What the G1 test is and who takes it

The G1 test is Ontario's written knowledge test for a Class G driver's license — the standard license for driving a car. You take it when you first explore for a license or when you renew after your license has expired for more than three years. It is a computer-based test administered at Service Ontario offices across the province.

The test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You need to score at least 80 percent (32 correct answers) to pass. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The test covers Ontario's traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and situations you will encounter on the road.

If you fail the G1 test, you can retake it the next business day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee each time you sit for it.

Key Takeaways

  • The G1 test is a 40-question multiple-choice exam administered on computer at Service Ontario offices, and you must score at least 32 correct answers to pass.
  • The test covers Ontario traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices described in the official MTO Handbook.
  • You have 30 minutes to complete the test, and you can retake it the next business day if you do not pass.
  • The test fee is non-refundable and must be paid again if you retake the test.

What topics appear on the G1 test

The Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) publishes the Official MTO Handbook, which is the source document for all G1 test questions. The handbook covers eight main areas: the rules of the road, road signs and markings, safe driving practices, sharing the road, driving in different conditions, vehicle control and safety features, and driver responsibilities.

Road signs make up a significant portion of the test. You will see images of actual Ontario signs and must identify what they mean or what action they require. This includes regulatory signs (red and white), warning signs (yellow and black), and information signs (green and white).

Right-of-way rules are tested heavily. You need to know who goes first at stop signs, yield signs, intersections with traffic lights, and uncontrolled intersections. The test also covers rules for passing, turning, parking, and using lanes.

Safe driving practices include topics like following distance, speed limits in different zones, distracted driving laws, and how to handle emergencies. Questions about seat belts, child car seats, and impaired driving also appear regularly.

How to prepare for the G1 test

The MTO Handbook is free and available online at ontario.ca/drivetest. You can read it as a PDF or use the interactive version. Many people read through it once, then focus on the areas where they feel less confident.

Practice tests are available online through several sources. The MTO does not publish an official practice test, but third-party websites and apps offer questions drawn from the handbook. These are useful for getting used to the computer format and the types of questions asked, but they are not identical to the real test.

A common mistake is memorizing answers without understanding the reasoning. Road sign questions, for example, test whether you can recognize a sign you have never seen before, not whether you memorized a specific image. Read the explanations in the handbook, not just the answers.

Study the road signs section carefully. Many test-takers underestimate how many sign questions appear on the test. Spend time on the yellow warning signs in particular — they are less familiar to many people than red regulatory signs.

Booking and taking the G1 test

You book the G1 test through the DriveTest website (drivetest.ca) or by calling 1-888-570-6110. You can book online, by phone, or in person at a Service Ontario office. Appointments fill up quickly in busy areas, so book as soon as you know you are ready.

On test day, bring two pieces of identification. At least one must have your photo. Acceptable documents include a passport, birth certificate, social insurance number, or a document issued by a government agency. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted.

You will sit at a computer terminal in a testing room. The test is in English, but interpreters are available if you request one when you book. You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing area. You will have scratch paper and a pencil to work with if you need them.

The test is marked when ready after you finish. You will see your score on screen and receive a printed result sheet. If you pass, you will receive your G1 license in the mail within two weeks. If you fail, you can book another test right away.

What happens after you pass the G1 test

Once you pass, you receive a G1 license, which is a learner's permit. It is not a full license. With a G1, you can drive only when a fully licensed driver (G, G2, or higher) who is at least 20 years old is sitting beside you in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone.

You must hold a G1 for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the G2 road test. During this time, you build driving experience with a supervising driver. There is no maximum time you can hold a G1 — if you do not take the G2 test within five years, your G1 expires and you must retake the written test.

The G1 license itself is valid for five years. If you do not move to the G2 level within that time, you will need to pass the G1 test again to renew.

Common mistakes on the G1 test

Many test-takers rush through questions about following distance and speed. These questions often have a specific correct answer based on road conditions or vehicle type. Read the scenario carefully — a question about a wet road is different from one about a dry road, even if the speed limit is the same.

Pedestrian and cyclist rules trip up many people. Ontario has specific rules about where pedestrians can cross, when drivers must yield to cyclists, and how to share the road with vulnerable road users. These appear on almost every test.

Sign identification errors are common because test-takers confuse similar-looking signs. For example, a yellow diamond warning sign can look similar to a yellow rectangular sign, but they mean different things. Study the handbook's sign section with the actual images in front of you.

Another frequent error is misunderstanding right-of-way at uncontrolled intersections. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right has the right of way. If you are turning left, you must yield to oncoming traffic. These rules are tested in different combinations, so make sure you understand the principle, not just one scenario.

If you do not pass the G1 test

Failing the G1 test does not affect your ability to retake it. You can book another test the next business day. The test fee applies each time, so budget for multiple attempts if needed.

If you fail, ask for your score breakdown if the testing center provides one. This tells you which topic areas you scored lowest on. Focus your next study session on those areas. Review the handbook sections that cover those topics, then take another practice test to check your progress.

Some people benefit from studying with someone else or using a different study method the second time. If you studied online, try reading the printed handbook. If you studied alone, find a study partner. A different approach sometimes makes the material click.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the G1 test in a language other than English?

Yes. The test is available in English, French, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Spanish, Portuguese, Punjabi, and several other languages. You must request your language when you book your test appointment. Not all testing centers offer all languages, so book early to find a location near you.

What if I fail the G1 test — do I have to wait before I can retake it?

No. You can book another test the next business day. There is no mandatory waiting period. However, you must pay the test fee again each time you sit for the test.

How long is the G1 license valid?

Your G1 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You must pass the G2 road test and move to a G2 license before your G1 expires, or you will need to retake the written test to renew.

Can I drive alone with a G1 license?

No. With a G1, you must have a fully licensed driver (G, G2, or higher) at least 20 years old sitting in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone until you pass the G2 road test and receive your G2 license.

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

Bring two pieces of identification, and at least one must have your photo. Acceptable documents include a passport, birth certificate, social insurance number, or a government-issued document. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted.