DriveInOntario.caYour G1 licence isn't valid forever, and unlike a full G licence, you generally can't just renew it if it expires. Here's what the 5-year window actually means.
The short answer
A G1 licence is valid for 5 years from the date you pass your knowledge test. Within that window, you need to complete both graduated licensing steps — passing your G2 road test, then your final G road test — or start over.
What happens if it expires
Novice-class licences like G1 (and G2) work differently from a full G licence: once they expire, you generally can't simply renew them. Depending on how long it's been expired, you may be able to get an extension until your next road test date by visiting a DriveTest centre, or you may need to restart the graduated licensing process from the beginning — including retaking the knowledge test.
Ready for the real thing?
Ready to see how this looks on the real test format?
Why the 5-year clock matters more than it seems
The wait times inside the graduated system eat into that window faster than most people expect. You need to hold your G1 for 12 months before your G2 road test (or 8 months with an approved driver's education course), and after passing G2, you need at least another 12 months (24 without driver's ed) before your final G test. Delay booking either test and the 5-year deadline can sneak up on you.
How to avoid letting it lapse
Book your G2 road test as soon as you're eligible rather than waiting, and keep track of your original G1 test date — not the date you feel "ready." If you took an approved driver's education course, keep your completion certificate on hand, since you'll need it to claim the shorter 8-month wait.