Every type of licence needed to operate a vehicle in Ontario
Getting your licence is seen as one of the first steps towards freedom and independence, and getting the G1 test under your belt is the first step to becoming a licenced driver. Getting that initial licence is a springboard for many other opportunities as, in Ontario, there are 12 different licences that are available for various types of vehicles.
This list looks at of all the licence classes available in Ontario and explains which is needed to for each type of vehicle.
Class G licences
The Class G licence is the base-point you must have in order to acquire any of the other licences on this list (excluding Class M licences), as the Class G license grants you the ability drive any car, van or small truck. A Class G licence is obtained by going through a graduated licensing process, which means you must pass both the G1 and G2 licences in order to test for your full Class G.
G1 (level 1 of graduated licensing)
Allows you to operate any car, van, or small truck. Those with a G1 may drive Class G vehicles when accompanied by a fully licensed driver that has at least four years of driving experience. G1 drivers may not drive between the hours of 12am-5am, or drive on 400 series highways or high-speed expressways. They must also have a blood alcohol level of 0%, and the accompanying driver must have a blood alcohol level no higher then 0.05%.
G2 (level 2 of graduated licensing)
Allows you to operate any car, van, or small truck. Those who have progressed to a G2 may drive Class G vehicles without an accompanying driver, but must have a blood alcohol level of 0%. Only after a driver has obtained their G2 licence can they obtain the full class G licence.
Class G
Allows you to operate any car, van, or small truck. With this licence you are able to drive on all highways and speedways, and there is no restriction as to when you may drive. You may not exceed a blood alcohol level of 0.08% while driving.
You may also operate vehicles categorized under the Class A licence requirements, as long as the towed vehicle does not exceed 4,600kg.
Class M licences
The Class M licence is the licence you must have to ride different types of motorcycles, and is the only licence you can obtain without first having a Class G licence. Similar to the Class G licence, the Class M licence works along a graduated process. You must first pass the M1 and M2 tests in order to test for the full Class M licence. The Class M licence carries many variations, as there are a number of different types of motorcycles on the roads, from mopeds to tricylces.
M1 (level 1 of graduated licensing for motorcycles)
Allows you to operate motorcycles, including limited-speed motor scooters and motor-assisted mopeds. M1 licence holders may not carry passengers or ride on 400 series highways or speedways, and must ride during daylight hours only. The blood alcohol allowance is 0%.
You may also operate vehicles categorized under the Class M with condition L licence.
M2 (level 2 of graduated licensing for motorcycles)
Allows you to operate motorcycles, including limited-speed motor scooters and motor-assisted mopeds. Restrictions placed upon M1 are lifted, but drivers and M2 riders must still maintain a 0% blood alcohol level.
M2 licence-holder’s may also operate vehicles categorized under the Class M with condition L licence, as well as the Class G licence, with the conditions that apply to a G1 licence holder.
Class M
Allows you to operate all motorcycles, including limited-speed motor scooters, motor-assisted mopeds, and motor tricycles without limitations. You must have a blood alcohol level no higher than 0.05%. ClassM with condition Lallows you to operate limited-speed (max speed of 70km/hr) motor scooters or mopeds only. Class M (or M1,M2) with condition 1allows you to operate motor tricycles only.
Class M licences also allow a driver to operate vehicles categorized under the Class G licence, with the conditions that apply to a G1 licence holder.
Other licence classes
To obtain a licence in any of the following classes, you must first acquire a Class G licence and pass any required testing. The licences in these classes give you ability to operate vehicles beyond the standard cars, vans and small trucks that a Class G licences allows.
Class A
Allows you to operate any tractor/trailer in which the towed vehicles exceed a total weight of 4,600kg. Class A with condition Rrestricts Class A licence drivers from pulling double trailers or a trailer with air breaks.
With this licence, you may also operate vehicles categorized under the Class D, G, and A with condition R licences.
Class B
Allows you to operate any school designated bus with seating for over 24 passengers.
You may also operate vehicles categorized under the Class C, D, E, F, and G licences.
Class C
Allows you to operate any regular bus with seating for over 24 passengers.
You may also operate vehicles categorized under the Class D, F, and G licences.
Class D
Allows you to operate any truck or motor vehicle combination that exceeds 11,000kg (as long as the towed vehicle is not over 4,600kg).
You may also operate vehicles categorized under the Class G licence.
Class E
Allows you to operate any school designated bus with seating for a maximum of 24 passengers.
You may also operate vehicles categorized under the Class F and G licences.
Class F
Allows you to operate any regular bus with seating for a maximum of 24 passengers, as well as ambulances.
You may also operate vehicles categorized under the Class G licence.
No matter your type of licence and vehicle, you’ll need to get auto insurance before hitting the road. Driving uninsured is against the law, as is driving without the proper class of licence for your vehicle. To avoid fines, make sure that you are fully insured, and that you are legally permitted to operate your vehicle.