To get your G1 licence, visit a DriveTest centre with valid ID and proof of Ontario residency, pay the combined licence and test fee, pass a vision test, and pass a 40-question written knowledge test. You need at least 80% on each of two sections: road rules and road signs.
Key Facts
- One piece of primary ID (passport, birth certificate, Canadian citizenship card)
- One piece of secondary ID with your name
- Proof of Ontario address (utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement)
- Payment for the combined licence and knowledge test fee
- Corrective lenses if your vision requires them
In this article
What Is the G1 Licence?
Under Ontario's graduated licensing system, the G1 is the first stage. It is a learner's licence that allows you to practice driving under the supervision of a fully licensed driver. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, you must hold a G1 for a minimum of 8 months (with BDE) or 12 months (without BDE) before you can take the G2 road test.
What Should You Bring to the DriveTest Centre?
Before you can write the G1 test, you need to verify your identity and Ontario residency at the DriveTest centre.
- One piece of primary ID (passport, birth certificate, Canadian citizenship card)
- One piece of secondary ID with your name
- Proof of Ontario address (utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement)
- Payment for the combined licence and knowledge test fee
- Corrective lenses if your vision requires them
What Is on the Written Knowledge Test?
According to the Ontario Driver's Handbook, the G1 test has two sections: road rules (20 questions) and road signs (20 questions). You must score at least 16 out of 20 (80%) on each section to pass. The sections are scored independently, so you must pass both. Most questions come directly from the Official MTO Driver's Handbook, available free online and at DriveTest centres.
What Is the Vision Test?
Before the written test, a DriveTest staff member will do a brief vision check using a vision machine. It checks your visual acuity and peripheral vision. If you normally wear glasses or contacts to drive, wear them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot write the knowledge test until your vision is corrected.
What Happens After You Get Your G1?
Once you pass, your G1 licence is issued on the spot. You can start practicing immediately with a fully licensed supervising driver. Enroll in a BDE program to reduce your waiting period to 8 months and qualify for insurance discounts. Your G1 is valid for 5 years, giving you time to prepare for the G2 road test.
Related Questions
How Long Is Your G1 Licence Valid in Ontario?
A G1 licence is valid for 5 years from the date it is issued. You must pass the G2 road test before your G1 expires. If it expires, you must restart the entire process, including retaking the written knowledge test.
Read answerDoes Your BDE Certificate Expire in Ontario?
No, a BDE (Beginner Driver Education) certificate does not expire in Ontario. Once you complete an MTO-approved BDE course, the certification is permanent. However, you must use it before your G1 licence expires to get the insurance discount and reduced wait time.
Read answerHow Many Driving Lessons Do You Need to Pass?
Most students need 10 to 20 hours of professional driving lessons to pass the G2 road test, depending on their starting experience. Students in a BDE program get 10 in-car hours as part of the course. Additional individual lessons help build confidence for the test.
Read answerWhat Happens When Your G2 Expires in Ontario?
Your G2 licence in Ontario expires when your G1 originally issued five-year clock runs out. If you do not pass your G road test before your G2 expires, your licence becomes invalid and you cannot legally drive. You would need to restart the licensing process from the G1 knowledge test.
Read answerHow to Book Your G1 Test in Ontario
You can book your G1 knowledge test online through the DriveTest website, by phone, or in person at any DriveTest centre in Ontario. The fee is approximately $159.75, which covers both the G1 licence and your first road test booking. Bring valid identification on test day.
Read answerFrom Our Blog
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Read articleBDE Program vs Individual Driving Lessons: The Full Cost and Value Breakdown
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