What is the Ontario G1 license?

The Ontario G1 is the first stage of the graduated licensing system in Ontario. It is a written knowledge test that you must pass before you can practise driving with a qualified adult. The G1 license allows you to drive only with a licensed driver in the front passenger seat and with certain restrictions.

How old do you have to be to take the G1 test in Ontario?

You must be at least 16 years old to take the G1 knowledge test in Ontario. You will need to provide acceptable identification that proves your legal name, date of birth, and signature.

What topics are covered on the Ontario G1 test?

The G1 test has two main sections: (1) Traffic Rules (20 questions) — covering right-of-way, speed limits, safe driving practices, impaired driving laws, and the demerit point system. (2) Traffic Signs (20 questions) — covering regulatory signs, warning signs, construction zone signs, highway information signs, and pavement markings.

How many questions are on the Ontario G1 test?

The Ontario G1 knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions total, split into two sections of 20 questions each. You must score at least 80% (16 out of 20) in each section independently to pass. Failing either section means you fail the entire test.

What score do I need to pass the Ontario G1 test?

You need to score at least 80% (16 out of 20 correct answers) in both the traffic rules section AND the traffic signs section. There is no combined score — you must meet the 80% threshold in each section separately.

How long does the Ontario G1 test take?

There is no strict time limit for the G1 knowledge test. Most people finish within 20 to 30 minutes. The test is self-paced, so you can take as long as you need to answer all 40 questions.

What documents do I need to bring to the G1 test?

You need to bring acceptable identification that proves your legal name, date of birth, and signature. Common acceptable ID includes a Canadian passport, citizenship card, or birth certificate plus a secondary ID with your signature. You may also need to pass a basic vision screening at the DriveTest centre before the written test.

How much does the Ontario G1 test cost?

As of 2024, the G1 knowledge test package costs approximately $159.75 CAD. This includes the knowledge test fee, a 5-year licence card, and your first road test fee (G2). If you fail the knowledge test, retake fees apply separately. Check the official DriveTest website for the most current pricing.

Can I retake the G1 test if I fail?

Yes, there is no limit to how many times you can retake the G1 knowledge test. However, each retake has an associated fee. It is recommended to study the Official MTO Driver's Handbook thoroughly and practice with mock tests before your next attempt.

What happens after I pass the G1 test?

After passing the G1 test, you receive a G1 license, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat. You can then practise driving and schedule your G2 (road) test. Once you pass the G2 test, you can drive alone, but with certain restrictions. After 12 months, you can take the G test to get a full unrestricted license.

Complete G1 Guide

Ontario G1 Test Guide 2026 Everything You Need to Know

A comprehensive guide to understanding the Ontario G1 test, eligibility requirements, test format, study strategies, and what happens after you pass.

What is the Ontario G1 Test?

The Ontario G1 is the knowledge test that launches your journey toward a full driver's license. It is the first step in Ontario's graduated licensing system (GLS), a three-stage process designed to give new drivers time and structure to build their skills safely.

The G1 knowledge test is a written, multiple-choice exam administered at DriveTest centres across Ontario. It tests your understanding of Ontario road rules and traffic signs based on the Official MTO Driver's Handbook. Passing the G1 earns you a G1 license, which allows you to practise driving on public roads under specific conditions — you must have a licensed driver (with a G license) in the front passenger seat at all times.

You cannot drive alone with a G1 license. The G1 is a supervised learning stage, not a full driving privilege.

Who Can Take the G1 Test?

Age Requirement

You must be at least 16 years old to take the G1 knowledge test in Ontario.

Identification

You must provide acceptable identification that proves:

Your legal name
Your date of birth
Your signature (for one document)

Acceptable documents include a Canadian passport, citizenship card, birth certificate plus a secondary ID with your signature. Check the DriveTest website for a complete list.

Vision Screening

You will need to pass a basic vision screening at the DriveTest centre before the written knowledge test.

