We contacted the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to see if you can drive out of Ontario with a G1 graduated license. The licensing administrative office for the MTO responded that the G1 license is a learner's permit and as such, only meant for practice driving in Ontario with a licensed accompanying driver present at all times. So the G1 is a novice license and is not considered to be fully licensed for driving.

Even though the G1 is not really intended for driving outside of Ontario the MTO representative wanted us to remind you that once you are outside Ontario, you are subject to the laws of the jurisdiction you are traveling in, not Ontario's laws. We would caution you to check first with the licensing authorities of the province or state about the validity of Ontario novice licenses there BEFORE you travel.

While we would still advise you to contact the licensing agency of each Canadian province or territory you plan on driving through however we obtained some information that should be useful.

A representative from Service Alberta stated that you may drive in Alberta using your Ontario G1 driver's license. Alberta does require that the adult over 18 years of age with a full driver's license be sitting in the front passenger seat. For further questions on this subject contact the Ministry of Service Alberta at 780-427-7013. They have toll-free access within Alberta if you first dial 310-0000.

The Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) office told us that you may drive in Manitoba with your valid Ontario learner's license in Manitoba for up to three months and must be at least 16 years of age. In addition the supervising driver must have held a full class 5 driver's license for at least three years and have less than .05 blood alcohol content. You would also follow the rules and regulations from your home jurisdiction. You may also want to contact your insurance company for coverage while driving in Manitoba.You can contact the MPI at 1-800-665-2410.

In Saskatchewan driver licensing and testing is handled by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). A representative of SGI stated that as long as you follow the restrictions on your Ontario G1 license and have a supervising driver with you at all times, there would be no additional restrictions while you are in Saskatchewan. Please note, however, if you drive a Saskatchewan plated vehicle, you cannot drive it outside of Saskatchewan.

The SGI representative also suggested that you check with the licensing authorities in Ontario, prior to your departure, in regards to using your learner's license out of province. If you have any further questions regarding driving in Saskatchewan you can contact their Customer Service Centre at 775-6900 or toll free at 1-800-667-9868.

Though you did not ask about Quebec we had previously contacted them about this subject and just to give you information about driving there, the SAAQ representative we spoke with stated that you may use a G2 in the province of Quebec but with only a G1 class license from Ontario then you would not be allowed to operate a vehicle in Quebec.

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