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UPDATED
January 15, 2026
Walking into a test without knowing its format is like playing a sport without learning the rules first. You might have all the knowledge you need, but confusion about how the test works can trip you up before you demonstrate what you know.
The G1 test follows a specific structure that stays consistent across all DriveTest centres in Ontario. Understanding this format before test day removes one source of uncertainty. Instead of figuring out the interface while the clock ticks, you can focus entirely on answering questions correctly.
This guide explains exactly how the G1 test is structured, how the computer system works, and what timing considerations matter for your attempt.
Ontario administers the G1 knowledge test electronically. You will not receive a paper booklet and pencil. Everything happens on a computer terminal with a touchscreen interface.
Each testing station has its own screen, and the stations are arranged with enough spacing or dividers to prevent you from seeing other test takers' screens. The setup provides privacy for your attempt while allowing staff to monitor the testing area.
The touchscreen responds to finger taps. You select answers by touching the option you want. The interface is designed for simplicity, requiring no special computer skills. If you can use a smartphone or tablet, you can navigate the G1 test system.
Before your test begins, staff will log you into the system and give you a brief orientation to the controls. They will show you how to select answers, move between questions, and submit your responses. This introduction takes just a minute or two but ensures you understand the basics before questions appear.
The test displays one question at a time on screen. You will not see multiple questions simultaneously or need to scroll through a long page. Each question gets the full screen, making it easy to focus on what you are being asked.
Every question follows the multiple choice format with four possible answers labeled A, B, C, and D. Only one answer is correct for each question. There are no questions requiring you to select multiple options or type written responses.
For road signs questions, the screen typically displays an image of a sign along with the question text. The question might ask what the sign means, what action it requires from drivers, or where you would expect to see this sign. The four answer options appear below the image.
For rules of the road questions, the screen presents a scenario or asks directly about a traffic law. Some questions describe a driving situation and ask what you should do. Others ask straightforward factual questions about speed limits, right-of-way, or other regulations.
The text is displayed in a readable font size. You should not need to strain to read questions or answers. If you have difficulty seeing the screen despite wearing your corrective lenses, inform staff before proceeding.
The G1 test divides into two distinct sections that you complete in sequence.
Section one contains 20 questions about road signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings. This section tests your ability to recognize and interpret visual information you will encounter while driving. All 20 sign questions appear before you move to the second section.
Section two contains 20 questions about rules of the road. These questions cover traffic laws, safe driving practices, right-of-way rules, and how to handle various driving scenarios. This section appears only after you complete and submit the signs section.
You must pass both sections independently. Scoring 16 or higher out of 20 on signs and 16 or higher out of 20 on rules earns you a passing grade. Falling below 16 on either section fails the entire test, regardless of how well you performed on the other section.
The sections are scored separately and your results show both scores. This helps you understand where you succeeded and where you fell short if you need to retest.
While working through a section, you have flexibility to move between questions. The interface includes navigation controls that let you jump forward and backward through the 20 questions in that section.
If a question stumps you, you do not have to answer it immediately. Skip it and move to the next question. You can return to skipped questions before submitting the section.
A flagging feature lets you mark questions you want to revisit. Tapping the flag icon on a difficult question adds it to a review list. After reaching the end of the section, you can quickly access all flagged questions rather than hunting through all 20 to find the ones you skipped.
The screen typically shows your progress through the section. An indicator displays which question number you are on and how many questions remain. This helps you pace yourself and know when you are approaching the end.
Before submitting a section, you have the opportunity to review your answers. A summary screen may show which questions you answered, which you flagged, and which remain unanswered. Use this review opportunity to ensure you did not accidentally skip any questions.
When you finish answering questions in a section and feel satisfied with your responses, you submit that section for scoring. The submission process requires confirmation to prevent accidental submissions before you are ready.
Once you submit a section, you cannot go back to change your answers. The signs section locks after submission, and you proceed to the rules section. This one-way progression means you should review carefully before confirming submission.
If you leave questions unanswered when you submit, those questions count as wrong. The system does not prevent you from submitting with blank answers. Make sure every question has a selected response before you finalize each section.
After submitting the rules section, both sections are scored and your results appear. The entire test is complete at that point.
The G1 test does not impose a strict time limit that displays on screen counting down. You will not see a clock ticking toward zero or receive warnings that time is running out.
This absence of a visible timer helps reduce pressure. You can take the time you need to read questions carefully and think through your answers without watching seconds disappear.
That said, the test is not unlimited. DriveTest centres expect reasonable completion times, and spending an excessively long time would eventually draw attention from staff. In practice, this is rarely an issue because most people finish well within any reasonable timeframe.
