With a G2, you can already drive alone, at any time, on any road, including highways. So why bother getting your full G?
Because the difference between G2 and G is bigger than it looks. The full G removes your novice conditions, gives you more room with penalties, and lets you supervise new drivers.
This guide compares the G2 vs G license side by side, explains what changes when you upgrade, and shows you how to get there.
G2 vs G License
| G2 License | Full G License | |
| Licence type | Novice | Fully licensed |
| Drive alone | Yes | Yes |
| 400-series highways | Yes | Yes |
| Blood alcohol | Must be zero | Zero if 21 or under; penalties from 0.05 if older |
| Night passenger limits (19 and under) | Yes | No |
| Novice escalating sanctions | Yes | No |
| Demerit point suspension | 60 days at 9 points | 30 days at 15 points |
| Can supervise a G1 driver | No | Yes, with 4+ years of experience |
| Time limit to upgrade | Must pass G test within 5 years of your G1 | Renew every 5 years |
What Is a G2 License?
A G2 is the second stage of Ontario’s graduated licensing system. You get it by passing the G2 road test after holding your G1.
With a G2, you drive on your own, but you’re still classed as a novice driver. That means extra conditions and tougher penalties apply.
What Is a Full G License?
A full G is Ontario’s complete Class G licence. You get it by passing the G road test after holding your G2 for at least 12 months.
With a full G, you’re a fully licensed driver. The novice conditions end, and you have full driving privileges for cars, vans and small trucks.
What Is the Difference Between G2 and G? 7 Key Changes
1. Alcohol and Cannabis Rules
- G2: your blood alcohol must be zero every time you drive, and you can’t have any cannabis or drugs in your system.
- Full G: if you’re 21 or under, the zero rule still applies. If you’re older, you’re no longer bound by the novice zero rule, but Ontario penalties begin at a blood alcohol level of 0.05.
The safest choice at any licence level is simple: if you’ve been drinking or using cannabis, don’t drive.
2. Night Passenger Limits
- G2: if you’re 19 or under, you face passenger limits between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Full G: no passenger limits beyond having a working seatbelt for everyone.
For the details, see how many passengers are allowed with a G2.
3. Escalating Sanctions
G2 drivers are under Ontario’s novice escalating sanctions. Breaking a G2 condition leads to:
- First occurrence: 30-day suspension
- Second occurrence: 90-day suspension
- Third occurrence: licence cancelled, and you restart the licensing process
Full G drivers aren’t under these novice sanctions.
4. Distracted Driving Penalties
Both licences get the same fines for distracted driving. The difference is what comes with them:
- G2: licence suspensions instead of demerit points: 30 days for a first conviction, 90 days for a second, and cancellation for a third.
- Full G: demerit points and a licence suspension, with longer suspensions for repeat convictions.
5. Demerit Points
The Government of Ontario sets different thresholds for novice and fully licensed drivers:
| Points | G2 (Novice) | Full G |
| 2 to 5 | Warning letter | No action |
| 6 to 8 | Second warning letter | Warning letter |
| 9 to 14 | 60-day suspension | Second warning letter |
| 15 or more | Suspended | 30-day suspension |
In other words, a G2 driver can lose their licence with fewer points and for twice as long.
6. Supervising New Drivers
- G2: you cannot act as the accompanying driver for a G1.
- Full G: you can, once you have at least four years of driving experience.
Real-life example: Say your younger sister gets her G1. If you’re on your G2, you can’t take her out to practise. Once you have your full G and four years of driving experience, you can.
7. Licence Deadline
- G2: you must pass the G road test within five years of when your G1 was issued, or you’ll have to start the process again.
- Full G: there’s no upgrade deadline. You simply renew your licence every five years.
What Stays the Same on a G2 and a G?
Some things don’t change when you upgrade, which is where much of the confusion comes from:
- You can drive alone.
- You can drive at any time of day.
- You can use all Ontario roads, including 400-series highways. See can you drive on the highway with a G2.
