Ontario G1 Test Guide 2026: Pass the Knowledge Test on the First Try
As of May 24, 2026.
Acronyms used in this guide: MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario), HTA (Highway Traffic Act), BDE (Beginner Driver Education), GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing), BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration), PXO (Pedestrian Crossover), HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle).
The G1 is the first stage of Ontario's three-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. Pass the written knowledge test plus a vision screening at a DriveTest centre and you receive a G1 licence, the learner-permit stage that lets you drive in Ontario under specific restrictions. The G1 written test costs $159.75 (bundled fee that also covers the eventual G2 road test), is 40 questions total, and requires at least 16 out of 20 correct in each of two sections to pass.
This guide covers everything you need to know to pass the G1 on the first try: the exact test format, what's actually on the test, the seven topic areas that show up most, the official MTO Driver's Handbook chapters that matter most, and a free 100-question practice test built specifically for Ontario at gofarglobal.com/tools/g1-practice-test. Built by a Toronto immigration firm that helps newcomers settle in Ontario, including the basics like getting their first Canadian driver's licence.
Written by Rami Mamar, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and Immigration and Refugee Board Representative (RCIC-IRB), License #R515110, regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
What is the Ontario G1 test?
Short answer: The G1 is the first stage of Ontario's graduated driver licensing system. It's a written, multiple-choice knowledge test administered at any DriveTest centre. You need to be at least 16 years old, present two pieces of ID, pass a vision screening, and answer at least 16 of 20 questions correctly in each of two sections (road signs and rules of the road). The test takes 20-30 minutes and costs $159.75 (bundled with the future G2 road test fee). Pass and you get your G1 licence the same day.
The G1 is one of three stages in Ontario's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL):
- G1 (this stage): pass the written knowledge test and vision screening. Drive only with a fully-licensed supervisor. Hold for 12 months (8 months with a Beginner Driver Education course).
- G2: pass the first road test. Drive solo with some restrictions (passenger limits at night for drivers under 20 in their first 6 months as G2). Hold for at least 12 months.
- G: pass the second road test. Full unrestricted licence.
The G1 test was last updated in 2022 to reflect changes to the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 including impaired driving by drug laws, distracted driving penalties, and new school-bus passing rules. The 2026 version of the test reflects all those updates.
What is the G1 test format in Ontario?
Short answer: 40 multiple-choice questions, in two 20-question sections. Section 1 covers road signs. Section 2 covers rules of the road. You need at least 16 out of 20 correct in each section to pass. Failing one section means failing the whole test. The test is delivered on a touch-screen kiosk at the DriveTest centre, in English, French, or one of 20+ other languages. No time limit at most centres. Pass and you can take the photo for your G1 the same day.
[TABLE]
| Test feature | Detail |
|---|
| Total questions | 40 (20 + 20) |
| Question format | Multiple choice (4 options) |
| Section 1 | Road signs: shapes, colours, meanings, pavement markings |
| Section 2 | Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed limits, parking, GDL rules, distracted driving |
| Pass mark per section | 80% (16 / 20) |
| Pass mark overall | Pass BOTH sections (no overall combined score; section-pass is mandatory) |
| Time limit | None at most DriveTest centres (some centres impose 30 min, check locally) |
| Delivery | Touch-screen kiosk |
| Languages | English, French, Arabic, Persian (Farsi), Chinese, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Polish, and 10+ more |
| Cost | $159.75 (includes G1 knowledge test, vision test, G1 licence, future G2 road test fee) |
| Retake if you fail | Yes, same day or any later day, $16-$50 retake fee |
What topics are on the G1 test in Ontario?
Short answer: Based on patterns across thousands of past G1 tests, seven topic areas account for roughly 80% of all questions: (1) sign shapes and colours, (2) right-of-way rules at intersections, (3) speed limits and school zones, (4) safe following distances and passing, (5) parking restrictions and hill parking, (6) GDL conditions on G1/G2 drivers, and (7) impaired/distracted driving penalties. Drilling on these seven areas is more efficient than reading the entire Driver's Handbook cover-to-cover.
