test given in the graduated licensing system in Ontario.
After 12 months of holding a G2, a driver is considered to be eligible.
The G test covers higher-level manoeuvres such as:
- Driving on major roads and expressways
- Merging
- Keeping to speed and space
- Signalling
- Changing lanes
- Intersections
- Other basic driving skills
G2 to G Waiting Period
After 12 months of holding a G2, a driver is considered to be eligible for the G road test.
What the G Test Covers
The G test covers higher-level manoeuvres, including driving on major roads and expressways, merging, keeping to speed and space, signalling, changing lanes, intersections and other basic driving skills.
That’s why you need to include more than just memorizing a checklist for the Ontario G2 road test rules. The driver must show consistent and appropriate performance in making decisions during real traffic.
Why Practical Driving Skills Matter
The 2026 rules in Ontario are not just a series of new laws to memorize. New drivers must learn how to apply Ontario’s road rules in the actual road environment.
If you are taking your G1, G2 or G test in Hamilton, Milton, Burlington, Ancaster, Dundas or surrounding areas, professional instruction can assist you in understanding what is expected of you while practicing the skills that will be assessed at your G test.
G-Class Drivers provides driving lessons and road test preparation to help students develop the practical driving skills they require and to be better equipped when they sit for the Ontario road test.
New Drivers and the 2026 Rules
The existing full G licenceholders will not have to fundamentally alter their daily driving habits in 2026.
The most significant practical differences for new drivers are:
New drivers: G1 and G2 restrictions will remain in place: no drinking for new drivers and passenger restrictions for new G2 drivers.
The lesson is easy: Be aware of the fact that not all of the things that are called new Ontario driving rule 2026 are actually new rules. Anyone using social media, driving forums or third-party websites as their primary source for information should verify with the official Ontario source or the driver’s own driver’s logbook for the date of effectiveness.
If you are looking for in-car instruction and G2 and G road-test preparation, an Ontario driving school will be able to assist novice drivers in developing the skills they need to navigate the graduated licensing system in Ontario.
Ready to prepare for your G1, G2 or G road test?
Register with G-Class Drivers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G1 period in Ontario?
The normal minimum G1 period is 12 months. It may be reduced to 8 months after passing an approved Beginner Driver Education course.
What are the key rules of G2 in Ontario?
G2 drivers must have zero blood alcohol, ensure passengers wear working seatbelts and follow special passenger restrictions if they are 19 or younger.
Where do I take the Ontario G1, G2 or G test?
For comprehensive study of the road rules in Ontario, drivers can refer to the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook and for in-car instruction and G2 and G road-test preparation, drivers can see a professional instructor. An Ontario driving school will be able to assist novice drivers in developing the skills they need to navigate the graduated licensing system in Ontario.
