Minimum age for a car driving licence in Ontario (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Ontario issues the G1 learner's licence from age 16; G1 drivers must drive with a fully licensed supervisor and may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. The first road test (for G2) is usually after 12 months, or 8 months with an approved driver education course, and the full G licence follows after a further 12 months. G2 drivers aged 19 and under have passenger limits between midnight and 5 a.m.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | The first road test for G2 is usually after 12 months in G1, or after 8 months with a government-approved driver education course. A further 12 months at G2 and a second road test lead to the full G licence. The whole process must be completed within five years. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | No number of supervised hours is stated; the G1 stage is a minimum period instead. The first road test can be taken after 12 months with a G1 licence, or after 8 months with a government-approved driver education course. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | G1 drivers may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. G2 drivers aged 19 and under have passenger limits between midnight and 5 a.m. (see passenger limit). [1] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | G1: the accompanying driver must be the only other person in the front seat. G2 drivers aged 19 and under may carry only one passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m. in the first six months, then up to three; this does not apply with a fully licensed driver (4+ years) in the car or if the passengers are immediate family. [1] |
Notes
- Ontario: licences are issued in stages. The age shown is that of the first (learner) stage, which allows driving only with a supervisor.
- No age rule for visitors with a licence from outside the province or territory was found.
Sources
- Government of Ontario: Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Ontario and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16, with a supervising driver | G1 at 16; G2 after 8-12 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Manitoba | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16, with an experienced supervisor | 15½ in the Driver Z Program | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Quebec | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16, with an accompanying driver (2+ years) | Learner licence 12 months before road test | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Ontario
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Power-assisted bicycle · Minimum age: 16 years
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.95 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free, touch limited
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (7-day suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero if 21 or under or G1/G2/M1/M2
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.