Can You Drive an ATV with a G1 in Ontario?

Riding an ATV is incredibly fun, but it must be done responsibly. At PERFEX Industries, we care about safe, legal riding in Ontario. Below, our team explains how G1 licence rules apply to All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), off-road vehicles (ORVs), and side-by-sides (utility terrain vehicles), plus what equipment, insurance, and registration you need before you hit the trail.

This guide is informational, not legal advice. For specifics, consult the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and official legislation (Off-Road Vehicles Act, Highway Traffic Act, Motor Vehicle Safety Act).

Can I Drive an ATV with a G1 License in Ontario? 

• Not on public roads (including shoulders/crossings). That requires at least a G2/M2 and age 16+.

• Off-road: yes, with conditions. You must be 16+, under the direct supervision of a fully licensed adult, and the ATV must be registered, insured, and you must wear an approved motorcycle helmet.

Remember to always follow trail permits and municipal bylaws.

Discover the Best Aftermarket Equipment for Your ATV

On-Road vs. Off-Road ATV Riding in Ontario: What Each Licence Level Allows

Licence Levels: What They Really Mean

• G1 licence (learner): You’re not ready for roads. You must be supervised, keep zero alcohol, and follow strict rules in Ontario’s graduated licensing system.

• G2 licence / M2 license (intermediate): More freedom. You may ride on some roads only if local municipal bylaws and Ontario Regulation 316/03 say it’s allowed.

Different vehicles (ATVs, side-by-sides/UTVs, off-road motorcycles) can have different rules. Always check before riding.

Licence, Location, and Legal Baselines

For authoritative details, consult MTO and the Off-Road Vehicles Act / Highway Traffic Act.

Road Use (When It’s Allowed)

Some off-road vehicles are allowed on certain roads only if the municipal bylaw permits it and the route follows Reg. 316/03 under the Highway Traffic Act.

If you’re legally on the road, you must:

• Keep headlights/taillights on

• Have a proper licence plate and registration

• Wear seatbelts in a side-by-side (if it has them)

• Obey the posted speed limit

G1 drivers: No roads! Not for driving, not for the shoulder, not for crossing. Pick a trail route that avoids public roads.

Off-Road ATV Riding

If you hold a G1 licence, you can ride off-road when ALL of this is true:

1. You are 16+.

2. You have direct supervision from a fully licensed adult who can see you and step in immediately.

3. Your All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)/off-road vehicle is registered and shows a licence plate.

4. You have valid insurance coverage (a motor vehicle liability policy).

5. You wear an approved motorcycle helmet (DOT/CSA). Add a face shield or goggles for eye protection and other safety gear (gloves, boots).

6. You carry any trail permit needed (e.g., Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicles (OFATV)). In winter trail systems, rules can involve the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act / Ontario Regulation 8/03.

Where You Can Ride: Trails, Parks & Local Rules

• Trails: Many networks require a trail permit (check OFATV or local clubs). Bring trail maps and follow posted speed limits.

• Crown land / private property: Obtain permission; respect signage.

• Provincial parks and conservation areas: Often prohibit ORVs; check site-specific rules.

• Municipal bylaws: Determine if ORVs/SxS may use certain road segments; rules differ by place and can change.

Monitor local notices for closures, safety advisories, or enforcement blitzes (e.g., impairment, noise, unsafe operation). Locations like Caledon occasionally publish updates after corridor incidents.

Quick “Yes/No” Examples

• G1 on a back road to reach a trail? No. Roads need at least G2/M2 and the road must be allowed by municipal bylaw.

• G1 on a private farm field with a licensed adult watching? Yes, if you’re 16+, supervised, registered, insured, and wearing a helmet.

• G2 on a road posted for ORVs? Maybe. Check the municipal bylaw, follow Reg. 316/03, carry registration/insurance, obey the speed limit, use lights (and seatbelts in a side-by-side).

Epic Off-Road Destinations: Where to Take Your 4x4

Mandatory Equipment, Registration & Insurance for ATV Riding in Ontario

Registration & Identification

• Obtain registration, display the licence plate, and carry proof on the vehicle.

• Keep the owner’s manual handy for engine displacement, maintenance schedules, and braking system specs.

Insurance Basics (What to Ask Your Broker)

• Typical requirement: a valid motor vehicle liability policy with liability insurance for your off-road vehicle.

