Class G2 Drivers
G2 Drivers – Ontario Regulation 340/94 s.5 (1)
Associated charges: Fail to Surrender Insurance Card | Permit Operation of Motor Vehicle without Insurance | Make False Statement
Class G2 Drivers Licences
The G2 Novice driver’s licence is the second step in the Graduated Licensing System towards a full class G licence without conditions. The requirements for a G2 licence are:
- Eligibility for the First Road Test: You can take your first road test after having held a G1 licence for 12 months. This period can be reduced to just 8 months if you complete a government-approved driver education course.
- Skills Assessed in the Test: The test focuses on basic driving skills, including left and right turns, stopping, parallel parking, navigating one-way streets, lane changes, performing 3-point turns, and driving in residential areas. It also evaluates your ability to understand and respond to traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs.
- Acquiring the G2 Licence: Once you pass this test, you will be awarded your G2 licence, marking a significant milestone in your driving journey.
In summary, the path to obtaining a G2 licence in Ontario begins with mastering fundamental driving skills and successfully passing the first road test. This ensures that new drivers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for safe and responsible driving in various traffic conditions.”
G2 Driver – Road Test
The G2 licence represents the second level in Ontario’s graduated licensing system.
As a new driver, you must pass two critical tests. You are eligible to take the first test after maintaining a G1 licence for a period of 12 months. This test assesses crucial driving skills, including:
- Executing left and right turns
- Stopping
- Parallel parking
- Navigating one-way streets
- Performing lane changes
- Completing 3-point turns
- Driving in residential neighborhoods
- Adhering to traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs
Successfully passing this road test will earn you a G2 licence. Additionally, if you complete a government-approved driver education course, you’re eligible to take this road test after only eight months with a G1 licence.”
G2 Driver: Licence Conditions
Class G2 and all novice drivers are required to follow the following conditions. Any violation can result in a 30 day licence suspension and increased insurance costs.
- Zero Blood Alcohol Level: G2 drivers must have a zero blood alcohol level while driving.
- Passenger Restrictions: For the first six months of holding a G2 license, the driver is limited to carrying one passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m. After six months, this limit increases to three passengers aged 19 or under between these hours. These restrictions do not apply if the G2 driver is accompanied by a fully licensed driver (with at least four years of driving experience) in the front passenger seat, or if the passengers are immediate family members.
- Seat Belts: All passengers must wear a properly fastened seat belt.
- Road Restrictions: G2 drivers are generally allowed to drive on all Ontario roads and highways. However, they may face certain restrictions in specific areas or under certain conditions, as dictated by local laws.
- Renewal and Upgrading: A G2 licence is valid for up to five years. Before it expires, the driver should attempt the G road test to obtain a full G license. Failing to pass the G road test before the G2 license expires requires the driver to start over from the beginning of the G1 stage.
- Insurance: G2 drivers must be insured to drive. They are typically covered under a parent or guardian’s insurance policy, but it’s important to inform the insurance company about the new G2 driver.
Remember, these rules and restrictions are subject to change, and it’s always advisable to check the latest regulations from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation or their official website for the most current information.
G2 Drivers & Demerit Points
G2 drivers have a lower threshold for the accumulation of demerit points resulting in licence suspensions for the accumulation of demerits.
G2 drivers are suspended for 30 days for:
- breaching G1 driving conditions
- any 4 traffic ticket with 4 demerit points
- accumulating 6 demerit points
G2 drivers receive a 30 licence suspension for any traffic ticket that has 4 or more demerit points including:
- careless driving – 6 points
- stunt driving – 7 points
- fail to remain – 6 points
- speeding more than 29km/h – 4 points
- fail to stop for school bus – 6 points
- following too closely – 4 points
Demerit points are registered upon conviction for all other traffic tickets, like fully licensed drivers. e.g. speeding tickets.
Insurance Implications for G2 Drivers
Novice Violations on Insurance for G2 Drivers
G2 drivers should be acutely aware of the insurance implications that follow traffic ticket convictions. Such incidents lead to increased insurance costs and licence suspensions.
Where a G2 driver is found guilty of violating one of the driving conditions of a novice driver, the implications are significant for several reasons:
- A conviction is registered on the driving record
- G2 violations of the novice driving conditions will result in automatic 30 day licence suspension
- Insurance companies may perceive a higher risk as the driver does not follow the rules
- The G2 driver will have in effect 2 or more “strikes against them”, because of one offence
Convictions remain on the driver’s record for three years from the date of conviction. In contrast, demerit points stay on record for two years from the date of the offence.
Non-Novice Driver Violations
Class G2 and novice drivers need to be aware that any conviction for any traffic ticket with 4 or more demerit points will result in a mandatory 30 day licence suspension. These charges such as, Careless Driving, Following too Closely, Speeding more than 29hm/h, and Stunt Driving.
Demerit points do not directly influence insurance rates. Instead, insurance companies base their rate calculations primarily on recorded convictions including licence suspensions.
Traffic Accidents
Traffic Accidents: Insurance for G2 Drivers
For G2 drivers in Ontario, being involved in a traffic accident can have significant implications on the insurance for various reasons. Understanding these consequences is crucial for G2 drivers as they navigate their responsibilities on the road.
When a G2 driver is involved in a traffic accident, their insurance may be affected in the following ways:
- At fault accidents, can lead to an increase in insurance premiums.
- A traffic ticket resulting from the accident can be recorded on the driving record, further influencing insurance costs.
The situation becomes more complex if the accident occurs while the G2 driver has violated the G2 driver conditions. the insurance may refuse to repair vehicle as they will perceive that the G2 driver was driving illegally against the conditions of the licence.
As well any traffic ticket as a result of the accident exceeding the 4 demerit point limit (e.g. Careless Driving with 6 points) will result in a licence suspension. In such cases, the insurance is impacted due to three primary factors:
- A claim made as a result of the accident.
- A conviction recorded on the driver’s record for violating G1 driver conditions.
- A 30 day licence suspension, which is a standard consequence for breaching novice driver conditions.
Following any traffic ticket conviction, the court issues a notice to the Ministry of Transportation. The Ministry, upon receiving this notice, updates the driving record to include the court conviction. This addition to the driving record is critical as it influences insurance rates and reflects on the driver’s responsibility and adherence to traffic laws.
For G2 drivers, it is essential to understand these implications and maintain a clean driving record. Traffic accidents and violations can have long-term effects on insurance premiums and driving privileges.