1. Sign shapes and colours (heavy weight in section 1)
- Red octagon = STOP
- Red inverted triangle = YIELD
- Yellow diamond = warning (curves, hazards)
- Orange diamond = construction zone
- Yellow pentagon = school zone or school crossing
- Yellow circle with X and RR = railway crossing ahead
- Green rectangle = directional/guide (place names, exits)
- Blue rectangle = services (gas, food, lodging, hospital)
- White rectangle with black text/numbers = regulatory (speed limit, parking rules)
- Red square with white horizontal bar = Do Not Enter
- White circle with red slash = prohibition (no parking, no turn)
2. Right-of-way at intersections
- Stop sign: come to a full stop, yield, then proceed when safe
- Uncontrolled intersection (no signs, no lights): the driver on the LEFT yields to the driver on the RIGHT
- Flashing red light: stop, then proceed when safe (same as stop sign)
- Flashing yellow light: slow down, proceed with caution
- Green light at intersection: proceed if safe, yielding to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection
- Solid yellow (amber): stop if safe; if too close to stop safely, proceed through with caution
3. Speed limits
- Default urban (cities, towns, villages, built-up areas): 50 km/h
- Default rural highway: 80 km/h
- 400-series highways: posted (typically 100-110 km/h)
- School zones during posted hours: 30 or 40 km/h
- Construction zones with workers present: doubled fines
4. Safe following distance and passing
- Two-second rule in good conditions; three or four seconds in wet, snowy, or behind a large vehicle
- Signal lane changes at least 30 metres in advance (about 3-4 car lengths)
- Solid yellow line = no passing; broken yellow line = passing allowed when safe
- Double solid yellow lines = no passing in either direction
- Pennant sign on left = start of a no-passing zone
5. Parking restrictions
- No parking within 3 metres of a fire hydrant
- No parking within 9 metres of an intersection at or near a stop sign
- Hill parking with curb:
- Uphill: front wheels turned AWAY from curb (toward the centre of the road)
- Downhill: front wheels turned TOWARD curb
- Hill parking without curb: front wheels turned toward the edge of the road (so the vehicle rolls off the pavement if brakes fail)
6. GDL conditions on G1 and G2 drivers
[TABLE]
| Restriction | G1 | G2 |
|---|
| Blood alcohol limit | Zero | Zero |
| Accompanying driver required | Yes: full G with 4+ years experience, Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) under .05% | No (solo) |
| 400-series highway/expressway driving | No (unless accompanying driver is a licensed driving instructor) | Yes |
| Night driving (midnight to 5 a.m.) | Prohibited | Allowed (first 6 months and under age 20: max 1 passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m.) |
| Passenger limits | No more than 1 passenger seated beside driver | First 6 months under age 20: see above |
| Minimum hold period | 12 months (or 8 months with approved BDE course) | 12 months |
| Demerit point suspension | At 4 demerit points (vs 15 for full G) | At 4 demerit points |
7. Impaired and distracted driving
- Hand-held cell phone use while driving: prohibited at ALL times, even at red lights. First-offence fine $615+ plus 3 demerit points.
- Stunt driving (50+ km/h over limit or 40+ over in zones under 80 km/h): immediate 30-day licence suspension and 14-day vehicle impoundment. Fines $2,000-$10,000.
- Impaired driving (BAC over .08% or impaired by drugs): criminal offence under Criminal Code, s. 320.14. First conviction: 1-year minimum suspension, $1,000+ fine, mandatory education program, ignition interlock for 12 months, permanent criminal record.
How should I study for the G1 test?
Short answer: Read the official MTO Driver's Handbook chapters on signs and rules first (about 40 pages combined). Then take at least 5 full practice tests of 40 questions each before the real thing. Focus extra time on the topic areas where you score below 80%. Most students who do this pass on the first try.
The 7-day prep schedule
[TABLE]
| Day | Activity | Time | Goal |
|---|
| 1 | Read the Signs chapter of the MTO Driver's Handbook | 60 min | Recognize all shape/colour combinations |
| 2 | Read the Rules of the Road chapter | 90 min | Understand right-of-way, speed limits, parking |
| 3 | Take 2 full practice tests of 40 questions each | 60 min | Identify weak topic areas |
| 4 | Drill the 50 road sign questions on this practice tool | 45 min | Get to 90%+ on signs |
| 5 | Drill the 50 rules questions on this practice tool | 45 min | Get to 90%+ on rules |
| 6 | Take 2 more full practice tests | 60 min | Pass both sections consistently |
| 7 | Book and take the real test | 45 min at DriveTest | Pass on the first try |
Where to find authoritative practice material
- Official MTO Driver's Handbook: the source material for the test. Available free at ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook. Read the "Signs" chapter and "Driving along" chapter at minimum.
- DriveTest.ca: official Ontario test booking site. Some practice questions available, though their main job is appointment booking.
- Go Far Global's Free G1 Practice Test: 100 MTO-style questions across signs and rules of the road. Full 40-question simulation with the same 16/20-per-section pass mark, or untimed practice mode with instant explanations. We are NOT affiliated with the MTO; we built this as a free resource for newcomers and Ontario residents.
We are not affiliated with the MTO, ServiceOntario, or any DriveTest centre. The practice tool is a free study aid. The official Driver's Handbook is the only definitive source.
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 |
| Glasses or contacts | If you wear them | Bring them for the vision test |
| Payment | Debit, credit, cash, cheque | $159.75 |
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.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.
