What the Ontario Learner's Permit Test Covers

Ontario's learner's permit test, officially called the G1 written test, is a knowledge exam you take at a ServiceOntario office. It tests your understanding of Ontario traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass — that's 80 percent.

The test is offered in 27 languages, including English and French. You can choose your language when you book. The exam takes about 20 minutes to complete once you're in the testing room, though you should arrive early for check-in.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most ServiceOntario locations, though you'll pay the fee again. There's no waiting period between attempts on the same day, but if you fail twice, you must wait at least one week before your third attempt.

Key Takeaways

  • The G1 test is a 40-question multiple-choice exam covering Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving; you need 32 correct answers to pass.
  • You must be at least 16 years old and bring valid photo ID and proof of Ontario residency to the test.
  • The test costs $158.50 and is offered in 27 languages at ServiceOntario offices across the province.
  • You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but after two failures in one day you must wait one week before trying again.
  • Passing the G1 test lets you drive with a fully licensed driver (age 19 or older) in the front seat, but you cannot drive alone.

What Documents You Need to Bring

You must bring two pieces of identification to your test appointment: one piece of valid photo ID and one piece of proof of Ontario residency. A valid photo ID can be a passport, birth certificate with a photo, a school or work ID with a photo, or a provincial ID card. Your residency proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, property tax assessment, or a letter from a government agency — it must show your current Ontario address and be dated within the last three months.

If you're under 18, you can bring a parent or guardian's ID as proof of residency if it shows your shared address. If you've recently moved, bring both your old and new proof of residency documents to explain the change.

How to Book Your Test Appointment

You book your G1 test through ServiceOntario's online booking system or by calling 1-800-387-3830. Online booking is faster — you can see available dates and times at your nearest ServiceOntario office and confirm your appointment when ready. By phone, you'll speak to an agent who can book you and answer questions about which office is closest to you.

ServiceOntario has 180 offices across Ontario. You can take your test at any of them, not just the one nearest your home. Appointments typically fill up 2 to 4 weeks in advance during busy seasons (September through November and January through March), so book early if you're testing during those months. Off-season appointments are usually available within a few days.

When you book, you'll choose your test language and confirm your contact information. You'll receive a confirmation email or letter with your appointment date, time, and the address of the office where you'll test.

What to Study Before the Test

The Ontario government publishes the official study material for free: the Official Driver's Handbook. You can read it online at ontario.ca/drivershandbook or order a printed copy from ServiceOntario. The handbook covers everything the test asks about — road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, and how to handle weather and emergency situations.

Many people also use practice tests. The government does not publish an official practice test, but several private websites and apps offer sample questions based on the real test format. These are useful for getting comfortable with multiple-choice questions, but they are not the actual test questions — the real test will have different questions on the same topics.

Most people study the handbook for 1 to 3 weeks before testing. How long you need depends on how familiar you already are with Ontario roads and traffic laws. If you've been driving in another province or country, some rules will be the same and some will be different — focus on Ontario-specific rules like the 407 toll highway and distracted driving laws.

What Happens When You Pass

When you pass the G1 test, you receive your G1 licence when ready — you don't have to wait for it to arrive by mail. The ServiceOntario agent will print it on the spot. Your G1 is valid for five years from the date you pass the test.

With a G1, you can drive a car, van, or small truck, but only if a fully licensed driver (G licence, age 19 or older) is sitting in the front passenger seat beside you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive on 400-series highways (like the 401 or 407) or drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

Your next step is to book a G2 road test — the practical driving test where an examiner watches you drive. You must hold your G1 for at least 12 months before you can take the G2 test, though you can book it anytime during that year. The G2 test costs $158.50 and is also booked through ServiceOntario.

What Happens If You Fail

If you don't pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost at most ServiceOntario offices — you just pay the fee again. Many people pass on their second try the same day because they know what to expect and can focus on the questions they found confusing.

If you fail twice in one day, you must wait at least one week before your third attempt. This rule exists to give you time to study more. After you fail, the ServiceOntario agent can tell you which topics gave you trouble — for example, "you missed most of the questions about right-of-way" — so you know where to focus your studying.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs $158.50. Some people take it 3 or 4 times before passing, especially if English is not their first language or if they're nervous during tests. Taking time to study between attempts almost always improves your score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the G1 test if I'm under 16?

No. You must be at least 16 years old to take the G1 test in Ontario. If you're 15, you can prepare by studying the handbook, but you cannot book a test appointment until you turn 16.

What if I fail the test three times — do I have to start over?

No. You can retake the test as many times as you need. There's no rule that forces you to restart the process. Each attempt costs $158.50, and after two failures in one day you must wait one week before trying again, but you can keep taking the test until you pass.

Do I need a learner's permit before I take the G1 test?

No. The G1 test is how you get your learner's permit in Ontario. Once you pass, you receive your G1 licence on the spot. You don't need any permit before you take the test.

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

Yes. The test is offered in 27 languages including Mandarin, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, and many others. When you book your appointment, you choose your language. Tell ServiceOntario which language you need when you call or book online.

What if I studied in another province — will the Ontario test be the same?

No. Each province has different traffic laws and road signs. If you learned to drive in another province or country, focus your Ontario study on differences like the 407 toll highway, Ontario's distracted driving laws, and any road signs that are different. The handbook clearly marks Ontario-specific rules.