What you need to get a G1 learner's permit in Ontario
A G1 learner's permit is your first step toward a full driver's license in Ontario. It lets you practice driving with a licensed supervisor in the car — usually a parent, guardian, or professional instructor. You cannot drive alone with a G1.
To get one, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test at a ServiceOntario office, and pay a fee (currently $158.50, though this may change). You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Ontario residency, and your Social Insurance Number. A birth certificate or passport works for identity; a utility bill or lease agreement works for residency.
The written test covers Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official MTO Driver's Handbook, available free online at ontario.ca/drivershandbook or in print at any ServiceOntario office. Most people study for a few weeks before testing.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass a written test at ServiceOntario to receive a G1 permit.
- Bring proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Ontario residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Insurance Number to the test appointment.
- The test covers Ontario traffic laws and road signs; study materials are free in the official MTO Driver's Handbook online or in print.
- With a G1, you can only drive with a supervising driver who holds a full license and sits in the front passenger seat.
- Your G1 is valid for five years, giving you time to complete the supervised driving stage before moving to a G2 test.
How to book and pass the written test
Book your test appointment online at ontario.ca/serviceontario or by calling 1-800-387-3556. You can also walk into a ServiceOntario office, though wait times vary by location. The test itself takes about 40 minutes and has 40 multiple-choice questions. You need 16 correct answers to pass (40 percent).
The test is offered in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and others. Request your language when you book. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake it after 28 days. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but you pay the fee each time.
Bring the same documents you used to book — proof of identity, residency, and your Social Insurance Number. If any information has changed since you booked, tell the staff before the test starts. Arrive 15 minutes early.
Rules and restrictions that come with your G1
Once you have your G1, you can drive only with a supervising driver who holds a full Ontario license (G, G2, or higher) and is seated in the front passenger seat. The supervising driver must be at least 19 years old and sober. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers — the licensed supervisor must be present.
You also cannot drive on the 400-series highways (like the 401 or 407) or on roads with speed limits above 80 km/h. Night driving is allowed, but many families choose to avoid it while learning. These rules exist because new drivers have higher crash rates; they are not arbitrary.
Your G1 is valid for five years from the date you receive it. During this time, you can take the G2 road test whenever you feel ready — there is no minimum waiting period, though most people practice for several months first.
What documents to bring to ServiceOntario
Bring original documents, not photocopies. You need one piece of proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate) and one piece of proof of Ontario residency from the last 12 months (utility bill, lease agreement, property tax assessment, or bank statement). Both documents must have your name on them.
You also need your Social Insurance Number. If you do not have one yet, you can get one from Service Canada before your test appointment — it takes a few days. Bring your birth certificate and proof of residency to Service Canada as well.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian does not need to be present at your test appointment, but they may be. If you are 18 or older, you can go alone.
Costs and how long it takes
The G1 permit costs $158.50 as of 2024. ServiceOntario accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. If you fail the test and retake it, you pay the full fee again.
You receive your G1 permit when ready after passing the test — the staff print it on the spot. You can then start practicing with a supervising driver right away. There is no waiting period between passing the written test and using your G1.
The entire appointment, from check-in to receiving your permit, usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Booking online or calling ahead lets you choose a quieter time.
Studying for the written test
The official MTO Driver's Handbook is the best study resource because the test questions come directly from it. Read through the handbook at least once, paying close attention to sections on right-of-way, speed limits, parking rules, and what different road signs mean. Many people find it helpful to read it twice — once all the way through, then again while taking notes on tricky sections.
After reading the handbook, take practice tests online. The MTO website offers free practice questions that mimic the real test format. Some third-party apps and websites also offer practice tests; make sure they are based on the current Ontario handbook, as rules change occasionally.
Focus on the areas where you feel weakest. If you struggle with right-of-way rules, spend extra time on that section. If road signs confuse you, drill them until you can identify each one when ready. Most people who fail do so because they rushed through the handbook or skipped the practice tests.
What happens after you pass the G1 test
With your G1 in hand, you enter the supervised driving stage. This is when you practice with your supervising driver — a parent, guardian, professional instructor, or any licensed adult over 19. Many people take professional lessons alongside family practice; some do only family practice. Both paths are common.
There is no required number of hours or minimum time you must hold a G1 before taking the G2 road test. Some people practice for three months, others for a year. The longer you practice, the more comfortable you will feel behind the wheel, and the more likely you are to pass the G2 test on your first try.
When you feel ready, you can book a G2 road test at a DriveTest centre. That is a separate process with its own fee and appointment system. Your G1 remains valid during this time, so you can keep practicing even if you do not pass the G2 test on your first attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a G1 if I do not have a Social Insurance Number yet?
No, you need a Social Insurance Number to test for a G1. If you do not have one, contact Service Canada to explore. Bring your birth certificate and proof of Ontario residency. It takes a few business days to receive your number, so explore well before your planned test date.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it after 28 days. There is no limit to how many times you can test. Study the areas where you struggled, take more practice tests, and book another appointment. Each retake costs the full $158.50 fee.
Can my supervising driver be anyone with a license?
No, they must hold a full Ontario driver's license (G, G2, or higher), be at least 19 years old, be sober, and sit in the front passenger seat. They cannot be a learner permit holder themselves. If you are unsure whether someone qualifies, ask them to show you their license.
Do I need to take professional driving lessons to get a G1?
No, professional lessons are not required to get a G1. You only need to pass the written test. However, many people find professional instruction helpful during the supervised driving stage, especially for learning parking and highway driving. It is optional.
How long is a G1 valid?
Your G1 is valid for five years from the date you receive it. If you do not take the G2 road test within five years, your G1 expires and you must retake the written test to get a new one.