Prepare for Your G1 test with this Study Guide

What is the G1 test?

In Canada, you have to take different driving tests to get certain licences. One such would be the G1 driving test. It is a written exam that determines your knowledge and understanding of road rules and signs. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) created the exam to challenge an aspiring driver’s comprehension of road signs and other driving rules.

The Different Types of licences

There are 15 types of licences in Ontario, Canada. Each of the licences pertains to a specific type of vehicle which means that you can only drive some vehicles if you have the appropriate licence for it. The types are also divided into twelve classes. 

Classes Descriptions
Class A You are permitted to drive a tractor-trailer combination. You can also drive in Classes D and G.
Class B You are permitted to drive any school bus. You can also drive in Classes C to G.
Class C You are permitted to drive any regular bus. You can also drive in Classes D, F, and G.
Class D You are permitted to drive a vehicle that exceeds a gross weight or registered gross weight of 11,000 kg or any truck or combination. The towed vehicle must not also be over 4.600 kg. You can drive in Class G.
Class E You are permitted to drive any school bus that has a maximum capacity of 24 passengers. You can also drive in Classes F and G. 
Class F You are permitted to drive any regular bus with a maximum capacity of 24 passengers. You are also allowed to drive ambulances and in Class G. 
Class G You are permitted to drive any car, van or small truck, or a combination of vehicle and towed vehicle. It must be up to 11,000 kg, but the towed vehicle must not go over 4,600 kg. 

A pick-up truck with a house trailer exceeds 4,600 kg, but the total combined weight won’t exceed 11.000 kg. It is considered as a Class G.

Class G1 You may drive Class G vehicles, but you must have a fully licenced driver that has at least 4 years of driving experience to accompany you. It is subject to certain conditions, and it’s Level One of graduated licensing. 
Class G2 You may drive Class G vehicles without the company of a fully licenced driver, but it is subject to certain conditions. It is Level Two of graduated licensing. 
Class M You are permitted to drive any motorcycles which include motor tricycles, motor scooters, and mopeds. As a holder, you may also drive Class G vehicles under the requisites that apply to Class G1 licence holders.
Class M1 You are permitted to drive motorcycles which include motor scooters and mopeds. It is Level One of graduated licensing for motorcycles. It’s subject to certain conditions.
Class M2 You are permitted to drive motorcycles which include motor scooters and mopeds. But, you must have a zero blood alcohol level. It’s Level Two of graduated licensing for motorcycles. You may also drive Class G vehicles under the requisites that apply to Class G1 licence holders.
Class M with L condition You are only permitted to drive a moped or a limited-speed motorcycle.
Class M2 with L condition You are only permitted to drive a moped or a limited-speed motorcycle.
Class M with M condition You are only permitted to drive a motor tricycle only.
Class M2 with M condition You are only permitted to drive a motor tricycle only.

Take note: For you to be able to drive any type of vehicle, you must obtain a Class G licence. The exception is motorcycles since you can first get a Class M or a motorcycle licence.  

You are allowed to drive in Canada if you have these requirements: 

  • You must always bring a driver’s licence.
  • You must have insurance, licence plate, and a valid owner’s permit.
  • You must not disobey driving and traffic rules.

What are the requirements to get a driver’s licence in Canada?

  1. You have to be at least 16 years old.
  2. You must pass an eye test.
  3. You must pass a written test about road signs and driving rules.

How long do you have to wait to get your full licence?

Those who have applied for a driver’s license in Canada makes use of the graduated licensing program. Through the two-step licensing process, new drivers will get the opportunity to hone their driving skills gradually. It takes at least 20 months to finish. You have five years to get your full G license. Otherwise, you’ll have to start over.

How do you get your full G1 licence?

  1. You have to finish the two learning levels, which are the G1 and the G2 tests.
  2. You have to pass the two road tests.  

How to get a driver’s licence in Canada?

There are various steps to apply for a G1 licence test.

First. You must show proof of identification. It must depict your legal name, date of birth, and your signature. All of the documents you submit must be valid and original. Here are some documents you can bring:

  • Student Authorization
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Passport
  • Temporary Resident’s Permit
  • Permanent immigration documents

Second. You must bring all of your documents to a driving test centre or other testing locations. You should find a G1 test centre at your convenience. 

Third. You must pay for the appropriate fees when you apply. It includes cost for the G1 written test, G1 road test, and the 5-year licensing fee. You also have to pay additional charges for any retests and your second road test.   

Fourth.  You should book a  driving test and make an appointment.  

Content of the Written G1 Driving Test 

What is the test type for the G1 test questions

The G1 knowledge test is a multiple-choice type written-exam that determines whether a prospective driver has the necessary knowledge of the various traffic regulations, road signs, and driving rules. It is divided into two parts: Road Signs and Rules of the Road. 

It has a total of 40 questions, and both sections contain twenty each. It is not timed, and you are given two sheets of paper. The first would be for Road Signs, and next would be the Rules of the Road. 

What are the G1 test rules? 

