G1 restrictions: a one-page cheat sheet
Once you pass the knowledge test, you can drive right away, but only under G1 conditions. These rules are the law, not suggestions, and they also show up on the knowledge test. Here is everything in one table, plus what happens to novice drivers who break the rules.
G1 conditions at a glance
| Rule | What it means for a G1 driver |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Zero blood alcohol. Not "under the limit", but none at all. |
| Cannabis and other drugs | Zero. Ontario's zero-tolerance rules for young and novice drivers also cover cannabis. |
| Accompanying driver | Must hold a full Class G licence (or higher), have at least four years of driving experience, and have a blood alcohol level under 0.05%. DriveTest notes it must be zero if the accompanying driver is 21 or under. |
| Front seat | The accompanying driver sits in the front passenger seat and is the only other person allowed in the front. |
| Hours | No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. |
| Highways | No 400-series highways and no high-speed expressways such as the 401, 403, QEW, Gardiner Expressway and Conestoga Parkway. Exception: if your accompanying driver is an Ontario-licensed driving instructor, you may drive on them. |
| Passengers | No more passengers than there are working seatbelts, and everyone must wear one. |
Who can be your accompanying driver?
A parent, friend or relative can supervise you if they meet all the conditions above. Their licence must be a full G or higher, not a G2. The accompanying driver's job is to help you, so they need to be sober and paying attention. The handbook notes that their own licence can get demerit points when they supervise, but it can't be suspended for that.
Novice demerit points
G1 and G2 holders are "novice drivers" and have lower thresholds than fully licensed drivers. Points are added when you're convicted of certain traffic offences.
| Points | What happens |
|---|---|
| 2 or more | Warning letter |
| 6 or more | Second warning letter urging you to improve your driving |
| 9 or more | 60-day licence suspension. Afterwards your total goes down to 4 points, and reaching 9 again can mean a six-month suspension. |
For comparison, fully licensed drivers aren't suspended until 15 points.
Escalating sanctions for novice drivers
Separately from points, Ontario has escalating sanctions for novice drivers convicted of breaking a G1/G2 condition or of an offence worth four or more demerit points:
- 1st time: 30-day suspension
- 2nd time: 90-day suspension
- 3rd time: your novice licence is cancelled, and you start over, including tests and fees
Breaking the zero alcohol and drug rule also brings immediate roadside penalties. For a first occurrence, ontario.ca lists a 7-day licence suspension, a $250 penalty, an education course, and a fine of $60 to $1,000 if convicted. Later occurrences are stricter.
What changes at G2?
At G2 you can drive alone, on any road, at any hour. Zero alcohol and the seatbelt rule still apply. Drivers aged 19 and under also have passenger limits between midnight and 5 a.m. See G1 fees and process for the timeline.
FAQ
Can a G2 driver supervise me on my G1?
No. The accompanying driver needs a full Class G licence (or higher) and at least four years of driving experience.
Can I drive on the 401 with a G1?
Only if your accompanying driver is an Ontario-licensed driving instructor. Otherwise 400-series highways and high-speed expressways are off-limits at G1.
Can I have friends in the back seat?
Yes, as long as every passenger has a working seatbelt and wears it, and only your accompanying driver sits in the front with you.
Is one drink okay if I wait a while?
No. G1 and G2 drivers, and all drivers 21 and under, must have zero alcohol and zero drugs, including cannabis, in their system while driving.
Sources: Official MTO Driver's Handbook – Getting your driver's licence, MTO Driver's Handbook – Keeping your driver's licence, DriveTest – Drivers' Licences (Cars), Ontario.ca – Understanding demerit points, Ontario.ca – Impaired driving. Checked November 2026.