May 28, 2021
Things To Know To Pass The G1 Test
Are you ready to get your G1? Do you have a child that is about to turn 16 and get their Ontario driver's licence? The first step is preparing for and passing the written knowledge test.
This blog will outline everything you need to know about writing and preparing for the G1 licence test in Ontario. You’ll learn about the knowledge assessment, requirements, costs and get answers to commonly asked questions.
What Is The G1 Test?
To get your G1 licence, you will have to pass the G1 test. The G1 exam in Ontario is a written knowledge-based exam about the traffic signs and rules of the road in the province. It is the first of three tests you’ll need to pass to complete the graduated licencing system. It is the only written assessment you will need to pass. The remaining two assessments are in-vehicle road exams.
G1 Test Rules And Requirements
Did you know there are three G1 requirements you must meet to get your G1 driver’s licence? This includes :
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Pass an eye exam.
- Pass a written test about the Ontario rules of the road and traffic signs.
Once you meet these G1 requirements, you will receive your G1 licence. You are a beginner driver and are subject to several driving restrictions.
How Many Questions Are On The G1 Test?
The G1 test comprises of 40 multiple choice questions and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. It has two sections you will need to finish. These include :
- Rules of the road (20 questions)
- Road signs (20 questions)
You must correctly answer at least 16 questions in each section to pass the written knowledge assessment. You must earn a total score of at least 80%.
The questions and answers are from the Ontario Driver’s Handbook. All the information you need to pass is found in this book.
More About The G1 Written Test
- Ministry of Transportation (MTO) writes the test.
- There is no time limit.
- You can take it on paper or computer (at some locations).
- It's available in English, French, and 24 other languages.
- It will be graded immediately.
- It is available at all DriveTest locations.
G1 Practice Tests And How To Prepare
All questions on the G1 test are from the information in the official driver’s handbook. Familiarize yourself with the information in the handbook. Read it thoroughly until you are confident you have a strong grasp of the concepts, rules, and signs.
G1 practice tests are an effective way to assess your knowledge before taking the test. You can take free Ontario G1 practice tests online from various websites.
How To Book G1 Test
You do not need to book an appointment for your G1 test in advance. But, you should arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to write the exam. Depending on how busy it is, you may need to wait in line to take it. You will also need to complete an eye exam, show proof of identification, and pay the associated fees.
Where To Take G1 Licence Test
The G1 test centre to visit depends on where you live. You can take your written G1 test at your local DriveTest Centre. You do not need an appointment to write your test. But, you should arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to write the exam.
What Do I Need To Bring To Do The G1 Test?
Before you head out to write your exam, make sure you have valid identification. To write the G1 assessment, you will need to bring :
- Proof of identification : Valid birth certificate, passport, proof of citizenship, or permanent/temporary immigration document. All documents need to be originals, not copies and have your signature.
- Payment fee : You can pay by debit or credit card.
- Glasses or contacts : Since you will be taking an eye exam, bring your prescription glasses or contact lenses.
If the documents you present do not have all the required information, such as showing your maiden name, you may need other proof to prove your identity. Some solutions to this problem could be a marriage certificate or a health card to satisfy the signature requirement.
A G1 driver does not need their own car insurance in Ontario because you have a learners permit - you will not be driving on your own, you will always have an insured driver with you.
Where Can I Get The G1 Handbook?
To help ease stress and get you prepared for the exam, it is highly recommended to invest in the ministry approved G1 handbook. Many find the number of rules and signs intimidating. This period is more than just passing a test – it’s to help make you more confident reading signs and being with other drivers on the road.
You can get the G1 test book from a number of locations :
- DriveTest centre
- Service Ontario centre
- Local retail stores
- Drivers Handbook Online
The official handbook will cost $16.
How Much Is The G1 Test?
The G1 test costs $159.75. The price is built into the Class G1 licence package. The fee covers your written exam and in-car driving assessment to get your G2 licence.
What If I Fail My G1 Written Test?
It’s common for new drivers to fail their first attempt at the G1 written test. There is a failure range of 50-70% across Ontario. But, don’t worry. If you fail the G1 knowledge test, you can retake it. The retake G1 licence cost is $16.00.
Your results are valid for one year. It’s advantageous to retake the exam within this timeframe. You will only need to rewrite the sections you did not pass. If you wait more than one year, you will have to rewrite the entire test. A G1 licence is valid for one year.
7 Tips To Pass The G1 Knowledge Test
Use these tips to ensure you prepare effectively for your upcoming assessment :
- Study and study some more : Give yourself ample time to study and absorb the content in the handbook.
- Take practice tests : Practice makes perfect, right? Take a variety of practice tests to answer as many question types as possible.
- Make sure you are ready : Wait until you are confident and ready. There is no rush to take it.
- Rest up : Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before.
- Don’t rush : Give yourself enough time to complete the exam. It will take about 30 minutes per section to complete.
- Read the questions carefully : Read each question carefully. If you are not sure about an answer, move on to the next questions and come back. Check your answers before you turn it in to be graded.
- Remember – it’s not make or break : You can take it again. So, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
G1 Test FAQs
The G1 test can be hard or it can be easy. It depends how much time and effort you put into preparing. If you read through the MTO handbook and have a good understanding of the content, you’ll do well.
You can write your G1 knowledge exam at any DriveTest location in Ontario during normal business hours. Some locations are open on Saturday.
No. You do not need to pass a road test to get your G1 drivers licence.
You cannot renew a G1 licence. If it expires, you will need have to retake the vision and knowledge exam to get your G1 licence.
The best way to study for your G1 is to read the drivers handbook. Once you have a good grasp of the road rules and traffic signs. There are online practice tests to test your knowledge. Although they are not the exact same to the test you will be taking, they give you a good idea of what to expect.
This is not the G1 written test. This is the G2 road test you take to get your licence. You take this assessment once you’ve had your G1 for 1 year (8 months if you complete driver training).
No, at this time you need to go into a DriveTest locations to take your G1 Test. Online tests are not an option.
Visit the DriveTest website to find a location closest to you. You can also Google DriveTest to find the nearest office.