What the Ontario written test covers and how it works
Ontario's written test is called the Knowledge Test, and it is the first step toward getting your driver's license. You take it at a ServiceOntario office or an authorized testing centre, and you answer 40 multiple-choice questions about Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 80 percent — that means 32 correct answers out of 40 — to pass.
The test takes about 20 minutes once you sit down. You can take it on a computer screen at most locations. The questions come from the official Ontario Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online. Everything on the test is in that handbook, so there are no surprises.
You can take the Knowledge Test as many times as you need to. If you fail, you can book another test right away at most centres, though some locations may have a short wait between attempts. There is a fee each time you test — the cost varies by testing centre, so check your local ServiceOntario office for the exact amount.
Key Takeaways
- The Ontario Knowledge Test has 40 multiple-choice questions and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- All test content comes from the official Ontario Driver's Handbook, which you can read for free online before you test.
- You take the test at a ServiceOntario office or authorized testing centre on a computer, and it takes about 20 minutes.
- You can retake the test when ready if you fail, though you will pay a fee each time you book.
What to study before you test
The Ontario Driver's Handbook covers five main areas: traffic laws and rules of the road, road signs and pavement markings, safe driving practices, vehicle control and handling, and sharing the road with other road users. The test pulls questions evenly from these topics, so you need to know something about each one.
Start by reading the handbook straight through. It is written in plain language and takes a few hours to get through. As you read, pay special attention to sections on right-of-way rules, speed limits, stopping distances, and what different road signs mean — these show up frequently on the test. Highlight or take notes on anything that surprises you or that you think you might forget.
After you finish reading, go back and focus on the areas where you feel weakest. If you are unsure about parking rules, spend extra time on that section. If you are confident about road signs, move on. The handbook has a summary section at the end that lists the key points — that is a good place to review before test day.
How to book your test in Ontario
You book the Knowledge Test through ServiceOntario's website or by calling 1-800-387-3830. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and contact information. You choose the testing centre and the date that works for you. Most locations have appointments available within a week or two, though busy centres in Toronto, Ottawa, and other major cities may have longer waits.
When you book, you will pay the test fee. Bring your confirmation email or receipt with you on test day. You will also need to bring a piece of government-issued photo identification — a passport, birth certificate, or Ontario photo card all work. If you do not have photo ID, call the testing centre ahead of time to ask what documents you can bring instead.
Arrive 15 minutes early so you have time to check in. The staff will verify your identity, explain the test rules, and get you set up at a computer. You cannot bring notes, phones, or other materials into the testing room.
What happens on test day
When you sit down at the computer, you will see one question at a time with four answer choices. You click the answer you think is correct and move to the next question. You can go back and change your answer if you want — the system lets you review all your answers before you submit the test.
Take your time. There is no time pressure, and rushing leads to careless mistakes. Read each question carefully and think about what the right answer is before you click. If you are not sure, use what you know about safe driving to make your best guess — the test rewards common sense as much as memorized facts.
When you finish all 40 questions, you submit the test and get your score right away on the screen. If you passed, the staff will print your result and you can move forward to the next step of the licensing process. If you did not pass, you can book another test before you leave the centre if you want, or you can go home and study more.
Common mistakes people make on the Ontario test
The biggest mistake is not reading the handbook before you test. People often think they can pass on common sense alone, but Ontario's test includes specific rules and sign meanings that you have to know. For example, many people guess wrong on questions about right-of-way at four-way stops or the meaning of a yellow diamond sign. These are in the handbook, and they show up on the test.
The second mistake is rushing through the questions. People read the first few words, think they know the answer, and click without reading all four choices. The wrong answers are designed to catch people who are not paying attention. Slow down and read the whole question and all the choices.
The third mistake is not studying the sections you think are boring. People often skip the rules about parking, stopping, or sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians because they seem less important. The test does not skip them. Study everything in the handbook, even the parts that feel obvious.
What to do if you fail the Knowledge Test
If you score below 80 percent, you do not move forward to the road test yet. You can retake the Knowledge Test as soon as you want — many people book another appointment right away while the questions are still fresh in their mind. Others take a few days to study more and try again.
When you retake the test, you will get different questions, but they cover the same topics and come from the same handbook. Go back and study the areas where you struggled. If you failed because you did not know road signs, spend time on that section. If you missed questions about right-of-way, focus there. The handbook is your study guide — everything you need is in it.
Most people pass on their second or third attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, so do not feel rushed. Take the time you need to learn the material, and you will pass.
After you pass the Knowledge Test
Once you pass, you move on to the road test, which is the practical driving test. You cannot book the road test until you have passed the Knowledge Test, so passing this first step is your gateway to the next stage.
Before you book the road test, you will need to get your G1 license, which is Ontario's learner's permit. You explore for the G1 at a ServiceOntario office with your birth certificate, proof of residency, and a signed parental consent form if you are under 18. The G1 lets you practice driving with a fully licensed driver in the car with you. You must hold a G1 for at least 12 months before you can take the road test, though you can take the road test after 8 months if you complete an approved driver education course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Ontario Knowledge Test online from home?
No. You must take the test in person at a ServiceOntario office or authorized testing centre on a computer provided by the centre. You cannot take it remotely or on your own device.
What if I fail the Knowledge Test — can I take it again the same day?
Many testing centres let you book another test right away if you fail, but availability depends on how busy the centre is. Some locations may ask you to come back another day. Call ahead or ask the staff when you get your result.
Is the Ontario Knowledge Test the same as the G1 test?
Yes. The Knowledge Test is the written test you take to get your G1 license. Once you pass it, you receive your G1 learner's permit, which lets you practice driving before you take the road test.
What language options are available for the Ontario Knowledge Test?
The test is available in English and French at most ServiceOntario locations. Some authorized testing centres may offer other languages — call ahead to confirm what your local centre offers.
How long is the Knowledge Test result valid?
Your Knowledge Test result is valid for one year. If you pass but do not book your road test within that year, you will need to take the Knowledge Test again before you can proceed.