The G1 Passing Score Explained (80%)

The number to remember for the Ontario G1 test is 80%. But there's an important detail in how that 80% is applied, and understanding it changes how you should study.

80%: on each section, not overall

The G1 knowledge test has two sections: road signs and rules of the road. To pass, you need to score at least 80% on each section separately.

This is the part that catches people out. It's not enough to have a good total. A great score on rules won't rescue a weak score on signs. Both sections have to clear the 80% bar on their own.

The numbers in plain terms

Each section has 20 questions, and 80% of 20 is 16. So, per section:

• 16 or more correct → you pass that section.
• Fewer than 16 correct → you'd need to retake it.

In other words, you can afford to miss up to 4 questions in each section. Across the whole test, that's 32 of 40 correct, but always think of it as 16 in signs and 16 in rules, because that's how it's actually judged.

Why this matters for your studying

Because the two sections are marked independently, the winning strategy is simple: be comfortably above 80% in both before you book. Chasing a high overall average while ignoring your weaker area is exactly how people fail a section they could have passed.

A good habit is to practise each area and confirm your scores are steady, not one lucky round, but a reliable average in the mid-80s or better. If one side is trailing, that's where your next practice session should go.

Check both sides at once

The easiest way to see whether you're over the line in both sections is to sit a practice test that mirrors the real one. Try a full practice test and you'll get a separate score for road signs and rules of the road, so you know precisely where you stand, and a plain-English explanation for every question you miss.

Want the wider picture first? See what's on the G1 test for the full format.