5 Things You Need for the G1 Test

Every car you see on the street belongs to someone who, at one point, was in your position. In Ontario, obtaining your driver’s licence is a three-step process that starts long before you pass through the doors of a DriveTest Centre.

Many teenagers have the dream of becoming drivers. Once they turn 16, they can start this two-year-long process that rewards them with a full G licence.

Everyone moves at their own pace, so there is no rush. It all starts with your intention of becoming a driver, but you need five more things before you get started.

1. Identification Documents

Before leaving home, ensure you have all the necessary documents for the written test. Most importantly, don’t forget the forms of identification you will use for the registration process.

Although your original birth certificate is enough, the following documents can also be used for the same purpose:

• Passport
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Permanent Resident Card
• Record of Landing
• Student Authorization
• Employment Authorization
• Temporary Resident’s Permit

If you have changed your legal name, the documents specifying your date of birth will not feature your new name. In this case, a marriage certificate or a change-of-name certificate is required.

2. Proof of Payment

All students must pay the $159.75 CAD fee before they start the theory exam. This fee covers the knowledge test, G1 exit test and a five-year G licence.

You can pay at the reception desk or at the service counter. Various forms of payment are accepted, including credit cards, debit cards and cash.

If you prefer to book a slot for your G1 test in advance, you can do so on the official ServiceOntario website. Here, you also have the option to make an online payment, so you won’t lose any time when you show up in person.

3. Knowledge of Road Signs and Traffic Rules

While practice will make you a better driver, you cannot skip the learning process. Before you start the engine for the first time, you’ll have to study the road rules, traffic signs, safe driving practices and traffic laws.

You can find them all in the Ontario Driver’s Handbook, which is a guide published by the Ministry of Transportation. While effective, it complicates the learning process for students who prefer a more straightforward approach.

Online tools can evaluate your knowledge, identify struggle points and offer a structured environment that makes learning easy and enjoyable. You can practice on a free Ontario G1 driving test, which is similar to what you will get during the G1 written exam.

4. Pass the Vision Test

All driving decisions are based on what you see. Sharp vision helps you drive safely, as your eyes can spot dangers on the road.

The registration process includes a vision exam. To pass, you must demonstrate visual acuity and a horizontal visual field of at least 120 degrees. If these terms confuse you, there’s no need to worry since the friendly staff will assist you through this examination.

If you are concerned that you may not pass the vision exam, be sure to visit an eye doctor beforehand. If the eye doctor prescribes corrective eyewear for you, you’ll have to wear it for the vision exam and whenever you drive from then on.

Some pilots operate massive aircraft with corrective eyewear, so you can also drive a car with glasses or contact lenses.

5. Ambition and Perseverance

It all starts with a dream that eventually turns into a clear and definite goal. Getting your driver’s licence is a long process that could take more than two years to complete, so you must equip yourself with patience, ambition and perseverance.

Not everyone will pass their exams on the first try, and that’s normal. In these moments, you need to persist and come back prepared. Don’t give up when facing challenges, as they are to be expected sooner or later.

If you keep going, things will eventually get easier. With online tools, help from specialized instructors and a system that rewards perseverance, obtaining your driver’s licence has never been easier.

Conditions/Requirements

After taking these steps, your next step is to get your G2 licence. You must wait at least 12 months before taking the first of two driving tests, but you can shorten it to 8 months by completing a certified driver education course.

During this time, you should gain experience behind the wheel and practice driving whenever you can.

While you do so, please remember to follow the restrictions that apply to your G1 licence:

• Ensure that all passengers are wearing a seatbelt.
• Have a fully licensed driver in the front passenger seat. They should have at least four years of experience and less than 0.05% blood alcohol level.
• Drive with zero blood alcohol level.
• Cannot drive on expressways and 400-series highways unless accompanied by a driving instructor.
• Cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.