How to Take the G1 Knowledge Test at DriveTest

You do not need to book the G1 knowledge test at a DriveTest centre. This guide explains who can take it, what to bring, and what happens from the vision test to your new G1 licence.

Do you need to book the G1 test?

No. At a DriveTest centre, you do not need an appointment for the G1 knowledge test. You can walk in. DriveTest says to arrive at least one hour before the office closes. The test is not timed, but you must finish before the office closes.

There are two exceptions:

• The ServiceOntario location at Bay and College in downtown Toronto also does the G1 process, but by appointment only.
• A verbal knowledge test (read out loud by a DriveTest employee) is by appointment only.

Road tests are different. You book the G2 and G road tests later, online or by phone.

Who can take the G1 test

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must be a resident of Ontario, not a visitor.
• As of May 11, 2026, you must declare that Ontario is your primary place of residence and that your presence in Canada is legal.

What ID to bring

Bring original documents that show your legal name and full date of birth. Photocopies and expired documents are not accepted. The Official MTO Driver's Handbook checklist says to bring two pieces of identification. Examples of accepted documents:

Canadian citizens

• Passport (Canadian or foreign)
• Canadian Citizenship Card with photo
• Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card (issued on or after December 15, 2009)
• Ontario Photo Card

Permanent residents

• Permanent Resident (PR) Card
• Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292) with a valid passport from your country of origin
• Ontario Photo Card

Temporary residents

• Study Permit, Work Permit, Visitor Record or Temporary Resident Permit (IMM 1442)
• Refugee Status Claim (IMM 1434)
• Acknowledgement of Intent to Claim Refugee Status (IMM 7703) with photo
• Ontario Photo Card

If your documents show different names, bring proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate, a change-of-name certificate or a court order. A parent or guardian cannot identify you in place of documents. Check the full list on DriveTest before you go.

Fees and payment

You pay one fee when you apply. The handbook says this fee includes the knowledge test, your first road test and a five-year licensing fee. Fees are set by the Government of Ontario and can change, so check the current amount on the official DriveTest fees page. DriveTest accepts cash, debit, and VISA or MasterCard, among other methods. If you fail, you pay again to retake the test.

What happens on test day

1. Study first. The questions come from the Official MTO Driver's Handbook. Try our free G1 practice test to check what you know.
2. Go to a DriveTest centre. Arrive at least one hour before closing.
3. Show your ID and pay the fee. You also make the residency declaration.
4. Take the vision test. It takes a few minutes. You look into a machine, read letters or numbers that get smaller, and say which side a flashing light appears on. Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive.
5. Write the knowledge test. A staff member supervises the test. You may get a paper test or a computer test.
6. Get your result. The test is marked on the spot, so you know right away.

The vision test standard

For a G1 licence, your vision must not be poorer than 20/50 with both eyes open, with or without glasses or contacts. Your peripheral (side) vision must total 120 degrees. If you do not pass, DriveTest gives you a form to take to an eye specialist. You bring the completed form back to a DriveTest centre to continue.

If you need glasses or contacts to drive, your licence will show an X condition.

Test format and pass mark

• Multiple choice. The questions are based on the official handbook.
• Topics: rules of the road and traffic signs. The handbook says you may be asked about seatbelts, signs and traffic lights, speed limits and demerit points.
• Sections: two or three sections. Most people take 20 to 30 minutes.
• Not timed. You can take as long as you need until the office closes.
• Pass mark: a total score of at least 80%.
• Languages: English and French, plus many other languages at DriveTest centres. If you need an interpreter, they must meet DriveTest's qualification rules. There is no extra testing fee for a verbal test.
• Retakes: you can take the test as many times as you need. Anyone caught cheating fails, loses the fee and must wait until the next day.

What you get after passing

When you pass the vision and knowledge tests, you get a Class G1 licence and enter Level One of graduated licensing. Your knowledge test result is valid for one year.

With a G1, you must follow these rules:

• Your blood alcohol level must be zero.
• Drive only with a fully licensed driver who has at least four years of experience. They must be the only other person in the front seat.
• Do not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
• Do not drive on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways, unless with a certified driving instructor.
• Every passenger must wear a working seatbelt.

You can take your G2 road test after 12 months with a G1, or after 8 months if you finish a government-approved driver education course. You have up to five years to finish the whole graduated licensing process.

Other licences and tests

Planning to ride a motorcycle? Practise with our M1 motorcycle practice test. Working toward a commercial licence later? See the Class A (AZ), Class D (DZ) and air brake (Z) practice tests. Newcomers preparing for citizenship can also try our Canadian citizenship practice test.