Graduated licensing lets new drivers get driving experience and skills gradually. The two-step licensing process takes at least 20 months to complete.

To apply for a licence, you must be at least 16 years old and pass a vision test and a test of your knowledge of the rules of the road and traffic signs. After you pass these tests, you will get a Class G1 or M1 licence and a driver information package for new drivers. You must pass two road tests to become fully licensed.

New drivers earn full driving privileges in two stages and have five years to complete the program (G1, G2 or M2) and graduate to a full licence (Class G or M).

Class G1New drivers of passenger vehicles learn to drive with six important conditions with a G1 licence. A new driver must hold a G1 licence for a minimum of 12 months before attempting the G1 road test. This time can be reduced to eight months if you successfully complete an approved driver education course. Drivers earn more privileges after passing their G1 road test.

As a G1 driver, you are required to:

• maintain a zero blood alcohol level while driving;
• be accompanied by a fully licensed driver, who has at least four years driving experience, and a blood alcohol level of less than .05 per cent, in case he/she needs to take over the wheel; ensure the accompanying driver is the only other person in the front seat;
• ensure the number of passengers in the vehicle is limited to the number of working seat belts;
• refrain from driving on Ontario's "400-series" highways or on high speed expressways such as the Queen Elizabeth Way, Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, E.C. Row Expressway and the Conestoga Parkway;
• refrain from driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. Note: If your accompanying driver is a driving instructor licensed in Ontario, you may drive on any road.

Class G2New drivers must hold a G2 licence for a minimum of 12 months before they can attempt the G2 road test. At this level, you have more privileges because of your driving experience. You may drive without an accompanying driver on all Ontario roads anytime. However, you are still required to:

• maintain a zero blood alcohol level while driving;
• ensure the number of passengers in the vehicle is limited to the number of working seat belts.
• Our Graduated Licensing System has been a resounding success in reducing death and injury among novice drivers. Ontario research shows that new teenage drivers are almost three times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious collision when they are carrying teenage passengers. In fact, research shows the more teenage passengers, the higher the risk.

Effective September 1, 2005:

• The number of young passengers that teen G2 drivers can carry will be limited from midnight to 5 a.m.
• Initially, G2 drivers 19 or under can carry only one passenger aged 19 or under.
• After the first six months, and until the G2 driver earns a full G licence or turns 20, they can carry only three passengers aged 19 or under.
• These restrictions will not apply if the G2 driver is accompanied by a full "G" licensed driver (with at least four years driving experience) in the front seat, or if the passengers are immediate family members.

All of this information is available at the Ministry of Transportation's office, but we re-print and expound upon the information here for your edification.