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UPDATED
October 21, 2025
Ontario's G1 test has specific rules and requirements that differ from other provinces. Practicing with Ontario-focused materials ensures you're studying the right information for your actual exam at DriveTest centers across the province.
The test covers Ontario traffic signs, provincial driving laws, and safe driving practices specific to conditions you'll face on roads from Toronto to Thunder Bay. Generic practice tests from other provinces won't prepare you for Ontario's unique requirements.
Provincial Road Rules Ontario has specific laws about HOV lanes, winter tire requirements in northern regions, and unique traffic patterns in major cities. These provincial differences show up on the G1 test.
Ontario-Specific Signs While many traffic signs are standard across Canada, Ontario uses some unique signage and pavement markings. Your test will include signs you'll actually see on Ontario roads.
Local Driving Conditions Questions reflect Ontario weather patterns, from lake-effect snow near the Great Lakes to ice storms in eastern regions. The test asks how to handle conditions common in this province.
DriveTest Center Format Ontario's test uses a specific computer system at DriveTest locations. Understanding the format helps you navigate the interface smoothly on test day.
Two Sections, Both Required Section one covers 20 traffic sign questions. Section two tests 20 rules of the road questions. You must score at least 16 out of 20 on each section. Passing only one section means retaking both.
Multiple Choice Format Each question has four possible answers. Pick the one correct option. No partial credit, no essay questions, no fill-in-the-blanks.
Computer Touchscreen System You'll answer questions by touching the screen. The system lets you flag questions to review before submitting. No paper tests at Ontario DriveTest centers.
Pass/Fail Results You find out immediately whether you passed both sections. No waiting for scores in the mail or checking results online later.
Ontario Highway Signs Green signs with white letters mark Ontario provincial highways. Blue signs indicate services like gas, food, and lodging. Brown signs point to provincial parks and tourist attractions.
Bilingual Signs in Some Areas Eastern Ontario and parts of northern Ontario use bilingual French-English signs. You might see "Arrêt" with "Stop" or "Cédez" with "Yield."
Winter Condition Signs Ontario uses specific signs for ice bridge warnings, snowmobile crossings, and winter road closures. These appear more frequently here than in warmer provinces.
Toronto-Area Specific Signs HOV lane markers, express/collector lane indicators, and Toronto street signs have unique characteristics you'll need to recognize.
Northern Ontario Warnings Moose crossing signs, logging truck warnings, and remote area indicators appear on northern Ontario tests based on local conditions.
Speed Limits Across the Province Default urban speed is 50 km/h. Rural highways are 80 km/h unless posted otherwise. 400-series highways and the QEW allow 100 km/h, though some sections are posted at 110 km/h.
School Zone Regulations Ontario school zones drop to 40 km/h when children are present, typically during school hours on school days. Some municipalities have stricter rules, so always check posted signs.
Winter Driving Requirements While winter tires aren't mandatory province-wide, many northern Ontario communities require them seasonally. The test covers when and why you'd use winter tires.
HOV Lane Rules High-occupancy vehicle lanes in the Greater Toronto Area require two or more occupants during posted hours. Some HOV lanes allow electric vehicles regardless of passenger count.
Ontario's Move Over Law When emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or road maintenance vehicles are stopped with lights flashing, you must slow down and move over if safe to do so.
Four-Way Stop Procedures First vehicle to arrive goes first. Simultaneous arrivals give right-of-way to the driver on the right. If facing each other and one is turning left, the straight-through or right-turning vehicle goes first.
Uncontrolled Intersections Without signs or signals, vehicles on the wider road have right-of-way. If roads are equal width, the driver on the right goes first. Always yield to pedestrians.
Pedestrian Crossover Rules Ontario has specific laws about pedestrian crossovers (those yellow X signs with overhead lights). You must stop and let pedestrians completely cross before proceeding.
Roundabout Navigation Traffic already in the roundabout has right-of-way. Yield before entering. Signal right before your exit. Never stop inside the roundabout unless traffic ahead requires it.
School Bus Regulations Stop when a school bus has red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, regardless of which direction you're traveling. Resume only after lights stop and the arm retracts.
