Getting your G1 is the first step to driving in Ontario, and it’s more straightforward than most people expect. There’s no road test and no appointment required. But there’s one thing that trips people up at the counter: showing up without the right identification.
If your documents aren’t in order, DriveTest won’t let you write the test, and you’ll have to come back another day. So it’s worth knowing exactly what to bring before you go.
Here’s what you need to get your G1, what documents count, and what happens once you pass.
What do you need to get your G1 in Ontario?
To get your G1, you need to meet four basic requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Show acceptable identification
- Pass a vision test
- Pass a written knowledge test on road signs and rules of the road
You complete all of this at a DriveTest centre. Once you pass the vision and knowledge tests, you’re issued a G1 licence the same day.
What ID do you need to bring?
You need original documents that prove your legal name, date of birth, and signature. Photocopies, digital versions, and expired documents aren’t accepted, and your ID has to be in English or French.
You can meet the requirement with one document or a combination. A passport is the strongest single piece because it covers your name and date of birth in one place. If your main document doesn’t include a signature, such as a birth certificate, bring a second piece that does, like a signed credit card or bank card.
A quick way to check before you leave home: between everything in your wallet, can you prove your full legal name, your complete date of birth, and your signature? If yes, you’re set.
What if you’re a newcomer or international student?
You can still get your G1. Newcomers and international students use a foreign passport along with a valid immigration document, such as a study permit, work permit, or Permanent Resident card.
International students are eligible for a G1, so if you’re studying in Ontario, bring your passport and your current study permit. As long as your documents are valid and original, you’re good to apply.
What does the G1 knowledge/Theory test cover?
The knowledge test checks what you know about Ontario road signs and the rules of the road. Every question comes from the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook, so that handbook is your study guide.
The test takes about 30 minutes. If you don’t pass on your first try, you can take it again. Studying the handbook and running through a few practice tests beforehand is the simplest way to pass the first time (you can use Drivisa’s FREE G1 Practice tool to practice as many times as you want).
You can also write the test in French at any DriveTest centre. Taking it again costs less than $20, we advise you to try it instead of re-paying over $156.
How much does it cost to get your G1?
The G1 knowledge test fee is $156. That fee is a package: it covers your knowledge test and your first G2 road test booking down the road, so you’re paying once for two steps.
Bring a payment method the centre accepts, such as debit or credit. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them too, since you’ll need to pass the vision test before you write the knowledge test.
Do you need an appointment for the G1 test?
No. You can walk into any DriveTest centre during business hours to write your G1 knowledge test. No booking required.
Because it’s first-come, first-served, arrive early and give yourself time in case there’s a line. Some locations are open Saturdays, and a few offer a computer-based version of the test alongside the paper one.
What happens after you pass?
You get your G1 right away. You’re issued a temporary paper licence that’s valid for about 90 days, and your permanent photo card arrives by mail before that runs out.
From here, the clock starts on your path to a G2. This is the moment to think about how fast you want to get there.
How does your G1 connect to getting your G2 faster?
Once you have your G1, you normally wait 12 months before you can take your G2 road test. Completing an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course cuts that wait to 8 months. That’s four months back.
You don’t even have to wait for your G1 to get going. You can start the BDE theory course before you have your G1, then add in-car lessons once your G1 is in hand. That means you can begin learning the rules the same week you decide to start.
Drivisa is Canada’s driving education platform. The MTO-approved BDE course is $494, and you can get started for $49. When you’re ready for in-car practice, you choose your instructor by reviews, availability, and language preference, with lessons starting at $52 per hour.
What can you do once you have your G1?
Your G1 lets you practice driving with conditions. You have to drive with a fully licensed G driver who has at least four years of experience in the passenger seat, your blood alcohol level must be zero, and there are limits on highways and late-night driving.
These rules exist so you build experience safely. The more supervised practice you get during your G1, the more prepared you’ll be when your G2 road test comes around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Qus. How old do you have to be to get a G1 in Ontario?
Ans. At least 16. There’s no upper age limit, and there’s no maximum age to start driving.
Qus. Can I get my G1 without a passport?
Ans. Yes. A passport is the easiest option, but you can use a combination of other documents as long as together they prove your legal name, date of birth, and signature.
Qus. Do I need to book an appointment?
Ans. No. The G1 knowledge test is walk-in at any DriveTest centre. Arrive early to avoid waiting.
Qus. What if I fail the knowledge test?
Ans. You can retake it. There’s a fee to rewrite, so it’s worth studying thoroughly and practicing enough on Drivisa’s Free practice (G1 tool) before your first attempt.
Qus. Are there new 2026 rules for getting a license?
Ans. Yes. As of May 11, 2026, Class G and Class M applicants have to declare that Ontario is their primary residence and that they’re legally allowed to remain in Canada. Check Ontario.ca for the current details before you go.
Qus. Can I start a BDE course before I get my G1?
Ans. Yes. You can begin the BDE theory portion before your G1. You just need a valid G1 to start the in-car lessons.
Ready to start your licensing journey? You can begin Drivisa’s MTO-approved BDE course before your road test ever comes up. Enroll at drivisa.com and get started for $49.
