Ontario G1 Practice Test 2026

What is the Ontario G1 knowledge test?

The G1 is the first stage of Ontario's graduated licensing system. Pass the written knowledge test and the vision screening at a DriveTest centre and you receive a G1 licence — the learner-permit stage that lets you drive with a qualified supervising driver. The G1 written test is administered in person at any DriveTest centre and costs $159.75 as of 2026 (covers the G1 knowledge test, the G1 vision test, and the eventual G2 road test fee).

Test format and pass mark

The G1 knowledge test is 40 multiple-choice questions divided into two sections of 20 each:

• Road signs: 20 questions on traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings
• Rules of the road: 20 questions on Ontario traffic law, right-of-way, speed limits, and safe driving

You must answer at least 16 out of 20 correctly in each section to pass. Failing one section means failing the whole test. The test is given on a touch-screen kiosk at the DriveTest centre, in English or French. Most candidates finish in 20-30 minutes.

What this practice tool covers

We have 100 questions in the bank — 50 covering road signs and 50 covering rules of the road. Each session pulls a fresh random sample so you can take the test repeatedly and see different questions. Two modes:

• Full simulation: 20 sign questions + 20 rule questions, graded with the MTO 16/20 per-section rule
• Untimed practice: see all 100 questions one at a time with explanations as you go

Driver's licence stages in Ontario (G1, G2, G)

Ontario uses a three-stage graduated licensing system. Each stage has its own restrictions and exit requirements.

• G1: passed knowledge test. Can drive only with a fully-licensed supervisor (at least 4 years of driving experience, BAC under .05%) sitting in the front passenger seat. Zero blood alcohol. No 400-series highways or expressways unless the supervisor is a licensed driving instructor. No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. Must be held for 12 months (or 8 months if you complete an MTO-approved beginner driver education course).
• G2: passed first road test. Can drive alone, including on highways and overnight. Zero blood alcohol. First 6 months under age 20: only 1 passenger aged 19 or under permitted between midnight and 5 a.m. Must hold G2 for at least 12 months before attempting the G road test.
• G: passed second road test. Full unrestricted licence. The .05%-and-up BAC penalties of full G drivers replace the zero-BAC novice rules — but if you are under 22 years old, the zero-BAC rule still applies regardless of licence stage.

How to book the G1 test

1. Go to drivetest.ca or visit any DriveTest centre in person.
2. Bring two pieces of identification proving your name, date of birth, and signature. One must be a primary ID (passport, PR card, driving licence from your home country, etc.).
3. Pay the $159.75 package fee.
4. Pass the vision screening (you can wear glasses or contacts).
5. Sit the 40-question touch-screen test.
6. If you pass, your G1 licence is issued the same day.

If you fail, you can retake the knowledge test for an additional fee. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts.

Tips that actually help you pass

• The single biggest predictor of passing is taking multiple practice tests. Aim for at least 5 full simulations before the real thing.
• Read every question carefully — many are written to look like they have an obvious answer but the "most complete" answer is usually the correct one.
• Be confident on colours and shapes: red octagon = stop, yellow diamond = warning, green rectangle = guide/direction, blue rectangle = services, orange diamond = construction.
• Memorize the follow distance rule (2 seconds in good conditions), the signal distance (30 metres), the fire-hydrant distance (3 metres), and the school-bus stop distance (20 metres).
• Practice the hill parking rule: uphill with curb → wheels AWAY; downhill with curb → wheels TOWARD. Uphill or downhill without curb → wheels toward the edge of the road.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the G1 test cost in Ontario?

$159.75 as of 2026. This covers the knowledge test, the vision test, the G1 licence, and the eventual G2 road test. Retesting after a fail is an additional $16-$50 depending on retake type.

How long is the G1 written test?

40 questions, no time limit at most centres. Most candidates finish in 20-30 minutes.

What if I fail the G1 test?

You can retake it the same day or any later day for an additional fee. There is no waiting period between attempts.

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, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, and Polish. Confirm available languages 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. An MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course is optional but reduces the G1→G2 waiting period from 12 to 8 months and may earn auto insurance discounts.

How long is the G1 licence valid for?

5 years from the date issued. You must pass the G2 road test within those 5 years or restart graduated licensing.

What ID do I need to bring to the G1 test?

Two pieces of ID. One must be primary (passport, foreign driving licence, PR card). The other can be a secondary (health card, credit card with signature). Both must show your name and signature; one must show date of birth.

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. Newcomers with a valid foreign driving licence may be eligible to skip the G1 stage entirely via licence exchange agreements with select countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, the UK, the US, and others). Check drivetest.ca for the current exchange list.