How the G1 knowledge test works

To apply for a driver's licence in Ontario you must be at least 16 years old and a resident of Ontario, not a visitor. You pass a vision test and a knowledge test on the rules of the road and traffic signs, and then you get a G1 licence.

You can take the knowledge test at any DriveTest Centre without an appointment. DriveTest recommends arriving at least one hour before the centre closes. The ServiceOntario location at Bay and College in downtown Toronto also gives the test, but only by appointment.

If you need a verbal test or want to bring an interpreter (spoken language or sign language), make an appointment at a DriveTest Centre first.

The test is written by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and is multiple choice. Paper tests are offered at every DriveTest Centre; computer tests only at some. Every computer test station has an audio option. The test is marked on the spot and you get your result right away.

The test is split into sections, for example one on signs and one on the rules of the road. If you fail, you pay the fee and try again. Results stay valid for one year; within that year you only retake the sections you did not pass.

Anyone caught cheating or disturbing other test takers is asked to leave, gets a fail, loses the test fee and cannot try again until the next day.

The questions are based on the Official MTO Driver's Handbook. Only part of the handbook is online, so DriveTest recommends buying or borrowing a printed copy. Printed copies are sold at DriveTest Centres and by authorized retailers.

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