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 the difference between a G1 and G2 license?
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 licence.
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 under:
- 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 young drivers 21 and younger, regardless of license class, must have a blood-alcohol level of zero.
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.
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