The Best Resources to Help You Prepare for the G1 Test

If you’re looking to start driving in Ontario, chances are you’re getting ready to take your G1 knowledge test. The G1 test is the first step in obtaining your driver’s license, and it can be a bit daunting. But don’t worry – with a little preparation, you can ace the test on your first try.

G1 test structure:

The G1 test is composed of two parts: Rules of the Road and Traffic Signs. The test contains 40 multiple choice questions, and you need to answer 32 of them correctly to pass. With that being said, you need to pass each section independently – it’s not sufficient to get 32 overall, rather, you’ll need to score 16 or higher (80%+) in each section.

A few other things to note about the test:

• There’s no time limit
• It’s typically administered on a computer at the DriveTest location, however, you could choose alternate means if needed (e.g., vocally, on paper)
• It’s available in over 24 languages including English and French
• It’ll be graded immediately and you’ll be notified whether you’ve passed or failed shortly after submitting it
• If you fail, you can retake the test right away (after waiting in the queue again) and as many times as needed
• until you pass; however, there will be a $16 fee for each additional attempt

How to prepare:

To prepare for the G1 test, you can either use free resources or paid ones. Free resources include online practice tests and the digital version of the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook. Paid resources include G1 prep courses offered by online testing websites or driving schools (like us!)

The downside of free resources is that they’re typically not very good, and you’ll likely have to piece together information from multiple sources. Paid resources, on the other hand, are typically more comprehensive and provide a structured approach to learning the material. However, they can be expensive.

Whichever route you choose, make sure you understand the material inside and out. The questions on the G1 test can be tricky, and it’s important to approach each one carefully. Read each question at least twice and review all the options before selecting an answer. If you’re not sure about an answer, take your best guess – there is no penalty for guessing and getting it right!

How much preparation do I need? 

As for how much preparation you need, it depends on your level of comfort with the material. If you’re comfortable with the basic concepts, a couple of hours of study should suffice. However, if you’re struggling with the material, you may need to dedicate several hours or even days to studying.

Don’t despair if you fail the G1 test on your first try. Many people don’t pass on their first attempt. The important thing is to identify which areas you need to work on and then focus your studying on those areas. There are plenty of resources available to help you prepare for a second attempt, so you should be able to pass with flying colours if you put in the effort.

What resources can I use to prepare?

• The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook (Digital): This is a great resource because it covers all of the topics that will be on the G1 test. It’s also written in simple, easy-to-understand language with illustrations to help you visualize the content. If you study this handbook inside out, you’ll be perfectly prepared to handle any G1 test questions that come your way! Note that you could purchase a physical copy of the handbook as well from their website, a DriveTest location, or some retail stores (e.g., Shoppers Drug Mart).
• Free Online Practice Tests: These are available from a number of different websites, and they’re a great way to get some extra practice before your G1 test. Just Google “free G1 practice test” and you’ll find plenty of options. Be warned, though, that not all of these tests are created equal. Some of them may not be entirely accurate, so it’s important to choose a reputable source.
• Driver’s Ed Videos on YouTube: Another great way to prepare for your G1 test is to watch curated videos on YouTube. You can find a ton of different channels that offer helpful, informative videos on everything from the rules of the road to defensive driving tips. And the best part is, they’re all free! Here’s one of our favourite videos: Ontario G1 Knowledge Test. However, keep in mind that this alone will not be enough; you’ll need to combine this with other resources to get adequately prepared.