When preparing to get your beginner driver's license in Ontario, budgeting for the process can be surprisingly confusing. Many official sources list the total cost of the full licensing journey rather than isolating what you actually pay on the day you sit down to take your written exam.

Here is a clear breakdown of the exact fees for the G1 test, additional retake costs, and optional prep expenses.

The Official MTO Fee: $159.75

When you walk into a DriveTest centre to take your G1 exam, you do not pay for just the written test itself. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) packages the initial licensing steps into a single upfront fee of $159.75.

This package covers three distinct components:

  1. The G1 Knowledge Test: Your written exam on road signs and rules of the road ($16 value) (this is why retaking the exam on the spot in case of first failure only costs $16).

  2. Your First G2 Road Test: The fee for the practical road test you will take at least 8 to 12 months later ($53.75 value).

  3. Five-Year Driver's License Fee: The administrative fee to keep your license active ($90 value).

Because your first G2 road test is pre-paid in this initial package, you won't need to pay again when booking your first road test.

What Happens If You Fail the G1 Written Test?

If you don't pass the written exam on your first attempt, you do not have to pay the full $159.75 again.

You can retake the knowledge test at a DriveTest centre for $16.00 per attempt. In most cases, if there is time remaining before the centre closes, you can pay the $16 fee and retake the test on the exact same day.

Additional & Optional Costs to Keep in Mind

While $159.75 is the only mandatory payment at the DriveTest counter, a few optional preparation expenses can help ensure you pass on your first try:

  • Official MTO Driver's Handbook ($14.95 + tax): The essential study guide covering Ontario traffic laws and signs.

  • G1 Practice Tests ($0): You can test your knowledge for free using Drivisa's G1 practice test simulator to gauge your readiness before paying the test fee.

  • Beginner Driver Education (BDE) Course: While taking a driving course is completely optional, enrolling in an MTO-approved BDE course allows you to take your G2 road test in 8 months instead of 12 and can lower your auto insurance rates. You can view course options and structured packages on our pricing page.

Summary of G1 Testing Costs

G1 Licence Package — $159.75 — Mandatory (at DriveTest)
G1 Retake Fee — $16.00 per attempt — Mandatory only if retaking
Official MTO Handbook — ~$14.95 — Optional (Recommended)
Practice Test Simulator — Free — Optional (Recommended)