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UPDATED
October 21, 2025
The G1 test is your first step toward getting a driver's license in Ontario. It's a written knowledge exam that tests your understanding of traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices before you're allowed to practice driving on real roads.
Passing the G1 gives you a license with restrictions. You can drive, but only with certain limitations designed to keep you and others safe while you build experience. Understanding what the test covers, what happens after you pass, and what restrictions you'll face helps you prepare properly.
A Knowledge Test, Not a Road Test You don't drive a car for the G1. You sit at a computer and answer questions about Ontario traffic laws, signs, and safe driving practices. The actual driving test comes later with the G2.
Two Sections You Must Both Pass Part one tests traffic signs with 20 questions. Part two covers rules of the road with another 20 questions. You need 16 out of 20 correct on each part. Passing only one section means retaking both.
Computer-Based at DriveTest Centers Ontario administers the test on touchscreen computers at DriveTest locations across the province. No paper tests. No taking it online from home.
Immediate Results You find out right away whether you passed. No waiting days or weeks for scores. Pass both sections and you get your G1 license the same day.
First-Time Drivers in Ontario Anyone who's never had a license and wants to start driving in Ontario begins with the G1 test.
New Ontario Residents People moving to Ontario from other countries must take the G1 test even if they had licenses elsewhere. Some exceptions exist for certain countries with reciprocal agreements.
Expired License Holders If your Ontario license expired more than three years ago, you start over with the G1 test.
Out-of-Province Transfers Moving from another Canadian province? You might exchange your license directly without testing, depending on your license class and driving record.
40 Total Questions Twenty questions about traffic signs. Twenty questions about rules, regulations, and safe driving. All multiple choice with four options each.
Time Allowed No strict time limit, but most people finish in 30-45 minutes. You have enough time to read carefully and think through answers.
Passing Score Requirements Sixteen correct out of twenty on the signs section. Sixteen correct out of twenty on the rules section. Both must be passed in the same sitting.
Question Randomization Every test draws questions from a large pool. Two people taking the test simultaneously get different questions. This prevents copying and ensures fair testing.
Review and Flag Features You can flag uncertain questions and return to them before submitting. The system shows which questions you've answered and which remain.
Traffic Signs and Signals Regulatory signs like stop, yield, and speed limits. Warning signs for curves, hills, and hazards. Information signs for services and directions. Pavement markings and traffic lights.
Right-of-Way Rules Who goes first at intersections, four-way stops, and uncontrolled crossings. Pedestrian priority at crosswalks. Yielding to emergency vehicles.
Speed Regulations Default speed limits for cities (50 km/h), rural highways (80 km/h), and freeways (100 km/h). School zones (40 km/h). Construction zones and when to reduce speed.
Safe Driving Practices Following distance (two-second rule). Passing regulations. Lane changing. Driving in different weather conditions. Night driving procedures.
Parking Laws Where parking is prohibited. Distance requirements from fire hydrants (three meters) and intersections (nine meters). Understanding parking signs and time limits.
Special Situations Railway crossings. School buses with flashing lights. Emergency vehicles. Roundabouts. Highway merging and exiting.
Ontario-Specific Laws Move Over Law for stopped emergency vehicles. HOV lane rules. G1 license restrictions. Zero tolerance alcohol laws for new drivers.
Age Requirement You must be at least 16 years old to take the G1 test in Ontario. No maximum age limit.
Identification Needed Two pieces of identification. At least one must be government-issued with your photo. Birth certificate, passport, or citizenship documents work.
Proof of Legal Presence You need documentation proving you're legally in Canada. Canadian citizens need birth certificates or citizenship cards. Permanent residents need PR cards.
Vision Test Before the written test, you'll take a vision screening. Must be able to read the required line on the eye chart. Glasses and contacts are allowed.
Test Fee Ontario charges a fee that includes the written test, a five-year license, and up to five G2 road test attempts. Check current DriveTest fees as they change periodically.
Study Materials The Ontario Driver's Handbook is free online from the government. Additional practice resources are available through G1 Ready CA to supplement your preparation.
DriveTest Centers Across Ontario Government-run DriveTest locations operate in cities and towns throughout the province. Major centers in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, and other cities.
Booking Appointments Schedule online through the DriveTest website or call to book. Walk-ins are accepted but expect longer waits and possible unavailability.
What to Bring Your identification documents. Payment for the test fee. Glasses or contacts if you need them. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
Test Day Process Check in at reception. Present identification and pay fees. Take vision test. Receive instructions. Complete written test on computer. Get immediate results.
Must Have Accompanying Driver You cannot drive alone. A fully licensed driver with at least four years of experience must sit in the front passenger seat at all times.
Time Restrictions Driving only allowed between 5 a.m. and midnight. No driving from midnight to 5 a.m., even with an accompanying driver.
Highway Restrictions Cannot drive on 400-series highways (401, 404, 427, etc.). Cannot drive on the QEW. Cannot drive on other designated high-speed roads.
Zero Blood Alcohol Absolutely no alcohol in your system. Zero tolerance, not 0.05% or 0.08%. Any detectable alcohol results in immediate penalties.
No Electronic Devices Cannot use any electronic devices while driving, including hands-free phones. Even with devices legally allowed for fully licensed drivers, G1 holders cannot use them.
Passenger Limitations Can only carry as many passengers as working seatbelts. All passengers must wear seatbelts. The accompanying driver cannot have been drinking.
Minimum 12 Months Must hold G1 for at least 12 months before taking the G2 road test. This gives you time to build driving experience.
Reduced to 8 Months With Course Complete an approved driver education course and wait time drops to 8 months. The course must be government-approved to qualify.
No Maximum Time Your G1 license is valid for five years. You can take as long as you need within that period to prepare for your G2 test.
