What the G1 license is and who needs it

Ontario's G1 license is the first stage of the province's graduated licensing system for car drivers. It is a learner's permit that allows you to drive only under specific conditions: with a fully licensed driver (G, G2, or higher) sitting beside you in the front passenger seat, during daylight hours, and on roads where the speed limit does not exceed 80 km/h. You cannot drive on 400-series highways or the Gardiner Expressway.

You need a G1 if you have never held a full driver's license in Ontario or another province, or if your license has expired for more than three years. If you already hold a G2 or full G license, you do not need to go back to G1. The G1 is also the entry point if you are moving to Ontario from outside Canada and want to drive legally while you work toward a full license.

The G1 stage typically lasts a minimum of 12 months, though you can move to the G2 test as soon as you have held it for that period. Many people stay at G1 longer while they practice and save for the G2 road test fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A G1 license is a learner's permit that requires a fully licensed driver in the front passenger seat and restricts you to roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or less.
  • You must hold a G1 for at least 12 months before you can take the G2 road test, though you can take the G2 written test after eight months.
  • To get a G1, you must pass a written knowledge test at a ServiceOntario office and provide proof of identity, residency, and your Social Insurance Number.
  • The G1 written test covers Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you need 16 out of 20 correct answers to pass.
  • Once you pass the G1 test, your license is valid for five years, giving you time to practice and move through the remaining stages at your own pace.

How to get your G1 license

To get a G1, you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person. You cannot do this online or by mail. Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of Ontario residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last three months), and your Social Insurance Number. If you have a document from another province showing you held a license there, bring that too — it may affect your may be able to access or the stage you enter.

At the ServiceOntario office, you will pay a fee (currently $158.50 for a five-year license) and take the G1 written test on a computer. The test has 20 multiple-choice questions about Ontario traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 16 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day for an additional fee, or come back another day.

Once you pass, you receive your G1 license when ready. It is valid for five years from the date you pass the test. You do not need to take a road test to get the G1 — only the written test.

What you can and cannot do with a G1

With a G1, you can drive a standard passenger car, van, or small truck on Ontario roads, but only under strict conditions. A fully licensed driver aged 19 or older must sit in the front passenger seat beside you at all times. That driver must hold a valid G, G2, or higher license — they cannot be a G1 holder themselves. You cannot drive alone, even for a short distance.

You can only drive on roads where the speed limit is 80 km/h or less. This means you cannot use 400-series highways, the Gardiner Expressway, the Queen Elizabeth Way, or similar controlled-access roads. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a hand-held cell phone or other electronic device while driving (this rule applies to all Ontario drivers, not just G1 holders).

You can drive to work, school, medical appointments, or anywhere else, as long as you follow these rules. There is no restriction on where you go — only on how and when you drive.

The 12-month waiting period and moving to G2

You must hold a G1 for at least 12 months before you can take the G2 road test. However, you can take the G2 written test after eight months of holding a G1. Some people take the G2 written test early to get it out of the way, then schedule their road test once they have completed the 12-month requirement.

The G2 road test is a practical driving test conducted by a ServiceOntario examiner. You must book this test in advance, and there is a separate fee (currently $158.50). The test takes about 40 minutes and covers basic driving skills, parking, lane changes, and your ability to follow traffic laws. You can take the test at any ServiceOntario office that offers road testing.

If you pass the G2 test, you move to the G2 stage, which has fewer restrictions than G1 — you can drive alone, on highways, and at any time of day, but you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. and must follow other rules. You must hold a G2 for at least 12 months before you can take the full G test.

Documents you need and where to find them

Before you go to ServiceOntario, gather the following documents. You must bring originals — photocopies are not accepted. Your proof of identity should be your birth certificate (long form, not a wallet card) or a valid passport. If you were born outside Canada, a passport is usually the easiest option.

For proof of Ontario residency, bring a document dated within the last three months that shows your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax assessment all work. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your address. You cannot use a driver's license as proof of residency.

You will also need your Social Insurance Number (SIN). You do not need to bring a card — you just need to know the number. If you do not have a SIN and are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can explore for one at Service Canada before you go to ServiceOntario.

G1 test content and how to prepare

The G1 written test covers Ontario's Highway Traffic Act and the rules of the road. The 20 questions test your knowledge of traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and safe driving practices. You need 16 correct answers to pass. The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the ServiceOntario office.

ServiceOntario publishes a free study guide called the Ontario Driver's Handbook, available as a PDF on the ServiceOntario website. This handbook covers everything on the test. Many people also use the official practice tests available online, which let you answer sample questions in the same format as the real test. Studying the handbook and taking practice tests is the most effective way to prepare.

The test is offered in English and French, and interpreters are available for other languages if you book in advance. If you have a learning disability or other condition that affects your ability to take a written test, you can request accommodations such as extra time or a reader.

Costs and how long the process takes

The G1 license costs $158.50 for a five-year license. If you fail the written test and retake it the same day, there is an additional fee of $15. If you come back on a different day to retake the test, you pay the full $158.50 again. Once you pass and receive your G1, there are no other costs until you are ready to take the G2 road test.

The entire process from walking into ServiceOntario to leaving with your G1 usually takes one to two hours, depending on how busy the office is. You do not need an appointment for the written test at most offices, but some offices now use an online booking system. Check the ServiceOntario website for your local office's procedures.

The 12-month waiting period before you can take the G2 test is set by law and cannot be shortened. However, you can use this time to practice driving with your licensed supervisor and build your skills before the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the G1 test if I have a license from another country?

Yes, but Ontario will not recognize a foreign license as equivalent to a G1. You must take the G1 written test. If you held a license in another Canadian province within the last three years, you may be able to transfer it directly to Ontario without taking the test — bring proof of your previous license to ServiceOntario.

What happens if I fail the G1 written test?

You can retake the test the same day for an additional $15 fee, or return another day and pay the full $158.50 again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they study the Ontario Driver's Handbook.

Can someone with a G2 license supervise me while I have a G1?

Yes. Your supervisor must be at least 19 years old and hold a valid G, G2, or higher license. A G1 holder cannot supervise another G1 holder. The supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat at all times while you are driving.

What if my G1 license expires before I take the G2 test?

Your G1 is valid for five years. If it expires before you take the G2 test, you will need to renew it at ServiceOntario. You do not need to retake the written test — you can renew by paying the renewal fee and providing updated proof of residency.

Can I drive on the Gardiner Expressway or the 401 with a G1?

No. With a G1, you can only drive on roads where the speed limit is 80 km/h or less. The Gardiner Expressway, the 401, and all 400-series highways are off-limits. You can use these roads once you pass your G2 test and move to the G2 stage.