Ontario does not offer a full driver's license test online

Ontario's Ministry of Transportation does not allow you to take the full G2 or G road test online. You must attend a DriveTest centre in person to take both the written knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel driving test. However, some preparation materials and information are available online, and you can book your test appointment through the official ServiceOntario website.

The confusion often arises because Ontario does offer online resources to help you study for the written test, and you can manage your test booking online — but the actual test itself must be taken at a physical location with an examiner present.

Key Takeaways

  • You must take both the written test and the road test in person at a DriveTest centre; neither can be completed online.
  • You can book your test appointment and check wait times through the ServiceOntario website without visiting a centre first.
  • Study materials and practice tests are available online through the Ministry of Transportation website to prepare for the written portion.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, and you must pass it before scheduling your road test.

What the written test covers and how it is administered

The written knowledge test for a G1 or G2 licence in Ontario tests your understanding of road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. The test is multiple choice and is taken on a computer at a DriveTest centre. You cannot take this test remotely or from home.

The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You will have 60 minutes to complete it. The questions are drawn from the official Ontario Driver's Handbook, which is available free online and in print. Many people use the handbook and online practice tests to study before attending the centre.

After you pass the written test, you receive a G1 licence (or G2 if you are upgrading). You must then wait a set period and accumulate supervised driving hours before you can book your road test.

How to book your test online through ServiceOntario

You can book your written test and road test appointment through the ServiceOntario website without visiting a DriveTest centre in advance. Go to the ServiceOntario website, select "Book a DriveTest appointment," and enter your licence number or process reference number.

The system will show you available dates and times at DriveTest centres near you. Wait times vary by location and season — some centres have appointments available within weeks, while others may have longer waits. You can check current wait times for each centre before booking.

You will need to provide your email address and phone number when booking. ServiceOntario will send you a confirmation and reminders. If you need to reschedule or cancel, you can do so through the same website, though cancellations made less than 10 business days before your appointment may result in a fee.

Study resources available online before your test

The Ministry of Transportation publishes the Ontario Driver's Handbook online as a free PDF. This handbook contains all the material covered on the written test and is the primary study resource. You can read it section by section or search for specific topics like parking rules or speed limits.

Several third-party websites offer free practice tests that simulate the format and difficulty of the actual written test. These are not official but are based on the handbook content. Taking practice tests helps you identify weak areas and build confidence before your appointment.

Some DriveTest centres also offer in-person study sessions or information sessions, though these must be attended at the centre itself. Check your local centre's website for schedules.

What to bring and expect on test day

On the day of your written test, bring a valid photo ID (passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID), your Social Insurance Number, and proof of your Ontario address. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The centre will verify your identity and check that you meet the requirements for the test level you are taking.

You will be seated at a computer terminal in a quiet testing area. The test is proctored, meaning staff monitor the room to may support no cheating occurs. You cannot use notes, phones, or other materials. Once you finish or time runs out, your score is displayed when ready.

If you pass, you will receive your new licence or a receipt confirming your pass, depending on whether you are taking the test for the first time or upgrading. If you do not pass, you can usually book another attempt within a few days.

Fees and what they cover

The written test fee is set by the Ministry of Transportation and varies depending on whether you are taking it for the first time or retaking it after a fail. As of the most recent fee schedule, the cost is typically between $15 and $20 for a retest, though first-time test fees may differ. Check the ServiceOntario website for the current fee before booking.

The fee covers only the test itself — not study materials, practice tests, or any preparation courses. You pay when you arrive at the centre on test day, usually by debit card, credit card, or cash, depending on the centre's payment methods.

If you book online and then cancel more than 10 business days before your appointment, you can reschedule for free. Cancellations within 10 business days may incur a cancellation fee.

What happens after you pass the written test

Once you pass the written test, you receive a G1 licence (or G2 if upgrading). You must then complete a mandatory waiting period and accumulate supervised driving hours before you can book your road test. The waiting period is 12 months for a G1 to G2 upgrade, or 8 months if you hold a valid licence from another province or country.

During this time, you must drive with a fully licensed driver (G or higher) in the front passenger seat. You must also follow G1-specific rules, such as no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. and a zero blood-alcohol limit.

Once you have met the waiting period and hours requirement, you can book your road test through the same ServiceOntario website. The road test must also be taken in person at a DriveTest centre with a licensed examiner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test from home on my own computer?

No. The written test must be taken at a DriveTest centre on a computer provided by the centre. You cannot take it remotely or from your own device. However, you can study online using the Ontario Driver's Handbook and practice tests before your appointment.

What if I fail the written test?

You can book another attempt through ServiceOntario. There is usually no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to pay the retest fee again. Most people reschedule within a few days and use the time to review the handbook and practice tests.

Do I need to visit a DriveTest centre before booking my test online?

No. You can book your test entirely through the ServiceOntario website without visiting a centre first. You only need to visit on the day of your actual test appointment.

How long does the written test take?

You have 60 minutes to complete the 40-question test. Most people finish in 20 to 40 minutes. You can leave early once you have answered all questions, but you cannot return to change your answers after you submit.

What is the passing score for the written test?

You must answer at least 32 out of 40 questions correctly to pass. That is an 80 percent pass rate. Your score is shown when ready after you finish the test.