Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has restrictions for both G1 and G2 drivers — those with graduated licenses. The restrictions for a G2 license do not include driving out of the province of Ontario.
Before driving into the U.S. with your G2, contact the state or state’s DMV in which you plan to drive. By checking with the DMVs, you will be assured that these states will recognize your G2 license and can ensure that there are no other restrictions put on you according to various state laws.
- Before traveling to the United States, foreign nationals must get an international driving permit in their home country.
- Check with the province or state licensing authorities about the validity of Ontario novice licenses there before you travel.
- Ensure you have insurance after verifying with your insurer and the DMV of the state or states you intend to travel in with your G2 from Ontario to see whether you can drive and under what conditions.
What is a G2 license?
A G2 driver’s license is part of Ontario’s graduated licensing system, created for new and young drivers. G2 license holders can drive more independently, with some restrictions, than those with a more restrictive G1 license.
Class G1 signifies Level One in the graduated licensing system. It allows holders to drive Class G vehicles (any car, van or small truck, or a combination of vehicles weighing up to 11,000 kilograms) under the supervision of a fully licensed driver with a minimum of four years of driving experience, subject to specific conditions. Class G2 denotes Level Two in the graduated licensing system, which permits G2 holders to drive Class G vehicles independently under certain conditions.
Upon completing 12 months at Level Two, you can take a road test to qualify for full license privileges. Successful completion of this test is necessary to obtain a Class G license.
“Think of a G2 license as a stepping stone for new drivers in Ontario. It’s designed to give drivers more on-road experience under certain restrictions before they graduate to a full G license,” says Samuel Greenes, CEO of Blue Insurance, an agency that offers home, estate, apartment, auto and other types of insurance from a variety of carriers.
Can you drive on the highway with a G2 license?
After finishing a driver education program approved by the government and passing your G2 driving exam, you are authorized to drive solo or with passengers on any Ontario highway or road on any date or time, night or day.
Driving on Ontario highways is important when you have a G2 license – if you don’t accrue enough highway driving experience, you can’t take the Class G road test after driving with a G2 for 12 months.
Can you drive outside of Ontario with a G2?
Drivers with a G2 have the green light to drive virtually anywhere within Canada’s most populous province. But that begs the question: Are you allowed to drive outside Ontario with this license, including in the United States?
“Generally, drivers with a G2 driver’s license from Ontario can legally drive in the United States, including on highways. But it’s advisable to check specific state regulations for any additional requirements,” says Shawn Miller, an automotive blogger with ModifiedRides.net, an automotive enthusiast website.
Attorney Jonathan Feniak echoes those thoughts.
“General reciprocity agreements often enable G2-licensed drivers to drive in most American states,” he says. “However, not all states may recognize the G2 license or may have certain restrictions.”
To play it safe, ask your insurer about the rules here and inquire with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within the U.S. state/area you plan to drive in. Also, ensure that your carrier will extend coverage while driving in the United States.
What is the difference between G1 and G2 licenses?
A G1 license is a learner’s permit and is only meant for practice driving in Ontario with a licensed accompanying driver present at all times. Check with the province or state licensing authorities about the validity of Ontario novice licenses there before you travel.
Level One (G1) license
Level One lasts 12 months. The Ministry of Transportation encourages all new drivers to take an approved driver education course to learn proper driving skills. You can complete Level One in eight months if you pass an approved course. While at Level One, the following rules apply:
- You must not drive if you have been drinking alcohol. Your blood-alcohol level must be zero.
- You must not drive alone; an accompanying driver must sit in the front passenger seat.
- Each person in the vehicle must have a working seatbelt.
- You must not drive on 400-series highways with a posted speed limit over 80 km/h. Also, you must not drive on certain high-speed roads.
- You must not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- You must pass a road test of your driving skills to move to Level Two to get a Class G2 license.
Level Two (Class G2) license
Level Two lasts at least 12 months. At this level, you have more privileges because of your driving experience. At Level Two:
- You must not drive if you have been drinking alcohol. Your blood-alcohol level must be zero.
- Each person in the vehicle must have a working seatbelt.
In addition, the following restrictions apply between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. to G2 drivers aged 19 years and younger:
- In the first six months after receiving your G2 license, you can carry only one passenger, 19 or younger.
- After six months with your G2 license and until you obtain your full G license or turn 20, you can only carry up to three passengers 19 or younger.
After 12 months at Level Two, you may take a road test to qualify for full license privileges. You must pass this test to get a Class G license. All drivers 21 and younger, regardless of license class, must have a blood-alcohol level of zero.
Passenger restrictions for G2 drivers 19 and younger do not apply if a fully licensed driver is in the front passenger seat or if the passengers are immediate family members (such as a guardian or relatives by blood, marriage, common-law relationship, or adoption).
How do you apply for a G1 driver’s license in Ontario?
To apply for a G1 license in Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old, pass an eye exam and pass a knowledge test on road rules and traffic signs.
To apply and complete the necessary knowledge tests, visit any DriveTest center (no appointment needed) or the Service Ontario location at Bay and College in downtown Toronto (appointment required). Remember to bring original identification that verifies your legal name and date of birth.
After passing these tests, you will receive a G1 license.
How long after the G1 license can I get a G2 license?
“After a waiting period and gaining some driving experience, you can later take a road test to upgrade to a G2 license,” Greenes says.
The typical waiting period spans eight months if you complete a driver education course from a Ministry of Transportation-approved driving school. To be eligible, the course must include 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 20 hours of classroom or online theory instruction and 10 hours of flexible time (used for extra driving practice, practice quizzes or more classroom instruction).
Without taking this course, you’ll have to wait 12 months. Let’s say your birthday is July 1 and you obtain your G1 license on that day when you turn 16. If so, you’ll be eligible to take your G2 test on July 1 of the next year. If you attempt to schedule a road test on the DriveTest website before a full year has passed, the system will prevent you from booking.
Final thoughts on driving with a G2 license in the U.S.
After checking with the DMV of the state(s) you plan to drive in with your G2 from Ontario and find out if you are permitted to drive and with what restrictions, you will also want to check with your insurer.
You should check with your Canadian insurance company to see if your coverage will extend to you as a G2 license holder taking a trip into the United States. State car insurance requirements vary greatly, so make sure you’re insured properly wherever you drive in the U.S.
Call the Service Ontario Driver and Vehicle contact center at 416-235-2999 or 1-800-387-3445 (in Canada) to speak with a customer service representative if you have additional questions or need clarification.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Ontario Ministry of Transportation. “Getting Your Driver’s Licence.” Accessed May 2024.
- Ontario Ministry of Transportation. “Get a G driver’s license: new drivers.” Accessed May 2024.
- Kruzee. “How to get your G2 and G license faster in Ontario.” Accessed May 2024.
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