Understanding Ontario Licenses
For all drivers in Ontario, the process of getting your full driver’s license involves three consecutive steps: G1, G2, and finally a complete, unrestricted G license. As drivers move along the licensing process, they earn additional driving privileges including who you can drive with, where and when you can drive, lower insurance rates, and lenient treatment from the government if you are to receive a ticket.
Auto Insurance for G2 Drivers
As a G1 driver, auto insurance isn’t mandatory. It is only once you become a G2 driver that coverage is required by law. As most G2 drivers are under the age of 25, they are considered to be “high-risk”drivers, and face higher insurance rates as a result. It is quite common for G2 drivers to be included on their parent’s insurance while driver’s over the age of eighteen usually have their own insurance coverage.
When insurance companies provide insurance policies to G2 drivers, they do not cater to them specifically. They will however, keep in mind the inexperience of the driver when calculating their rates. In most cases, the more driving experience you get, the lower your rates will be.
Getting Your Ontario G2 License
Before taking the G2 license test, drivers need to pass their written G1 test. Generally speaking, G1 drivers need to wait an entire year before they can take their G2 test, however, enrolling in (and passing) a MTO-approved driver’s education course can speed up the process. By successfully completing a driver’s education course, driver’s can take the G2 test after eight months rather than twelve.
In order to get your G2 license, you must be over the age of 16, pass an eye and written exam, and pass the G2 road test, which is usually about 20 minutes. It is crucial to practice your driving skills prior to booking your test to make sure you only have to take the test once.
When taking your G2 test, the following driving skills will be assessed:
G2 Road Test Checklist
Before booking your G2 road test, it is important to ensure the following:
Ontario G2 Restrictions & Conditions
In order to get your G2 license you must meet the following criteria:
Those with a G2 licence, can drive anywhere, day or night, alone or with passengers, and on any road or highway in Ontario. However, there are still conditions that must be followed. For example, G2 drivers can only drive when:
- They have a blood alcohol level of zero
- They don’t have more passengers than the number of working seat belts within their vehicle
There are serious consequences that come with disobeying these laws. When an inexperienced G2 driver disobeys these laws, they can face large car insurance premiums and demerit points when convicted of breaking traffic laws, which hurt your driving record.
Due to their lack of experience, G2 licensed drivers are at higher risk of facing penalties than G drivers. In comparison, when a fully licensed G driver has 15 or more demerit points they will have their licence suspended for 30 days where if a G2 licensed driver has nine or more demerit points they will have their licence suspended for 60 days.
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Getting Your G License
Once you have your G2 license, you are only one step away from achieving a full, unrestricted G license. After holding your G2 licence for a minimum of 12 months, you will have gained additional driving experience on roads and highways, preparing you well for the G road test. It is important to consider that you have a window of five years from when you got your G1 to complete the process of getting your G license. So, if you’re not ready 12 months after achieving your G2 license, you don’t need to rush.
Once you receive your full G license you have completed the full process and you will now have full driving privileges. Getting your full G license involves the following steps:
- Without drivers training – Have your G2 license for twelve months
- With drivers training – Have your G2 license for eight months
- Pass the G2 road test
You can have your full G license after you have completed these three steps. There are some restrictions concerning driving while taking drugs and alcohol if you are under the age of twenty-one. Drivers who are under the age of twenty-one must have a zero blood alcohol level.
A G license comes with various benefits. With a G license you can avoid costly traffic tickets and higher insurance rates. This stresses the importance of novice drivers working actively towards getting their full G license. This means that it may be a good idea for drivers to consider taking driver’s training in order to get their G license quicker.
How much are the average insurance rates for G2 drivers?
For G2 drivers in Ontario, the average insurance rate is $1,445.
How long does your G2 license last?
Your G2 drivers license is valid for five years after you first get your G1 license. However, there are some renewal steps involved with this process. The government will send you a postcard that reminds you that you need to renew your license. The card should show up between sixty and ninety days of the deadline. It is important to make sure that you do not drive with an expired license as this can potentially result in serious penalties.
Can you extend your G2 license?
You have the option of extending your G2 license for up to five years. In order to do so you need to fill out a form at your Driver and Vehicle Licensing Issuing Office. There is a $75.00 fee involved. To avoid redoing both written and road tests, drivers must extend their G2 license within three years of having it expire. Otherwise, you will have to retake both tests if extending after the first three years. This five year length of time is based on the date when you first issued your G1 license. This means that you should make a concerted effort to get your full G license if you have put off doing so in the past.
