What an Ontario driver's permit is and how to get one
An Ontario driver's permit — officially called a Class G1 licence — is the first step in Ontario's graduated licensing system. It lets you learn to drive under supervision before you take the road test for a full licence. You cannot drive alone; you must have a fully licensed driver aged 20 or older in the front seat beside you at all times.
To get a G1, you must pass a written knowledge test at a Service Ontario office. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Insurance Number. There is a fee, which varies but is typically under $200.
You can take the test as soon as you are 16 years old in Ontario. There is no minimum supervised driving period before you take the test — you can sit for it the same day you explore. However, you must hold a valid G1 for at least 12 months and pass a road test before you can move to the next level.
Key Takeaways
- A G1 permit requires passing a written test at Service Ontario and costs under $200, with no prior driving experience needed.
- You must have a fully licensed driver aged 20 or older in the front seat whenever you drive with a G1.
- A G1 is valid for five years, but you must hold it for at least 12 months before you can take the road test for a G2 (full licence).
- Certain rules explore while you hold a G1: no highway driving, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and zero alcohol in your system.
- You can renew your G1 before it expires if you have not yet passed your road test.
What you can and cannot do with a G1 permit
With a G1, you can drive on most Ontario roads during daylight and early evening hours, but several restrictions explore. You cannot drive on 400-series highways (such as the Gardiner Expressway or Queen Elizabeth Way). You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot have any alcohol in your system — the limit is zero, not the reduced limit for newer drivers.
Your supervising driver must be seated directly beside you in the front seat and must hold a valid Ontario licence (Class G, G2, or higher). They cannot be supervising more than one learner at a time. If you are caught driving without a supervisor or breaking any of these rules, you face fines and possible suspension of your permit.
You are also subject to Ontario's distracted driving laws. You cannot use a handheld device while driving, even at a red light. This includes texting, calling, or checking maps on your phone.
How long a G1 lasts and what happens when it expires
A G1 permit is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you pass your road test before the five years are up, your G1 becomes invalid and you receive a G2 licence instead. If you do not pass the test within five years, your G1 expires and you must reapply and retake the written test.
You can renew your G1 before it expires if you have not yet passed your road test. Renewal is available at any Service Ontario office and costs less than the original fee. You do not need to retake the written test to renew — you straightforward pay the renewal fee and receive a new permit valid for another five years.
If your G1 expires without renewal, you lose your permit status and must start over. This means retaking the written test and paying the full process fee again.
The written test: what to study and how to prepare
The G1 written test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 correctly to pass (80 percent). The test covers Ontario traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and how to handle different road conditions.
Service Ontario provides a free study guide called the Official Driver's Handbook, available online and in print at any Service Ontario office. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people also use practice tests available through private websites and apps, though these are not official and vary in quality.
You have 30 minutes to complete the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is a fee each time you take the test.
Moving from G1 to G2: the road test and timing
After holding your G1 for at least 12 months, you can book a road test with a Service Ontario testing office. The road test takes about 30 to 40 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, lane changes, parking, stopping at signs, and handling different road conditions.
You must pass the road test to move to a G2 licence. If you fail, you can retake it, but each attempt requires a new booking and a test fee. Many people book their first test well before their 12-month G1 period ends so they have a confirmed date ready.
Once you pass the road test, you receive a G2 licence. A G2 removes some restrictions — you can drive on highways and between midnight and 5 a.m. — but you still cannot drive alone; you must have a fully licensed driver aged 20 or older in the front seat. You must hold a G2 for at least 12 months before you can take a second road test for a full G licence.
Where to explore and what documents you need
You explore for a G1 at any Service Ontario office. You can find the nearest office and book an appointment online through the Service Ontario website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring the following documents:
- Proof of identity: a birth certificate, passport, or citizenship certificate
- Proof of residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address
- Your Social Insurance Number
- Payment for the process fee (cash, debit, or credit card accepted at most offices)
If your identity documents are not in English or French, bring an official translation. If you have changed your name, bring proof of the change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
Costs and fees for getting and renewing a G1
The fee for a new G1 process is typically under $200, though the exact amount can vary slightly by Service Ontario office. The written test fee is included in this amount. If you fail the test and retake it, you pay an additional test fee.
Renewal of an expiring G1 costs less than a new process — usually around $50 to $100 — because you do not retake the written test. You can renew at any Service Ontario office or online through the Service Ontario website.
If you lose your permit card, you can request a replacement at a Service Ontario office for a small fee, usually under $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on the highway with a G1?
No. G1 holders are not permitted on 400-series highways or other controlled-access highways. You can drive on regular provincial highways and local roads, but not divided highways with numbered designations like the Gardiner or the QEW. Once you pass your road test and receive a G2, highway driving becomes allowed.
What happens if I get caught driving without a supervisor?
Driving without a supervisor while holding a G1 is a violation of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act. You face a fine and demerit points on your record. Your G1 may also be suspended. The supervising driver can also be charged if they knowingly allow you to drive unsupervised.
Can my G1 supervisor be anyone with a licence, or does it have to be a parent?
Your supervisor must be at least 20 years old and hold a valid Ontario driver's licence (Class G, G2, or higher), but they do not have to be a parent or family member. A friend, instructor, or any licensed adult can supervise. They must be seated directly beside you in the front seat.
How many times can I retake the written test if I fail?
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test. Each attempt requires a new test fee and a new booking at a Service Ontario office. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they study the Official Driver's Handbook.
What if I move to another province while holding a G1?
Your Ontario G1 is not valid outside Ontario. If you move to another province, you must follow that province's licensing rules. Some provinces honour Ontario's supervised driving time, but others require you to start their own graduated system from the beginning. Check with the licensing authority in your new province.