Getting your G1 license is the first real step toward driving on your own in Ontario. For most new drivers, it’s also the point where the most questions come up.
This guide walks you through everything — what a G1 actually is, what you need to get one, and what happens after you pass.
Whether you’re just starting to research or you already have a test date booked, consider this your starting point for the whole journey.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect — from your first DriveTest appointment to the day you finally trade in your G1 for a G2.
What Is a G1 License in Ontario?
A G1 license is the first stage of Ontario’s graduated licensing system. It’s not a full license yet — it’s supervised practice with real restrictions.
At the G1 stage, you must always have a fully licensed driver in the passenger seat. That driver needs a valid G license and at least 4 years of driving experience.
Your blood alcohol level must be zero while driving, no exceptions. There are also restrictions on driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
Think of the G1 as training wheels with real consequences. It’s designed to build your skills gradually, before you’re ever on the road alone.
G1 License Requirements in Ontario
To apply for a G1, you need to be at least 16 years old. There’s no upper age limit — plenty of adult learners go through this exact process too.
You’ll need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at a DriveTest Centre. The knowledge test covers two areas: road signs and rules of the road, 20 questions each.
Studying the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook before test day makes a real difference. Most students who fail their first attempt simply didn’t prepare enough.
Your vision test happens the same day as your knowledge test, so bring glasses or contacts if you normally wear them while driving.
Documents You Need for Your G1 Test
You’ll need original, government-issued identification showing your legal name, date of birth, and signature. Photocopies and expired IDs won’t be accepted.
Acceptable options include a passport, an Ontario Photo Card, a Canadian Citizenship Card with photo, or a Permanent Resident card. Bring more than one if you’re unsure which will be accepted.
The G1 knowledge test costs $159.75. That fee also covers your future G2 road test booking, so it’s one payment toward two milestones.
How Many Questions Are on the G1 Test?
The written knowledge test isn’t as long as most people expect, but knowing the exact format ahead of time takes a lot of the anxiety out of test day.
We’ve broken down the precise number of questions, how they’re split between signs and rules, and where to find free practice questions in our full guide: How Many Questions Are on the G1 Test?
How Many Mistakes Are Allowed on the G1 Test?
This is probably the single most common question we hear from students preparing for test day. The honest answer depends on which section you’re being tested on.
We cover the exact pass marks for both the signs and rules sections in our detailed breakdown here: How Many Mistakes Are Allowed in the G1 Test?
Knowing your margin for error before you walk in helps you study smarter, not just harder.
Tips to Pass Your G1 Knowledge Test on the First Try
Read the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook at least twice before your test date. It’s free, and nearly every question comes straight from its pages.
Practice with real sample questions instead of just reading passively. Actually answering questions under pressure builds the kind of recall you’ll need on test day.
Pay close attention to road signs, not just traffic rules. Many students focus heavily on the rules and get caught off guard by sign-based questions.
Get a good night’s sleep before your test. Test-day nerves are normal, but exhaustion makes careless mistakes far more likely.
Arrive early with all your documents ready. Rushing in at the last minute adds stress you simply don’t need.
Minimum Driving Age in Ontario
Ontario’s graduated licensing system is built around both age and experience, not just one or the other. Sixteen is the starting point, but the system moves in stages from there.
We’ve put together a complete breakdown of the age and timing requirements at every stage, from G1 all the way through to your full G license: Minimum Driving Age in Ontario
Where to Book Your G1 Test in Barrie & Simcoe County
Once you’re ready, you’ll book your knowledge test at a DriveTest Centre. Barrie has its own full-service location, making it the natural choice for students across the region.
Students from Innisfil, Angus, Orillia, Alliston, Bradford, and Collingwood typically travel into Barrie for their G1 test, since it’s the closest complete DriveTest location.
Booking ahead is a smart move. DriveTest Centres get busy, especially in early fall when new drivers rush to get licensed before winter weather sets in.
On test day, you’ll complete the vision screening first, then the written test. Pass both, and you’ll walk out with your temporary G1 the same day.
From G1 to G2: What Happens Next?
Passing your G1 test feels like a finish line, but it’s really the starting line. What comes next is months of real driving experience, building toward your G2 road test.
Normally, you’ll wait 12 months on your G1 before you’re eligible for the G2 road test. Complete an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education course, and that wait drops to just 8 months.
That four-month head start is one of the biggest reasons students choose a certified course instead of going it alone with a family member.
Once you have your G2, most restrictions lift. You can drive independently, at any hour, without a fully licensed supervisor sitting beside you.
How Road Safety Canada Helps You Get There Faster
Our MTO-approved online driving classes are built around this exact journey — from your G1 knowledge all the way to a confident G2 road test.
You’ll study the theory portion online, at your own pace, while working with a certified instructor for in-car lessons that build real, practical driving skills.
Completing our course doesn’t just prepare you for test day. It also qualifies you for that 4-month time reduction, plus an insurance discount most new drivers never hear about.
We proudly serve students across Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, Orillia, Alliston, Bradford, and Collingwood.
Ready to Start Your G1 Journey?
Getting your G1 is the first step. Having the right support behind you is what makes the rest of the journey feel a lot less overwhelming.
Road Safety Canada offers MTO-approved online classes and in-car lessons designed to take you from G1 all the way to G2, with confidence.
Register today and start your driving journey with a certified, local team that knows exactly what Barrie and Simcoe County drivers need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for my G1 test?
Yes. DriveTest Centres in Ontario require booked appointments for the knowledge test. Walk-ins aren’t guaranteed a spot, especially during busy seasons.
Can I start driving lessons before I have my G1?
No. You need a valid G1 license in hand before you can begin in-car lessons or an online Beginner Driver Education course.
How long is a G1 license valid?
Five years from the date it’s issued. If you haven’t completed your G2 and full G tests within that window, you’ll need to restart the process.
Does a driving course really reduce my wait time to G2?
Yes. Completing an MTO-approved BDE course, like ours, cuts your G1-to-G2 wait from 12 months down to 8 months.
Can I take the G1 test in French?
Yes. Ontario offers the written knowledge test in both English and French at DriveTest Centres, with no advance request usually needed.
What happens if I fail my G1 knowledge test?
You can retest, though most DriveTest Centres require a short waiting period and an additional fee. Most students who fail simply need more time with the handbook before trying again.