Lake-Effect Snow Areas near the Great Lakes get sudden, heavy snow. The test covers reducing speed, increasing following distance, and using low-beam headlights in heavy snow.
Ice Storm Procedures Ontario experiences ice storms that make roads extremely slippery. Questions address when to avoid driving entirely and how to handle black ice conditions.
Spring Flooding Melting snow causes road flooding, especially in rural areas. The test includes questions about driving through water and when to find alternate routes.
Summer Fog Early morning fog is common near lakes and rivers. You need to know when to use low-beam versus high-beam headlights and how much to reduce speed.
Winter Road Closures Some northern Ontario roads close seasonally. The test covers understanding road closure signs and why attempting closed routes is dangerous and illegal.
Study the Ontario Driver's Handbook Don't use handbooks from other provinces. Ontario's handbook contains province-specific laws, signs, and conditions that appear on your test. G1 Ready CA provides Ontario-focused study materials tailored to the provincial test.
Focus on Local Driving Scenarios Practice questions should reflect Ontario conditions: 400-series highway merging, Toronto traffic patterns, rural winter driving, and northern Ontario challenges.
Learn Ontario Traffic Sign Variations While stop signs look the same everywhere, information and warning signs vary by province. Study signs you'll actually see on Ontario roads.
Understand Provincial Penalties Ontario has specific demerit point systems, suspension rules, and fines that differ from other provinces. The test includes questions about consequences of traffic violations.
Ontario Highway Speed Limits "What is the maximum speed on a 400-series highway unless otherwise posted?" The answer is 100 km/h, though some sections are posted at 110 km/h.
G1 License Restrictions in Ontario "Can G1 drivers use 400-series highways?" No. G1 holders cannot drive on 400-series highways, the QEW, or other designated high-speed roads.
Blood Alcohol Limits for New Drivers "What is the legal blood alcohol limit for G1 license holders in Ontario?" Zero. Ontario enforces zero tolerance for all G1 and G2 drivers.
Time Restrictions for G1 Drivers "What hours can G1 drivers operate a vehicle?" Between 5 a.m. and midnight only. No driving from midnight to 5 a.m.
Passenger Restrictions "How many passengers can ride with a G1 driver?" Only as many as there are working seatbelts, but at least one passenger must be a fully licensed driver with at least four years of experience.
Finding Your Nearest Center DriveTest centers operate in major cities and towns across Ontario. Book appointments online or by phone. Walk-ins are available but expect longer waits.
What to Bring Two pieces of identification (at least one government-issued with photo). Proof of legal presence in Canada. Payment for the test fee. Glasses or contacts if you need vision correction.
Vision Test Requirements You'll take a vision test before the written exam. Must read the required line on the eye chart. If you fail the vision test, you can't proceed to the knowledge test.
Test Fee Payment Ontario charges a fee that covers the G1 written test and your license if you pass. Payment accepted by debit, credit, or cash at most locations.
After Passing You get your G1 license the same day. Ontario now issues digital licenses along with physical cards. Your G1 allows you to practice driving with restrictions.
Take Multiple Practice Tests One practice test isn't enough. Take several over multiple days. Access comprehensive practice materials that cover all Ontario-specific content.
Review Wrong Answers Thoroughly When you miss a question, read the explanation and find that topic in the Ontario Driver's Handbook. Understanding why you were wrong prevents repeat mistakes.
Focus on Ontario-Specific Content Spend extra time on content unique to Ontario: HOV lanes, specific highway systems, provincial penalties, and local weather conditions.
Practice Under Realistic Conditions Quiet environment. Computer or tablet screen. Time limits. No looking up answers. Simulate the actual test experience as closely as possible.
Track Your Improvement Keep notes on which topics you struggle with. Your scores should improve as you study. Consistent scores above 80% mean you're ready for the real test.
G1 License Limitations No driving alone. Must have a fully licensed driver with four-plus years experience beside you. No driving from midnight to 5 a.m. No 400-series highways. Zero blood alcohol.
How Long You Hold G1 Minimum 12 months before taking the G2 road test. This reduces to 8 months if you complete an approved driving course.
