What the Ontario G1 test covers and how it works

Ontario's G1 learner's permit test is a written exam you take at a ServiceOntario office. It has two parts: a vision screening and a 40-question multiple-choice test about road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 80 percent (32 out of 40 questions correct) to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and others — you choose your language when you book.

The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes once you're in the testing room. You'll answer questions on a computer screen. Results are given when ready after you finish. If you pass, you walk out with your G1 permit that same day. If you don't pass, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

The G1 is not a road test — you're not driving during this exam. It's purely knowledge-based. Once you have your G1, you can drive on Ontario roads only with a fully licensed driver (G, G2, or M license holder) who is at least 20 years old sitting beside you in the front seat.

Key Takeaways

  • The G1 test is a 40-question written exam you take at ServiceOntario, and you must score at least 32 correct to pass.
  • You can take the test in 14 different languages, and results are available when ready after you finish.
  • The vision screening is part of the test appointment, so bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
  • You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Ontario photo ID to take the test.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the next day, but each attempt costs the same fee.

What documents and ID you need to bring

You need a valid photo ID issued by the Ontario government or the Canadian federal government. Acceptable IDs include a valid Ontario driver's license (if you already have one), a passport, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a Citizenship Certificate. If you're under 16 and don't have a photo ID yet, you can bring a birth certificate plus a letter from a parent or guardian confirming your identity.

You also need proof of your Ontario residency. This can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax assessment, or a government letter (like one from ServiceOntario or the Ministry of Health) dated within the last three months. The name on your residency proof should match the name on your photo ID.

Bring your Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you have one. If you don't have a SIN yet, you can still take the test, but you'll need to provide one before you can get your G2 license later.

How to book your G1 test appointment

You book through ServiceOntario online at ontario.ca/drivetest or by calling 1-888-570-6110. Online booking is usually faster — you can see available dates and times when ready and confirm your appointment in minutes. By phone, you'll speak to an agent who can answer questions but the process takes longer.

When you book, you'll choose your ServiceOntario office location, your preferred test date and time, and your test language. Appointments fill up quickly in busy areas, so book as soon as you're ready. You can book up to 90 days in advance. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so online or by phone at least one business day before your appointment.

The test fee is set by the Ontario government and does not vary by location or time of day. Check the current fee on ontario.ca before you book, as fees can change. You'll pay when you arrive for your appointment — ServiceOntario accepts debit, credit, and cash at most locations.

What the test questions actually ask about

The 40 questions cover Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving behaviour. You'll see questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, what to do at a red light or stop sign, and how to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists. Questions also cover the rules for new drivers — for example, what restrictions explore to G1 and G2 license holders.

The test draws from the official Ontario Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online at ontario.ca/drivetest. This handbook contains all the information you need to pass. Many people study it for a few weeks before taking the test. Others use practice tests available online through third-party websites — these are not official but they follow the same format and cover the same topics.

Questions are not trick questions, but they do require you to know the actual rules, not just guess. For example, you might see a question about the minimum following distance in rain, or what you must do if you see a school bus with its red lights flashing. The test assumes you've read the handbook or studied Ontario driving law.

What happens if you fail and need to retake it

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass. You'll receive a score report showing which topics you missed questions on — for example, "road signs" or "right-of-way". Use this feedback to study the sections you struggled with before your next attempt.

You can retake the test as soon as the next day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but each attempt costs the full test fee. You book your next appointment the same way you booked your first — online or by phone. Some people pass on the first try; others take two or three attempts. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

If you keep failing, consider studying with a different resource. The official handbook is the most reliable source, but some people find practice test websites or study guides from driving schools helpful. You can also ask a parent, guardian, or experienced driver to quiz you on the handbook content.

How long your G1 permit lasts and what comes next

Your G1 permit is valid for five years from the date you pass the test. During this time, you can drive only with a fully licensed driver beside you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (with limited exceptions for work or medical reasons).

To move from G1 to G2, you must hold your G1 for at least 12 months and then pass a road test. The road test is different from the written test — a ServiceOntario examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive. You book the road test separately through the same system. Once you pass the G2 test, you can drive alone but still have some restrictions (no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., for example).

To get a full G license, you must hold your G2 for at least 12 months and then pass another road test. The full G license has no restrictions. The entire process from G1 to full G license typically takes two to three years.

Test day: what to expect at the ServiceOntario office

Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring all your documents — photo ID, proof of residency, and your SIN if you have one. You'll check in at the front desk and wait to be called. A ServiceOntario staff member will verify your identity and documents, then take you to the vision screening area.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You'll read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written test that day — you'll need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if needed, and book a new appointment.

After you pass the vision screening, you'll be taken to a computer terminal where you'll take the written test. You'll have time to read each question carefully. You can flag questions to review later if you want. Once you finish all 40 questions, you'll submit your answers and get your score when ready. If you pass, staff will give you your G1 permit before you leave.

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 younger, you'll need to wait until your 16th birthday. There is no early testing option or exception.

What if I fail the vision screening?

You cannot take the written test that day. You'll need to see an optometrist or eye doctor, get your vision corrected if needed (with glasses or contacts), and book a new test appointment. Bring your corrective lenses to your next appointment if you use them.

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The test is supervised and you cannot use any materials, devices, or outside resources. You must answer based only on your own knowledge. If you're caught cheating, your test will be cancelled and you may face penalties.

What if I don't have a Social Insurance Number yet?

You can still take the G1 test without a SIN. However, you'll need to provide one before you can get your G2 license. You can explore for a SIN through Service Canada if you don't have one.

How much does the G1 test cost?

The fee is set by the Ontario government and changes periodically. Check ontario.ca/drivetest for the current cost before you book. You pay when you arrive for your appointment, and the fee does not vary by location or time of day.