About the G1 test
About the G1 test
Who can take the Ontario G1 knowledge test, where, what to bring, what it costs, and the rules that come with the licence — summarised from ontario.ca, with a link to every source.
This is a summary of official pages, not the official pages themselves. Rules and fees change — confirm on ontario.ca or with DriveTest before you go.
Who can apply for a G1
- You must be at least 16 years old and a resident of Ontario, not a visitor.
- You must pass a vision test and a knowledge test on traffic signs and the rules of the road. Pass both and you get a G1 licence.
- As of May 11, 2026, you must also declare that Ontario is your primary place of residence and that your presence in Canada is legal.
- A G1 is the first step of graduated licensing. You are considered a beginner driver and need to practise and gain experience over time.
Official source: Ontario.ca – Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers ↗
Where and how to take the knowledge test
- Take the knowledge test at any DriveTest centre. No appointment is required.
- In downtown Toronto you can also take it at the ServiceOntario Bay and College location, by appointment only.
- Take original identity documents with you that show your legal name and your date of birth.
- The official page calls it a knowledge test covering traffic signs and the rules of the road. It does not publish the number of questions or the pass mark.
Official source: Ontario.ca – Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers ↗
Accepted identification
- Canadian citizens: a passport (Canadian or foreign), a Canadian Citizenship Card with photo, or an Ontario Photo Card.
- Permanent residents: a Permanent Resident Card, a Record of Landing (IMM 1000), or a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292) with a valid passport from your country of origin.
- Temporary residents: a study permit, work permit, visitor record or temporary resident permit (IMM 1442), among other documents.
- Check the full list on ontario.ca before you go.
Official source: Ontario.ca – Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers ↗
What it costs
- Applying for a licence and taking the knowledge test costs a fee. The fee list shows an original driver’s licence (G1, G2, G) at $90.
- Replacing a lost licence costs $35.75.
- The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook is free to read online. A printed copy costs $14.95 plus taxes at a DriveTest centre (cash only) or from retail stores.
- Fees are subject to change; the current amounts are posted on ontario.ca.
Official source: Ontario.ca – Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers ↗ · Ontario.ca – Driver and vehicle fees ↗
Rules you must follow with a G1
- Keep a zero blood alcohol level: no alcohol at all.
- Every passenger must wear a properly working seatbelt.
- Do not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Do not drive on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways such as the 401, the QEW or the Gardiner Expressway, unless a driving instructor certified in Ontario is with you.
- Drive with a fully licensed driver who has at least 4 years of driving experience and a blood alcohol level under .05, or zero if they are 21 and under. That driver must be the only other person in the front seat.
- In most cases you practise with a G1 for 12 months before your first road test, or 8 months if you finish a government-approved driver education course.
Official source: Ontario.ca – Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers ↗
From G1 to a full G licence
- Graduated licensing has two learning levels, G1 and G2, and two road tests.
- After 12 months with a G1 (8 with driver education) you can take the G2 road test. It covers basic skills such as turning, stopping, parallel parking, lane changes and 3-point turns.
- With a G2 you may drive without a supervising driver, on all Ontario roads, at any time in most cases, but your blood alcohol level must still be zero. If you are 19 and under, passenger limits apply between midnight and 5 a.m.
- After 12 months with a G2 you can take the G road test for a full licence. You have up to 5 years to finish the whole process; after that you start over.
- If you fail a road test while your G1 is still valid, you can try again. If your G1 has expired, you start over and pay the test fees again.
Official source: Ontario.ca – Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers ↗
Booking a road test, later
- Road tests are booked; the knowledge test is not. You can book online, at any DriveTest centre, or by calling 647-776-0331 or 1-888-570-6110.
- You will need your Ontario driver’s licence number, a preferred location plus a second and third choice, and a preferred date and time.
- To avoid a cancellation fee, cancel no later than 48 hours before the appointment.
Official source: Ontario.ca – Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers ↗