Moving to G2 Pass a road test demonstrating basic driving skills. G2 removes most G1 restrictions but keeps zero blood alcohol requirement and limits young drivers from carrying multiple teenage passengers.
Advancing to Full G After 12 months with G2 (or sooner with approved training), take a final road test. Passing gives you a full Ontario driver's license with no restrictions.
Driving in the GTA Greater Toronto Area traffic requires understanding express/collector systems, HOV lanes, and rush hour patterns. Test questions reflect urban driving challenges.
Rural Ontario Roads Narrow roads, farm equipment, animal crossings, and limited lighting characterize rural driving. The test covers safe practices for country roads.
Northern Ontario Conditions Longer distances between services, wildlife crossings, logging trucks, and extreme weather conditions appear in northern Ontario test questions.
Border Crossings While not tested directly, understanding Ontario's proximity to US borders and related signage helps with some test questions about highway systems.
Confusing Provincial Rules Mixing up Ontario's laws with rules from other provinces or countries. Stick to Ontario Driver's Handbook information only.
Misreading Question Keywords Missing words like "except," "not," or "Ontario-specific" that change question meaning. Read every word carefully.
Assuming All Signs Are Universal Some signs look similar across provinces but have different meanings. Study Ontario-specific sign variations.
Ignoring Weather-Related Questions Ontario's diverse climate means weather questions appear frequently. Don't skip studying winter driving, fog conditions, and ice storm procedures.
Overlooking G1-Specific Restrictions Questions about what G1 drivers can and cannot do appear regularly. Know your license restrictions thoroughly.
Reduces Anxiety Familiarity with question types and formats makes the real test less intimidating. You've seen it all before in practice.
Builds Confidence High practice scores prove you know the material. Walking into the DriveTest center confident helps you think clearly during the actual test.
Improves Time Management Practice shows you don't need to rush. Forty questions allow plenty of time for careful reading and thoughtful answers.
Identifies Knowledge Gaps Practice reveals which topics need more study time before you book your real test and pay the fee.
Creates Muscle Memory Repeated practice makes correct answers feel automatic. You recognize questions and know responses without extensive deliberation.
Daily Review Sessions Spend 20-30 minutes daily reviewing Ontario Driver's Handbook sections you found challenging. Don't cram for hours the night before.
One Practice Test Per Day Take one 40-question practice test matching the real exam format. Review wrong answers immediately after each test.
Focus on High-Frequency Topics Traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and G1 restrictions appear most often. Make sure these topics are solid.
Prepare Logistics Confirm your DriveTest appointment. Know the location and parking. Gather your identification. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early.
Get Proper Rest Sleep well the night before. Tired brains make careless mistakes. You want to be sharp and focused for your test.
Arrive Early Get there 30 minutes before your appointment. This gives you time to find parking, check in, and relax before your test.
Bring Required Documents Two pieces of ID, proof of legal presence in Canada, and payment. Missing documents means no test and you'll need to rebook.
Stay Calm During Vision Test The vision screening comes first. Take your time. If you're nervous, take a deep breath before reading the chart.
Read Questions Completely Don't rush through the knowledge test. Read each question fully. Check for keywords that change meaning.
Use the Flag Feature Unsure about a question? Flag it and come back after answering everything else. Don't let one difficult question slow you down.
Review Before Submitting Check flagged questions. Verify you didn't accidentally skip any. Make sure your selected answers match your intentions.
Understand Your New Restrictions You can now practice driving with a fully licensed driver who has at least four years of experience. Remember your time, highway, and alcohol restrictions.
Start Practicing Soon Don't wait months to start driving practice. The sooner you begin, the more comfortable you'll become before your G2 road test.
Consider Driver Training Approved driving courses reduce your waiting period from 12 months to 8 months before taking the G2 test. They also improve your skills.
Keep Studying Your G1 test proves you know the rules. Actual driving teaches you how to apply them. Keep the Ontario Driver's Handbook handy as you practice.
Ready to prepare for your Ontario G1 test? Visit G1 Ready CA for Ontario-specific practice materials and study resources designed for DriveTest center success across the province.
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The G1 test allows you to gain independence and get one step closer to obtaining your driver's license. Once you pass your G2, you can drive without supervision and obtain your own insurance.
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