What's on the G1 Test: Format, Sections & Pass Mark

If you know what the G1 test looks like before you walk in, most of the nerves disappear. Here's exactly what the Ontario G1 knowledge test covers and how it's marked.

Two sections: road signs and rules of the road

The G1 knowledge test is built from two areas, and you're tested on both:

• Road signs: recognising signs by their shape, colour, and symbol, and knowing what each one tells you to do.
• Rules of the road: the laws and safe-driving practices that keep traffic moving safely, from speed limits and right-of-way to rules made specifically for new drivers.

Both sections come straight from the Official MTO Driver's Handbook. Nothing on the test is designed to surprise you if you've studied it.

A simple multiple-choice format

Every question on the knowledge test is multiple choice. You'll see a question, sometimes with a picture of a road sign, and a short list of answer options. You choose the one that's correct. There's no essay, no oral exam, and no trick formats to learn.

Because the wording matters, it's worth practising with questions that mirror the real style. You can try a full practice test that's built the same way, so the format feels familiar before test day.

You must pass both sections

Here's the part people miss: a good overall score isn't enough on its own. You need to reach the pass mark on each section separately: being strong on rules won't rescue a weak signs score, and vice versa.

The pass mark is 80% (DriveTest's current standard). We break down exactly what that means, including how many questions you can get wrong, in the G1 passing score explained.

What this means for your studying

Because signs and rules are marked separately, the smart move is to make sure you're solid on both before you book. A quick way to check: practise each area and confirm your scores are comfortably above 80% in signs and in rules.

If one side is lagging, focus your practice there. Weak on signs? Drill road signs until you recognise them instantly. Shaky on rules? Spend your rounds there instead.

Ready to see where you stand?

The fastest way to find out if you're ready is to sit a practice test that mirrors the real format. Try a full practice test and you'll get a score for each area, plus a plain-English explanation for every answer.