Renewing Expired G1 If your G1 expires before you take the G2 test, you'll need to retake the written test and pay fees again.
Read the Ontario Driver's Handbook This official government publication contains everything tested on the G1 exam. Every question comes from this handbook. Available free online.
Take Practice Tests Work through multiple practice tests covering all topics. G1 Ready CA offers comprehensive practice materials that mirror the actual test format.
Study Traffic Signs Print color images of Ontario traffic signs. Quiz yourself on their meanings. Pay attention to sign shapes and colors as they indicate categories.
Focus on Common Topics Right-of-way rules, speed limits, and traffic signs appear most frequently. Spend extra time on these high-frequency areas.
Understand, Don't Just Memorize Learn why rules exist, not just what they are. This deeper understanding helps you answer questions worded differently than you practiced.
Take Multiple Practice Tests Over Time Space out practice sessions over days or weeks. Your brain consolidates information between study sessions, leading to better retention.
Four-Way Stop Procedures First to arrive goes first. Simultaneous arrivals give priority to the driver on the right. These scenarios appear frequently.
Following Distance The two-second rule comes up regularly. Double it in rain, triple it in snow. Questions test both good weather and poor conditions.
School Bus Regulations Must stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms. This applies whether you're behind or meeting the bus.
Railway Crossing Rules Stop at least five meters from the nearest rail when signals flash or gates are down. Never try to beat a train. Never stop on tracks.
Pedestrian Rights Pedestrians have priority at marked crosswalks and intersections. Must yield to people already crossing.
Emergency Vehicle Procedures Pull to the right and stop when emergency vehicles approach with lights and sirens. Resume driving only after they pass.
G1 Specific Questions Expect multiple questions about what G1 license holders can and cannot do. Know all your restrictions thoroughly.
Immediate Feedback on Failed Sections Results show which section(s) you failed. This helps you focus restudy efforts on specific weak areas.
Can Retake Immediately No mandatory waiting period. You can return to take the test again as soon as you feel ready and have studied more.
Must Pay Again Each test attempt requires paying the full fee. Failing gets expensive if you don't prepare properly before testing.
Retake Both Sections Even if you passed one section, you must retake both parts. There's no partial credit or saving one section's score.
Study Your Weak Areas Use the failed section information to guide your studying. If signs were the problem, focus there. If rules were weak, study those chapters.
Receive Your License Ontario issues your G1 license the same day you pass. You get both a physical card and digital version.
Start Practicing Driving Find a fully licensed driver with four-plus years of experience willing to accompany you. Begin practicing basic driving skills.
Follow All Restrictions Remember your time limits, highway prohibitions, and zero alcohol requirement. Breaking restrictions results in serious penalties.
Consider Driver Training Approved driving courses teach proper techniques and reduce your G1 holding period from 12 to 8 months.
Practice Regularly The more time you spend behind the wheel, the better prepared you'll be for your G2 road test. Aim for consistent practice in varied conditions.
Book Your G2 Test After 8-12 months (depending on whether you took a course), schedule your G2 road test through DriveTest.
G1 Phase (8-12 Months) Practice driving with restrictions. Build fundamental skills. Learn vehicle control, basic maneuvers, and road awareness.
G2 Road Test Demonstrate ability to drive safely in varied traffic conditions. Pass this test to receive a G2 license with fewer restrictions.
G2 Phase (12+ Months) Drive independently with some restrictions. Zero alcohol still applies. Young drivers face passenger limitations.
G Road Test Advanced road test including highway driving and complex maneuvers. Pass this for a full, unrestricted Ontario license.
Full G License No restrictions except standard traffic laws. Valid until renewal (every five years). Full driving privileges in Ontario.
Arrive Early and Prepared Get to the DriveTest center 30 minutes before your appointment. Bring all required documents. Use the bathroom beforehand.
Read Questions Completely Don't rush. Read every word of each question and all four answer options before selecting.
Watch for Keywords Words like "except," "never," "always," and "must" change question meanings. Missing these leads to wrong answers.
Eliminate Obviously Wrong Answers Cross out clearly incorrect options mentally. This improves your odds even on questions where you're uncertain.
Don't Second-Guess Yourself Your first instinct is usually correct if you've studied properly. Changing answers often means changing right to wrong.
Use the Flag Feature Unsure about a question? Flag it and return after answering everything else. Don't let one hard question slow your momentum.
Stay Calm Test anxiety is normal. Take slow, deep breaths if you feel nervous. Remember you can retake the test if needed.
Not Reading the Handbook Trying to pass based only on practice tests or general knowledge fails. The handbook contains specific Ontario information you need.
Studying the Night Before Cramming doesn't work for knowledge tests requiring understanding and recall. Start studying at least two weeks before your test.
Confusing Similar Signs Yield and merge signs look similar but mean different things. Warning and regulatory signs use different shapes. Study these distinctions carefully.
Forgetting Specific Numbers Speed limits, distances from hydrants, following distance rules. Rough estimates don't work. You need exact figures.
Ignoring G1 Restrictions Multiple questions test knowledge of what G1 drivers can and cannot do. Know these restrictions thoroughly.
Passed Both Sections Congratulations. You receive your G1 license immediately. Review your restrictions and start planning your driving practice schedule.
Failed One Section You must retake both sections, but you know which area needs more study. Focus your preparation on the failed topic.
Failed Both Sections Don't get discouraged. Many people need multiple attempts. Use the experience to identify knowledge gaps and study more thoroughly.
Review Available Most DriveTest centers can show you which questions you missed (but not the correct answers). This helps target your restudy efforts.
Ready to start your journey to an Ontario driver's license? Visit G1 Ready CA for complete study materials, practice tests, and everything you need to pass your G1 test on the first attempt.
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