In Ontario, Canada all new drivers applying for their first car or motorcycle licence enter Ontario's Graduated Licensing System (GLS). Graduated licensing lets new drivers get driving experience and skills gradually. The two-step licensing process takes at least 20 months to complete

New 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 a Ministry-approved Beginner 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 with a posted speed limit of over 80 km/h or on high speed expressways such as the Queen Elizabeth Way, Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, E.C. Row Expressway and the Conestoga Parkway.

It is noted that if your accompanying driver is a driving instructor licensed in Ontario, you may drive on any road with a G1.

Once you have held your G1 for either 1 year (12 months) or only 8 months if you complete an approved driver education course you can apply for your G2.One 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.

Since 2005 the number of young passengers that teen G2 drivers can carry has been limited from the hours of midnight to 5 a.m. as follows:

• 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.

The passenger restrictions do not apply if the G2 driver is operating a motor vehicle after 5 a.m. and before midnight. 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.

So if you received your G1 in June 2008 your can go for your G2 in twelve months, so the same time next year, June 2009, or in only 8 months if you take an approved driver education course.

As for car insurance while you are learning to drive in Ontario, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada for a G1 driver there is no premium charged but the insurance company should be advised that there is a level 1 driver in the household. When the driver obtains the G2, the insurance company again should be notified.

There is a premium charge for a G2 driver. Typically credit will be given for the one year driving experience you received as a G1. You might also be able to receive a rate reduction for any driver's training you have taken. You can obtain the needed insurance coverage here with our Canadian partner Kanetix.