What the Ontario G1 written test covers and how to prepare

Ontario's G1 written test has 40 multiple-choice questions about road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You need 32 correct answers to pass. The test draws from the Official Driver's Handbook, which is free from ServiceOntario, and covers everything from what a yellow diamond sign means to how to handle a skid on wet pavement.

The test is not tricky — it tests whether you know the actual rules of the road, not whether you can guess what the examiner wants. If you read the handbook and practice with real test questions, most people pass on their first try. The questions you'll see on test day are similar in style and content to the practice tests available online and in study guides.

You take the G1 test at a ServiceOntario office or an authorized testing centre. The test is offered in English and French, and you can request large-print or audio versions if you need them. You must bring valid photo ID and your birth certificate or proof of citizenship.

Key Takeaways

  • The G1 test has 40 questions; you need 32 correct to pass, and most questions come straight from the Official Driver's Handbook.
  • Road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving in bad weather make up the bulk of the test, with a smaller section on vehicle maintenance.
  • Practice tests show you the format and difficulty level of real questions, which helps you spot the topics you need to review more carefully.
  • You can take the test in English or French, and ServiceOntario offers accommodations like large-print or audio versions if you request them in advance.

Road signs and what they mean

Road signs fall into three main types: regulatory (red and white, or white and black), warning (yellow diamond), and information (green or blue). The test asks you to identify signs and know what they require you to do. A red octagon means stop; a red circle with a line through it means no entry; a yellow diamond warns of a hazard ahead.

Warning signs are where many people stumble because there are many of them and they look similar. A yellow diamond with two curves means the road curves; one with a skid mark means slippery road. The test will show you the sign and ask what it warns about, so you need to know the difference between "curve ahead" and "slippery when wet."

Speed limit signs are white rectangles with black numbers. Regulatory signs like "No Left Turn" or "Do Not Enter" are also white with black or red text. The test assumes you know these by sight, so when you study, look at the handbook's sign section and say the meaning out loud — that helps your brain lock it in better than just reading.

Right-of-way rules and who goes first

Right-of-way questions make up a large chunk of the test because they are safety-critical and people often get them wrong. The basic rule is: at a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop has the right to go first; if two vehicles stop at the same time, the one on the right goes first. At a T-intersection, the vehicle on the through road has the right-of-way over the one turning onto it.

Pedestrians and cyclists have right-of-way over turning vehicles. If you are turning left and a pedestrian is crossing straight ahead, the pedestrian goes first. Cyclists have the same right-of-way as cars in most situations, so if a cyclist is going straight and you are turning, they go first.

The test also covers yielding to emergency vehicles (pull to the right and stop), school buses with lights flashing (stop, even on the opposite side of the road), and funeral processions. These are not common situations, but the test includes them because they are legally required and safety-critical.

Safe driving in bad weather and emergencies

Ontario winters mean rain, snow, and ice, so the test includes questions about how to drive safely in these conditions. On wet or icy roads, increase your following distance to at least eight to ten seconds behind the vehicle ahead (not two or three). If your vehicle starts to skid, ease off the gas, do not brake hard, and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

Hydroplaning — when your tires lose contact with the road on standing water — happens at high speeds on wet pavement. The test asks how to recover: ease off the gas and do not brake until your tires grip again. Fog and heavy rain reduce visibility, so you should use low-beam headlights (high beams reflect off the water and make it worse) and slow down.

The test also covers what to do if your brakes fail (pump the brake pedal, use the parking brake gently, and steer toward an open area), how to handle a tire blowout (grip the wheel, ease off the gas, and steer straight), and when to use hazard lights (only when your vehicle is stopped or disabled on the road, not while driving in rain).

Alcohol, drugs, and distracted driving laws

Ontario has strict rules about impaired driving, and the test checks whether you know them. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers over 21 is 0.08 percent, but Ontario's zero tolerance rule for drivers under 21 means any amount of alcohol is illegal. If you are caught driving under the influence, you face an when ready license suspension, a fine, and a criminal record.

The test asks about the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving: both slow your reaction time, impair judgment, and reduce coordination. Prescription medications can also impair driving, and the test may ask whether you should drive if you are taking a medication that causes drowsiness. The answer is no — if a medication affects your alertness, you should not drive.

Distracted driving — texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or looking at a passenger — is illegal in Ontario. You cannot hold a phone while driving, even at a red light. The test includes questions about what counts as distracted driving and why it is dangerous. Hands-free devices are legal, but the test may ask whether they are completely safe — the answer is that they still distract your attention from the road.

Vehicle maintenance and equipment checks

The test includes a small section on vehicle maintenance and safety equipment. You should know that tire tread depth should be at least 1.6 millimeters (the penny test: insert a penny into the tread; if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tread is too shallow). Brakes should not feel spongy or pull to one side. Windshield wipers should clear the glass without streaking.

Headlights and taillights must work, and you should know when to use low beams versus high beams. High beams are for dark roads with no oncoming traffic; switch to low beams when another vehicle is within 150 meters ahead or 30 meters behind. The test may ask about seatbelts (required for all passengers), child car seats (required for children under a certain height and weight), and how to adjust your mirrors to reduce blind spots.

The test also covers basic emergency equipment: you should carry a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench, and know how to change a tire. You should also carry a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first aid kit, though these are more about best practices than legal requirements.

How to use practice tests effectively

Practice tests work best when you treat them like the real test: sit in a quiet place, set a timer for the actual time limit (usually 30 to 40 minutes for 40 questions), and do not look at the handbook while you answer. After you finish, check your score and review every question you got wrong — not just the answer, but why the correct answer is right and why you chose wrong.

If you score below 32 on a practice test, go back to the handbook and re-read the sections that tripped you up. Then take another practice test a few days later to see if you have improved. Most people need to take two or three practice tests before they are confident enough to book the real test.

Practice tests are available free through ServiceOntario's website, through the official handbook, and through third-party study sites. The questions on these tests are similar in style to the real test, so they are a good way to know what to expect. Some people also study with a friend or family member and quiz each other on road signs and right-of-way rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake the G1 test if I fail?

Yes. You can retake the test as many times as you need, but you must wait at least one week between attempts. Each time you take the test, you pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second try if they study the sections they missed the first time.

What happens if I pass the G1 test?

You receive your G1 license, which allows you to drive with a fully licensed driver (G, G2, or M license holder) in the front seat. Your G1 is valid for five years. You must then complete a mandatory waiting period and pass a road test to move to the G2 level.

Is the practice test the same difficulty as the real test?

Practice tests are very similar in difficulty and content to the real test. If you score 32 or higher on practice tests, you are likely ready for the real test. The real test uses the same question bank and covers the same topics, so there are no surprises on test day.

Do I need to memorize every road sign?

You need to know the most common signs: stop, yield, speed limit, no entry, curve ahead, slippery road, and pedestrian crossing. The test focuses on signs you will actually see while driving, not obscure ones. The handbook shows all signs, so study the ones in the "Common Signs" section first.

What if English is not my first language?

The test is available in French, and you can request a translator or audio version if you have a language barrier. Contact ServiceOntario when you book your test to arrange these accommodations. You may also be able to take extra time to complete the test.