G1 Requirements
How to get a driving license in Canada?
You have to take the following tests: the G1 exam and the G2 and G road tests. Since Canada makes use of the graduated licensing program, if you are a beginner, the first test to take is the G1 test. If you pass it, you’ll obtain a learning license or learner’s permit.
What are the G1 test requirements?
For each province, there are different G1 requirements. That’s why you have to research the rules and regulations of your province.
The table below is a summary of the things you have to know before and after taking the test. It contains the driving age in Canada, G1 driving rules, and who can a G1 driver drive with, among others.
Province | Eligibility | G1 License Restrictions |
Alberta | At least 14 years old | - Drive with a fully licensed driver (Class 5 nonGDL) seated at the passenger seat and who is at least 18 years of age or older
- Number of passengers must be equal to the number of working seatbelts
- Even if supervised, you cannot drive between 12 am, and 5 am
- Having 8 demerit points will suspend your Class 7 license.
|
British Columbia | At least 16 years old | - Display the red “L” sign in the back of your motor vehicle
- Drive with a fully licensed driver (Class 1 to 5) who is at least 25 years of age or older
- Only 1 passenger aside from the fully licensed driver is allowed
- Must not drive between 12 am, and 5 am
- No handheld devices while driving
|
Manitoba | If enrolled in any driver education training in high school, you can take the learners test at 15 and a half years old, and if not, you must be at least 16 years old. | - Drive with a fully licensed driver (Class 5F for a minimum of 3 years)
- Number of passengers must be equal to the number of working seatbelts, and those must always be worn
|
New Brunswick | At least 16 years old | - Drive with a fully licensed driver (Class 5 or higher for a minimum of 3 years)
- 0 blood alcohol level at all times
|
Newfoundland and Labrador | At least 16 years old | - Drive with a fully licensed driver (Class 5 or higher for a minimum of 4 years or more)
- No passengers except when you are in a driver education program with a licensed instructor, your parent/guardian may be present
- Must not drive between 12 am, and 5 am
- No handheld devices while driving
|
Northwest Territories | At least 15 years old | - Drive with a fully licensed driver (Class 5 for a minimum of 2 years or more)
- Only 1 passenger aside from the fully licensed driver is allowed
- Must not drive between the hours of 11 pm and 6 am
- Having 6 or more demerit points will suspend your license
|
Nova Scotia | At least 16 years old | - Drive with a fully licensed driver (at least 2 years or more experience)
- No passengers except the supervising driver
- Having 4 or more demerit points will suspend your license for 6 months
|
Nunavut | At least 16 years old | - Drive with a fully licensed driver (at least 2 years or more experience)
- Having 4 or more demerit points will suspend your license for 6 months
|
Ontario | At least 16 years old | - Drive with a fully licensed driver (at least 4 years or more experience)
- Number of passengers must be equal to the number of working seatbelts
- Must not drive between 12 am, and 5 am
- Driver must not drive on any 400-series highways or high-speed expressways
|
Prince Edward Island | At least 16 years old | - Display bright yellow decal sticker that has an “L” sign
- Drive with a fully licensed driver (at least 4 years or more experience)
- Drive with supervising driver and immediate family only
- Even if supervised, if you’re 21, you cannot drive between 1 am, and 5 am
- No handheld devices while driving
|
Quebec | At least 16 years old Non-Canadians must provide proof of authorization to remain in Canada for at least 6 months | - Drive with a fully licensed driver (Class 5 for a minimum of 2 years or more) seated at the passenger seat
- If you’re 21, you cannot drive between 1 am, and 5 am
- Having 4 demerit points or more will suspend your license for 3 to 12 months.
|
Saskatchewan | Begin the learner licensing process at 15 years of age (enrolled in a high school driver education program) and get a license at 16 | - Drive with a fully licensed driver
- Only immediate family members can be passengers between 12 am, and 5 am
- No handheld devices while driving
- Track in-car practice hours
|
Yukon | At least 15 years old | - Drive with a fully licensed driver (Class 5 for a minimum of 2 years or more)
- Only immediate family members can be passengers
- Drive passenger vehicles that do not exceed a 7 person capacity
- No handheld devices while driving
|
How much is the G1 test?
Most provinces have a G1 cost of $158.25. If it is retaken, an additional fee of $15.75 will be added. Other costs should you invest in them are $16 for the MTO Driver’s Handbook, and at least $200 to $800 for driver education programs.
What can I bring to the G1 test?
The things you need to bring are:
- 2 forms of proof of identification, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.
- Wear glasses or lenses, if applicable
Where to do the G1 test?
You must book the G1 test at testing locations near you. You can also apply at DriveTest Centres or travel points.
How to pass the knowledge test?
You should make use of learner’s practice tests. As a beginner, you should know the basics, such as road signs and traffic rules. You wouldn’t want to get your G1 licence suspended because you didn’t know the rules of the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the driving rules and regulations for Ontario Canada?
After getting your G1 license in Ontario, you must observe a few regulations. Since it is a learner’s license, it has a few restrictions. As a G1 driver, you must always be accompanied by a fully-licensed driver, and you must have a 0 blood alcohol level while driving. You are also required to accommodate passengers based on the number of seatbelts your car has. Lastly, you are prohibited from driving between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m, and you aren’t allowed on 400-series highways.
Can I drive in Canada on a valid British driving license?
Yes, you can. But, take note that you might also be asked for an International Driving Permit. Some car hire companies require it. So, make sure to check the requirements first before you travel.
In Canada, what is the driving age?
The legal driving age in Canada varies, so it is always better to research beforehand. But, most provinces require their driving age to be at least 16 years old.
Is my international driver’s license valid in Canada?
Yes, it is. It is also called an International Driver’s Permit because it allows you to drive in another country. In Canada, Ontario primarily accepts the use of the IDP by its visitors.
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