Demerit Points for New Drivers in Canada: What You Need to Know
![]() |
Penalty Points for New Drivers in Canada. Image: KnowInsiders |
New drivers in Canada face additional scrutiny and stricter rules under the country’s demerit point system. As a novice driver, accumulating penalty points too early in your driving career can result in license suspensions, higher insurance premiums, and long-term financial and legal challenges.
Read more: How to Check The Car Owner In Canada by License Plate Number
Special Regulations for New Drivers in Canada
Each Canadian province has a Graduated Licensing System (GLS) or a similar framework designed to ease new drivers into full driving privileges while maintaining road safety. Under these programs, new drivers often face lower thresholds for demerit point accumulation and harsher penalties
Ontario (G1 & G2 Drivers)
-
New drivers are part of a graduated licensing system with G1 and G2 licenses
-
G1/G2 drivers will face suspension if they accumulate 6 or more points
-
Any driver who reaches 9 points is at risk of losing their license entirely
-
Violations such as speeding, failing to stop at red lights, or seatbelt infractions can quickly add up
Source: Ontario Ministry of Transportation
British Columbia (L & N Drivers)
-
Learner (L) and Novice (N) drivers accumulate points faster under the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP)
-
Accumulating 4 or more points within 12 months may result in a driving prohibition
Source: ICBC - Driver Penalty Points
Québec (Probationary License)
-
Drivers on a probationary license face suspension if they accumulate 4 or more points
-
Alcohol tolerance is zero for new drivers, and any related infraction can result in an immediate suspension
Source: SAAQ - Demerit Points System
Each province has its own thresholds and penalties, but in general, new drivers operate under stricter guidelines than fully licensed drivers
![]() |
Common Violations Among New Drivers and How to Avoid Them
1. Speeding
-
Many new drivers underestimate the risks of speeding
-
Speeding 1-15 km/h over the limit may result in 3 points, while going 30 km/h over could result in a suspension
-
How to avoid it: Always monitor speed limits, especially in school zones or construction areas
2. Distracted Driving (Phone Use)
-
Using a phone while driving is one of the most common infractions
-
A single distracted driving charge can result in 3 to 5 points depending on the province
-
How to avoid it: Use hands-free devices or silence notifications before driving
Note: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents among Canadian drivers aged 16-24, according to Transport Canada
3. Failure to Obey Traffic Signs and Signals
-
Rolling through stop signs or ignoring red lights is frequent among inexperienced drivers
-
This can result in 3 to 4 points per infraction
-
How to avoid it: Approach intersections carefully and always come to a complete stop when required
4. Seatbelt Violations
-
Failing to wear a seatbelt or ensure passengers are buckled up can add 2 points
-
How to avoid it: Make seatbelt checks part of your pre-drive routine
5. Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
-
Novice drivers often misjudge stopping distances
-
Tailgating can result in 4 points and is a leading cause of rear-end collisions
-
How to avoid it: Maintain a safe following distance of at least 3 seconds
The Importance of Maintaining a Clean Driving Record
1. Prevent License Suspension
New drivers have significantly lower point thresholds. A few minor violations can add up quickly, leading to license suspensions and delays in progressing to a full license
2. Lower Insurance Premiums
A clean record helps secure lower insurance rates. Young drivers already face high premiums, and any demerit points can increase costs substantially. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, young drivers pay up to three times more than experienced drivers
3. Career Opportunities
For those considering careers in transportation, logistics, or any role that requires driving, a clean driving record is essential
4. Safety and Confidence
Driving safely builds confidence on the road and reduces the risk of accidents, protecting both the driver and others
Final Thoughts
New drivers in Canada need to be especially mindful of the demerit point system and the stricter penalties that apply to them. By understanding provincial rules, avoiding common infractions, and prioritizing safe driving habits, new drivers can protect their licenses, reduce financial costs, and develop responsible driving behaviors.
![]() For many U.K drivers, penalty points on a driving licence can be a source of concern. T |
![]() Driving in the U.S. means following the rules, but violations can lead to penalty points. Learn how different states handle these points, their impact, and ... |
![]() Here are the top 10 most popular traffic violations that add penalty points to your U.S license and tips to avoid them. |
![]() Penalty points are more than just numbers on your driving record—they directly affect your financial liabilities, legal standing, and professional prospects. |