A Class G license is Ontario's standard driver's license for regular passenger vehicles

A Class G operator license is the most common driver's license in Ontario. It authorizes you to drive passenger cars, vans, and light trucks up to a certain weight. Once you hold a full Class G, you can drive alone, carry passengers, and tow a trailer under specific conditions — but the rules about what you can tow and how many people you can carry depend on your vehicle's design.

Ontario uses a graduated licensing system, which means you do not get a full Class G when ready. You start with a G1 (learner's permit), move to a G2 (intermediate license), and then graduate to a full G. Each stage has different restrictions on who can sit in the car with you, what hours you can drive, and whether you can use a phone.

If you hold a Class G, you cannot legally drive a motorcycle, a bus, or a heavy truck — those require different license classes. You also cannot drive a commercial vehicle for payment unless you hold a Class D (taxi) or Class C (commercial) license.

Key Takeaways

  • A full Class G lets you drive passenger vehicles and light trucks, but not motorcycles, buses, or heavy commercial vehicles.
  • Ontario's graduated system means you earn a full Class G only after holding a G1 and G2 for set periods and passing tests.
  • With a full Class G, you can tow a trailer if your vehicle is designed to tow and you follow weight limits set by the manufacturer.
  • Restrictions on passengers, phone use, and driving hours explore only to G1 and G2 holders, not to full Class G drivers.
  • Driving a motorcycle, bus, or heavy truck on a Class G license is illegal and can result in fines and demerit points.

What vehicles you can and cannot drive with a Class G

With a full Class G, you can drive any passenger car, minivan, or pickup truck that weighs less than 11,000 kilograms (about 24,250 pounds) when empty. Most everyday vehicles fall into this category. You can also drive a vehicle towing a trailer, but only if the vehicle itself is designed to tow and the trailer does not exceed the weight limit set by the manufacturer.

You cannot drive a motorcycle, moped, or motorized scooter on a Class G — these require a separate M-class license. You also cannot drive a bus, a school bus, or any vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers. Heavy trucks (those over 11,000 kilograms empty) require a Class A or Class D license depending on the type.

If you drive a vehicle you are not licensed for, you can be fined, receive demerit points, and have your vehicle impounded. The fine for driving without the correct class of license is typically $500 to $1,000, plus court costs.

How the graduated licensing system works

Ontario requires new drivers to progress through three stages before earning a full Class G. You begin with a G1 learner's permit, which you can get at age 16 by passing a written knowledge test at a ServiceOntario office. With a G1, you can only drive with a fully licensed driver (Class G or higher) in the front seat beside you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

After holding a G1 for at least 12 months (or 8 months if you complete an approved driver education course), you become may be able to access for a G2 intermediate license. You earn a G2 by passing a road test. With a G2, you can drive alone and carry passengers, but you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a hand-held phone while driving. You must also display an "L" plate on your vehicle.

After holding a G2 for at least 12 months, you can take a second road test to earn your full Class G license. Once you pass, all the restrictions lift — you can drive at any hour and use your phone (legally, as a passenger would). You no longer need to display an "L" plate.

Restrictions that explore to G1 and G2 holders only

If you hold a G1 or G2, you face restrictions that do not explore to full Class G drivers. A G1 holder cannot drive without a supervising driver in the front seat, cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and cannot use any electronic device while driving — including a phone, even hands-free. A G2 holder can drive alone and at night, but still cannot use a hand-held phone and must display an "L" plate.

These restrictions exist to reduce crash risk during the learning phase. Research shows that new drivers are more likely to crash when driving alone or at night, and when distracted by phones. Once you hold a full Class G, these rules no longer explore to you — though Ontario's general distracted driving laws still do.

If you violate a G1 or G2 restriction — for example, by driving alone on a G1 or using your phone on a G2 — you can be fined $500 to $1,000 and receive demerit points. Demerit points can lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many.

Towing a trailer with a Class G license

You can tow a trailer with a Class G license, but only if your vehicle is designed to tow and you stay within the weight limits set by the manufacturer. Most passenger cars and light trucks are designed to tow, but the maximum weight varies widely — some can tow 1,000 kilograms, others 3,000 kilograms or more. You will find your vehicle's towing capacity in the owner's manual or on a label inside the driver's door frame.

If you tow a trailer that exceeds your vehicle's rated capacity, you risk brake failure, loss of control, and a crash. You can also be fined and receive demerit points. The trailer itself must have working brakes if it weighs more than 750 kilograms, and you must display a red reflective triangle on the back.

If you want to tow a heavier trailer — for example, a large boat or horse trailer — you may need a Class A or Class D license instead. Check with ServiceOntario or your vehicle's manufacturer to confirm what your vehicle can legally tow.

Upgrading from G2 to full Class G

To upgrade from a G2 to a full Class G, you must hold your G2 for at least 12 months and then pass a second road test. You can book the test through DriveTest, Ontario's testing service. The road test takes about 40 minutes and covers the same skills as the G2 test — lane changes, parking, turns, and hazard awareness — but the examiner may test you on more complex driving situations, such as highway driving or driving in heavier traffic.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least two weeks before booking again. Each test attempt costs a fee (currently around $90, though this may vary). Once you pass, you receive your full Class G license, and all restrictions are removed.

If you hold a G2 and your license expires before you take the road test, you will need to restart the process from the G1 stage. To avoid this, plan to take your G2 road test well before your license expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a motorcycle with a Class G license?

No. Motorcycles require a separate M-class license. If you are caught driving a motorcycle on a Class G, you can be fined $500 to $1,000 and receive demerit points. You must take a separate written test and road test to earn an M license.

What happens if I drive a vehicle I am not licensed for?

You can be fined $500 to $1,000, receive demerit points, and have your vehicle impounded. The offense stays on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates. Repeat offenses can lead to license suspension.

Can I drive for a rideshare company like Uber with a Class G?

No. Driving for payment requires a Class D (taxi) or Class C (commercial) license, even if you are only driving passengers. Operating a rideshare service on a Class G is illegal and can result in fines and license suspension.

How long does it take to get a full Class G from the start?

The minimum time is 20 months if you hold each stage for the required period and pass all tests on the first attempt. If you complete an approved driver education course, you can reduce the G1 stage to 8 months, bringing the total to 16 months. In practice, most people take longer because they need multiple test attempts or take time between stages.

Do I need to renew my Class G license?

Yes. A full Class G license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it at any ServiceOntario office or online through the ServiceOntario website. Renewal is straightforward if your vision and medical status have not changed — you do not need to retake the road test.