We are not aware of any restrictions for a G1 driver in Ontario, Canada regarding back seat passengers. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) 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;

So while you only have a G1 license you need to have a fully licensed driver as a supervising passenger in the front seat with you. This person is needed since you are only learning to drive and thus as the accompanying driver if circumstances call for it he or she can take over and operate the vehicle. As the conditions on your G1 state this supervising driver can be the only other person in the front seat with you.

As for other passengers you have with you in the vehicle, they are limited to the number of working seat belts you have and would need to be in the back seat.

When you move onto a G2 you will have different passenger restrictions. 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. So the MTO is limits the number of young passengers that teen G2 drivers can carry during 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 license 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. Also 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.

You can contact the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario for clarification of your G1 restrictions and conditions regarding passengers. When you have passed your road test and are licensed with a G2 or full G, contact us for a Canadian auto insurance rate quote.