A Class G1 license is Level One of the graduated licensing system. It lasts for at least 8 to 12 months. While you are still at Level One, you must follow the G1 rules

  • You must have a zero blood alcohol level.
  • You are prohibited from driving alone. You must be accompanied by a fully licenced driver who will sit in the front passenger seat. He/she must have at least four years of experience and a less than 0.5 blood alcohol level. 
  • Each person inside your vehicle must wear their seatbelts.
  • You cannot drive with a posted speed limit that’s over 80km/h on 400 series highways.
  • You are not allowed on high-speed roads such as the Queen Elizabeth Way, Don Valley Parkway, etc.  The exception is that if a driving instructor accompanies you.
  • You are not permitted to drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • You must pass your road test to get your Class G2 licence

How to pass the written driving test?

For you to get your Class G license, you must first pass the G1 test. The passing score for it would be to get 16 questions correct out of the 20 for each section. If you do fail, you can always retake it, but it will come with an additional charge.

Study Tips for Your G1 Driving Licence Test

What are good tips before I take my g1 test?

Firstly, you have to understand how the written driving test will be administered.

You should familiarize yourself with the testing system. It’s best to know what kind of test you are up against so as not to rush into it blindly. You will know what type of questions will be asked and what topics to focus on during the knowledge drive test.

Secondly, you should study The Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver’s Handbook. 

All of the questions for the knowledge test will come from that manual. You must study it rigorously and get the answers there. You just have to comprehend it and at the same time memorize it. You can even browse the internet and get your own Ontario driver’s handbook in pdf form at the MTO’s website.

Thirdly, you should take a G1 practice test.

You’ll hopefully pass the exam with the help of practice tests. It’s the preparation that will give you an advantage. You will get to simulate a situation that will make you feel like you are actually taking the exam. You’ll have the chance to know what to expect, and you’ll be able to ready yourself. 

Here are some practice questions from Budget Publishing Co.’s Driver’s Handbook Study Guide: Knowledge and Road Test  to help you know the topics you should focus on:

      1. In Ontario, there is a seatbelt law.

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Only when driving on an open highway
  4. Only when driving within a municipality

      2.If someone is tailgating you, what should you do?

  1. Move into another lane when it is safe to do so
  2. Slow down slightly to increase the space in front of your car
  3. Pull over to let the tailgater pass
  4. All of the above

      3. Failing to stop for a school bus that is unloading passengers will

  1. Result in a one year jail sentence
  2. Cost you a 6 demerit points and a fine of up to $1000
  3. Get you a warning and a fine of $100
  4. Result in retaking your road test

      4. When a car is stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street at a marked crosswalk,  you should

  1. Pass the stopped car on the left
  2. Sound horn for the driver of the stopped car to drive on
  3. Pass the stopped car to the right
  4. Not pass any car stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross

     5.  When driving in heavy fog, you should use

  1. Parking lights
  2. Low beam headlights
  3. Parking lights and high beam headlights
  4. High beam headlights

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the G1 test cost?

The cost for the driver’s license test Is a total of $158.25. An additional fee of $15.75 will be added if you want to retake the knowledge test. Other costs should you invest in them are $16 for the MTO Driver’s Handbook, and at least $200 to $800 for driver education programs. 

Where can you go to take your G license test?

The testing process is done in DriveTest Centres, or you can go to other testing locations near you. You can also make use of travel points that will offer you the written driving test. 

Can I get a title for a car if I don’t have a driver’s license?

Yes, you are not prohibited from owning a vehicle, but you must have a driver’s license to register and insure it. Not to mention the fact that you also cannot drive it unless you get your license.  

How to book a road test earlier in Ontario?

You need to make an appointment either online, by phone (647-776-0331 or 1-888-570-6110) or at a DriveTest Centre  and submit the following information:

  1. a valid Ontario driver’s license number
  2. for taking the test, a preferred location
  3. a 2nd and 3rd option for the location
  4. date and time 

What happens if you fail the vision test for the DMV?

It doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t drive anymore. You need to first go to an ophthalmologist to get an eye check-up. They will be the ones who can tell you what you need to do to drive safely. They can prescribe glasses for you or advise you to get a restricted license depending on your circumstances. 

 How to exchange a Canadian driver’s license to a U.S. license?

You should apply for a U.S. license and show proper documents. You’ll be able to get your driver’s license easily if you show your Canadian driver’s license. An important part of it is also having a visa that allows you to reside in the U.S. 

How many times are you allowed to take the driving test?  

There is no limit when it comes to taking driving tests. You just have to pay an additional fee every time you retake the exam. 

Is insurance required for the first time driving test?

It depends. Some states require that you must first have car insurance to take the road test. But, if you are a teenager, you can borrow from a friend his/her insured car.

Is it difficult to get a Canadian driver’s license?

It is not if you study for it. You must first pass the G1 test to move on to the road tests and, in turn, get your license. The journey doesn’t stop there. You need to be able to pass the G2 driving test too. You are given a lot of time to prepare for each test. That’s why, with the right preparation, you will pass. You can make use of G1 practice tests, or G1 test books, and you can even make use of online G1 tests. All of

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