Ontario · G Licence · MTO · July 2026 · 7 min read
G2 vs G Licence in Ontario — What's the Difference?
Ontario's graduated licensing system has three stages: G1, G2, and G. Most people know the G1 is for beginners. But the G2 vs G difference is where real confusion starts — especially when it comes to what you can and cannot do with each licence.
The Core Difference
G2 (Novice)
Restricted licence
You can drive alone, but with restrictions on BAC, passengers, and highway 400-series. It is not a full licence.
G (Full)
Full unrestricted licence
No restrictions. Drive anywhere in Ontario (and most of Canada) at any time with any number of passengers.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Rule
G2
G (Full)
Drive alone
Yes
Yes
BAC limit
Zero — 0.00%
0.08% (standard)
Passengers
Max 1 passenger (age 19 or under) midnight–5 AM for first 6 months
Unlimited
Highway 400-series
Restricted first 6 months
Unrestricted
Curfew
Midnight–5 AM passenger restriction (first 6 months)
None
Uber / Lyft
Not eligible
Eligible (age 21+ Uber, 25+ Lyft)
Drive in other provinces
Yes, but restrictions still apply
Yes, full privileges
Tow a trailer
Some restrictions
Unrestricted for standard trailers
G2 Restrictions in Detail
The G2 restrictions are more nuanced than most people realise. Here is each restriction explained:
Zero BAC — for the entire G2 stage
G2 drivers must have zero blood alcohol concentration at all times. This is not the standard 0.08% limit — it is absolute zero. A single drink can put you over zero. This restriction applies for the full duration of the G2 stage, typically 12 months.
Passenger restriction — first 6 months only
During your first 6 months with a G2, you cannot carry more than one passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 AM. After 6 months, this restriction lifts. Note: this is a passenger age restriction, not a total passenger count restriction for daytime driving.
Highway 400-series — first 6 months only
For the first 6 months of your G2, you cannot drive on 400-series highways (the 400, 401, 404, 407, 410, etc.) or certain high-speed expressways. After 6 months, this restriction lifts — but the G road test includes highway driving, so you will need this experience regardless.
Midnight to 5 AM — not a full curfew
Contrary to what many people believe, G2 drivers do NOT have a complete midnight-to-5 AM driving ban. The restriction is on carrying multiple young passengers during those hours in the first 6 months. You can drive alone (or with adult passengers) during those hours throughout the entire G2 stage.
Can You Drive Uber or Lyft with a G2?
No — G2 does not qualify for Uber or Lyft in Ontario
Both Uber and Lyft require a full, unrestricted G licence to drive in Ontario. A G2 is explicitly excluded. When you submit your documents during the driver sign-up process, the platform will reject a G2 licence at the document review stage.
If you want to drive ride-share in Ontario, you must complete the G2 holding period (minimum 12 months) and pass the G road test at a DriveTest centre. Only after you receive your full G licence can you apply to drive for Uber or Lyft.
How Long Does Each Stage Take?
G1 Stage
12 months
Minimum hold time. Reduced to 8 months with an approved driver education course. Requires a licensed supervisor at all times.
G2 Stage
12 months
Minimum hold time. Can drive alone. Restrictions on BAC, highway, and late-night passengers (first 6 months).
Total minimum
20 months
With driver ed (8 months G1 + 12 months G2). Without driver ed: 24 months minimum.
These are minimums. DriveTest centre booking availability can add weeks or months to the actual timeline. In areas like the GTA, G road test appointments can book out 4–8 weeks. Book early — you can always cancel if your plans change.
The G Road Test — What Is Different
The G road test is harder than the G2 test. The biggest difference: the G test includes a highway driving component on 400-series highways. The examiner will have you enter and exit the highway, perform lane changes at highway speed, and demonstrate proper following distance and observation. This is where most G test failures happen.
G2 road test
- Local streets only
- No highway driving
- Parking, turning, observation
- Typically 20–30 minutes
G road test
- Local streets AND highway
- 400-series highway entry and exit
- Lane changes at highway speed
- Typically 30–40 minutes
To prepare for the highway component: practice merging onto the highway from an on-ramp, signal and check mirrors and blind spots before every lane change, maintain at least 2–3 seconds of following distance at highway speed, and exit smoothly using only the deceleration lane. Many people who failed their G test failed on the highway observation checks, not the street driving.
Start With the G1 — Ontario Practice Tests
If you are still working through the G1 stage, get your knowledge test preparation right the first time. The Ontario G1 test covers road signs, traffic rules, and safe driving — 40 questions, 80% to pass. Practice until you are consistently scoring 36 or higher before you book.
Preparing for the Ontario G1 test?
Free practice questions covering road signs, traffic rules, and safe driving — exactly what the MTO knowledge test covers.