Typical completion times range from 15 to 30 minutes for the entire test. Some people finish faster while others take longer. Both approaches are fine as long as you are actively working through the questions rather than stalling indefinitely.
Rushing creates more problems than taking your time. Careless reading leads to missed details that change correct answers. Quick guessing produces more errors than thoughtful consideration. If you feel pressure to hurry, remind yourself that accuracy matters more than speed.
At the same time, do not overthink questions to the point of second-guessing yourself repeatedly. Your first instinct is often correct. Read carefully, choose confidently, and move forward.
Ontario offers the G1 test in multiple languages to accommodate the province's diverse population. English and French are standard options, but many additional languages are available.
When you check in, staff will ask which language you prefer for your test. The system then displays all questions and answers in your selected language. This option exists because understanding what questions ask matters more than testing English proficiency.
Available languages include major world languages commonly spoken in Ontario's immigrant communities. If you are uncertain whether your preferred language is available, ask when booking your test or upon arrival at the centre.
Choosing a language other than English does not affect your score or the difficulty of questions. The content remains identical regardless of language. Only the display language changes.
If you are comfortable in English but it is not your first language, consider whether testing in your native language might help you avoid misunderstandings. Tricky phrasing in a second language can cause confusion that would not exist in your primary language.
DriveTest centres provide accommodations for test takers with disabilities or special needs. If you require accommodations, discuss your needs when booking your appointment or upon arrival.
Audio assistance is available for those who have difficulty reading the screen. The system can read questions and answers aloud through headphones. This accommodation helps people with visual impairments or reading disabilities complete the test successfully.
Additional time accommodations may be available for people whose disabilities affect their testing speed. If you have documentation of a condition that qualifies for extended time on standardized tests, inquire about whether similar accommodations apply to the G1 test.
Physical accessibility varies by location, but DriveTest centres generally comply with accessibility standards. Wheelchair access, accessible parking, and other physical accommodations are typically available.
Request accommodations in advance when possible. Some accommodations require preparation or scheduling that cannot happen on the spot.
While every test taker's experience is slightly different, the general interface follows a consistent design.
The question text appears prominently, usually in the upper portion of the screen. For sign questions, an image displays alongside or above the question. Answer options appear below, clearly labeled and spaced for easy selection.
Navigation buttons sit at the bottom or side of the screen. These typically include options to move to the next question, go back to the previous question, flag the current question, and submit the section when complete.
Your currently selected answer is highlighted or marked so you can see which option you chose. Changing your answer before submission simply requires tapping a different option. The highlight moves to your new selection.
The color scheme uses high contrast for readability. Text appears dark against a light background or vice versa. The design prioritizes clarity over aesthetics since the goal is testing knowledge, not showcasing graphic design.
Taking practice tests before your real test familiarizes you with the multiple choice format and the experience of answering questions under test conditions.
While practice tests cannot perfectly replicate the DriveTest computer system, they build comfort with the question style and answer selection process. You learn how road sign questions present images, how scenario questions describe situations, and how answer options are phrased.
Practice tests also reveal whether your knowledge gaps are in signs or rules. If you consistently score lower on one section during practice, you know where to focus additional study time.
Aim to take multiple practice tests before your real test. A single practice test gives limited exposure to the question variety. Multiple tests across different days build familiarity with the format while reinforcing your knowledge.
Understanding the format helps you avoid errors that have nothing to do with knowledge.
Accidentally selecting the wrong answer happens when people tap carelessly on touchscreens. Verify your selection is highlighted correctly before moving to the next question. If you tapped B but meant C, catch it immediately rather than after submission.
Forgetting to answer flagged questions leaves points on the table. Before submitting each section, check that all flagged questions have answers. The review screen helps you catch any gaps.
Submitting a section prematurely locks you out of making changes. Do not rush the submission confirmation. Use the review opportunity to scan your answers one more time.
Misreading questions because of rushing causes wrong answers even when you know the material. The format gives you time to read carefully. Use that time rather than racing through.
Knowing the G1 test format removes uncertainty about the mechanics of testing. You know questions appear one at a time, answers are multiple choice with four options, and you can navigate freely within each section before submitting.
This knowledge lets you concentrate on demonstrating what you learned from the Ontario Driver's Handbook rather than figuring out how the computer works. Format familiarity is one less thing to worry about on test day.
Ready to experience the format firsthand through practice? G1 Ready CA offers practice tests that prepare you for the multiple choice question style and section structure of the real exam. For a complete walkthrough of everything that happens on test day beyond just the test itself, review the guide on what to expect on G1 test day to arrive fully prepared.
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