• Terms vary by insurer; ask about premium impact, principal driver designation, and whether your auto insurance policy covers events like third-party injury or property damage.

Safety Gear Checklist

• Motorcycle helmet with secured strap; add face shield/goggles for dust and debris.

• Seatbelts for side-by-sides (if equipped).

• Protective apparel: gloves, boots, long sleeves; visibility gear for dusk.

• Vehicle condition: tire pressure, brake control, throttle response, fuel lines, lights (headlight/brake light).

• Pack tools and the owner’s manual for remote rides.

What to Wear ATV Riding: Essential Gear for Safety and Comfort

PERFEX Industries: Helping Riders Ride Safely

We’re PERFEX Industries, a Canadian manufacturer of bolt-on accessories for ATVs, side-by-sides (UTVs), and other off-road vehicles. We design, test, and refine our parts in real trail conditions so you get gear that’s tough, easy to install, and precisely fitted to your machine.

Our goal is simple: help you ride safer, protect your vehicle, and stay compliant, without changing what’s legal under Ontario rules or municipal bylaws.

Our product lineup includes:

Skid Plates & Full-Frame Armor

• Protects the chassis, footwells, and underside from rocks, stumps, and debris.

• Model-specific coverage for vulnerable zones; fasteners designed for easy service.

• Ideal for rocky trail sections and technical terrain.

A-Arm & CV Boot Guards

• Shields control arms and CV boots from cuts and punctures.

• Reduces downtime and costly axle/boot repairs.

• Pairs perfectly with our full-frame skid kits.

Suspension Lift Kits

• Increases ground clearance and improves approach/departure angles.

• Engineered for model-specific geometry and hardware.

• Bolt-on install with detailed fitment guidance.

Wheel Spacers

• Widens the track for added stability on uneven ground.

• Hub-centric designs for proper load distribution; includes matched hardware.

• Always follow torque specs and re-torque after the first ride.

LED Light Bars, Cubes & Wiring

• Bright, efficient lighting for dusk/night visibility.

• Weather-sealed housings with plug-and-play harnesses (relay, fuse, switch).

• Mounting solutions for clean, vibration-resistant installs.

Mounts & Brackets (Lights/Accessories)

• Purpose-built mounts that keep accessories secure over rough terrain.

• Anti-corrosion finishes and hardware included.

• Compatible with common bar and bumper locations.

Footwell & Underbody Kits

• Reinforces high-impact areas that see constant abuse.

• Smooth surfaces help the machine slide over obstacles instead of snagging.

• Complements the main skid system for full coverage.

Ready to ride with confidence? Pair the right safety gear and let our skid plates, lighting, and lift solutions do the rest. Shop by vehicle, check fitment, or contact us; we’re here to help you set up your off-road vehicle the right way, from the first bolt to the first trail.

Upgrade Your Ride with PERFEX Industries

ATV Laws and Safe Driving: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a driver’s license to buy an ATV?

You don’t need a driver’s license to purchase an ATV, but you’ll need a valid Ontario driver’s licence (e.g., G1, G2 licence, M2 licence) and proper vehicle liability insurance to operate where it’s legal.

What counts as “supervision” for a G1 driver off-road?

A supervising adult must be fully licensed, see you continuously, and be able to intervene immediately. Riding separate trails or out of line-of-sight isn’t supervision.

Do I need a safety course, or can I learn as I go?

We strongly recommend a safety course/driving course. For winter skills, a snowmobile driver-training course or MSVOL prep improves hazard reading (wind-chill factor, pressure cracks) and boosts confidence.

What documents should I carry if a police officer stops me on a trail?

Bring your Ontario driver’s licence, registration (plate attached), and insurance proof. A courteous chat with the police officer goes a long way; know the basics of the Highway Traffic Act, ATV laws, and local rules.

Upgrade Your Ride with PERFEX Industries

At PERFEX Industries, we design the ATV upgrades that riders actually asked for. Our team engineers and torture-tests everything through four seasons to guarantee performance is rock solid. 

From full-frame armor and A-arm/CV boot protection to lift kits, wheel spacers, and high-output LED lighting, we focus on durability, stability, and visibility, enhancing your ride without changing what’s legal. Ready to gear up? We’ve got the parts to keep you confident from the first bolt to the last kilometer.

Protect Your Machine with the Best Aftermarket Upgrades