- Everyone in the car needs a working seatbelt.
G2 vs G Road Test: How the Tests Differ
| G2 Road Test | G Road Test | |
| When you take it | After 12 months on G1 (8 with BDE) | After 12 months on G2 |
| What it checks | Basic skills: turns, stops, parking, three-point turns | Advanced skills, including expressway driving |
| Highway driving | Not included | Included |
| Highway declaration | No | Yes: you must declare recent highway experience |
| Fee | $53.75 (first attempt included in G1 package) | $91.25 |
For the G road test, you must sign a Declaration of Highway Driving Experience. If you don’t have enough recent highway experience, the test is cancelled and you lose 50% of your fee.
For all the fees, see our guide to the cost of the G2 test in Ontario.
Does a Full G Lower Your Insurance?
Often, yes. Insurers see fully licensed drivers with a longer, clean record as lower risk than novice drivers.
Your actual rate depends on your insurer, age, driving record and vehicle, so compare quotes when you upgrade. A clean record during your G2 years helps more than anything.
Is It Worth Upgrading From G2 to Full G?
Yes, for several reasons:
- You have to. Your G2 isn’t permanent. Miss the five-year deadline, and you start over.
- Fewer rules to track every time you drive.
- More breathing room with demerit points and penalties.
- The ability to help family or friends practise for their G1.
- Often lower insurance over time.
Real-life example: Say you’re 20, have held your G2 for 14 months, and keep putting off the G test because you “can already drive alone.” Two unlucky tickets could put a G2 driver close to a suspension that a full G driver wouldn’t face. Booking the G test now removes that risk.
How to Go From G2 to Full G
1. Hold your G2 for at least 12 months.
2. Build real highway experience, and keep track of your trips.
3. Book your G road test through DriveTest.
4. Pass the test to get your full G.
For a step-by-step timeline, read G2 to Full G License Ontario: Timeline & How to Prepare for the Highway Test.
Our Full G Road Test Preparation focuses on highway merging, lane changes at speed and exits, the skills that make the G test different from the G2.
We train drivers across Barrie, Innisfil, Bradford, Orillia, Angus, Alliston and Collingwood.
For the full list of G2 conditions, see G2 restrictions in Ontario, or start with our G2 license Ontario guide.
Take the Last Step to Full Driving Privileges
The G2 gives you independence. The full G gives you freedom from novice rules, more breathing room, and a licence you only need to renew.
Road Safety Canada is an MTO-approved driving school helping drivers across Barrie and Simcoe County move from G2 to full G with confidence. Call 705-300-5570 or register online to book your Full G road test preparation today
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between G2 and G in Ontario?
A G2 is a novice licence with conditions like zero blood alcohol, night passenger limits for drivers 19 and under, and stricter penalties. A full G removes these novice conditions and gives you full driving privileges.
Can you drive alone with both a G2 and a G?
Yes. Both G2 and full G drivers can drive alone, at any time, on all Ontario roads, including 400-series highways.
Can a G2 driver drink and drive?
No. G2 drivers must have a blood alcohol level of zero and no cannabis or drugs in their system every time they drive.
Can a full G driver under 21 drink and drive?
No. Drivers aged 21 and under must keep a blood alcohol level of zero, even with a full G licence.
How many demerit points can a G2 driver have compared to a G driver?
A G2 driver faces a 60-day suspension at 9 demerit points. A full G driver faces a 30-day suspension at 15 demerit points.
Can a G2 driver supervise a G1 driver?
No. The accompanying driver for a G1 must hold a full G licence and have at least four years of driving experience.
Is the G road test harder than the G2 road test?
The G road test checks more advanced skills, including expressway driving, and requires a declaration of recent highway experience. The G2 road test focuses on basic driving skills.
Do you have to get your full G licence?
Yes. You must pass the G road test within five years of when your G1 was issued. If you don’t, your licence expires and you must start the process again.
