How to Get Your G1 Licence in Ontario

Ontario uses a Graduated Licensing System (GLS) that introduces new drivers to road conditions in stages. There are three levels: G1, G2, and full G licence. Each level comes with different privileges and restrictions.

The entire process from G1 to full G licence takes a minimum of 20 months (or 20 months with driver education). Most new drivers complete the process in 2–3 years.

To apply for a G1 licence in Ontario, you must:

• ·Be at least 16 years old
• ·Pass a vision test (minimum 20/50 in each eye with or without corrective lenses)
• ·Pass the written knowledge test (40 multiple-choice questions)
• ·Provide acceptable identification documents
• ·Pay the required fee

There is no residency requirement to take the G1 test, but you must be a resident of Ontario to hold an Ontario driver's licence.

You must bring two pieces of acceptable identification. At least one must be a primary document. Acceptable documents include:

You should also bring your payment (credit card, debit card, or cash). Bring your corrective lenses if you need them for the vision test.

The G1 knowledge test is a 40-question multiple-choice test administered on a computer at a DriveTest centre. It is divided into two sections:

You must pass both sections to receive your G1 licence. If you fail one section, you fail the entire test and must retake it (and pay the fee again). There is no time limit on the test.

The test is available in multiple languages including English, French, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Farsi, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, Ukrainian, and Urdu.

All test content is based on the Official MTO Driver's Handbook, available free online at ontario.ca. Study the handbook thoroughly — the test questions are drawn directly from it.

Fees are set by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and are subject to change. Verify current fees at ontario.ca.

A G1 licence comes with significant restrictions. Violating these restrictions can result in fines and may affect your insurance.

After holding your G1 for at least 12 months (or 8 months if you complete an approved driver education course), you can take the G2 road test.

The G2 road test is a practical driving test conducted by a DriveTest examiner. It tests basic driving skills including starting and stopping, turning, lane changes, and parking. The test takes approximately 20–30 minutes.

After holding your G2 for at least 12 months, you can take the full G road test. The G test includes highway driving and is more comprehensive than the G2 test.

Once you have your full G licence, you have no driving restrictions (other than the standard rules of the road). Your G licence must be renewed every 5 years.

• Read the Official MTO Driver's Handbook

  The entire test is based on this handbook. Read it cover to cover at least once. It is available free at ontario.ca.

• Take practice tests

  Multiple free practice tests are available online. Aim to consistently score 90%+ before booking your test.

• Focus on road signs

  Many test-takers find the road signs section harder than expected. Study all sign categories: regulatory, warning, and information signs.

• Learn right-of-way rules

  Right-of-way at intersections, roundabouts, and when merging is a common source of errors. Study these scenarios carefully.

• Book your test when ready

  There is no benefit to rushing. Take the test when you are consistently passing practice tests. Failing costs you the fee and time.