Ontario G1 Knowledge Test 2026: What's On It and How to Pass
The G1 knowledge test is the first step to an Ontario driver's licence. Here is what the test covers, how it is marked, what to bring, and how to study so you pass on your first try.
Who can take the G1 test
To get a G1 licence, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be a resident of Ontario (visitors cannot apply).
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass the knowledge test on the rules of the road and traffic signs.
Since May 11, 2026, you must also declare that Ontario is your primary residence and that you are legally present in Canada.
Where to take the test
You can take the knowledge test at any DriveTest Centre. You do not need an appointment. Arrive at least one hour before closing. You can also take it at the ServiceOntario location at Bay and College in downtown Toronto, but only by appointment. The test is not offered online.
What is on the test
All questions are multiple choice and come from the Official MTO Driver's Handbook. The test has two or three sections, for example:
- Road signs: what signs mean and what you must do.
- Rules of the road: safe driving, laws and penalties.
The handbook says questions may cover topics such as:
- Seatbelts
- Traffic signs and traffic lights
- Emergency vehicles
- Headlights
- Speed limits
- Entering and leaving a freeway
- Streetcars and school buses
- Licence suspensions and demerit points
- Passing other vehicles
- Reporting collisions
- Sharing the road
Road-sign categories to learn
The handbook groups signs by type. Shape and colour help you recognize a sign quickly:
- Regulatory signs: usually rectangular or square, with a white or black background. A green circle means you may or must do the action. A red circle with a line through it means the action is not allowed.
- Warning signs: usually diamond-shaped, yellow with black letters or symbols.
- Temporary condition signs: usually diamond-shaped, orange with black letters or symbols (for example, construction zones).
- Information and direction signs: usually rectangular, green with white letters.
- Other signs: for example, the slow-moving vehicle sign is an orange triangle with a red border.
Also know these four special shapes:
- Stop: eight sides, red with white letters.
- Yield: triangle, white with a red border.
- School zone: five sides, fluorescent yellow-green with black symbols.
- Railway crossing: X-shaped, white with a red outline.
How the test is scored
- You need a total score of at least 80% to pass.
- The test is not timed. Most people finish in about 20 to 30 minutes, but you can take until the office closes.
- Your test is marked right away, so you know your result the same day.
- If you fail, you pay the test fee again to retry. Your results are valid for one year, and during that year you only retake the sections you did not pass.
- Anyone caught cheating or disturbing others must leave, gets a failing mark, loses the test fee and must wait until the next day to try again.
Languages and accessibility
The G1 test is offered in 32 languages, including English, French, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Cantonese), Farsi, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tamil, Tigrinya, Ukrainian and Urdu. See the full list on the DriveTest knowledge test page. Ask staff whether your language is available on paper or on computer at your centre.
- Computer tests have an audio option that lets you repeat or skip questions. Tell the agent before you enter the test room. Headphones are provided, or bring wired ones with a 3.5 mm jack (no Bluetooth).
- A verbal test with an interpreter needs an appointment. There is no extra fee for the verbal test, but you pay the interpreter. The interpreter must show proof of qualifications.
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing applicants can use a sign-language interpreter. You arrange the interpreter, and DriveTest repays reasonable costs.
What to bring
- Original ID showing your legal name and full date of birth (day, month, year). Copies and expired documents are not accepted. A passport can cover both. Other options include a Permanent Resident Card, a Study or Work Permit, or an Ontario Photo Card. Check the full list on DriveTest before you go.
- Payment for the licence and test fees: cash, debit or credit card. See the DriveTest fees page for current amounts.
- Glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive. The vision test is done at the centre. For a Class G licence, your vision with both eyes must be no worse than 20/50, and your combined side vision must be 120 degrees.
Rules once you have your G1
The test often asks about G1 conditions, so learn them well:
- Your blood alcohol level must be zero.
- You cannot drive alone. The accompanying driver must hold a full Class G (or higher) licence, have at least four years of driving experience, and have a blood alcohol level under .05 (zero if they are 21 or under). They must be the only other person in the front seat.
- Every passenger must have a working seatbelt.
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
- No driving on 400-series highways with a speed limit over 80 km/h, or on the QEW, Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, E.C. Row Expressway or Conestoga Parkway, unless your accompanying driver is a licensed driving instructor.
You can take the G2 road test after 12 months with your G1, or after 8 months if you finish an approved driver education course. You have up to five years to complete the full process.
Tips to pass the first time
- Read the whole handbook. It is free online. Do not only memorize answers.
- Learn signs by shape and colour. This helps when you see a sign you do not remember.
- Memorize numbers. Pay attention to blood alcohol limits, demerit points, suspension rules and distances.
- Use practice tests. Try our free G1 practice test and the "Test yourself" questions in the handbook. Review every wrong answer in the handbook.
- Take your time. The test is not timed. Read each question and all answers before you choose.
- Pick your language. If English is not your first language, consider taking the test in your own language or using the audio option.
- Arrive early with your original ID, payment and glasses.
Planning to ride a motorcycle later? See our M1 practice test.