New drivers in Ontario: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages

The graduated driver licensing stages of Ontario: minimum ages, how long each stage lasts and the main restrictions, from the official pages. Switching a licence from another province is on our driving page.

Stages, minimum ages and restrictions

Minimum age 16 for G1. G1 lasts about 12 months (8 months with an approved driver education course), with a supervising driver in the front seat who holds a G licence, has four years of driving experience and has a blood-alcohol level under 0.05%. G2 lasts 12 months; between midnight and 5 a.m. drivers 19 or under may carry only one passenger aged 19 or under (up to three after six months). The G road test can be taken after 12 months with a G2. You must finish within five years or start over.

Official page ↗

These are the standard rules for passenger vehicles. Stage lengths, ages and restrictions are changed by regulation and some sources conflict, as noted: confirm with the licensing office before booking a test. If you already hold a full licence from another province or country, different rules apply (see our driving page). Rules, fees and programs change and were read on 2026-11-14: confirm with the official source. General information, not legal advice. Quebec follows its own rules: see atlasquebec.ca.

Guides for this province