Simply put, a novice driver is any driver who holds a Class 1 or Class 2 licence. This would include either a G1, G2, M1, or M2 licence; even a fully licenced driver can fall into the novice driver status simply by having what is called a ‘hybrid novice driver’s licence’ such as a GM1, GM2, G1M, G2M, AZM1, etc.
G1 and G2 licences have a maximum of 9 points as oppose to the 15 points allotted to the full G class licence.
What are the limitations for novice driver?
Graduated licencing allows novice drivers to gain experience over a period of time, allowing them the opportunity to become fully capable licenced drivers. A novice driver has restrictions on their licence and failure to abide by these restrictions can lead to serious repercussions, including consequences such as suspension of their driver’s licence.
A G1 licence holder must:
- Maintain a 0 B.A.C (blood alcohol concentration)
- Ensure all passengers in their vehicle are properly wearing their seatbelts
- Not drive between midnight and 5:00am
- Not drive on any 400-series highways (such has Highway 400, 401, 403, etc.)
- Drive with a fully licenced passenger who has at least 4 years of driving experience and has a B.A.C of less than .05 (excepting if the person is under the age of 21, whereupon their B.A.C must be 0)
A G2 licence holder no longer requires a fully licenced passenger to be present, has no limitation on the time of day during which they can drive, and may drive on 400-series highways. However, they are still restricted to:
- Maintain a 0 B.A.C
Additional restrictions may also apply, for example, if a novice driver gets a speeding ticket of 30 or more over the posted speed limit and are convicted or simply pay the ticket, they will automatically face a 30-day license suspension. If it happens again then the suspension would be increased to 90-days. Should a third ticket results in another conviction, the ministry of transportation will take the individual’s license away. You will need to re-apply for your license and start all over, taking all tests and paying all fees again.
At no cost to you, our Firm will review your case and provide you with the critical information and insight you need to decide whether you should proceed with a legal defence of your charge or not. It is, generally speaking, more cost effective to protect your interests in court rather than simply entering a plea of guilt and accepting whatever the consequences of the charge.
Our team of experienced paralegals are licenced under the Law Society of Ontario and will act on your behalf in court. Know your rights and protect your interests. Rash decisions without proper legal guidance can have lifelong repercussions on your ability to work, your insurance costs, and your basic day to day functions, be that family or general life obligations.
We have attached the links below so you can better understand the point system and limitations for novice drivers:
https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook/other-ways-lose-your-licence#section-1
https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook/keeping-your-drivers-licence#section-2