Vehicles are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. You know that not all vehicles are made equal if you’ve ever shifted from a hatchback to a full-size pickup truck. Just because you’re used to driving one type of vehicle doesn’t ensure you’ll be in the same situation in another. This is why, in Ontario, there are different types of driver’s licenses.
However, in fact, the G-class license is the most basic license that all drivers must get. It is the main requirement for legally operating a vehicle, van, or small truck. With the exception of motorcycles, you must get this license before you may drive any other vehicle. You will be a qualified, independent driver once you have completed the 3-step G-class graduated license process! You will still require your G license if you need further licensing for commercial vehicles.
We’ll go through the G-class as well as other Ontario drivers license classes in this article.
How many types of Ontario drivers license classes?
Class G
As previously stated, you must first obtain your Ontario G class license before driving any other type of vehicle in classes A-F. This is the most vital class among Ontario license classes! With the exception of motorbikes, it is the basis for driving any vehicle. You will be able to drive any personal vehicle, such as a car, minivan, small truck, or a combination of vehicle and towed vehicles that do not exceed 100,000 kg, once you have completed the G-class graduated licensing process.
G1
The G1 is the first step in the graduated licensing process for the G class. At this level, drivers must be supervised by a fully licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience. This is similar to the stage where you get your learner’s permit.
You’ll require the following items:
- Prepare for the knowledge test. Let’s take our free Ontario G1 practice test to pass your exam with your highest score.
- Pay a fee to apply for a license
- To take the written and road tests, you must pay fees (this includes the cost to take your G2 test)
- Take the written and road tests for the G1 license
- Before taking the G2, you should practice for a year or 8 months in a training program.
Conditions:
- A full G-licensed driver must accompany you
- There is no alcohol in the blood
- There will be no cannabis
- Between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., no driving is permitted
- There will be no driving on 400 roadways
- Only G-class vehicles are allowed to be driven.
G2
Having this license will allow you to experience the independence that comes with no supervision. Before taking the exit test, you must have had your G2 license for at least one year. This is a stand-alone stage with fewer requirements than the G1 test.
You’ll require the following items:
- A G1 license valid for at least one year or eight months of training
- A car with no defects
- Take the G2 road test.
Conditions:
- There is no alcohol in the blood
Drivers under the age of 19:
- For the first 6 months, you can only drive with one 19-year-old passenger from 12 a.m to 5 a.m
- From 12 a.m. until 5 a.m., you may drive with up to three passengers who are 19 or younger.
Class M
This is a motorcycle license. It will make you appear super cool while also allowing you to drive some really fun vehicles. Motorcycles, motor tricycles, limited-speed motorcycles (“Vespas”), and motor-assisted bicycles (mopeds) are all included under this license. If you want to learn how to ride a motorcycle, you don’t need to have your G license first. You can technically drive a G-class car, but only under the circumstances of a G1 driver, which means you’ll need to go with a passenger who is properly licensed and has four years of driving experience.
Full-speed motorcycles will require M1 and M2 license types, while mopeds and limited-speed cycles will require an M-class with condition L — we’ll go through those in more depth later in this post. You’ll be a complete M licensed driver once you’ve passed both the M1 and M2 graduated licenses.
M1
Riders are mostly driving for the purpose of practice and learning. This license is only valid for 90 days before it expires, so after around 60 days of practice, you’ll want to arrange your road test as soon as possible.
You’ll require the following items:
- Prepare for the knowledge/written test
- To apply for a license, you must pay a fee
- To take the written and road tests, you must pay fees
- Pass the M1 written and knowledge test
- After 60 days, take the road test.
Conditions:
- There is no alcohol in the blood
- Only ride during the daytime
- Only drive by yourself
- It is forbidden to ride on any roadways in the 400-series.
M2
Riders can now ride at night and on any road at the M2 level of the motorcycle graduated licensing procedure. M2 drivers can take the second road test after 22 months, therefore it’s better if they have their own motorbike or car at this point.
The driver will receive a full M Ontario motorcycle license after completing this second driving test. If a driver has taken a motorcycle safety course, they can skip the M1 road test and proceed straight to the M2 license.
You’ll require the following items:
- For at least 60 days, you’ll need an M1 license
- After 22 months, take the second road test.
Conditions:
- There is no alcohol in the blood.
Commercial Classes
Working vehicles, such as buses, heavy towing trucks, and tractors, require these vehicle classes. Here’s a rundown of the types of vehicles that may be driven with each license class:
Class A
Allows any tractor/trailer combination to be driven, even pulled vehicles weighing greater than 4,600 kg. Class D and G cars are also available to drivers.
Class B
Permits the driver to operate any type of school bus. Class C, D, E, F, and G cars are also available to drivers.
Class C
Allows the driver to operate any non-school bus, such as a charter bus. Class D, F, and G cars are also available to drivers.
Class D
Allows big vehicles weighing more than 11,000 kg and/or tractor/trailer combinations with a towed vehicle weighing less than 4,600 kg to be driven. Buses containing passengers are not included. Class G cars are also available to drivers.
Class E
Permits the operation of any short school bus with a maximum passenger capacity of 24. Class F and G cars are also available to drivers.
Class F
Permits the operation of non-school buses and/or ambulances. They must have a maximum passenger capacity of 24 people. Class G cars are also available to drivers.
How do I apply for an Ontario driver’s license?
To apply for a license, make sure you have all of the required documents and the money to pay your fees. You’ll need to provide verification of your legal name, birth date, and signature. After all of the information has been authorized, you will be required to pay an application fee that covers the cost of the knowledge exam, initial road test, and a five-year license cost.
Expect additional expenses for your second road test, as well as any retests that may be required. Please bear in mind that photocopies and papers that have expired will almost certainly not be accepted!
Read more >> How Can I Find Ontario Driving Test Center In 2022?
What you’ll need to get a G license
- 16 years of age and up
- Identification proof
- Money to pay for fees
- A reliable vehicle
- A vision test must be passed
- A written knowledge test must be passed.
What you’ll need to get an M license
- 16 years of age and up
- Identification proof
- Money to pay for fees
- A reliable motorbike, moped, Vespa, or other limited-speed vehicles
- A vision test must be passed
- A written knowledge test must be passed.
It’s not simple to get your Ontario driver’s license and there are also various types of Ontario drivers license classes you must know. Whether you apply for a G license or an M license, it requires time, effort, dedication, and money. Each license is a three-step process that must be completed in order to obtain the full G or M license. There will be restrictions at first, and progressing to the next phase may take some time, but all of this is done to ensure that each driver is properly taught and certified to operate a vehicle.