GRADUATED LICENSING

 

OBTAINING A CLASS G LICENSE (CAR, VAN AND SMALL TRUCK)

 

Graduated licensing is a two-step licensing process that will be fully implemented in Ontario as of June 6, 1994. It affects new drivers applying for their first Ontario Class G (car) and Class M (motorcycle) license. Graduated licensing will last a minimum of 20 months for the drivers during which time they can gain the knowledge and skills needed to operate a motor vehicle safely.

 

CLASS G REQUIREMENTS

 

To enter Level One, Class G drivers must be at least 16 years of age, pass a vision test to ensure their eyesight meets the provincial standard for drivers, and pass a written test of their knowledge of the rules of the road.

 

Class G (cars, vans and small truck) drivers

Level One: Level One lasts 12 months. If a new driver successfully completes an approved driver education course, this period will be reduced to eight months.

 

• Must not drive if they have been drinking (maintain a zero blood alcohol level when driving);

 

• Must have only one passenger in the front seat. That person, the accompanying driver, must be authorized to operate a Class G passenger vehicle and must have a blood alcohol level of less 05 percent;

 

• Must limit the number of backseat passengers to the number of seat belts in the backseats of the vehicle;

 

• Must not drive on the “400 series” highways and certain urban expressways (e.g. 416/417/401) you are allowed to practice on them with a qualified driving instructor);

 

• Must not drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.;

 

• May drive Class G vehicles only; and

 

• May choose to voluntarily display a vehicle sign indicating their new driver status. This is provided by the government to all new drivers entering Level One.

 

 

At the end of Level One, drivers must pass a road test of their driving skills before being eligible to proceed to Level two.

 

• When you pass, you enter Level Two of the Graduated Licensing System (G-2). If you do not pass on the first attempt you can try again 10 days at a cost of $40.00. (Payable to the Ministry of Transport)

 

Level Two: Level Two of the program lasts a minimum of 12 months. At this level drivers have more privileges because of their driving experience.

 

• Must not drive if they have been drinking (maintain a zero blood alcohol level when driving);

 

• Must limit the number of people carried to the number of seatbelts in the vehicle; and

 

• Must drive Class G vehicles only

 

 

Gaining full license privileges

 

After completing Level Two, drivers will be eligible to take a comprehensive road test to qualify for full license privileges.

 

 

**        After you have been at the G-2 Level for one full year you can go for your G-2 Exit Test. This test is 45 minutes in length. The Ministry of Transport charges $75.00 for the G-2 Exit Test. Once you pass this test you have completed the Graduated Licensing System.

 

***      If you break any of these restrictions in G-1 G-2 your license will be suspended for 30 days and you will get demerit points. If you are in an accident and have breached your license rules, your insurance company may not cover any damages.