No, you cannot legally drive a car by yourself with a G1 license in Ontario. The G1 is the first stage of Ontario's graduated licensing system, and it comes with strict conditions designed for supervised practice. The most critical rule is that you must always be accompanied by a fully licensed driver (with at least four years of experience) in the passenger seat. Therefore, while you can be an owner on paper, you cannot be the sole driver of a vehicle.
However, you can purchase or lease a car while holding a G1. This can be a strategic move for a few reasons. You can start building your no-claims insurance history earlier, and you can use your own vehicle for all your mandatory practice driving sessions with your supervising driver. The process of buying a car is the same, but you'll need to involve your supervising driver for test drives and to drive the car home after purchase.
Here’s a breakdown of the key G1 driving restrictions:
| Restriction | Condition | Rationale |
|---|
| Supervising Driver | Must sit in front seat; holds a full G license for 4+ years. | Ensures an experienced driver can intervene if necessary. |
| Blood Alcohol Level | Must be zero. No alcohol in your system. | Strict rule for all novice drivers in the GLS. |
| Passenger Limit | Only as many passengers as working seatbelts. | Prevents distraction from too many passengers. |
| Time of Day | No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. | Avoids high-risk driving conditions for new drivers. |
| Highway Access | No driving on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways. | Limits exposure to high-speed, complex traffic situations. |
If you're getting your G1, focus on using this time to practice diligently for your G2 road test. Owning a car can facilitate that practice, but understand the legal boundaries completely before you make a purchase.