Test Format & Structure

The Ontario G1 knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions divided into two equal sections of 20 questions each. You must answer both sections. You do not choose which section to do first.

Traffic Rules (20 Qs)

•Right-of-way rules and intersection control
•Speed limits and safe driving practices
•Impaired driving laws and penalties
•Demerit points and licence suspension
•Parking and stopping regulations

Traffic Signs (20 Qs)

•Regulatory signs (stop, yield, speed limits)
•Warning signs (slippery, pedestrians, curves)
•Information signs (directions, services)
•Construction zone signs
•Pavement markings and line meanings

Passing Score

You must score at least 80% (16 out of 20) in each section independently.

If you score 16+ in traffic rules but only 15 in traffic signs, you fail the entire test. Both sections must meet the 80% threshold.

What to Study for the G1 Test

The official source for all G1 test content is the Official MTO Driver's Handbook, published by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario. This handbook is the authority on what appears on the test.

Core Study Topics

• Vehicle control and starting procedures
• Right-of-way at intersections, four-way stops, and roundabouts
• Speed limit regulations in different zones
• Safe driving practices (following distance, visibility, weather)
• Impaired driving laws and legal consequences
• Demerit point system and licence suspension
• Emergency vehicle procedures
• All traffic sign types and meanings
• Pavement markings and what they mean
• Construction zone regulations

Study Strategy

Read the Official Handbook: Work through the entire MTO Driver's Handbook, taking notes on topics you find unclear.
Practice with Questions: Use practice tests to identify which topics you struggle with. Repeat these sections until you are confident.
Review Weak Areas: Go back to the handbook sections covering topics you got wrong.
Take Full Mock Tests: Simulate the real test with timed, full-length practice exams.
Verify Your Readiness: Score 85%+ on multiple practice tests before booking your real test.

Tips for Passing the G1 Test

Before Test Day

✓ Study the handbook thoroughly — it is the only official source
✓ Take multiple practice tests and score 85%+ consistently
✓ Review mistakes — understand the logic, not just the answer
✓ Get a good night's sleep before the test
✓ Arrive early to your test appointment

During the Test

✓ Read each question carefully — do not rush
✓ Eliminate clearly wrong answers first
✓ If unsure, use logic and what you have studied
✓ There is no time limit — take as long as you need
✓ Double-check your answers before submitting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗ Skipping sections of the handbook
✗ Memorizing answers without understanding logic
✗ Ignoring weak topic areas
✗ Taking only one practice test
✗ Rushing through the real test

If You Fail

✓ You can retake anytime (fees apply)
✓ Review the handbook sections you failed
✓ Focus on weak areas with targeted practice
✓ Take more full-length mock tests
✓ Consider waiting a week before retaking

What Happens After You Pass the G1?

G1 License Restrictions

Once you pass the G1 test, you receive a G1 license valid for 5 years. With your G1, you can:

Drive on public roads only with a licensed driver (G, G2, or G1 exempt) in the front passenger seat
Drive during any time of day or night
Drive in any weather condition
Use a standard or automatic vehicle

What You Cannot Do with G1

Drive alone — you must have a supervising driver
Use highway 407 or similar high-speed highways (some restrictions apply)
Tow a vehicle or drive with a trailer

Timeline to Full License

Step 1: G1 Learning Phase (min. 8-12 months)

Practise driving with a supervising driver. Most provinces require 12+ months in G1.

Step 2: G2 Road Test

Take the G2 road test (driving test) at a DriveTest centre. You will be tested on actual driving skills.

Step 3: G2 License (min. 12 months)

After passing the G2 road test, you get a G2 license, which allows you to drive alone (with some restrictions).

Step 4: G License (Full License)

After 12 months with G2 and meeting other requirements, you can take the G road test to get a full, unrestricted license.

Ready to Prepare for Your G1 Test?

Take our free, official-style practice test based on the MTO Driver's Handbook. No sign-up required. Start practising now.

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