NARRATOR >> So you live in Ontario and you want to get a Driver's Licence. Maybe you've already heard about Ontario's Graduated Licensing System. To earn your full Driver's Licence, you need to progress successfully through two learner levels to get your full G Licence. First is G1, and to get it you have to be at least 16 years old and medically fit. You need to pass vision and knowledge tests on the rules of the road and traffic signs. The G1 licence allows you to start learning to drive, but with several driving conditions attached.
[Shots of young woman entering a Divers Test centre, sitting and doing her driver's exam, having her eyes checked and applying for her G1 licence.]
NARRATOR >> Next is G2. To enter G2, you'll need to pass the G1 Road Test. The G2 licence allows you to continue to improve your driving skills. It has fewer conditions. To get your full G licence and full driving privileges, you need to pass the G2 Road Test. But remember, for all drivers 21 and under, there is still a zero BAC, which is a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration rule.
[Shots of young woman driving in her car, and then sitting to do another written exam before handing that in at Drivers Test.]
NARRATOR >> Getting your driver's license takes some time. Graduated Licensing has minimum and maximum times. Once you get your G1, it'll take you a minimum of 24 months to get your full G licence, 20 months if you take an approved driver education course. You have a maximum limit of 5 years to finish or your current licence will expire, and you'll have to start all over again.
[Shots of young woman driving in her car. She is shown to be sitting beside a driving instructor, who is sitting in the passenger seat of her car.]
NARRATOR >> To get started you'll need a copy of the Official Ministry of Transportation Driver's Handbook. This is the go-to-guide for information on learning to drive, rules of the road, safe driving practices and how to get your licence.
[URL: ServiceOntario Website: Publications.ServiceOntario.ca]
NARRATOR >> You can order it through the Service Ontario website, or you can buy it at any DriveTest Centre and some retail outlets.
[URL: Ontario Government Website: Ontario.ca/transportation]
NARRATOR >> You can also visit the Ministry of Transportation's website for a copy, and other useful information for new drivers. Before you get your G1 licence, you must know the rules of the road and its signs. The handbook will prepare you for the G1 knowledge test. When you're ready, you can take the test at your local DriveTest Examination Centre. Check the DriveTest website, or a phone book for a location near you.
[Shots of young woman sitting in her room and going through the handbook, along with checking out the website on her laptop. There is also a shot of her purchasing the Drivers Test handbook from a Drivers Test location.]
NARRATOR >> The website will guide you through everything you need to bring to the test, which includes 2 pieces of acceptable ID and the fee.
[Shots of the young woman getting her eyes checked at the Drivers Test centre. She is then shown in a car with a different driving instructor, driving down a residential road.]
NARRATOR >> And if you wear glasses or contacts, remember to bring them with you because there is a vision test. They will also take your picture for your licence. Once you've passed the knowledge and vision tests, you need to know about the G1 Licence driving conditions before you get behind the wheel. You always need to have an accompanying driver in the front seat beside you. They are the only other person allowed in the front seat with you while you drive. They must have a valid G Licence, at least 4 years of driving experience and have a Blood Alcohol Concentration, of less than .05%. However, if they are 21 or under they should have a zero BAC in case they need to drive.
[Same young woman in driver's seat, but a different young woman - a friend, perhaps - gets into the front seat beside the driver. Then we see two other young female passengers in the back seat, who also put on their seatbelts.]
NARRATOR >> And everyone in your vehicle must wear a working seatbelt, one seatbelt per person. No sharing! And you must not drive between midnight and 5 am, or use the 400 series and other high speed expressways such as the QEW, Don Valley Parkway, the Gardiner Expressway, or the Conestoga Parkway unless you're with a licensed Driving Instructor.
[Young woman driving still, now in a car with driving instructor, driving down a residential road.]
NARRATOR >> Finally, there's one more really important graduated licensing condition in Ontario for new drivers. I could just tell you what it is, but it seems most people already know.
YOUNG FEMALE #2 >> I know that, it's zero BAC.
YOUNG FEMALE #3 >> Zero Blood Alcohol Concentration.
YOUNG FEMALE #4 >> Nothing to drink.
MALE #1 >> Of course drugs are illegal for everyone.
YOUNG FEMALE #4 >> You must be completely unimpaired.
NARRATOR >> That's right, no alcohol in your system, at all, you must be completely sober. This condition not only keeps you alive and safe, it's also the law. It's strictly enforced and it applies to all drivers 21 and under, G1, G2 and full G licenses. If you're going to get your licence and keep it, there's no other choice.
[Shot of a martini glass with car keys in it, X'd out.]
NARRATOR >> That's it for now, but be sure to check out the other videos in this series and find out more about life as a G1, G2 and full G driver.
[TITLE: Ontario Government Website: Ontario.ca/transportation]