The G1 test is a 40-question multiple-choice exam administered by DriveTest Ontario. It consists of two sections: 20 questions on rules of the road and 20 questions on road signs. You must score at least 16 out of 20 on each section to pass. The test is based entirely on the Official MTO Driver's Handbook, and you can take it in English, French, or several other languages at any DriveTest centre across the province.

What Is the G1 Test?

The G1 test is Ontario's written knowledge exam for new drivers entering the graduated licensing system. Passing this test earns you a G1 licence, which is a learner's permit that allows you to drive under specific conditions while you gain experience before taking your G2 road test.

Ontario uses a graduated licensing system with three stages:

• G1 (Learner's Permit) — You must drive with a fully licensed driver (4+ years experience) in the front passenger seat. Zero blood alcohol level. No driving on 400-series highways unless accompanied by a licensed driving instructor. No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
• G2 (Probationary Licence) — Earned after passing the G2 road test. Fewer restrictions, but zero blood alcohol for drivers under 21 and passenger restrictions for drivers under 19.
• Full G Licence — Earned after passing the G road test. Full driving privileges with no graduated licensing restrictions.

The G1 written test itself is a computerized multiple-choice exam taken at a DriveTest centre. You sit at a touch-screen terminal and answer 40 questions. The two sections — rules of the road and road signs — are scored independently. You must pass both to receive your G1 licence that same day.

Start building your knowledge now with the G1 Rules of the Road Marathon to see the types of questions you will face on exam day.

How to Book Your G1 Test

Getting your G1 test booked and completed is straightforward, but knowing what to bring and what to expect saves you from wasted trips.

Where to Take the Test

The G1 knowledge test is available at any DriveTest centre in Ontario. There are over 50 locations across the province, from large urban centres like Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton to smaller towns. Most centres accept walk-in candidates during business hours, though some high-traffic locations recommend arriving early to avoid long wait times.

What to Bring

• Proof of identity — You need original documents that confirm your legal name, date of birth, and signature. Acceptable combinations include a Canadian passport, Canadian birth certificate plus a secondary ID with your signature, or a Permanent Resident Card. Photocopies are not accepted.
• Proof of legal presence — If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will need valid immigration documents such as a study permit or work permit.
• Payment — The G1 knowledge test package fee includes a 5-year licence card, the knowledge test, and your first G2 road test attempt. As of 2026, the total cost is approximately $159.75. Payment by debit or credit card is accepted at all locations.

What to Expect on Test Day

When you arrive, you will check in at the counter, present your documents, have your photo taken, and complete a brief eye test. If everything checks out, you proceed to the testing area. The knowledge test is self-paced, though most people complete it in 20 to 30 minutes. Your results appear on screen immediately after you finish.

If You Fail

You can retake the G1 test as many times as needed, but you must pay a retake fee (approximately $15.75) for each additional attempt. There is no mandatory waiting period — you can retake the test the same day at many centres, though you may need to wait for a terminal to become available.

Rules of the Road on the G1 Test

The rules of the road section tests your understanding of Ontario traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in specific driving scenarios. These 20 questions make up half of your G1 test score.

Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-way questions appear on almost every G1 test. Key rules to memorize:

• At an uncontrolled intersection (no signs or signals), yield to the vehicle that arrived first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right.
• Pedestrians always have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks. You must wait until the pedestrian has completely cleared your half of the road before proceeding.
• Emergency vehicles with lights and sirens active have the right of way. Pull over to the right and stop until they pass.
• School buses with flashing red lights require all traffic in both directions to stop, unless you are on a road with a median dividing the lanes.

Speed Limits

• 50 km/h in urban areas (unless otherwise posted)
• 80 km/h on rural roads (unless otherwise posted)
• 100 km/h on most 400-series highways
• Community Safety Zones and school zones often have reduced limits — watch for posted signs

Impaired Driving Laws

Ontario has strict impaired driving penalties. G1 and G2 licence holders must maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of zero — no exceptions. Fully licensed drivers face criminal charges at 0.08 BAC. Ontario also has administrative penalties starting at 0.05 BAC ("warn range") including immediate licence suspension.

Following Distance and Lane Use

The recommended following distance is at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead, increasing to 3 or 4 seconds in poor weather. When changing lanes, check mirrors and blind spots. Always signal your intention at least 100 metres before turning on roads with speed limits above 80 km/h.

Practice these exact rule types with the G1 Road Rules practice test to identify which areas need more study time.

Road Signs You Must Know

The road signs section of the G1 test presents 20 questions about regulatory, warning, and informational signs found on Ontario roads. You must correctly identify at least 16 to pass this section.

Regulatory Signs (Red, Black, and White)

These signs tell you what you must or must not do. They include:

• Stop sign — Red octagon. Come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection.
• Yield sign — Red and white inverted triangle. Slow down and give right of way to traffic already in the intersection or on the through road.
• Speed limit signs — White rectangle with black numbers showing maximum speed.
• Do Not Enter — White rectangle with red circle. Marks the exit side of one-way roads.
• No Passing — White and black sign indicating a no-passing zone. Also indicated by a solid yellow line on your side of the road.

Warning Signs (Yellow Diamond)

These signs alert you to hazards ahead:

• Curve and turn signs — Arrows showing the direction and sharpness of upcoming curves.
• Railway crossing — Yellow X-shaped advance warning. The white X-shaped crossbuck sign marks the actual crossing.
• School zone and playground — Yellow pentagon shape with figures of children.
• Construction zones — Orange diamond signs with reduced speed limits and fines doubled for speeding.
• Deer crossing and other animal warnings — Yellow diamond with animal silhouette.

Informational and Guide Signs (Green, Blue, Brown)

• Green signs — Highway route markers, distance and destination information.
• Blue signs — Services like gas, food, hospitals, and rest areas.
• Brown signs — Recreational and tourist attractions.

Pavement Markings

G1 test questions also cover pavement markings: solid yellow centre lines (no passing), broken yellow lines (passing permitted when safe), white lane lines, and painted crosswalks. Know the difference between a solid white line (lane change discouraged) and a broken white line (lane change permitted).