What do I need to bring to the G1 test?
Short answer: Two pieces of identification: one primary (passport, foreign driver's licence, Permanent Residence (PR) card, or Canadian citizenship card) and one secondary (Ontario health card, credit card with signature, etc.). Both must show your name and signature. One must show your date of birth. Plus glasses or contacts if you wear them. Plus the $159.75 test fee, paid by debit, credit card, cash, or cheque at the DriveTest centre.
[TABLE]
| Document | Examples | Notes |
|---|
| Primary ID (one required) | Passport, Permanent Resident card, Canadian citizenship card, foreign driver's licence | Must show name, photo, date of birth |
| Secondary ID (one required) | Ontario Health Card, credit card with signature, school ID with signature, original birth certificate | Must show name and signature |
|
For newcomers: a foreign driver's licence counts as primary ID. The Government of Canada newcomers guide to driving outlines what to expect when getting your first Ontario licence. If your home country has a reciprocal licence-exchange agreement with Ontario (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Taiwan, and a few others), you may be eligible to skip the G1 stage entirely and convert directly to a G2 or G licence. Check the current list at ontario.ca/page/get-g-drivers-licence-new-drivers before assuming you need to start at G1.
What happens if you fail?
Short answer: Take it again. There's no waiting period between attempts in Ontario. Pay a retake fee ($16-$50 depending on retake type), spend a few days drilling the topic area you failed, and book another appointment. Most candidates pass on the second attempt if they took the first one seriously.
If you fail one section (e.g., signs) but pass the other (rules), you only have to retake the failed section, not the whole 40-question test. The retake fee is lower ($16 instead of $50 for retaking both). You can retake the same day in most cases, but research shows passing rates increase 30-40% with at least one extra day of drilling between attempts.
If you fail twice in a short window: take a longer break, re-read the Driver's Handbook chapters you missed, and run through the 100-question practice tool until you're scoring 90%+ consistently before booking again.
What do people ask most about the G1 test?
The questions below cover the most common things people search about the Ontario G1 knowledge test, including cost, format, language options, retake rules, and specific G1 restrictions like the 401 highway rule and the zero-BAC requirement. All answers reflect current Ontario Graduated Licensing System policies and MTO Driver's Handbook content as of May 2026.
How much does the G1 test cost in Ontario in 2026?
$159.75: covers the knowledge test, vision test, the G1 licence itself, and the eventual G2 road test fee. If you fail and retake the knowledge test, the retake fee is $16-$50 depending on whether you're retaking one section or both.
How long is the G1 written test?
40 questions, no time limit at most DriveTest centres. Most candidates finish in 20-30 minutes. A few centres impose a 30-minute time limit; check when you book.
What if I fail the G1 test?
You can retake the same day or any later day for the retake fee. No waiting period required. If you failed only one section, you only retake that section.
Can I take the G1 test in another language?
Yes. DriveTest offers the knowledge test in over 20 languages including French, Arabic, Persian (Farsi), Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Polish, and others. Confirm available languages at the centre when you book.
Do I need to take a driving course before the G1?
No. Only the knowledge test and vision screening are required to get a G1 licence. An MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course is OPTIONAL but cuts the G1-to-G2 waiting period from 12 months to 8 months and earns most students an insurance discount. BDE costs $600-$1,200 depending on the school.
How long is my G1 licence valid?
5 years from the date issued. You must pass the G2 road test within those 5 years or restart graduated licensing from G1 again.
Can newcomers to Canada take the G1 test?
Yes. Anyone living in Ontario who is at least 16 years old can take the G1 test, regardless of immigration status. Bring two pieces of ID (passport, PR card, etc.). Some newcomers with valid foreign licences may be eligible to skip the G1 stage via licence-exchange agreements. See ontario.ca/page/get-g-drivers-licence-new-drivers for the current list.
What's the difference between G1, G2, and G?
G1 = learner permit (drive with supervisor). G2 = solo with some restrictions. G = full unrestricted licence. You progress G1 → G2 → G by passing the knowledge test (G1) then two separate road tests (G2 and G).
Can I drive on the 401 with a G1?
Only if accompanied by a licensed driving instructor. A regular fully-licensed friend or family member is NOT sufficient for highway driving as a G1. This is one of the most-tested G1 rules.
What is the BAC limit for G1 drivers?
Zero. G1 and G2 drivers, and all drivers under 22 years old, must have zero blood alcohol when driving. A reading above zero triggers immediate roadside suspension and escalating fines for repeat offences.
Sources
The following government sources informed this guide. All links were verified as of May 2026. For the most current information on fees, test format, G1 restrictions, and graduated licensing rules, visit ontario.ca. Fee schedules and test format can change; always confirm the current cost and requirements before your appointment.
Open the free 100-question G1 practice test →
This article is general study guidance and is NOT official MTO study material. The MTO Driver's Handbook is the only definitive source for the G1 test. Test format, fees, and rules may change. For the most current information, check ontario.ca and drivetest.ca. For immigration questions related to your stay in Canada, book a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at gofarglobal.com.
