To get a driver’s license in Canada, just like in many other countries, you need to comply with a number of strict rules and regulations. Speaking of Ontario, it deploys a step-by-step system for new drivers. It is aimed at teaching and preparing people for safe driving gradually so that they can get enough training and acquire the corresponding skills.
The first step, or the beginner level, in the said system is obtaining a G1 license. This notwithstanding, you won’t be able to enjoy full freedom, as novices have to put up with a wide range of limitations. In this article, we’ll touch on the most significant aspects of entering the world of car drivers.
What is a G1 License in Ontario?
If you wonder what a G1 driver’s license is, it’s an official document that enables learners to start developing driving skills. Still, it also imposes several restrictions with a view to ensuring safety on the road.
A G1 license implies that a person can use a vehicle only under the supervision of an experienced driver, who ought to have full permissions and sit right next to a G1 driver. It helps newbies adapt themselves to traffic conditions and gain valuable insights regarding proper behavior on the road.
The duration of the entire licensing process is not less than 20 months, and, as previously noted, a G1 license is the very beginning of this fascinating journey. It implies taking a written test, which will enable you to prove that you have a sufficient amount of expertise. Nonetheless, you have to take into consideration a variety of restrictions relating to the exam in question.
How Can You Get a G1 License in Ontario?
Those who are trying to figure out what the G1 road test is like must get a clear vision of its mandatory steps and main requirements. Let’s take a deeper look at them.
- Age requirements. The applicant will only be accepted if he or she is 16 or older. This is a minimum age upon reaching which you can apply for a G1 license.
- Knowledge evaluation. One of the main stipulations is passing a written exam that contains questions used to test one’s knowledge of traffic regulations, road signs, speed limits, etc. You’re expected to be good at understanding how to use headlights, drive on freeways, pass other cars, the intricacies of the demerit point system, and so on. These topics are circumstantially covered in the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook, so you can always rely on these guidelines. Everybody can buy the said book for about $15 in a DriveTest center. Meanwhile, to successfully pass the G1 test in Ontario, one has to provide correct answers to at least 80% of questions.
- Vision test. Applicants must also go through an eyesight exam. It’ll prove the fact that the future driver is actually capable of using his or her vehicle in a safe and responsible manner, with due regard for road signs and signals.
- Identity documents. To submit an application for obtaining G1, one has to provide a valid identity document with the indication of his or her legal name, current age, residence status, and signature. This refers to a passport, a driver’s license from another province or country, or an identity document issued by the government bodies, e.g., Canadian Citizenship Card.
- Visiting a DriveTest center. Each candidate is obligated to visit a DriveTest location in person, register there, and submit an application to pass the G1 test. Apart from identity documents, you’ll also have to bring your glasses or lenses and some cash to pay the fee. What’s more, in any DriveTest center, future drivers can also receive detailed information concerning the process of obtaining a G1 license.
- Paying the required fees. Applicants have to pay a fee for submitting the abovementioned application and knowledge check. The fee amount may vary over time; at the moment, it is equal to $159.75. However, it makes sense to clarify the situation and get familiar with the up-to-date information published on the official website of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.
Rules and Restrictions Pertaining to G1
The holders of a G1 license are obligated to comply with several restrictions in order to guarantee safety on the roads. That’s what the G1 driving test is taken for. Below is an exhaustive list.
- Zero blood alcohol concentration. When G1 drivers are behind the wheel, the amount of alcohol in their blood must be equal to zero. In the reverse situation, the violation of the specified restriction may lead to terrible consequences, all the way to the license revocation. On top of that, if you have an accompanying driver in your automobile, he or she is allowed to have not more than 0.05% of alcohol in their blood.
- Requirements on the fastening of safety belts. All the passengers present in a vehicle operated by a G1 driver are obligated to constantly fasten their safety belts no matter what. This measure renders it probable to minimize the number of accidents that take place on the road.
- Prohibition on driving from 00:00 AM until 05:00 AM. G1 drivers aren’t allowed to be behind the wheel during the time interval from midnight until 05:00 AM. This restriction makes it possible to prevent various car accidents caused by drivers’ fatigue and poor visibility on the road.
- Presence of a driver having full-fledged permissions. Any G1 driver ought to be always accompanied by another driver who must have full permissions, that is, he or she is supposed to own a G license. Moreover, this person must have, at the very least, four years of driving experience. The accompanying driver has to be present in the automobile and sit right next to a G1 driver.
- Restrictions related to certain types of roads. G1 drivers can’t drive on 400-series highways if the indicated speed limit is higher than 80 km per hour. There are also some other high-speed roads that you aren’t allowed to use. The only exception to this rule is the presence of a driving instructor in your car.
Complementary Remarks
Incidentally, if you’ve managed to pass the G1 test, you’ll have to wait at least a year before you can switch to the next level, i.e., take your G2 test. Nevertheless, you stand a chance to make the waiting time shorter by 4 months. To do so, you should take the courses offered by a driving school duly approved by the Ministry of Transportation.
If you’d like to know what a G1 exit test is, to clarify somewhat complicated terms, let us mention that it actually means the same as the G2 road test. It serves as the next step after G1. Even though it is intended to evaluate more complex aspects of driving than its predecessor, it can be taken in just about 15 minutes.
Bottom Line
Now you can see clearly what the G1 exam is like. To sum it up so far, obtaining a G1 license is the first step on the path to complete, unrestricted freedom and maturity in Ontario. Hence, conforming to all the rules and restrictions imposed on G1 drivers is an effective measure that provides the opportunity to ensure the adequate level of safety on the road. Plus, it helps novices get ready for taking another crucial step, i.e., obtaining a G2 license.
It follows from the above that one has to approach this process responsibly and carefully prepare themselves so that to successfully go through all the stages. Ultimately, it’ll enable any person to become a smart, confident, and experienced driver.
