A Class G license is a full driving privilege for regular passenger vehicles, issued after you complete the graduated licensing system

In most provinces that use a graduated system, Class G is the final, unrestricted license you earn once you've passed through the learner and intermediate stages. It lets you drive any passenger car, van, or small truck without supervision or time-of-day restrictions. You get it by holding an intermediate license (usually Class G2 in Ontario, or the equivalent in your province) for a set period — typically 12 months — and then passing a road test.

The exact rules depend on which province you're in. Ontario, for example, calls its stages G1 (learner), G2 (intermediate), and G (full). Other provinces use different letters or names, but the structure is the same: you earn your way up. A Class G is not something you can jump to; it's the endpoint of the graduated system, not a separate category you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Class G is the unrestricted license you receive after completing your province's graduated licensing stages, usually after holding an intermediate license for 12 months.
  • You cannot get a Class G without first holding a learner's permit and then an intermediate license for the required time period.
  • Once you have a Class G, you can drive any passenger vehicle at any time of day with no supervising driver required.
  • The road test for Class G tests highway driving, parking, and decision-making in real traffic, and you must pass it to move from intermediate to full.

How the graduated system works and where Class G fits

The graduated licensing system exists in most Canadian provinces and some U.S. states. The idea is to give new drivers time to build skills under controlled conditions before giving them full freedom. You start with a learner's permit (Class G1 in Ontario), which requires a supervising driver. After passing a written test and holding that permit for a minimum time, you move to an intermediate license (Class G2), where you can drive alone but with restrictions — usually no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and limits on how many young passengers you can carry.

Class G is what comes next. Once you've held your intermediate license for the required period (12 months in Ontario if you're over 20, 8 months if you're under 20 and completed an approved driver education course) and passed a road test, you get your Class G. At that point, all the restrictions lift. You can drive whenever you want, carry as many passengers as your vehicle's seatbelts allow, and you have the same legal driving privileges as any other full-license holder.

What you can and cannot do with a Class G

With a Class G, you can drive any passenger vehicle — cars, minivans, small pickup trucks — anywhere in your province and across provincial borders. You can drive at any time of day or night. You can carry any number of passengers (within your vehicle's capacity). You can tow a small trailer if your vehicle is rated for it, though towing rules vary by province and some vehicles have their own limits.

What you cannot do is drive commercial vehicles, buses, or large trucks. Those require different license classes — usually Class D for small commercial vehicles, Class A or B for trucks, and Class F for buses. If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a separate motorcycle endorsement (Class M in Ontario), even though you have a full car license. Driving a vehicle you're not licensed for can result in fines, demerit points, and insurance consequences.

The road test: what to expect when moving from G2 to G

The road test for Class G is longer and more complex than the test you took to get your G2. In Ontario, it lasts about 40 minutes and includes highway driving, which the G2 test does not. You'll be tested on merging onto highways, driving at highway speeds, changing lanes safely, and exiting. The examiner will also ask you to perform parking maneuvers, including parallel parking and backing into a space. You'll be evaluated on your ability to make safe decisions in real traffic, not just follow instructions.

You need to book the test through your province's licensing authority — ServiceOntario in Ontario, for example. There's a fee (around $90 in Ontario, but this varies). You must bring your intermediate license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You'll drive the examiner's vehicle or your own, depending on the testing center's rules. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you'll have to pay the fee again and wait for the next available appointment, which can take weeks.

Insurance and costs once you have a Class G

Your insurance rates usually drop when you move from G2 to G, because the restrictions are lifted and you're no longer classified as a new driver. However, your age still matters more than your license class at this point. A 19-year-old with a Class G will pay more than a 30-year-old with a Class G, because young drivers have higher accident rates overall. Insurance companies look at both your license class and your age, driving record, and the vehicle you're insuring.

The cost of getting your Class G itself — the road test fee and the license renewal fee — is set by your province and is usually under $100 total. Some provinces charge for the license itself; others bundle it into the test fee. Check your province's licensing website for the exact amount. If you fail the road test, you'll pay the fee again to retake it.

What happens if you lose your Class G or it expires

A Class G license is valid for a set period — usually 5 years in most provinces, though this can vary. When it expires, you renew it through your province's licensing authority, usually by mail or online. You don't need to retake the road test; renewal is a paperwork process. The renewal fee is lower than the original test fee.

If your license is suspended or revoked — for example, because of a serious traffic violation, impaired driving, or accumulating too many demerit points — you may have to retake the road test or go through a remedial process to get it back. The exact process depends on why it was suspended and your province's rules. Some suspensions are temporary; others are permanent until you meet specific conditions.

Class G versus other license classes

Class G is for passenger vehicles only. If you want to drive a truck over a certain weight, you need Class A or B, depending on the truck's size and whether it's towing. Class D covers small commercial vehicles like delivery vans. Class F is for buses. Class M is for motorcycles. Each of these requires its own road test and, in some cases, additional training or medical exams.

In the United States, the system is different. Most states don't use a graduated system; they issue a single "driver's license" after you pass a road test. Some states have a "junior license" for young drivers with restrictions, but there's no Class G equivalent. If you move between Canada and the U.S., you may need to exchange your license or take a new test, depending on the state and province involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Class G without going through G1 and G2 first?

No. You must complete the graduated system in order. You cannot skip stages or test directly for Class G. If you're new to driving in your province, you start with a learner's permit, hold it for the required time, pass the G2 test, hold G2 for the required time, and then test for Class G.

What if I move to a province with a different licensing system?

Most provinces recognize licenses from other provinces, so you can usually drive on your current license. If you want to get a license in your new province, you may be able to exchange it without retesting, or you may have to take a road test. Contact the licensing authority in your new province to find out what they require.

Do I have to renew my Class G license?

Yes. Your Class G is valid for a set period (usually 5 years) and then expires. You renew it through your province's licensing authority. Renewal is usually a mail-in or online process and does not require a new road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Can I drive for a rideshare or delivery service with a Class G?

It depends on the service and your province's rules. Some rideshare and delivery companies require a commercial license or a specific endorsement. Check with the company and your province's licensing authority before you start. Driving commercially without the right license can result in fines and insurance problems.

What happens if I get demerit points on my Class G?

Demerit points accumulate on your driving record. If you reach a certain threshold (usually 15 points in Ontario), your license is suspended. You can take a remedial driving course to reduce points, but the exact process depends on your province. Check your province's licensing website for the demerit point system and how to address points on your record.