Ontario G1 Driving Restrictions: Highway, Curfew, Passenger and BAC Rules (2026)

A G1 licence bars you from driving on 400-series highways (unless with a licensed driving instructor), driving between midnight and 5 a.m., having any blood alcohol above 0.00%, carrying more passengers than working seatbelts, and driving without a qualified supervisor sitting in the front passenger seat. Prepare with Ontario G1 practice tests.

An Ontario G1 licence is a learner's permit with strict rules. You cannot drive alone. You must follow all driving restrictions or face fines and licence suspension.

Supervision and Driving Alone Rules

You cannot drive alone with a G1 licence. A qualified supervising driver must be in the front passenger seat at all times.

• Supervisor Requirements: Must have a full Class G licence for at least 4 years, be sober, and sit in the front passenger seat.
• Driving to School: You can drive to school only if your qualified supervisor is with you.
• Moving a Car in a Driveway/Parking Lot: This is considered driving. You must have your supervisor in the passenger seat, even to move the car a few metres.

Verify your supervisor's licence has the four dots next to the hologram, indicating 4+ years of experience, before you start driving to avoid a ticket for an unqualified supervisor.

Moving a car in a driveway or on a private road still counts as driving under the HTA. A G1 driver without a qualified supervisor in the front seat faces a 30-day suspension.

Passenger and Friend Restrictions

You can drive with friends in the car, but with specific passenger restrictions.

• Front Seat: Only your supervising driver can sit there. No friends or family.
• Back Seat: You can carry any number of passengers, but only if each has a working seatbelt.
• Drive-Thru: You can drive through a drive-thru. Your supervisor does not need to order.

A G1 driver in Kitchener was ticketed for having a friend in the front seat, which invalidated the supervision requirement, leading to a 30-day suspension.

Night Driving and Time Curfews

You cannot drive at night between midnight and 5:00 a.m. Driving is prohibited during these hours, even with a supervisor.

See the Ontario learner's permit guide for complete requirements.

Full Ontario permit rules are at the Ontario learner's permit guide.

• You can drive at night from 5:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. with your supervisor.
• There are no exceptions for work, school, or emergencies.

Highway and Freeway Restrictions

You cannot drive on freeways, known as 400-series highways, with a G1 licence.

• Prohibited Roads: All 400-series highways (401, 400, 407, etc.), the QEW, Don Valley Parkway (DVP), and Gardiner Expressway.
• Exception: You can drive on these highways only if your supervising driver is a licensed Ontario driving instructor.

A driver from Brampton heading to a driving lesson in Vaughan accidentally entered Highway 427 with her mother supervising. Police issued a ticket and suspended her licence for 30 days.

Zero Tolerance Laws: Phones, Alcohol, and Penalties

G1 drivers face zero-tolerance rules for cell phones and alcohol.

• Cell Phones: You cannot touch or use any hand-held device while driving. Penalties include a ~$615 fine, 3 demerit points, and a 30-day licence suspension.
• ⚠ Supervisor on Phone: If your supervisor is texting, they can be ticketed for distracted driving. You are still legally accompanied, but their distraction is a separate offence.
• Alcohol/Drugs: You must have a 0.00% blood alcohol level. Any detectable amount leads to an immediate 3-day roadside suspension, fines, and an additional 30-day suspension.

Set your GPS and put your phone in the glove box before starting the car. A G1 driver in Ottawa checked a text at a red light on Bank Street, was seen by an officer, and lost his licence for 30 days.

Penalties for Violating G1 Restrictions

Breaking G1 rules results in severe penalties under the Novice Driver Escalating Sanctions program.

Suspension periods do not count toward the mandatory 12-month waiting period before you can take your G2 road test, causing significant delays.

Book your G1 exit road test online the first day you are eligible (after 12 months, or 8 months with an approved driver's ed course). Popular DriveTest centres like Toronto Metro East often have wait times of 3-4 months for the next available slot.