Guides & Resources
The Ontario G1 Test: What to Expect
The G1 is a written knowledge test, not a driving test — here’s generally how it’s structured and what happens if you don’t pass on the first try.
Quick answer: The G1 test is a written, multiple-choice knowledge test covering rules of the road and road signs, generally split into two sections that each need a separate passing score. There's no driving involved. A fee generally applies to retake a failed section.
Key Takeaways
- A written knowledge test, generally covering rules of the road and road signs separately.
- Each section generally needs its own passing score -- passing one doesn't cover the other.
- The Official Driver's Handbook is the primary study source.
- A retake generally carries its own fee, separate from the original test fee.
What the test covers
The G1 test is a written, multiple-choice knowledge test taken at a DriveTest centre — it doesn’t involve any actual driving. It's generally structured as two sections, one on general rules of the road and one on road signs, with each section requiring its own passing score. Because both sections need to be passed, a strong result on one section generally doesn’t make up for a weak result on the other.
How to study
Ontario’s Official Driver’s Handbook is generally the primary source the test draws from, and it’s available online and in print. Many learners also use third-party practice tests to get familiar with the question format, though these aren’t official Ministry materials, so the handbook itself remains the more authoritative study source.
If you don't pass
Retaking a failed section generally involves an additional fee, separate from whatever you paid initially. Because exact current fees for the test package and any retake can change, confirming the current amount directly with DriveTest or ServiceOntario before you go is the reliable approach, rather than relying on a figure you’ve seen elsewhere.
After the G1: supervision rules
Once you hold a G1, you’re generally required to be accompanied by a fully licensed supervising driver meeting specific experience and sobriety requirements whenever you drive. See our getting a G1 licence guide and G1 driver information page for what those supervision requirements generally involve, and our G2 road test guide for the next stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any driving involved in the G1 test?
No. It's a written, multiple-choice knowledge test taken at a DriveTest centre.
If I pass the road signs section but fail rules of the road, do I pass overall?
Generally no. Each section needs its own passing score, so failing one section generally means retaking that section.
What should I study for the G1 test?
Ontario's Official Driver's Handbook is the primary study source, available online and in print.
Sources
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