*This blog was recently updated with new information
Before you buckle up and get ready to hit the road in Ontario, there are a number of things that you need to do. One of the most important things that you need to do is get your driver's license.
As you likely know, the province of Ontario has what's known as a graduated driver's license system, which means that there are multiple tiers (or classes) of licenses. The classes include:
In today's article, we'll be answering some commonly asked questions about driving with a G1, including "how many passengers can a G1 driver have in the province of Ontario?".
Continue reading to learn the answer to a number of frequently asked questions about G1 drivers.
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Who can drive with a G1 driver in Ontario?
G1 drivers need to be accommodated by a fully-licensed driver with a minimum of four years' worth of on-road experience. The fully-licensed driver needs to have a blood-alcohol level equal to or less than 0.05%.
Additionally, if you're accommodating a G1 driver, you need to sit in the front passenger seat for the duration of the journey. Sitting in the back seat impedes your ability to guide and advise the G1 driver sufficiently.
Lastly, you do not need to be the parent or guardian of the G1 driver to accommodate them on the road legally. You simply need to meet the criteria mentioned above.
Can a G1 driver have passengers in the back seats of a vehicle?
G1 license holders are allowed to carry as many passengers as there are seat belts in the back seat of the vehicle. However, they must be accompanied by a fully licensed G-class driver with a blood alcohol level of 0 in the front seat. The passengers in the back seats do not need to be fully licensed drivers.
What is the G1 driver passenger limit in Ontario?
G1 drivers cannot let the number of passengers exceed the number of seatbelts in the vehicle. So, if your vehicle has a total of five seatbelts, you have a five-person limit in your vehicle (including yourself).
Bonus tip — This rule doesn't just apply to G1 drivers — all drivers in Ontario need to abide by these restrictions. Failing to do so can lead to a hefty fine and other serious consequences. So, if you'd rather spend your cash on gas or car modifications, we suggest complying with these rules.
Can a G1 driver travel with an infant in the vehicle?
Yes, a G1 driver can travel with a baby or young child in their vehicle if they are accommodated by a fully-licensed driver, comply with the various G1 passenger rules and have an appropriate car seat in the vehicle. Additionally, the baby or young child must be seated in the back of the vehicle.
Do G1 drivers need to get car insurance in Ontario?
Technically, yes, but at the same time, no.
G1 drivers do not need to buy car insurance in order to travel within Ontario. Most insurance brokers and providers wouldn't even consider insuring a G1 driver because they haven't accumulated any on-road experience.
But, this doesn't mean that a G1 driver can use a vehicle without valid insurance. Because of this, G1 drivers fall under their parent or guardian's car insurance policy (in most cases).
If you are the guardian or parent of a soon-to-be G1 driver, we suggest that you reach out to your provider or broker as soon as possible. Doing this will allow them to make any necessary changes or updates to your policy.
Do you need car insurance in Ontario? Surex is here to help!
If your teen has recently earned their G1 driver's license, then you already know that it won't be long until they are fully-licensed and purchase their own vehicle. At this point, they'll need a personal car insurance policy.
Whether you're a new driver with questions or a parent who wants their child to start on the right foot, the Surex team is here to help.
Our experienced brokers are always happy to shine some light on a confusing topic, like insuring a G1 driver. Once you're up to speed, we can help you find and compare the most competitive car insurance quotes in Ontario.
In a rush? Not a problem! Our insurance brokers can supply you with ten personalized car insurance quotes in ten minutes or less. Because of this, you can spend less of your time shopping for coverage and spend more time on the road.
Contact a Surex insurance advisor today to learn how you can save 25% by bundling your home and auto insurance policies.
When can a G1 driver drive on the road in Ontario?
G1 drivers can legally drive on the road (with a fully-licensed driver) between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. (midnight). This means that there's a five-hour window in which G1 drivers cannot operate a vehicle.
If you get caught driving between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. as a G1 driver, you can face a significant fine, a 30-day license suspension and demerit points.
With all of this in mind, you can see that driving after hours as a G1 driver is simply not worth the risk.
Can a G1 driver purchase a car in Ontario?
Technically, yes, anyone can purchase a car as long as they can afford it.
However, as mentioned earlier, if you only have a G1 license, you won't be able to purchase car insurance. In turn, you can buy a vehicle, but you can't drive it out of the parking lot.
So, we suggest waiting until you have your G2 or G-class license before you start comparing your favourite models.
Bonus — Before investing in a new vehicle, you should check out our list of the most stolen cars in Canada.
What have you learned about driving with a G1 license in Ontario?
Getting your G1 license is exceptionally satisfying, as it's the first step that you take towards being a fully-licensed driver. If you're still preparing for your G1 test, it's incredibly beneficial to study the rules of the road. Doing this will help you familiarize yourself with these essential rules and make it easy for you to ace your test.
