Getting your G1 licence is the first major milestone on the road to becoming a fully licensed driver in Ontario. It's a learner's permit — not a full licence — but it's the essential first step in Ontario's Graduated Licensing System (GLS).
This guide covers everything you need to know: who is eligible, what to bring to the DriveTest centre, what's on the knowledge test, what the G1 restrictions are, and how to prepare so you pass on your very first attempt.
The G1/G2/G graduated licensing system described in this guide is specific to Ontario. Other provinces (BC, Alberta, Quebec, etc.) have different systems. Always check with your provincial authority for accurate local information.
What Is the G1 Licence?
The G1 is a learner's permit — the first stage of Ontario's three-stage Graduated Licensing System. With a G1, you are legally allowed to drive on Ontario roads, but only under specific conditions (covered in the restrictions section below).
The G1 is not a permanent licence. You must hold it for a minimum period before you can take your G2 road test. Think of it as your supervised practice stage — the time when you build real driving experience under the guidance of a fully licensed driver.
Who Is Eligible for a G1?
- You must be at least 16 years old
- You must pass a vision test at the DriveTest centre
- You must pass a written knowledge test (covered below)
- You must pay the required fee
- You do not need prior driving experience
There is no citizenship requirement — new residents, international students, and permanent residents can all apply for a G1 in Ontario.
What to Bring to the DriveTest Centre
When you visit a DriveTest centre to get your G1, bring the following:
- Valid identity documents (see the Ministry of Transportation Ontario website for the full approved list — you'll need documents that prove identity, date of birth, and Ontario residency)
- Payment for the licence fee (credit card, debit, or cash depending on location)
- Your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them (you'll take a vision test)
- If you currently hold a licence from another country or province, bring that too — it may affect your process
You do not need to book an appointment to take the G1 knowledge test at most DriveTest centres — you can walk in. However, some locations may be busy, so checking ahead is worthwhile.
The G1 Knowledge Test
The G1 knowledge test is a written multiple-choice test taken at the DriveTest centre. Here's what to know:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Format | Multiple choice |
| Total questions | 40 |
| Part 1 — Rules of the road | 20 questions |
| Part 2 — Road signs | 20 questions |
| Passing score | 80% (at least 16/20 on each part) |
| Language options | Available in multiple languages |
| Retake policy | You can retake if you fail (additional fee applies) |
You must pass both sections independently with at least 80%. Doing well on road signs won't save you if you miss too many rules-of-the-road questions. Study both equally.
What's on the Test?
Part 1 – Rules of the Road covers topics such as:
- Right-of-way rules at intersections
- Speed limits in different zones (school zones, community safety zones)
- Following distance and safe driving distances
- Lane changing, merging, and passing rules
- Alcohol and drug impairment laws
- Seat belt laws
- Rules for highway driving and expressways
- What to do in an emergency or after an accident
Part 2 – Road Signs covers:
- Regulatory signs (what you must do — stop, yield, speed limits)
- Warning signs (what to watch out for — curves, pedestrians, school zones)
- Information signs (directions, services)
- Pavement markings and their meanings
How to Study for the G1 Test
The official study material is the Ontario Driver's Handbook, published by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO). It is available for free on the MTO website and covers everything that appears on the test.
- Download or pick up the Ontario Driver's Handbook from the MTO website or any DriveTest centre
- Read it fully — don't skip the road signs section even if you think you know them
- Use free online G1 practice tests (many are available at no cost) to test yourself
- Pay special attention to right-of-way rules and alcohol/drug impairment sections — these are commonly tested
- Review road signs until you can identify every one without hesitation
G1 Licence Fees (Ontario)
Ontario charges a combined fee when you first apply for a driver's licence. As of 2024, the typical fee covers the knowledge test, your G1 licence, and your first G2 road test. The exact amounts can change — always check the current fee schedule on the ServiceOntario or MTO website before you go.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| First-time driver's licence package | Includes G1 test + G1 licence + one G2 road test. Check MTO for current amount. |
| Knowledge test retake | Additional fee if you fail and need to retake |
| Licence renewal/replacement | Separate fees apply |
Fees are set by the provincial government and change periodically. Check the ServiceOntario website or call your local DriveTest centre for the current amounts before your visit.
G1 Driving Restrictions
A G1 licence comes with important restrictions. Driving with a G1 without following these rules is illegal and can result in fines, demerit points, and delays to your licence progression.
You Must Be Accompanied
When driving with a G1, you must have a fully licensed driver (holding a Class G licence with at least 4 years of driving experience) sitting in the front passenger seat at all times. This person is legally your supervising driver.
Zero Blood Alcohol & Drug Tolerance
G1 drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of exactly 0%. There is no "under the legal limit" allowance — any alcohol in your system while driving with a G1 is illegal. The same applies to cannabis and other impairing drugs. The accompanying driver must also have a BAC of 0%.
No 400-Series Highways or Expressways
G1 drivers are generally not permitted to drive on 400-series highways (Highway 400, 401, 403, 404, QEW, etc.) or major expressways (such as the Gardiner Expressway or Don Valley Parkway). Exception: You may drive on these roads if accompanied by a licensed driving instructor.
No Driving Between Midnight and 5 a.m.
G1 drivers cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
All Occupants Must Wear Seat Belts
Every person in the vehicle must be wearing a seat belt — you cannot carry more passengers than available seat belts.
Summary Table
| Restriction | Rule |
|---|---|
| Accompanying driver | Required — must hold G licence, 4+ years experience, sit in front passenger seat |
| Blood alcohol | 0% (zero tolerance) — for both G1 driver and accompanying driver |
| Cannabis / drugs | Zero tolerance |
| 400-series highways | Not permitted (except with licensed driving instructor) |
| Night driving | Not permitted midnight – 5 a.m. |
| Seat belts | Mandatory for all occupants |
How Long Must You Hold a G1?
You must hold your G1 for a minimum of 12 months before you are eligible to take the G2 road test.
This waiting period can be reduced to 8 months if you successfully complete an approved driver education course (a Ministry-approved driving school program). This is often worth it — the course also gives you valuable driving hours with a professional instructor.
What Happens if Your G1 Expires?
Your G1 licence is valid for 5 years. If you do not pass your G2 road test within that time, your G1 will expire and you will need to start the process over — including retaking the knowledge test and paying the applicable fees. Don't let it lapse!
Tips for G1 Drivers to Build Skills
- Practice in different conditions: Rain, night (before midnight), parking lots, quiet residential streets, and eventually busier roads
- Log your hours: Keep informal track of your practice sessions — variety matters more than raw hours
- Consider a driving school: Even a few lessons with a professional instructor builds habits that are hard to learn on your own (and may shorten your wait time to G2)
- Learn to parallel park: It will likely appear on your G2 road test
- Study the road: Actively notice signs, markings, and other drivers' behaviour every time you drive
Next Step: The G2 Licence
Once you've held your G1 for the required period and feel ready, your next step is the G2 road test. The G2 gives you much more freedom — you can drive without an accompanying driver, on highways, and without the night-driving restriction.