Do I Need Car Insurance as a G2 Driver?
Yes, G2 drivers must have their own insurance policy. While a G1 driver usually does not need their own standalone auto insurance policy because they must drive with a qualified supervising driver, the vehicle they practise in must be insured. Once a driver gets a G2 and can drive alone, they should be listed properly on the vehicle’s insurance policy. If they own or regularly drive their own vehicle, they will need their own coverage or to be rated correctly on a household policy.
Most G2 drivers are under the age of twenty-five and are considered ‘high-risk’drivers. This means that they will face high insurance rates. G2 are frequently named on their parent’s insurance with driver’s over the age of eighteen often having their own insurance coverage.
Insurance companies generally do not offer specific policies for G2 drivers. However, they will consider the inexperience of G2 when calculating their rates.
How Much Are the Average Insurance Rates For G2 Drivers?
G2 drivers usually pay higher insurance rates than the Ontario average because they are new to driving on their own. The actual premium for a G2 driver can vary a lot based on factors like age, location, vehicle, driving history, coverage, deductible, and whether they are listed as an occasional or main driver.
10 Cheapest Cars to Insure for G2 Drivers in Ontario
| Car Model | Average Monthly Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Ford Escape | $476 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | $511 |
| Mazda Mazda3 | $538 |
| Chevrolet Cruze | $540 |
| Mazda CX-3 | $542 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $561 |
| Nissan Rogue | $563 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $582 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $588 |
| Nissan Sentra | $589 |
Why G2 Drivers Face Some Of Ontario’s Highest Insurance Costs
Insurance costs are higher for G2 drivers because this is the stage when new drivers can drive on their own. Insurers consider this independence along with other factors like age, location, driving record, vehicle type, coverage, deductible, and the insurance company itself. For example, a G2 driver in the GTA with a newer car and full coverage may pay much more than a G2 driver in a less expensive area who is only an occasional driver on a family car.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Limited driving history | Insurers have less evidence that the driver can avoid claims over time. |
| Age often overlaps with risk | Many G2 drivers are young, and age is one of the factors that affect premiums. |
| Independent driving begins at G2 | Unlike G1 drivers, G2 drivers can drive alone, which increases exposure. |
| Location matters | GTA drivers already face higher average premiums than the Ontario average. |
| Vehicle choice matters | A newer, high-value, commonly stolen, or expensive-to-repair car can raise costs. |
| Coverage choices matter | Collision, comprehensive, lower deductibles, and higher liability limits increase premiums. |
| Tickets and claims matter more early | A conviction, at-fault accident, or suspension can be costly for a novice driver. |
View our list of tips on how you can save on car insurance as a young driver.
When Does it Make Sense to Add a G2 Driver to Your Policy?
If a G2 driver lives with you or will often use your car, it’s usually best to add them to your insurance policy. They will probably need to be added as a main or occasional driver, depending on how often they use your car.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| G2 driver lives in your household and may use the car | Tell your insurer and ask if they need to be listed. |
| G2 driver uses the car occasionally | They may be added as an occasional/secondary driver. |
| G2 driver uses the car most often | They should likely be listed as the principal driver. |
| G2 driver buys their own car | They will usually need their own policy or to be rated as principal driver on that vehicle. |
| G2 driver is away at school and rarely drives | Ask your insurer how they treat occasional access. |
| G2 driver has tickets, claims, or suspensions | They will usually need their own policy or to be rated as the principal driver on that vehicle. |
Ontario G2 Restrictions and G2 Requirements
If you have a G2 licence, you can drive on any road in Ontario without an experienced driver, and usually at any time of day. You still need to have zero alcohol in your blood and only carry as many passengers as there are working seatbelts. If you are 19 or younger, there are extra rules about how many passengers you can have between midnight and 5 a.m.
Below are some of the main rules to keep in mind as a G2 driver:
| Rule | Correct wording |
|---|---|
| Driving alone | G2 drivers can drive without another experienced driver in the car. |
| Roads | G2 drivers can drive on all Ontario roads, including 400-series highways. |
| Time of day | G2 drivers can drive at any time in most cases. |
| Alcohol | G2 drivers must have a zero blood alcohol level. |
| Seatbelts | G2 drivers can carry only as many passengers as there are working seatbelts. |
| Drivers 19 and under | Between midnight and 5 a.m., one passenger aged 19 or under is allowed during the first six months; after six months, up to three are allowed. This does not apply if a fully licensed driver with 4+ years’ experience is in the car or if passengers are immediate family members. |
How To Get Your G2 License?
To start working toward your G2 licence, you first need to get your G1. In Ontario, this means you must be at least 16 years old, pass a vision test, and pass a written test about road signs and driving rules.
After you get your G1, you can start practising driving, but there are some rules you need to follow. You must not have any alcohol in your system, and everyone in the car must wear a working seatbelt. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you are not allowed on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways unless a licensed driving instructor is with you. Also, a fully licensed G driver with at least four years of experience must sit in the front passenger seat.
To get your G2, you usually need to have your G1 for 12 months and pass the G1 exit road test. If you finish a ministry-approved beginner driver course, you might be able to take the road test after just 8 months. The written test is only required for your G1, so you do not need to write another one for your G2.
Both G1 and G2 drivers are considered new drivers, so breaking the rules can lead to tougher penalties. In Ontario, if Level One or Level Two drivers get nine or more demerit points in two years, their licence can be suspended.
Can You Cross The Border With Your G2 License?
G2 drivers can usually drive in other provinces and the United States as long as they follow local laws and they have insurance. Before you travel, make sure you have your licence, registration, and proof of insurance with you.
How Long Does Your Ontario G2 License Last?
The G2 License is valid for up to 5 years after you first get your G1 license. However, there are some renewal steps involved with this process. The government will send you a postcard reminding you to renew your license. The card should show up between sixty and ninety days of the deadline. It is important to ensure you do not drive with an expired license, as this can result in serious penalties.
Can you extend your G2 license in Ontario?
It is possible to get an additional five years of G2 driving privileges by requalifying. This requires you to pass your G2 road test again and pay a $90 licensing fee (plus the test fee) at a DriveTest Centre.
You cannot renew a G2 license after it expires. If your license expired less than three years ago, you can start again by taking the G1 test, and you will not need to wait the usual 8-12 months before your road tests. If it has been more than three years since your license expired, you will need to go through the entire graduated licensing process again, including all tests and waiting periods. The five-year limit is counted from when you first got your G1 license. To avoid extra steps, try to get your full G license before your G2 expires.