We contacted the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to see if you can drive out of Ontario with a G1 or G2 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.

You have a G2 and the MTO stated that whether a Class G2 license is accepted depends on the laws, including minimum driving age, in the province or state you are driving in. So as far as the MTO is concerned the G2 is a full license with restrictions and a G1 is like a learner’s permit. We have read that you can drive in Quebec with a G2 but not a G1.

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. So you will need to check the Quebec SAAQ to make sure you can drive in that province with your G2 and what restrictions you may have on you if you can operate a vehicle there.

The Quebec SAAQ site states that license holders from outside Québec may drive a vehicle on a public road in Québec for up to six consecutive months without holding a Québec driver's license.

These conditions apply:

• your driver's license must be valid;
• any license restrictions also apply in Québec;
• you are allowed to operate only the corresponding class of motor vehicle in Québec.

Beyond 6 months, you must hold an International Driver's Permit, which allows you to operate the corresponding class of motor vehicle in Québec for the length of time the Permit and your driver's license are valid. You must have both in your possession when driving.

We contacted the SAAQ whose representative stated that you may use a G2 in the province of Quebec. If you only had a G1 class license from Ontario then you would not be allowed to operate a vehicle in Quebec.

The SAAQ did not state specifically what restrictions or conditions they may place upon you when you are using your G2 there so you may want to contact them directly before driving in this Canadian province.